A flawless, five-star gastronomic masterclass in PS! After finally scoring a coveted reservation, the entire experience blew us away from the second the host greeted us. We were immediately whisked away into a night of unrivaled service and culinary perfection. Tucked away in one of Palm Springs' most charming shopping plazas, this meal was easily the highlight of my week. The menu is brilliantly varied, but a few dishes truly stole the show. The grilled artichoke is a classic, but their execution of it is completely elite. The Halibut main was a revelation--hands down the best I've ever tasted. And you must save room for dessert because the Berries and Cream was worth every single bite. Absolutely delectable. Top it all off with A+++ service from a flawless staff, and this place is worth every bit of the hype. read more

Bar Cecil was one of the places I was most excited to try during our Palm Springs trip, and it definitely lived up to the hype. Reservations are notoriously hard to get, but we got lucky with a last-minute walk-in and were seated after 15-20 min wait. There's plenty of parking, and if you do have to wait, they have a cute little covered outdoor seating area with chairs and tables where you can relax. We sat on the patio, which was surprisingly cool and comfortable, so don't let the Palm Springs heat scare you away. The whole restaurant has such a sexy, colorful, candlelit vibe that somehow feels both lively and intimate. We kept the drinks simple and ordered Hugo Spritzes, which were refreshing and perfectly made for a hot afternoon. What we ordered: * Caramelized Onion Tart (Puff pastry, chive, Comté) - This was recommended by our server and I can see why. It reminded me of French onion soup wrapped in a flaky puff pastry. Rich, savory, and definitely shareable since it is a bit on the heavier side. * Red Thai Curry Mussels (PEI mussels, ginger, garlic, lemongrass, red chile, coconut milk) - WOW. This was hands down my favorite dish. The broth was incredible, rich and packed with flavor without feeling too heavy. I was worried the lemongrass might overpower everything, but it was perfectly balanced. It comes with toasted bread and trust me, you'll want every last drop of that broth. I'd honestly come back just for this dish. * Steak Frites - The steak was cooked perfectly medium and was delicious. The fries were crispy and seasoned well, making it a classic done right. * Broccolini - Simple but really good with a nice char that added great flavor. Overall, we had a great experience. The atmosphere is one of the best parts..beautiful, moody, and full of personality..but the food absolutely held its own. Service was friendly, the patio was comfortable, and now I completely understand why it's one of Palm Springs' hardest reservations to get. Definitely a spot I'd come back to. read more

See all

Bar Cecil reservations can be tough to come by so be sure to make them. They do take walk ins but it is limited. Otherwise restaurant is intimate with a cute Palm Springs aesthetic. Service honestly was 10/10. Our server Joshua was incredibly personable and had fantastic recommendations. Great personality so had me laughing throughout. Albert was also so kind upon leaving he gave us matches and a pen. Asked how our visit was and was incredibly kind. Service alone was top notch. Ok onto the food. This place is Michelin rated and for good reasoning. The menu is not huge but has great options. We started with the bread rolls $10. The butter and the sesame seeds on the rolls just made it incredibly flavorful. I ordered the steak and frites $43 and it was done incredibly well. Hubby enjoyed the burger $31. Otherwise, we wrapped up dinner with cookies $15. Simple yet warm and gooey. A solid closer for the night. Drinks were also top notch here we enjoyed the espresso martinis $23 and aperol spritz $21. Recommend! Overall, great spot in Palm Springs! Will be back sooner than later. read more

See all

Hard to score reservations here (especially for 2), but we managed to get one for a Thursday night indoors. Most of their tables are for 4 with maybe 1-2 as a 2-top. We love sitting at the bar, so asked to be seated there as there was an opening. Food is on point, delicious. Deviled eggs - better than I make, but that's not too hard. 4.5/5 Caramelized onion tart - like a French onion soup met a pizza 4/5 Halibut - I almost wasn't going to get this, but soo soo glad I did. It was cooked to perfection. There was a vegetable on the plate that was delicious especially in the sauce. 10/5 Hubby got the steak frites (upgraded to filet) - 10/5 as well. He said it was the most delicious steak he's had. Better than Houston's which we love Side of grilled broccolini - can taste the char to know it was truly grilled. 4/5 Dessert - got the chocolate chip cookies to go. You get 3 and they are hefty 4/5 We will be back! read more

See all

There's a reason this is one of the toughest reservations in Palm Springs. We managed to grab a patio table, surrounded by plants and classic Palm Springs energy, and the atmosphere absolutely lived up to the hype. If you can't get a reservation, bar seats are first come, first served, and I can see why people line up for them. This was probably the most expensive meal of our trip, and at times you definitely feel it. A Belvedere martini with no vermouth for $27 made me laugh a little. This isn't Vegas. That said, much of the food was excellent. The Duck Liver Pâté was incredible, and the Red Thai Curry Mussels were unique without overwhelming heat. The Cacio e Pepe was one of the standout dishes of the week. Those thick noodles were fantastic. We also ordered the Steak Frites and upgraded to filet. Unfortunately, it came out overcooked, and I asked for it to be removed from the check. On the other hand, the Smoked Bone-In Duroc Pork Chop was perfectly prepared and incredibly moist. Dessert finished strong. The Aniston's Pavlova was excellent, especially the Chantilly cream. The warm chocolate chip cookies were delicious too, although $15 for cookies is definitely a Palm Springs moment. Pricey? Very. Worth experiencing? Absolutely. read more

See all

I had a great experience - food was well executed and service wa a cue. The vibe was great people were friendly. Overall worth it. read more

Bar Cecil - Sitting at the bar - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Palm Springs, California

See all

Fun! This is a dining experience! Ambience is eclectic desert hip with a nod to earlier times of dining as an entertainment art form. Did I mention that it's fun! Service is warm, inviting and friendly. Food is what you should expect, traditional and eclectic all well prepared and served. read more

Bar Cecil - Menus - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Palm Springs, California

See all

What an experience! I arrived a little before opening at 5 on a Tuesday in hopes of enjoying dinner here for my birthday. Luckily they got us in and I'm so glad. I asked for a Cadillac margarita but our waitress Holly suggested I try the Brock. I'm so thankful she suggested it. It blew my taste buds away. You will be highly satisfied. I also ordered the artichoke and steak and frites. My husband ordered the burger and deviled eggs. The staff was very attentive. Their bathrooms were so cute. We enjoyed the music. The playlist was such a vibe. Everyone must experience this restaurant at least once in their lifetime. read more

See all

Just want to pop on and just say, "yep, the reviews are spot on, the food IS that good!" We went on a Thursday night and had no problem getting a reservation, maybe we got lucky. I'll be thinking about that meal for a long time. read more

I have eaten here now 4 different times. Once it was actually great. The other 3 times and the most recent time, it was just not worth it. I ordered the Halibut, I can cook better tasting fish at home. My spouse ordered the burger and thinks InNOut burgers have more flavor. The service was good, no complaints there. But I think we will not be going back. There are so many better options in desert at their price point. read more

Food, ambiance, and service were 100/10!!!! Lucas was fantastic. Gave excellent recommendations, was kind to us , and provided quick service. We ordered the grilled asparagus, Steak and Fritts, the Cacio e Pepe, and the rotisserie chicken. The first two were amazing. Chicken was good, but not our favorite. Everything else made up for it ! Thanks everyone ! McConnells ice cream on the menu, always the best !! read more

Came on a girls trip and we snagged a last minute reservation for dinner! We were seated promptly upon arriving and I got the steak frites with roasted veggies instead of fries. My medium rare steak was DELICIOUS! Very juicy and perfectly tender. The fries were delicious. We also ordered the charred broccolini which were a bit too burnt in my opinion, as well as, some other veggies that were seasoned a bit too heavily for me. One of my friends liked her drink, the other didn't - so maybe the cocktails are hit or miss. Overall, pretty nice experience. Prices aren't too bad - so this would be a pretty cute spot for date night without breaking the bank. Ambiance is very green and has a lot of cute wallpaper, florals, and decor. Restrooms are a vibe. read more

See all

Bar Cecil is easily one of the best dining experiences in Palm Springs. Every dish felt like a perfectly executed classic. The Steak Tartare and Duck Liver Pâté were standouts to start -- rich, balanced, and beautifully prepared. The Bibb Lettuce Salad was fresh and crisp, and for mains, the Black Cod and Pork Chop were both cooked flawlessly. Pro tip: sub the green beans -- they're hands down the best vegetable on the menu. Cocktails and mocktails were phenomenal and paired effortlessly with the food. The service elevated the entire experience -- courses were paced perfectly so we never felt rushed, just relaxed and taken care of. I'd also recommend sitting inside rather than on the patio for the full ambiance. The vibe, the execution, the hospitality -- everything was on point. Can't wait to go back next time in PS! read more

See all

Great service and friendly staff! The food is delicious and the vibes make for a fun fancy night out. Always busy so make sure you get a reservation quick. Their new bar next door, Beatons, is also amazing and highly recommend stopping in after dinner. read more

Bar Cecil - Oysters for the win and deviled eggs that were a dream. - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Palm Springs, California

The hardest reservation to land in the desert but once you get it, it feels like you've won the food lottery. Of course, this was where I had to celebrate my birthday. After many late nights refreshing for a reservation, finally snagging one was completely worth the wait because Bar Cecil is nothing short of exceptional. We were seated on their dreamy, covered outdoor patio, softly lit with candles and topped off with a sweet little birthday card. From that moment on, I knew this was going to be an experience. They're famous for their martinis, so starting with a filthy vodka martini was a must. Ice cold, silky smooth, and perfectly briny, easily one of the best martinis I've ever had. Bar is set very high here. 10/10. Next up: a frothy lychee martini (off-menu). Sweet, unique, and dangerously drinkable....consider yourself warned. 9/10 We kicked things off with their famous bread rolls with date & sage butter warm, buttery, and absolutely set the tone for the night. It's a good starter but I don't think you absolutely need to get it. Instead, One of my favorite starters had to be the deviled eggs...truly devilishly delicious. Get this! 10/10. And if you know me, you know I'm ordering oysters. Fresh, meaty, and generously portioned, exactly how oysters should be. 9/10. For my main, I went with the steak frites: perfectly medium-rare, bathed in butter and sauce, paired with skinny fries. A classic done right. 10/10, no additional notes needed. The service here deserves its own standing ovation. The entire staff was warm, welcoming, and genuinely fun....never once making you feel like you should be "grateful" just to be there (a rarity for places this hyped). Special shoutout to Ernesto for the A+ service and spot-on recommendations. If you're dining here, ask for him. Bar Cecil is a love letter to those who live for incredible food, stiff drinks, and unforgettable moments. This was easily one of the best birthday meals I've had in a long time and that's the highest compliment coming from a foodie Capricorn. :) Add to your desert must try list, you'll be happily influenced after this meal! read more

See all

Let me start by saying I'm so glad I was alerted to the fact that reservations opened up for Bar Cecil because it did not disappoint. My fiancé loved it for her birthday! We felt so welcomed the moment we arrived! Our server helped answer some questions we had in regards to the Martini menu. You can splice and dice it any which way you'd like. For food we ordered the bread with butter, grilled artichoke, Pork Chop with broccolini and potato au gratin, and the Black Alaskan Cod with Celery purée, collard greens, and butternut squash. Everything was so delicious and flavorful. What really blew us away it the bread and butter, what a way to start the meal. We were stuffed by the end so we ordered cookies to go. So glad that because the cookies did not disappoint. I highly recommend doing the same, even if you're stuffed after your meal. The place has a nice trendy hip vibe without being over the top. Every single worker there is beyond nice and pretty funny as well. read more

See all

We had a reservation for five at 5:45 pm and were seated in the covered outdoor area. Temperature-wise, the space was fine. Unfortunately, the experience went downhill quickly due to one major issue: the music was unbearably loud. The volume made conversation impossible for the entire meal. Three people in our party wear hearing aids and were completely overwhelmed -- they couldn't follow any conversation at all. I honestly don't understand why a restaurant would create an environment where guests can't talk to each other. It was infuriating and overshadowed the entire evening. Food-wise, it was a mixed bag. Appetizers: * The grilled artichoke was truly awful. It consisted of two artichokes cut in half with almost nothing edible on them -- maybe one small bite total. A complete waste. * The onion tart, on the other hand, was excellent: crispy, flavorful, and easily the best appetizer we had. Drinks: * Old Fashioned, gin and tonic, two glasses of wine, and a beer -- all fine, nothing memorable. Entrées & sides: * I had the mussels, which were tasty, but the portion was very small -- about 12 tiny mussels with toasted bread. * Fries and charred green beans were both delicious. * One pork chop with potato gratin was excellent. * The black cod was reported as very good. * The steak frites, however, was completely inedible. Only two bites were taken. It should have been sent back, but unfortunately it wasn't. In the end, after spending about $550, the meal felt mediocre at best. Between the unbearable noise level and two major food disappointments, the experience simply didn't live up to expectations. Very disappointing. read more

Bar Cecil - Pork chop - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Palm Springs, California

See all

We stopped in for dinner on a Sunday night around 7 and did not have reservations so we got a cocktail at the lounge next door while we waited. We were quoted an hour wait and were seated within 20-25 minutes for dinner. The bread rolls were amazing and buttery with a hint of sweetness that paired perfectly with the sage butter- definitely order these! The cacio e Pepe was good with fresh pasta- heavy on the pepper- but we've never ordered this dish before so did not expect it. The steak frites (I subbed for broccolini) was cooked well but did have a few chewy pieces- would still recommend as it was cooked well and had great flavor. read more

See all

The first server we had was terrible. The table we had had coolers spewing out a mist of water, it was so strong my friends across from us were getting totally wet, literally! The pillows were soaked. We complained and asked them to turn them off and the waiter simply said NO! Wtf!? My friends dress was absolutely wet. Not one person apologized! Absurd! Never going back. The food was good but not amazing. We expected so much from here and it was simply a disappointment. I still can't believe no manager apologized and offered some sort of gesture. Just disgraceful. She spent the rest of the evening wet and I mean wet! Boo! Why they didn't check to see that the awning was not extended enough and just soaking the table itwas beyond my comprehension! With their Michelin rating they should be selling tires. Wow incomprehensible! read more

See all

Getting a reservation might be a little bit difficult but the best thing to do is to drive there at 3 o'clock to talk to the Maitre' D to see if you can get your name on the list for the day of or if they have any upcoming reservations available, it's kind of like a Speakeasy Once you get in, the host or hostess walks you through these two giant iron doors and I swear you feel like you just walked into a Wonderland in the best way possible. They have outdoor seating even year-round surrounding you with gorgeous plants and trees and you'll be very comfortable as they have misters and outdoor fans that surprisingly keep you cool or they have inside seating in the restaurant with booths or tables plus seating at the bar. The wait staff is very friendly, top-notch and you'll get the feeling is like a good friend is providing you with excellent service... the food is fabulous Plus they have gluten-free and V options as well and if it's your birthday, they'll even bring you a special surprise! This is one of those places that's IYKYK We're locals and come many times during the year and always love it!! read more

We had a reservation for our party of four on Friday night. Service was attentive but not smothering. Every staff member seemed to be having a great time at their job. Everyone's meals were so good they didn't want to share a taste with me I had the strawberry pavlova for dessert. The fruit was fresh. The merengue melted in my mouth. Go. You won't be disappointed. read more

See all

Bar Cecil has beautiful decor and ambiance. A mix of sexy library and Havana nights. We were on the outdoor patio which had air conditioning units, fans, and we were able to enjoy the visuals of a lighting storm in the distance. I can happily share that the menu is not overwhelming. Appetizers, entrees, drinks and 4 dessert offerings. Here what we ordered: 1. Grilled artichokes (4/5) 2. Steak tartare (5/5) 3. Escargot (1/5) 4. Cacio e Pepe (5/5) Skip the escargot but get everything else we got! Service is top notch and you won't be waiting long for drinks, foods or clearing your table. read more

See all

A Palm Springs Gem - Worth the Hype! I was so excited to finally try Bar Cecil, the Michelin-starred spot that everyone seems to rave about in Palm Springs -- and it did not disappoint! I arrived first (my friend was still "getting ready" -- fashionably late and still feeling brunch, of course), but the staff couldn't have been more welcoming. They sat me immediately, made me feel totally at ease, and the vibe was already buzzing in the best way. Now let's talk food -- I completely forgot to take photos because everything was so good I dove right in. From the beef tartare to the mussels, lamb chop, and cacio e pepe, every dish was absolutely delicious. The flavors were rich, balanced, and beautifully prepared. Drink-wise, the rosé was crisp and refreshing, and the espresso martinis were on point -- smooth, strong, and not overly sweet. A perfect pairing for the meal. When my friend finally arrived , our server welcomed her with a hilarious handwritten note about her grand entrance -- it was such a fun, personal touch that had us both laughing. That kind of service really sticks with you. I'll absolutely be back the next time I'm in town. Pro tip: Reservations go live 14 days in advance online, so set a reminder because this place books up fast. It's 100% worth planning ahead. read more

Bar Cecil - Steak tartar - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Palm Springs, California

Bar Cecil is a Michelin-rated restaurant in Palm Springs and one of the hardest to get reservations in the Valley. Reservations open up two weeks in advance and go fast. You can join a waitlist on Open Table. I signed up and so did 58 other people on the day I visited. Another option is to get there early, before they open at 5pm. They have 12 bar seats for walk-ups. They go fast too! We arrived at 4:10pm and got on the list. The host was very accommodating. The restaurant is small, mainly 4 tops, but they have an outdoor patio with more seating. It's decorated nicely and has colorful artwork. Now to the food. The deviled eggs looked great, but we had a late lunch, so opted to get right to the entree: Cacio E Pepe. The pasta was great and the sauce had a nice cheesey, peppery flavor. The $50 Martini with caviar sounded fun. Will try that next time! Service at the bar was great! Loved the ambiance, the food and the mocktails. Definitely worth the persistence to get a reservation. read more

See all

We loved this restaurant for a birthday! $50 martini w deviled egg/caviar was surprisingly smooth and other cocktails were so fresh and flavorful. Pretty outdoor heated patio at night too. The cacio e Pepe was super rich and cheesy and the potatoes au gratin were delicious as well. Escargot was alright, mussels were flavorful and large, and you must end with a pavlova. Our server Ernesto was the absolute best and friendliest! read more

See all

Incredible food and amazing service for the third time-- this place never fails. Spectacular ambiance as well. Shout out to Sierra for being amazing and taking wonderful care of us. This restaurant is our home away from home-- better than most LA dining options. Definitely go!!! read more

See all

Dinner on our last night in Palm Springs was at Bar Cecil. A friend gave me a hint to go early to sit at the bar. We arrived a half an hour before the restaurant opened to find we were put on a waitlist for bar seats. Yes, the bar seats had a waiting list for 1-1/2 to 2 hours! Restaurant reservations are booked 14 days in advance and are difficult to get one or two of those coveted seats. So what's a little 2-hour wait after waiting for 10 hours at O'Hare to get to Palm Springs after our flight was cancelled. The wait was worth it! Bar Cecil is an intimate restaurant with a fun and colorful decor with great artwork that offers delicious food and creative cocktails, including a $50 caviar martini. Hubby and I started with wine while we waited and then ordered cocktails at the bar once seated. An old-fashioned for him and a bees knees for me. Hayley made them perfectly. We started with the bread service with to-die-for date & sage butter. We shared the steak tartare with a truffle aïoli and potato chips. I loved the thin salty potato chips with the fresh and tender raw steak. My husband had the pork chop with au gratin potatoes and broccolini. He loved it and I kept on snagging tastes of his potatoes. They were outstanding. I opted for the black cod for dinner served with collard greens and delicata squash. The cod was moist and flaky and melted in your mouth. We had every intention on getting the lemon tart for dessert, but we were stuffed. Next time! I did bring the uneaten rolls and butter back to our hotel to enjoy tomorrow. Bar Cecil is a Michelin-rated restaurant in Palm Springs and lives up to the hype. read more

See all

First and foremost i want to thank the man that made this review possible: Jimmy. From the bottom of heart THANK YOU for being the best host, and getting us in, and providing the best food recs. This review is for you. We sat at the bar for date night and right off the bar i knew it was going to be a good night. Vibes impeccable. Comfortable. Perfect lighting. We started off with the mussels (because of Jimmy) and we did not leave one drop. i used a mussel shell to scoop up every last bit of juice. Then we got deviled eggs. Very good, would recommend. The highlight was the pork chop (thanks jimmy), something i would never order normally but 10/10 and the sides that came with it were soooo good. No crumbs left I lied, the dirty martini was the highlight-- so fresh, so crisp, could not have been better. Would come back to Bar Cecil, everything was so freaking good. read more

See all

So you're on here scrolling through the reviews to get an idea on if it's worth it to fight the midnight Opentable users for a reservation at Bar Cecil. (First of all, the host told me that they've changed it to 8AM now instead of midnight for when reservations open.) Located near Downtown Palm Springs, you're within a short distance of shops and stores to burn time while waiting for your reservation. We had gotten this reservation two weeks in advance at midnight for a birthday dinner. As you may know, they make it very clear they only have tables up to 5 and those are few and far between. As a result, we had to place a reservation for a 4 and a 2. We arrive to a sign that says their tables are fully committed for the evening and meet with the host who let us know they were able to put our tables next to each other which was very kind of them. The waiting area was a nice place to sit and get photos while they were setting up our table. Very cute restaurant in design, comfortable seating with ventilation and fans and lit well enough. The sound level is high enough that you won't feel the need to whisper and you're able to raise your voice while chatting about an exciting topic without worrying you're bothering the people around you. Our server was very kind and attentive, always keeping the water bottles on the table filled. We had an issue where a miscommunication led to a starter not arriving and they were very quick to resolve that. Cocktails were strong and delicious, I personally had the Jade Vanity which was great and I also heard good things from the people who got "The Brock". 5 out of 6 of us got the Steak Frites which was cooked slightly under so if you're ordering that, I'd recommend ordering one level more cooked than you do because my friend's well-done looked medium to even medium rare as I sawed through my medium rare which looked rare or less than rare. read more

Bar Cecil - Drinks - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Palm Springs, California

See all

One of the hardest reservations to get in the Coachella Valley! It's always a struggle to snag a reservation at this restaurant; however, it is always a worthy dining experience to have based on the food quality. (Do not try a walk in attempt as you will be met with disappointment without a reservation). Food (4.25/5) Although the menu has stayed the same for years, the dishes have been thoughtfully curated to last for years to come. I would like to see new menu additions in the future though! After three visits, my go to dishes have been the Cecil bread rolls, colossal shrimp cocktail, and the smoked bone-in duroc pork chop. The bread rolls are a must order because of the accompanied date and sage butter that pairs perfectly with the rolls. I've tried a few other main entree items on the menu; yet, I believe the pork chop is the best choice because of the sheer portion size if you are in need of a major protein source and the potatoes au gratin is incredibly rich and decadent. In my honest opinion, I'd skip the dessert options as they are on the less creative side compared to the other items on the menu (opt in for the 50 dollar martini instead!) Service (4.5/5) The service is usually very attentive, but can vary depending on how needy the other parties are in the restaurant. It's a small space for a restaurant, but they somehow fit in a lot of people so be patient if you're waiting for your main entree or the check. Ambiance (4.25/5) It's hard to describe the ambience as I've only dined in their patio space (it's nearly impossible to book a reservation indoors); however, the outdoor patio can be comfortable if the weather is not over 100 degrees. My last visit was a bit uncomfortable as the outdoor fans were not pointed in my direction for the meal. The space itself has an interesting vibe with the different glassware they provide to diners and the uniquely designed bar. I would definitely recommend to book a reservation during the peak season months in the winter as the outdoor dining experience is more tolerable compared to the summer months. read more

See all

Went there for an early dinner on a Saturday upon opening. We were lucky that we got in with no reservation. We got seated at the bar and everyone was so nice and hopeful. I love when we sit at the bar cause you get to communicate with everyone and learn more about their foods and drinks. We started off with their bread which is called Cecil's bread roll and that was perfectionnnnnnnn. Then we got the red Thai curry mussels which was to die for. Then we got cacio de pepe which was too heavy for my liking, it was ok but just too much flavor and heavy. Then we got the steak and frites which was amazing. This was enough food for 3 of us and we couldn't even finish it all. All in all it was a great experience and it's a must try place. We will definitely return. read more

See all

One of my favorite places in the desert! The vibe is phenomenal. They have a great selection of martinis and cocktails to choose from. On the food side, we really love their duck pate, onion tart, steak frite, and the pavlova is a must! read more

See all

Good food. Good service. Got a cute happy birthday note. Sat at the bar. The cacio was fine. The choc chip cookies were okay. This is the place to go in palm springs. The reservations fill up quick so make sure you make them in advance. I think they open 2 weeks or. For a Monday night they weren't taking any walk ins. I saw a couple get refused. They stay busy. I was looking forward to the halibut but they had replaced it with the salmon. My drink was superb! What a delight read more

See all

Sean our bartender/waiter is super nice, very knowledgeable, attentive and just a pleasure to deal with, he made our dining/anniversary experience memorable, thank you Sean! Rodriguez, Sean's assistant was also a gentleman and conducted himself as a true professional, not to mention how well he attended to his customers, exceptional. The ambience and entire feeling of this restaurant is well worth the visit, make reservations, a tough place to get into, but well worth it. Handcrafted Cocktails are Superb, Food was excellent as was the dessert. We will return when in the area of Palm Springs read more

See all

Yes, it is very difficult to get a reservation. So, once we did I was half thinking I'd be disappointed and this place wouldn't live up to the hype. But honestly, it's worth going. The food & service is very good (but maybe not out-of-this-world) but the ambience is the draw. Almost feels like you're in a Parisian bistro that is the "it" spot. Lots of cool and real artwork on the walls. Quite a scene. PRO TIP #1: yes, reservations open up 2 weeks in advance so you can set a calendar notification and try the minute they open up, I'm sure that works sometimes. But the other option is, go to OpenTable app and get on the waitlist for the day & 2-hour time block you want and when someone drops you'll get a notification and you have to act FAST. This method worked for us. Good luck. PRO TIP #2: literally adjacent to the restaurant is Beaton's at Bar Cecil, which has a more limited menu but looks to be just as fun. I checked reservations and it seems to be a bit easier to snag a table there. read more

After jumping through hoops (logging on to Open Table at the exact time reservation slots open) to get a reservation I was honestly mentally preparing for Bar Cecil to be an overhyped dining experience, but I was overall pleasantly surprised. The duck liver pate was delicious. The pate has a light, whipped consistency. The whole platter is like a fun little edible arts and crafts project with toasted bread wafers, a mini jar of honey with a little honey dipper, compote and a pile of flake sea salt. The steak frites was also excellent - perfectly tender and juicy flat iron steak and I enjoyed the nicely crisped, lightly seasoned shoestring fries. Mussels in red Thai curry broth was also a hit. Service was great and they did an admirable job pumping cool air onto the outdoor dining patio on a very hot evening. I wouldn't call it a mind-blowing meal per sé but it was easily one of the best meals we've had in Palm Springs - a town that sorely needs more reliable, high caliber restaurants like this. read more

Bar Cecil has become my absolute favorite spot in Palm Springs. I find myself coming back often--especially during the holidays--because the experience is consistently excellent. I love sitting outdoors here. The patio has this charming garden vibe that feels like you're being transported to another country. It's cozy, warm, beautifully lit, and perfect for lingering over drinks and conversation. The food never disappoints. The mussels and escargot are must-orders, packed with flavor, and the burger is surprisingly one of the best in town--juicy, rich, and memorable. Drinks are top notch as well; I usually go for a white wine or an Old Fashioned, and both are always crafted well. Service has always been friendly and professional, and the overall ambiance makes it such a fun place to catch up with friends over a relaxed dinner. A quick tip: reservations are highly recommended because this place fills up fast. The bar seating inside is great too, but that gets busy as well. If you're looking for somewhere that blends great food, great vibes, and a touch of Palm Springs magic--Bar Cecil is the place. Highly recommend! read more

See all

We made reservations for 2, via opentable, a couple weeks prior to our visit, for a Sunday evening at 5pm. SERVICE: Outstanding. We arrived 10 minutes early, the host gestured to a seating area, and each party was greeted individually name, and shown to their seats. Josh seated us with a wonderful smile and sense of humor. Sierra was our server, and she was fantastic. Checking on us just enough to ensure our waters were topped off and we had what we needed. FOOD: The frites are shoestring, crispy and flavorful served with a dipping sauce. The Cacio e Pepe was fresh and very tasty. The Halibut was cooked perfectly with savory accompaniments. ATMOSPHERE: We sat outside, it had a delicate tropical feel to it. The seats were comfy and although I was concerned about bugs, we had no issues. BAR: My cosmo was perfectly blush, served in a coup glass with a lemon twist. The Dominic Cornin Chardonnay, $22 a glass, was an average pour. After we paid the check we were presented with 2 Andes candies :) This was an excellent spot to have dinner. The music volume was just a tad loud, my table was just under the speaker, so there were times it was difficult to carry on a conversation, but part of the way through dinner the volume was adjusted and reasonable. read more

Bar Cecil - Outdoor seating, cozy, late October around 5:30 no bugs. - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Palm Springs, California

Hard to get a reservation, which is pretty annoying, but they'll be opening another space soon which will hopefully eliminate that. The steak frites and pork chop are delicious. The mussel appetizer has a sauce you will want to pick off the bowl. The Parker rolls are excellent, too. The artichoke and deviled eggs are...good. This is a solid spot to bring a foodie if you want to wake up at midnight two weeks before to nab a reservation when they become available. read more

Bar Cecil - The Millionaire No.1 is a GREAT drink. I don't usually have rum, but it was super tasty. Spirit forward and "does the trick!" - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Palm Springs, California

See all

Let's start with the $50 martini. While the drink itself was ok, and the included deviled egg with a tiny trace of caviar was pleasant, it certainly was NOT WORTH the menu price. This was followed by the California artichoke, which was horribly dry and inedible. Once we complained to our server who was heretofore ok with our requests, he turned into a diffident jerk and made no attempts to rectify our displeasure. We proceeded to our entrees that were fine for Denny's but not for a publicly vaunted "in-spot." Our suggestion, head for one of the other bistros in the neighborhood and AVOID Bar Cecil. Your wallet will thank you. read more

Bar Cecil - Mediocrity in a Martini glass. - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Palm Springs, California