I went to Bar Cecil to celebrate a double birthday with my bestie last night. First off, you have to make reservations two weeks in advance online-- not more, not less. They don't pick up the phone at all, so don't bother calling. They do, however, take walk-ins if you're willing to wait. All part of the optics and over hype. We brought our own bottle of Veuve and they were great about putting it on ice for us and opened it for us so we could sip while we waited for a table. All excellent, but it came at a $49 corkage fee before tip! Geez! When we were seated, the host made a big deal about our birthdays gave us BOTH handwritten birthday cards and told the waiter to take good care of us because we were celebrating a double birthday and seated us at a center spot at the bar, which we loved! A hit! Overall, the service and ALL the staff were great, but to be honest. some of the food was hit and miss. The menu is somewhat underwhelming. They seem to be mostly known for their deviled eggs. Okay, I love a deviled egg, but so what? Every time I'd ask anyone about Bar Cecil, they'd say, "Well. their deviled eggs are good." We should have known then, but we wanted to see for ourselves what the hype was about. It's French because they serve, escargot, steak frites, and caviar service, but it's really a bunch of different food items that aren't really cohesive -- deviled eggs with dates and sage, Thai curry muscles, smoke pork chop, cacio e pepe. WTF? The best things we had were the oysters, grilled artichokes and the Bernaise sauce on the steak frites was spot on, but the steak itself was chewy and difficult to cut with a steak knife -- a miss that could have been a hit. Not worth the price point. We also ordered the Thai curry muscles, which were really good until the last six muscles, which were sandy and gritty. Again another miss, that could have been a hit. The waiter did take them off the bill, but then at the very end of our "double birthday celebration," the waiter asked, "Are you ready for desert?" My friend responded, "Well, I'm pretty full. Is it complimentary?" And he responded, "It is, but I didn't want to ruin the surprise." So we both ordered desert -- I ordered a "special" desert that wasn't on the menu. A cookie ice cream thing and she ordered the pavlova. Mine was okay. She loved hers. Again it could have been a massive hit-- instead it was a massive miss! We were charged $27 for our two "complimentary" deserts before tax and tip! Oh well, we didn't haggle and paid our bill, but only tipped 20%. We would have tipped an extra $50-$100 because it was our birthdays and we would have tipped all the comped amounts to the wait staff, figuring we would have paid those costs plus tax and tip on top of that. Too bad. Overall, I wouldn't wait in long lines any time soon for this experience. It's was just a meh for us. read more

My partner decided to surprise me and take me to this restaurant while we were in town! What an amazing restaurant! Food and drinks were great! Service from check in staff, Josh, and Lorraine were great! According to my partner, it is hard to get a reservation since tables fill up within two minutes of the registration opening up. Good luck! May the odds be ever in your favor! I love how the restaurant is styled and decorated. Easy parking! read more

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What could possibly go wrong when you have a delightful ballerino as your server? Bar Cecil was everything I was told: gorgeous, elegant, lively, and delicious. Not only were the main dishes great, but no attention was withheld from everything on the plate. The mark of a serious restaurant, and when you're used to paying comparable prices for simply unoffensive food in L.A., that goes a long way. I had the pork chop, and it was huge, lol. But great flavor and cooked very nicely. The broccolini was fantastic! I couldn't get too far into the au gratin potatoes bc I was exhausted and full, but the bite I had of the very generous portion was surprisingly light for being such a decadent dish. The dining room had a chic-but-eclectic vibe. A soothing sea green color, high ceilings, and just the right temperature and (music) volume. A cool contrast to the sultry Beaton's lounge. The only little thing was that they seemed understaffed. Hopefully it was just a fluke. Okay I'm dozing off now, get to Bar Cecil when you can! read more

Have heard many good things about Bar Cecil and know it can be a challenge to get a reservation. There are more tables out on the patio than there are indoors so I get it now. It's a cute space with the greenery, twinkle lights, and plenty of 20th century artwork & photographs. To be honest, I did expect more from the food but I would return to try other menu items. The bread was served piping hot, which is great, but the outer crust was a little too crunchy and hard. The halibut lacked any real flavor while the cacio e pepe had way too much pepper. Naturally the pasta is supposed to have pepper but this was an overwhelming amount and took away from the overall enjoyment of the dish. The mixed salad was fresh and well done though and the deviled eggs were solidly enjoyable. The burger was novelty and juicy. Fries were also fresh and tasted like McDonald's to me (which is a good thing by the way!!). I tried the Garden of the Gods which is a newer gin cocktail on the menu and it was rather refreshing. Of course we had to give the $50 martini a try and it was a kick alright. Turns out, if you order it on 10 occasions then you get your name on a plaque. For $50 x 10 I'd sure hope so! To end the night we finished with a yummy pavlova. Nothing like a little fruit, merengue, and sugar all together. Bar Cecil sent me on a deep dive of Anna Pavlova after that (if you know, you know). While we had higher expectations for the food, this is a cute, trendy place and I'd say, very Palm Springs. read more

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Great experience overall! First time here and celebrated 4 years married! Bar/server Sean was superb! Ordered tartar, caviar, oysters and pate', along with several awesome drinks! What amazed me the most, was the owners checking in on everyone, along with the team/staff! We will definitely be back! Thank you for the memories! read more

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

We were so incredibly fortunate that we were able to have dinner at Bar Cecil without a reservation! It was a little bit of a wait (45 minute), but we were able to sit in their waiting area and enjoy some wine. We snagged 2 spots at the bar, and were greeted by a very friendly bartender named Haley. We started the dinner off with cocktails. Haley makes incredible cocktails and had great suggestions on the menu. 5/5 service and ambiance! Steak Tartare: 5/5. This was the perfect appetizer to start our dinner experience with. It wasn't heavy, was fresh, and the chips had the perfect amount of salt on them. YUM. Escargot: 5/5. I LOVE escargot and can't get enough of it. It was cooked perfectly, was flavorful, and the toast on top was just what I needed. Who doesn't love carbs and snails? Cacio E Pepe: 5/5. We knew we wanted a steak, but what is a steak without a pasta side? It had just the right amount of sauce and flavor without overpowering the steak. On its own, it's an excellent dish, even for the pickiest eater. What a wonderful dish! Steak + Fries: 5/5. We needed more protein. This was a perfect addition to the rest of our meal. It paired well with the pasta dish. We elected to have it cooked medium-rare, and it came out cooked to the ideal temperature. Bar Cecil was an excellent dining experience and one we are looking forward to having again. Make sure you have a reservation! read more

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Bar Cecil absolutely lived up to the hype. We came for a birthday dinner and had an incredible evening from start to finish. We shared a bunch of dishes, which is definitely the way to experience the menu. The cocktails (not pictured) were fantastic--whether you're in the mood for a timeless classic or something a little more whimsical, there's something for everyone. The escargot was beautifully prepared and made even better by the perfectly char-grilled baguette that came alongside it. The steak tartare was an absolute flavor bomb with great seasoning, especially paired with the house-made potato chips. It leaned a touch salty, but in a way that made it the perfect appetizer and somehow had us ordering another round of cocktails. The grilled artichokes were simple, smoky, and delicious. The red curry mussels were served with that same incredible bread and an aromatic, deeply flavorful broth that we didn't want to leave behind. The smoked pork chop was another standout--beautifully charred on the outside while staying perfectly juicy inside. Beyond the food, the service was fabulous, attentive, but not rushed. The atmosphere is quintessential Palm Springs: stylish, colorful, well-lit and a lively environment overall. It made for a memorable birthday celebration, and everyone in our group left happy. We'll absolutely be back. read more

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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

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I decided to make a reservation here for my birthday and I am so glad I did. This restaurant has the cutest decor with gorgeous art and the kindest waiters ever! I ordered the pork chop and the potatoes which blew my mind. My friend ordered the steak and fries, which were also really delicious. It is so nice when chefs cook your steak perfectly. We got the cookies for dessert which were SO incredibly delicious, soft on the inside with the perfect crisp on the outside. They even brought out a special birthday treat with a candle, which was so sweet. The cocktails were really good too! I got the milk punch which I normally don't find at many restaurants. This place is a must especially for special occasions! The handwritten letter on our table was a cute touch as well. You do have to book 2 weeks in advance to get a table but I think it is well worth it. read more

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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

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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

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When we visited Palm Springs, this was the place we wanted to try the most. Reservations were booked so we were a little nervous about just walking in. The hostess was so nice, she sat us at the bar immediately. What stood out the most to me here was the service. Everybody was super friendly and went above and beyond. The bartender (I can't remember his name) was incredible. We had the deviled eggs and grilled artichoke to start. The grilled artichoke was so perfectly grilled and seasoned. It was probably my favorite thing I ate all night. The deviled eggs were delicious. We had one left, the bartender put it in a box for us and kept it in the fridge until we left. I had the pork chop which was also very good. The potato was probably one of the best potatoes I've ever had. Overall, great vibes great atmosphere great food great service read more

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I had such a great time at this restaurant. I reserved at two weeks in advance and I loved every minute of it behind an iron gate is an outdoor restaurant with just a little bit of an indoor bar. There are a few tables indoors, but it's mostly sat outdoors. They even have a fan for the hot summer nights. Food was amazing. Service was three servers to one table so service was impeccable. I had the espresso martini to start off with, then went for the deviled eggs as an appetizer duck pate and escargot. I then had the steak frites and also had the chicken dinner to try. Everything was amazing and ended the night with the dessert Pavlova. This is a ton out of 10 for me and I will definitely be returning. read more

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Arrived about 10-15 early and was greeted by a nice hostess who took us to our seats early. We sat outside and it was perfect with the ambiance and light breeze from the outside vents they have. Our waiter while I forget his name was on it and had so much personality and energy that it made speaking with him about the meals or casual small convo enjoyable. The drinks here are probably some of my favorite especially the vodka and gin forward ones. The food was so tasty here and is so consistent every time I go! The onion tart is so light with the perfect balance of onion to pastry flavor. The fish was also perfectly cooked and paired so nicely with the accompaniments. My favorite while often overlooked was the ratatouille; so flavorful, so light, and the perfect pairing with the meal. Finished the meal with a cookie and ice cream which I would 10000% recommend! So rich in flavor and honestly worth it when warm out the over . read more

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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

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Bar Cecil is definitely the place to be in Palm Springs! Reservations can be hard to get, but it's worth planning ahead. The atmosphere is chic, stylish, and has such a great vibe. Perfect for a nice dinner or a night out. The food was really good, the ambiance made the experience even better, and you can see why this place is so popular. Definitely a Palm Springs hot spot worth checking out! read more

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Great ambiance, presentation and service. The food is tasty, but it is over burnt in terms of the outside charring and everything just adds too much butter. Quirky ambience, but we much prefer Copley's for a comparable consideration. read more

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

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I guess I'm like most locals and really love this place. Been lucky to snag a couple reservations and have tried something different each time I've gone and each time it is mind blowing amazing. The drinks are on point. The service is on point. The vibe is on point I think this place won a Michelin star and I can see why, make a reservation. You will not be disappointed. read more

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

We had an amazing experience! Walked in at 7:45 without a reservation and were seated right away.... Granted it's the hottest week in August but the restaurant and bar were both basically full. Both hosts were friendly and accommodating. We sat at the bar and were immediately greeted and asked if we were celebrating anything... we were celebrating our anniversary. We were given two half glasses of champagne!! Avery who is the bar manager was our server and was impeccable. So kind and knowledgeable and professional! We had the pork chop (amazing!!!) and the halibut (good but not great, except for the sides). Ambience is so fun! It's a small space and a bit noisy so I wouldn't recommend for more than a small party or anything too intimate. We absolutely loved our experience and definitely recommend trying it out for date night. read more

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

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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 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

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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

I don't like writing negative reviews, but I also think it's important for a business to know when four diners (potentially good repeat customers) left unhappy . We have heard great things about this Palm Springs restaurant and we have really enjoyed having cocktails and snacks at the adjacent Barton's at Bar Cecil. Where we were seated for dinner there were two portable AC units with cold air blowing right at our table. It was very uncomfortable. We ask our server if they could be turned down. He said the best he could do was move one of them slightly which had minimal effect. As we were finishing, four women were seated close by and they began complaining immediately about the cold air, and finally told their server that they would leave if he.couldn't change it. Interestingly, our request pretty much went unheeded, while their server managed to turn off the unit closest to them. We left talking more about how uncomfortable we were than our meals, and with the impression that our satisfaction simply wasn't a priority. read more

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

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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

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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

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We came on a Tuesday night. The restaurant was busy and lively! We snagged seats at the bar but still an awesome experience and ambiance. I ordered the burger and my boyfriend got the pork chop. Sooo delicious! Our server Tony was amazing! Very attentive and it was just very obvious that all staff members love their jobs. We had such a good night!! Definitely a night to remember on our quick trip to Palm Springs! 10/10 would recommend for a "fancy" drinks & dinner date night! read more

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

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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

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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

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