Palm Desert’s Iconic Red Barn Reopens With a Nod to Its Historic Roots

A cherished piece of Palm Desert’s history is getting a second act. The Red Barn, a local landmark originally built in 1963 by Tony and Marilyn Monti, has officially reopened after being closed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Originally known as The Hayloft, the rustic barn-style establishment served steaks for less than $2 and was a staple of the community with its country-western charm—complete with wooden floors and a cozy, saloon-like feel. Today, the newly reimagined Red Barn still stands proudly with its iconic red exterior and is once again welcoming guests.

New owners Marcy and Cyrus say they’ve poured their hearts into restoring and reviving the space while maintaining its legacy. “It’s so nice to see when people walk through the door—they often tell us it’s so evident how much love we’ve put into this place,” Marcy shared.

The couple recently connected with Katie Monti, the granddaughter of the original owners. Together, they reminisced about the barn’s history and shared early floor plans and renderings from the Monti family archive. Katie expressed confidence that her grandparents would be proud of the revival.

“It was his baby,” Katie said, referring to her grandfather, Tony Monti. “This is his dream, brought back to life.”

With new energy and deep respect for its roots, the Red Barn is once again a gathering place for locals and visitors—continuing its legacy as a true Palm Desert icon.

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