SoCal Bar Named One Of The Best In The U.S.

PALM SPRINGS, CA — A Southern California bar has been named one of the best in the U.S. by USA Today.

In this year's edition of the publication's Best Bars In America list, USA Today food writers from across the country chose the nation's best bars of 2026.

"From dive bars to beach bars, swanky cocktail speakeasies to retro-throwback lounges, the best bars tell a story – and often serve up something tasty to go with your drink," USA Today wrote.

Only one bar in California made USA Today's list this year.

Located inside of Caliente Tropics Resort in the heart of Palm Springs, The Reef is a tropical-themed bar in a town with a storied tiki culture. The bar's energetic atmosphere, colorful crowd, and tiki-inspired decor sets the watering hole a part from other bars and lounges in this desert hot spot.

"The massive A-frame that provides the entry to Palm Springs’ funky Caliente Tropics resort can feel like a passage between worlds," Paul Albani-Burgio of Palm Springs Desert Sun wrote.

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"Outside are cactus, mountain views and the thrum of cars heading to the many motels that line the Coachella Valley’s busiest thoroughfare. But venture in and enter a (faux) tropical paradise of tiki heads and vibes that feel straight out of 'Magnum, P.I.' That ambience reaches its zenith at The Reef, a nautical-themed watering hole that pays tribute to this town's tiki bar-obsessed past," he continued.

To see the full list from USA Today, you can click here.

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