Beaton’s: The Speakeasy Behind Bar Cecil With Food Worth Seeking Out

A Chance Seat at Beaton’s

Early Sunday evening and I somewhat randomly found myself at Beaton’s, the speakeasy attached to Bar Cecil in South Palm Springs. I’ve long been a fan of Bar Cecil, notably for their Michelin‑recognized bistro menu. On this occasion there wasn’t any bar seating available and the host instead recommended a seat at Beaton’s bar. I have to say that I was greatly surprised. Not only does Beaton’s carry much of the Bar Cecil inventiveness and execution — it runs a little deeper than I thought it would.

Bar Cecil has established itself as one of Palm Springs’ most reputed and talked‑about restaurants since it opened in 2021. And it’s been part of the Michelin Guide since Michelin finally learned that Palm Springs existed in 2022. My visits would usually be an impromptu drop‑in for a burger or a steak frites at the bar. And it was with that intention that I thought I might catch an early evening bar seat on this particular evening. Instead I was directed to the bar at Beaton’s.

I’d followed Beaton’s since they opened earlier this year. And I’d heard positive reviews from a few friends. But since my cocktail‑drinking days are behind me, the speakeasy premise didn’t really appeal. I was sold when the host told me that Beatons also had a Burger and a Steak Frites on their menu. That was enough for me, although I knew that I would be exploring a little deeper.

First Impressions of the Speakeasy

Beaton’s setup is far more welcoming than I expected. It’s a roomy cocktail lounge with plush booths and generous spacing. There’s a strong eye for aesthetic and décor — a kind of Parisian‑salon glamour filtered through Palm Springs — and while it’s dimly lit, it’s also brighter than I anticipated. Windows along one side of the room were still catching the last of the evening light. Even though it’s somewhat hidden within Bar Cecil, the space feels more approachable and inviting than I imagined.

A Menu Built for Small Plates

From the second the host convinced me to check out Beaton’s, I knew I was going to be exploring items that were specifically attuned to their theme. I knew I’d be exploring the small plates and tapas that Beaton’s seems perfectly designed for. Coincidentally, two of my favorite spots in Palm Springs — Del Rey and Counter Reformation — also happen to be secluded speakeasies serving high‑quality tapas. Beaton’s menu is split into two pages, one for Beaton’s dishes and the other for Bar Cecil Classics, with eight dishes on each side.

I started with the Deviled Eggs. Astute followers will notice that I’m being inconsistent because the Deviled Eggs are on the Bar Cecil side of the menu. But I’ve never had them before and envisaged trying them for the first time as part of my original plan. Sitting at the bar at Beaton’s I was glad to see them listed. They’re six egg halves, the yolk mixed with a house aioli and garnished with pickled mustard seeds, tarragon, and violas. The mustard, aioli, and herb contrast are excellent with a nice element of decadence without being rich. It’s a hearty app that’s best shared, and I did end up boxing half to take home. This dish does have a Regiis Ova Ossetra Caviar add‑on option.

Next, I went for the much‑anticipated Pigs in a Blanket. It’s the kind of thing I’m a complete sucker for. These are Wagyu beef cocktail franks wrapped in puff pastry and finished with sesame and poppy seeds, served with a mustard dipping sauce. They’re delicious. The sausages have a lightly smoked flavor, and the seeded puff pastry is perfectly rich and flaky, with just enough texture from the sesame and poppy to give each bite a savory edge. The mustard sauce has a touch of spice, but I found myself not really needing it. I loved the playful novelty of the dish, but more than that, they were excellent — exactly the kind of bar snack I’ll come back for.

With room for one more, I chose the Beef Short Rib Bao Buns. These were excellent too. The short rib was shredded, soft, and succulent with a Korean‑style sauce that worked perfectly. The pickled daikon and cucumber added a bright contrast, and the bao buns were sweet and pillowy — exactly what you want. Served as a portion of three, it leans toward a Korean slider vibe and is definitely the more filling of the small plates.

None of the dishes I ordered were pricey — all under $20 — and the three plates I tried were easily enough for two people to share. I’d have gone further if I could: Lobster Rolls, Steak Tartare, Duck Liver Pâté, and Colossal Shrimp Cocktail all caught my eye among the small plates. The Beaton’s Burger, Steak au Poivre, and Spaghetti Bolognese also give the menu a more complete feel. There are plenty of reasons to return — beyond a revisit of the Pigs in a Blanket.

Cocktails, Wine, and Late‑Night Appeal

Although I didn’t drink, I’d be remiss not to mention Beaton’s extensive craft cocktail program. It starts with Classics that get thoughtful, elevated twists, and Originals built around exclusive spirits, fresh fruits, and house mixes. There’s even a $50 Negroni Royale — a full‑tilt novelty item served with a Black Truffle Deviled Egg. The wine‑by‑the‑glass list leans French, with Muscadet, Sancerre, Chablis, orange wines, and Champagne, and the bottle selection is extensive, clearly borrowing from Bar Cecil’s cellar.

Beaton’s crowd hits a little later, giving you a better chance at a seat during dinner. And they do stay open later — the kitchen until 11 pm, the bar until midnight — which makes them one of the few reliable late‑night food options in town.

A Flourishing Pocket on the Bend

I live on the bend where South Palm Canyon turns into East Palm Canyon, a pocket that once felt disconnected but is now quietly flourishing. Within a couple of blocks the Del Rey, Cipolline, Mr. Lyon’s, Miro’s and Bar Cecil offer elevated dining options. More casual concepts like Gabino’s, Kreem, El Mirasol, King’s Highway, Seymour’s, and Bird  offer a wide variety of options. Beaton’s fits right into that shift.

I left Beaton’s with a resounding endorsement. It’s certainly more than a bar. The décor and ambiance are a novelty, but Beaton’s is a bona fide food option — a more condensed, informal alternative to its Michelin‑credited ancestor next door. I would 100% recommend Beaton’s for small plates, shareables, and bar bites, and their offset hours make them a far more accessible option. For a place I found by chance, Beaton’s made a lasting impression. Beaton’s may sit behind Bar Cecil, but the kitchen delivers a menu that stands on its own.