Don't miss these Palm Desert Mexican restaurant gems.
“Great food. Huge praise to the Chef and his back of house. No praise to the front. Our server was like an NPC stuck on repeat. Bald guy with glasses. I don’t know his name, because he never said more the three words when at our table. Never came back to our table to offer us another cocktail. We had to ask when we saw him which was rare.When dessert arrived. I got the churro dropped onto me by the busser.I got a brief “sorry” before he walked away and my partner had to tell him to bring plates and spoons for us and an extra napkin so I could clean myself up.Not a cheap place. But for the creativity on the food I’ll pay, but not tip. The tip we did leave should have gone to the BOH. I would have preferred a robot to this server we got. And that’s coming from a fellow restaurant employee.“
“Go-to spot for lunch before grocery shopping for our family. The prices definitely match the amount of food you get. The flavors are delicious in all plates I've tried, and the generous salsa and condiments station, and aguas frescas are the best. It's always packed at lunch in the middle of the week and the flavor and hospitality are definitely the reason. Great staff on top of orders whether it's dine in, take out, or ordered ahead of time. Authentic flavors hands downParking: Parking can be a bit packed but we've always found a spot.Kid-friendliness: High chairs and small meals menu to accommodate smaller appetites. Staff always extra friendly to kids“
“Let me tell you a story about three people from Canada who were starving and thirsty on Easter Sunday…We had gone to three restaurants which were all closed for Easter and were beginning to lose hope on finding somewhere to eat. We stumbled upon a restaurant called Cass Luna and thought “we will go try this place out”. We entered and immediately knew we had found the Promised Land as the smell and atmosphere engulfed us. We were quickly seated and treated to margaritas and corn chips with amazing guacamole. The servers and staff were very friendly and provided top tier hospitality and service. And when the food we ordered arrived, I cannot express to you how delicious and wonderful the food was… the meats were all perfect and every single plate was empty by the end. The margaritas were some of the best we have ever tasted. If you are visiting please make the time to stop here as it will change your life. Needless to say, we are stopping again tonight as we just couldn’t get enough. 10/5 starts for Casa Luna ???Dietary restrictions: My father is a celiac and he could basically order whatever he wanted as they are delicious corn tortillas and minimal flour usage.“
“This place is one of my favorite "go-to's" when I'm not sure what I want. Here's why- they've got huge variety to choose from American to Mexican, good old fashioned huge charbroiled burgers, sandwiches, melts, salads, and large selection of breakfast that's served ALL day & night long. Did I mention they let you substitute the sides from fries to onion rings to zucchini fries to even garden salad. Oh, and the zucchini fries are huge and delish!“
“We have been to this Casa Mendoza a few times in the last couple of weeks. Beautiful decor. Great service. Really good food. Sit inside or outside, they both are great. Nice nice bar. Make sure to get the guac. YUMM! Looking forward to going back tomorrow. You won't be disappointed.“
“We just had a good dinner at Fresh Agave. We had a delightful waitress so Service was good too. We asked for another basket of chips to go with our dinner and we're told we were going to be charged for it. I've never heard of a charge for chips or salsa Mexican restaurant. There were four of us eating, and I commented to the waitress that if we had been two people at a table We would've gotten another basket but she said we would've gotten a smaller basket. I know prices are higher and the menu reflected that but really charging for extra chips? I think that's excessive.“
“Amazing, authentic, delicious!! All the food we got was great! Service was also great! I couldn't decide between the chicken mole and the beef Beria and so to accommodate they gave me a side of the mole with my dish for free! I had the hibiscus drink as well which was delicious and we got also got the fried ice cream which tasted like dessert cereal tbh. I liked it and it was tasty, but I'd recommend just go with the flan.“
“I've lived in the area close to 4 years, I've seen this restaurant before and until this past week end I decided to try it. I got the feeling of out of towers hang out...alcohol bottles on the counter and also the first page of the menu. You don't get warm chips that's for sure, salsa was just ok. I ordered the carne asada torta which was delicious. It was on the best I've had. It reminded me of the one my mom used to make for us as kids. Food came quick. I was disappointed it came with shoestring fries. Our server was anything but friendly, she kept her conversation almost to two words. The Mexican restaurant didn't have horchata, so I got the Jamaica, it wasn't generous on the tip, I'd come again. Maybe take out.“
“El Rodeo Cafe was great! The food?Delicious. My wife and kids loved it. I got into the al pastor burrito, and it hit the spot perfectly—cooked just right and the ideal size for lunch. Plus, those chips with not one, not two, but three kinds of salsa!The service was top-notch. They got our food fast. And parking was great. Literally parked right out front, no fuss at all.Seriously, if you're on the hunt for some solid Mexican food, you've gotta swing by El Rodeo Cafe. Whether you live around the corner or you're just cruising through town, it's a must-visit.“
“Classic margaritas, periquitos, carne asada, Carnitas Michoacanas, verde sauce for chips. All top notch and not dried out. Best Mexican dinner ever. While others have fallen off post-Covid, this place continues as the best, service was great. Ambiance always nice.“
“I placed a phone order a few days ago & the hostess was very friendly and knowledgeable. This was my first time trying them & I was very please with how helpful the hostess was. The food was good and it was done in a timely manner. Once I went to pick up the order, the hostess (who took my order) was very welcoming. I didn't catch her name but she had blue hair.“
“I don't usually start reviews with comments on the ambience, but you must know that Casuelas Cafe on a Sunday afternoon is unbeatable. They have live mariachi, which pairs perfectly with an ice cold (or frozen) margarita. The margaritas were stout and delicious, none of that weird pre mixed flavor. Theirs are obviously home made. Highly recommend the mezcal margarita. We ordered the trio fajitas, which was easily enough for two. Stacked with shrimp, beef and chicken, and cooked to perfection. Wrap these up in a fresh tortilla and slap some guac and salsa in it and you'll be in heaven. Service was 10/10. Waiter checked on us very often and made sure we left happy and full. Highly recommend Casuelas. We have high standards for Mexican cuisine and this spot did not disappoint.“
“Had my birthday dinner here today and it was perfect. Margaritas are huge and delicious. Had the chile relleno combo with beans and rice, it was amazing. Friends and family joined me and we had such a blast. Marleen and Sergio were great. I’ll definitely be back.“
“We came here on Sunday midday. Their lunch special was fajitas. We got chicken fajitas and we were pleased with the serving size. They were delicious! They included a generous amount of guacamole. The salsa was good. They have a mild that they bring you with chips and a spicier one that they will bring on request.Service was great too!We were very pleased with our experience and will return!“
“The place was super clean. And so we're the bathrooms. The staff was so friendly and my first time there they explained every thing on the menu and even gave suggestions what I might like.They were helpful and I would go back to this restaurant if they keep it up and don't change.The only thing is I found the barnacoa toco and there queso so hot my lips and mouth were on fire and I was sweating from eating it. So if you like spicy that's the one.“
“Food is fresh made. Great service and they brought the food to the table. Love the XXtra Hot salsa and portion of burrito is very good. The inside is small but clean. And the menu posted is redone posted above head. Great quick service option.“
“Small and unassuming Mexican restaurant with delicious food and friendly faces. We had tacos pastore and a giant fried mahi taco, and a large plate of delicious nachos. Homemade food made with effort and flair. Many local latinos came and went while we drank cold beer and enjoyed our food. The best we've found yet in Desert Springs.“
“I walked in never having been here. Ordered a #5 combo, taco and enchilada, double beans/no rice and a side of chips to go. The girl at the counter was terrific; friendly, courteous and efficient. The meal was decent to good. The asada was flavorful without being overbearing. The enchilada was cheese, I asked for chicken, but to be truthful, I'm not certain she heard or understood me, so I was fine with the cheese enchilada. The beans were really good as was the salsa rojo caliente. The tab for the meal and chips was $16.79 including a credit card fee of $.59. Overall, I liked my meal and will give it another go, next time bringing my wife and dining in.“
“New favorite in the desert. We come to town every year for the tennis tournament and test out restaurants. Los Primos is tucked in a strip mall next to the Starbucks and feels like a hole in the wall kind of place.Great foodFriendly staffCleanPrompt serviceVery reasonable pricesWe had the blueberry French toast, very good 10/10 flavor. There is a cinnamon crunch on the outside w firm,custardy inside. First bite to the last, delicious.Also the huevos rancheros, a little different than I’ve had before and the Smokey ranchero sauce grew on me bite after bite. Delish house potatoes were perfectly crunchy and flavorful as well.We’ll stop by again next year to work our way through the menu.“