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.
Find more about The Reef.
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
Reporting by Paul Albani-Burgio, Palm Springs Desert Sun / Palm Springs Desert Sun
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

By Paul Albani-Burgio, Palm Springs Desert Sun | USA TODAY Network
