Bars & Nightlife in Joshua Tree

The one bar you absolutely must visit. This legendary honky-tonk in a 1940s Wild West movie set is famous worldwide for its live music — Paul McCartney, Arctic Monkeys, and Robert Plant have all played here. Come for the mesquite-grilled food, stay for the atmosphere and whoever's on stage. Worth the 25-minute drive from JT.

The main bar in downtown Joshua Tree. A classic Old West saloon with a full bar, pool tables, live music on weekends, and solid bar food. It's the place to be if you want to drink in town without driving to Pioneertown. Open until 2am — one of the only late-night options.

A pizza joint that doubles as a chill bar with a solid craft beer selection. The vibe is divey and unpretentious — local art on the walls, good tunes on the speakers. Open until midnight on weekends, making it a decent late-night option for a beer and a slice.

A true dive bar in Pioneertown, just down the road from Pappy's. Much smaller and more low-key than its famous neighbor. Good for a drink before or after Pappy's, or if you want a quieter alternative. Classic dive bar atmosphere — nothing fancy.

More of a restaurant than a bar, but the setting is hard to beat — drinks by the pool at a historic oasis property. Perfect for a sunset cocktail in a relaxed atmosphere. Not a party spot, but a beautiful place for a drink with dinner.