| The Palm Springs Local: Red Barn |
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 The Red BarnBy “The Palm Springs Local” Denise Ortuno Neil Most out-of-the-way local dive-bars are usually; well, out of the way. That, however, is not the case with one of the oldest bars in the Coachella Valley. The Red Barn doesn’t hide down some secluded street, and you don’t need a secret knock or password to get in. No, the “Barn” stands in all its red barn façade glory, smack dab in the middle of Palm Desert on Highway 111, ironically just a street away from swanky El Paseo (talk about a dichotomy).  And why not? There is no shame in being the “Red Barn,” for it has withstood decades of bar fights, rumors and the constant pressure to “get out of town,” by those not so tolerant of blatant debauchery. But that is what makes it so alluring and keeps would-be rough-and-tumblers coming back for more. I recall the first time that I went to the Red Barn. I had driven by it a multitude of times and never dared to enter because the stories that preceded it kept me at bay. But once I passed through the threshold, it wasn’t bad at all. I mean sure, the bar was sprinkled by a characters that could have easily been cast in a low budget biker/redneck/punk/rocker indie film, but that’s what gives it its charm. The bar opened nearly 50 years ago and once had all red booths and velvet drapes. Its fun to hear old timers talk about the place in its former self, but the times changed and so did the “Barn.” What hasn’t changed is the fact that it is the only bar in Palm Desert that is not required to serve food. So, no, you cannot have a burger and fries with your beer; but you can play pool with new friends and even some of the bartenders when they’re in between pouring. The weekends are always entertaining with live ear-injuring music from a variety of rock bands, such as “Family Butcher” and “House of Broken Promises,” who have graced the Barn’s makeshift stage. And there’s even a semienclosed kind of caged patio with heaters and a TV out back for all of you smokers. That’s right, you don’t have to be shunned out in the cold at the Barn if you want to light up. With reasonably priced drinks and a funky old-time seedy bar vibe, the Red Barn will continue to be an iconic local hang out appealing to the young and old, well-to-do and even those who have nothing to do. It’s a mixed bag, and it’s great! For one of the true local experiences, hit up the Red Barn and try on the shoes of a local for a bit, you’ll have a great story to tell; but just try to stay away from the Jägermeister! “The Palm Springs Local,” Denise Ortuno Neil, is a native Southern Californian residing in Palm Desert. Her articles have appeared in local publications as well as television and even greeting cards! With a keen eye on local events and people, she puts her perspective in her articles with a unique blend of humor, irony and just a touch of gentle cynicism. |
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