What will you find at PAULBar/ Food? Cleverly situated in a strip mall at the intersection
of Vista Chino and Gene Autry Trail, PAULBar/Food shares the mall with a dispensary and a linen uniform cleaning service. But don’t look for Paul’s name; instead look for the large sign that reads BAR/FOOD.
Owner and host Paul O’Halloran is likely to greet you at the door, with his requisite bow tie. This is a small place: dark yet inviting, with a definite speakeasy vibe. You feel like a guest at an intimate gathering hosted by Paul himself. He really is the host with the most and makes all his guests feel welcome.
The staff is a tight-knit team who strive to make every diner’s experience an event. They are open Wednesday through Sunday, serving some of the finest unpretentious American fare in the valley.
The food is consistently delicious and the tightly-curated menu allows each dish to shine. Our favorites are the Iceberg Wedge, made with a generous amount of crisp bacon and ranch dressing. The bone-in pork chop, burger and chicken schnitzel are favorite dishes that keep patrons coming back. Word to the wise: save room for Paul’s signature pot de crème. The flavors vary nightly and constantly sell out. We loved the space. We loved the food. But we had questions for owner Paul O’Halloran.
DM: You moved from New York — did you come to Palm Springs first or was it along the way?
PO: I moved out here to marry a guy who was an old friend from NYC. I fell in love with Palm Springs and California. Opened PaulBar, got divorced and couldn’t be happier.
DM: On any given night, your place is packed—how do you explain the success?
PO: People appreciate great service and a great cocktail, along with simple, savory food.
DM: Your place is in between a dispensary and a linen/uniform company, in what has to be called a strip mall. Was this your original intention, or was it a happy accident?
PO: Total happy accident. I walked in and started to cry, like a Disney film. This beautiful bar was in this sketchy strip mall, begging to be revived. Magic.
DM: Does the bar have a history?
PO: I think I heard it was a speakeasy at some point. Many establishments opened and closed here. From what I learned, they all became divey and nothing lasted too long. The last bar here was called The Palm Springs Sports Tavern. The owner loved jazz but didn’t serve food. People should eat while they’re drinking.
DM: Speaking of food, yours is quite good. Do you have a chef of renown?
PO: Gustavo Hernandez is my Chef. His talent to collaborate with me on the menu is nothing but fun. We specialize in American favorites.
DM: The waiters all seem to go to the same barber; is that coincidence or casting?
PO: Everyone agrees my staff is attentive, well-mannered and well-groomed, and all of them are highly skilled at their jobs. Thank God, because it is very difficult finding great help these days. I’ll have to ask them if they all use the same barber.
DM: What restaurants in Palm Springs and Coachella do you frequent?
PO: I always like Le Vallauris, Mr. Lyon’s, Rooster and the Pig, Copley’s and Sandfish.
DM: Any plans for an expansion?
PO: I would love to own this strip mall and turn it out, as they say. However, the new owners are asking way too much for it. It’s a shame. I will have another location at some point. It will have to speak to me.
DM: Why don’t you take reservations?
PO: I thrive on that Macy’s white sale feeling ... ok that’s a joke.
DM: Any celebrities that you can mention?
PO: More than a few celebrities … one of my favorite actors of all time ... Broadway stars ... I’ll never tell. Otherwise they won’t come back. Plus they just wanna eat and have fun.
PAUL BAR/FOOD
700 E Vista Chino
Palm Springs, CA 92262
(760) 656-4082
thepaulbarps.com
