The Copper Room Flies Again in Yucca Valley!

“At first step into the Copper Room, we hope to transport guests into another era with lively jazz, ice cold martinis, fresh fare, and incredible mountain views beyond the runway”
– Michael French

The historic Copper Room is open, once again, for great food, music, and delicious drinks in Yucca Valley. Since 1957, aviators and world-renowned musicians alike have gathered here to toast their good fortunes.

Located adjacent to the runway at the Yucca Valley Airport, this historical and storied space is now reimagined with a subtle nod to the Rat Pack. The Copper Room pays homage to the many past lives of the place, including the Rat Pack days and dimly-lit lounge vibe of the restaurant’s 1970s incarnation, The Red Baron Steakhouse. A short hop from Palm Springs, Frank Sinatra and his pals would hang out here in the 1960s and 1970s.

“A photo of Gram Parsons hangs above the runway bar, to give him an eternal seat at his favorite desert hideaway”
– Michael French

The rooms are clad in wood paneled walls with stone accents and the bar has bespoke copper accents. The legendary musicians and lovers of the California desert – all who passed through these doors – make the Copper Room a one-of-a-kind historical destination in our community. Guests enter through a custom copper door crafted by Robert Doherty, of All Roads Studio.

After digging into the history archives, the new owners quickly learned that the Copper Room was a high-desert hidden gem – worthy of restoration. The Copper Room is the brainchild of Matt and Mike French, the same creatives as Pioneertown watering hole The Red Dog and the Pioneertown Motel.

Upon opening, the soft opening menu was limited but very tasty. I suggest the Spicy Tofu Sandwich with a dirty martini, three olives. The views of the hills and the runway are mesmerizing. There is great music, a patio, bar area, dining room, fireplace, and a music room with DJ set-up. Wear your dancing shoes!

Katie Nartonis runs JTAG in Joshua Tree. She is a curator, writer, gallerist, and documentary film maker. Her passion is telling the stories of California makers and artists and is inspired by our high-desert creative community. She likes yummy food – and a good martini.