Bar Cecil

The story

Bar Cecil, Palm Springs: American Dining Honoring a Renaissance Man

A Toast to Life

Bar Cecil in Palm Springs is a love letter to Cecil Beaton, the photographer, designer, and aesthete who lived between classical charm and new world rebellion. The restaurant, pronounced “sessel,” captures his spirit: celebratory, individual, and unapologetically diverse. It’s a place where beautifully crafted food and drink meet genuine hospitality, inviting guests to laugh, discuss, and enjoy each other’s company.

The Team Behind the Bar

The culinary team is led by partner-Executive Chef Gabriel Woo, a former executive chef of Sparrow’s Lodge and Holiday House in Palm Springs, and a 2019 guest chef at the James Beard House in New York. Lead partner John Janulis (Lightning Bar Collective, Villa Royale / Del Rey) and majority owners Richard Crisman and Jeff Brock (Sparrows Lodge, Holiday House) bring deep hospitality experience to the project. The result is a refined yet welcoming American restaurant that earned a Michelin Recommended distinction in 2026.

What to Expect

The menu, focused on American cuisine, changes regularly and is best explored through the evening’s offerings. Walk-ins are welcome at the bar, subject to availability, and reservations are accepted for parties of five or fewer. The kitchen closes at 9 pm, and the dining room operates on a two-hour window per reservation. The space is air-conditioned, wheelchair accessible, and cashless—major credit and debit cards are accepted.

The Bar Cecil Vibe

True to its namesake, Bar Cecil is a place of rebellion and charm. It’s for those who follow their own beat, whether that means a craft cocktail, a glass of wine, or a plate of thoughtfully prepared food. The restaurant’s ethos is simple: eliminate what is only pomp, and create memories through flavor and connection.