If you're looking for a chill place with excellent cocktails, this bar is a must-visit. The bartenders are skilled and really know their craft. I tried a rosemary gin fizz that was refreshing and perfectly balanced. The cozy atmosphere makes it perfect for a date night or a quiet catch-up with friends.
Shahe Keshishian
Cecil, one great spot in our Coachella Valley !!!
JulieEv
First time visit. Food and drinks were fantastic. Lucas was great server. Thank You for the food and drink recommendations. Definitely we will back.
Mariana
Everything was perfect. The staff made the experience amazing and unforgettable. Suggest sitting in booth number 4.
Hope
We understand why it is so difficult to get reservations here. Great atmosphere, amazing food and amazing art. Service from Holly is a first class server and we will be coming back on our next trip!
Carin
Fabulous MCM vibe, fun spot to grab a drink and dinner. Cocktails are typical California prices $20-50 depending on the liquors, etc. This is our second visit. The service is impeccable each visit. Our waiter's day job is teaching ballet, and I suspect he is a great and fun teacher as he is all personality and cares for each table. I recommend the burger, the pork chop, the halibut, and the salad special was caprese, outstanding!
Dan Nasko
The atmosphere, staff, food, and cocktails are over the moon!
Pierre
Lost count of which number visit this was but Bar Cecil continues to be a consistently great experience. This time, they had prepared a special and unexpected surprise for my 6 year-old nephew. Thank you for the attention to detail and another great experience!
Marcus Timoteo
First Visit to Bar Cecil – A Near Perfect Gem With One Distraction
As a longtime resident of Palm Springs, I finally made my way to Bar Cecil on a Monday evening, and I’m so glad I did. What a gem! Tucked into a cozy, elegant interior with limited bar seating and a few intimate tables, the space manages to feel both upscale and welcoming without being stuffy.
The menu impressed me immediately. I loved the French-influenced options—refined but not fussy—and the craft cocktail list was equally thoughtful and well-curated. Haley, who served as both our bartender and server, was knowledgeable, friendly, and attentive. Sean assisted her throughout the evening, and together they delivered top-tier hospitality that elevated the experience even more.
We sat inside, but I took note of the outdoor dining area, which was tastefully done. Lush greenery, flowering plants, and clever design elements help mask the fact that it borders a busy street and parking lot. It looked like a lovely option for a future visit.
The only downside—and it was notable—was the music. The volume inside was distractingly high, and the choice of house/dance tracks felt mismatched with the otherwise refined ambiance. I observed nearly every guest at the bar asking servers to repeat themselves, and my friend and I left with strained voices and ringing ears. When I brought it up to our server, it was acknowledged with a laugh, which I took as a sign that it’s a known issue. As someone on the younger side of the Palm Springs demographic, I still found it jarring. The vibe doesn’t need to be a nightclub—it’s strong enough on its own.
All that said, the presentation of both food and cocktails was beautiful, the service was impeccable, and I’m already looking forward to returning—next time, hopefully, to enjoy a more tranquil evening on the patio.
The food quality, service, and atmosphere at Bar Cecil are amazing! My wife and I were celebrating our 23rd wedding anniversary next to a family with young kids and a group of old friends on the other side of us. It was a lovely combination where everyone was having a fantastic experience. Highly recommend.
Robert
Tough to get into, but always worth the wait. Another fine, fine meal and dining experience. It doesn't get better that this in Palm Springs! Excited for them to be expanding into a new space for drinks and snacks - the interior decorating of that space is at another level, not seen around here. Go if you've never been...you'll love it!
Curt
Loved the ambience. The drinks were wonderful. The food was amazing and the staff complimented the entire experience.
linda
Ambience and service is good. Food was ok but super expensive. they only had one chardonnay which was terrible which doesn't make sense in such a popular restaurantl, Super busy, super loud, bar area looked like a fun area, good music. My biggest issue was super expensive for what it was.
Caitlin
Delicious food and drinks. Went for the meal stayed for the ambience and gorgeous art. Chefs kiss 🤌
Steak tartare is MONEY
If you're looking for a chill place with excellent cocktails, this bar is a must-visit. The bartenders are skilled and really know their craft. I tried a rosemary gin fizz that was refreshing and perfectly balanced. The cozy atmosphere makes it perfect for a date night or a quiet catch-up with friends.
Cecil, one great spot in our Coachella Valley !!!
First time visit. Food and drinks were fantastic. Lucas was great server. Thank You for the food and drink recommendations. Definitely we will back.
Everything was perfect. The staff made the experience amazing and unforgettable. Suggest sitting in booth number 4.
We understand why it is so difficult to get reservations here. Great atmosphere, amazing food and amazing art. Service from Holly is a first class server and we will be coming back on our next trip!
Fabulous MCM vibe, fun spot to grab a drink and dinner. Cocktails are typical California prices $20-50 depending on the liquors, etc. This is our second visit. The service is impeccable each visit. Our waiter's day job is teaching ballet, and I suspect he is a great and fun teacher as he is all personality and cares for each table. I recommend the burger, the pork chop, the halibut, and the salad special was caprese, outstanding!
The atmosphere, staff, food, and cocktails are over the moon!
Lost count of which number visit this was but Bar Cecil continues to be a consistently great experience. This time, they had prepared a special and unexpected surprise for my 6 year-old nephew. Thank you for the attention to detail and another great experience!
First Visit to Bar Cecil – A Near Perfect Gem With One Distraction
As a longtime resident of Palm Springs, I finally made my way to Bar Cecil on a Monday evening, and I’m so glad I did. What a gem! Tucked into a cozy, elegant interior with limited bar seating and a few intimate tables, the space manages to feel both upscale and welcoming without being stuffy.
The menu impressed me immediately. I loved the French-influenced options—refined but not fussy—and the craft cocktail list was equally thoughtful and well-curated. Haley, who served as both our bartender and server, was knowledgeable, friendly, and attentive. Sean assisted her throughout the evening, and together they delivered top-tier hospitality that elevated the experience even more.
We sat inside, but I took note of the outdoor dining area, which was tastefully done. Lush greenery, flowering plants, and clever design elements help mask the fact that it borders a busy street and parking lot. It looked like a lovely option for a future visit.
The only downside—and it was notable—was the music. The volume inside was distractingly high, and the choice of house/dance tracks felt mismatched with the otherwise refined ambiance. I observed nearly every guest at the bar asking servers to repeat themselves, and my friend and I left with strained voices and ringing ears. When I brought it up to our server, it was acknowledged with a laugh, which I took as a sign that it’s a known issue. As someone on the younger side of the Palm Springs demographic, I still found it jarring. The vibe doesn’t need to be a nightclub—it’s strong enough on its own.
All that said, the presentation of both food and cocktails was beautiful, the service was impeccable, and I’m already looking forward to returning—next time, hopefully, to enjoy a more tranquil evening on the patio.
Restaurantji Recommends
The food quality, service, and atmosphere at Bar Cecil are amazing! My wife and I were celebrating our 23rd wedding anniversary next to a family with young kids and a group of old friends on the other side of us. It was a lovely combination where everyone was having a fantastic experience. Highly recommend.
Tough to get into, but always worth the wait. Another fine, fine meal and dining experience. It doesn't get better that this in Palm Springs! Excited for them to be expanding into a new space for drinks and snacks - the interior decorating of that space is at another level, not seen around here. Go if you've never been...you'll love it!
Loved the ambience. The drinks were wonderful. The food was amazing and the staff complimented the entire experience.
Ambience and service is good. Food was ok but super expensive. they only had one chardonnay which was terrible which doesn't make sense in such a popular restaurantl, Super busy, super loud, bar area looked like a fun area, good music. My biggest issue was super expensive for what it was.
Delicious food and drinks. Went for the meal stayed for the ambience and gorgeous art. Chefs kiss 🤌
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