The Tiny Pony Tavern sits amid a stretch of California’s high desert known for its abundant Joshua trees, gorgeous surrounding mountains and blazingly brilliant sunsets.

But the menus at the bar, which has become a hub for locals and tourists alike, instead tout a different kind of vista that is on offer. They read “Featuring Yucca Valley’s best views of Shoe City,” a reference to the non-descript chain shoe store located across the road.

It’s a simple touch but one that helps to reveal the easygoing ethos of this spot that never takes itself too seriously while being just right the amount of funky.

Those qualities, in turn, help explain what makes this simple looking spot on the south side of the Twentynine Palms Highway a worthy entry in USA TODAY'S 2025 Bars of the Year .

Carmen

See Full Page