The Reef in Palm Springs made USA TODAY's list of best bars in the country.
The USA TODAY Bars of the Year 2026 list, released July 29, features 38 bars from dives to high-end cocktail bars.
"I'm proud of my staff, I'm proud of what we have accomplished," said The Reef's owner, Rory Snyder. "We try to come into this place every day and make it a little better. But ultimately, I think before it's a good tiki bar, it has to be a good bar, and I think we are a good bar."
Why The Reef was named one of the best bars
The Reef, which pays loving tribute to Palm Springs' long, colorful history as a hub of tiki bars past and present, was chosen for its fun kitschy vibe and appealing mix of classic tropical cocktails
and original boozy creations.
Spike link: Raise a glass: This Palm Springs bar named one of the best in the US. Everything to know before you go (link to local review)
Find more about The Reef (link to local review again) and how the list came together. (link to 2026 explainer column).
Paul Albani-Burgio covers growth, development and business in the Coachella Valley. Email him at paul.albani-burgio@desertsun.com.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Kitschy Palm Springs tiki bar named a USA TODAY bar of the year
