The California desert may be known for sun, fun and some weird-looking plants. But it’s also got some great bars.

So we were glad — but definitely not surprised — to see one of our favorite local spots, The Tiny Pony Tavern in Yucca Valley, earn some much-deserved recognition as one of USA TODAY’s 2025 bars of the year .

But including only one bar from our fair desert still feels like giving it short shrift.

So we decided to put together our own list of eight other spots we wish could’ve been included in USA TODAY’s illustrious list. Let it serve as a testament to and celebration of the bar bounty we are blessed with here in the desert.

Pool bar at the Ace Hotel, Palm Springs

It doesn’t get any more Palm Springs than enjoying a few drinks by the pool while the palm trees rustle in

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