Consider These Spots Your Oases for Tacos and Tequila in the Desert

Peanut butter and jelly, mac and cheese, cookies and milk—there are hundreds of classic food combos, but none so quintessential (or delicious) as tacos and tequila. But there is a trick to these pairings. Blanco tequila’s bright and sharp flavors complement tacos with lighter ingredients like citrus, seafood and vegetables best, while reposado tequila’s oakiness pairs well with spice-forward tacos with grilled meat, shrimp and charred veggies. Añejo tequila, on the other hand, only adds to robust, rich flavors from tacos with mole or red meat. Want to give these combinations a taste test? Here are 13 of the best Palm Springs Mexican restaurants for tacos, tequila and everything in between.

 

Hoja Blanca

Must-Try: Cauliflower Esquites

For a fresh, innovative take on Mexican cuisine, look no further than Hoja Blanca. This pop-up restaurant in Palm Springs that’s redefining the dining experience! Created by Chef Omar Limon, the concept takes an artistic and ever-evolving approach to traditional flavors. It delivers dishes that are both inventive and deeply rooted in Mexican heritage. The name Hoja Blanca, meaning “blank page” in Spanish, reflects the restaurant’s fluid and dynamic menu, with an emphasis on seasonal ingredients, modern techniques and spontaneous creativity.

Rather than committing to a single entree, guests are encouraged to explore multiple dishes, from guacamole with salsa macha and pepitas to quesadillas filled with oyster mushrooms, epazote and squash blossoms or aguachiles featuring white shrimp, salsa negra and avocado. Each dish is a thoughtful nod to Mexico’s diverse culinary landscape, blending bold flavors with unexpected twists. This innovative pop-up can be found at Truss & Twine in the heart of downtown Palm Springs.

 

Mole Mexican Kitchen

Must-Try: Mole con Pollo Asado Enchiladas + Mole Spritz

Tucked in The Shops on El Paseo, Mole Mexican Kitchen redefines authentic Mexican dining in the heart of Palm Desert. Chef Roberto Madrid’s meticulously crafted menu is a tribute to tradition and technique, offering scratch-made dishes that highlight the rich flavors of Mexico. From their award-winning salsas to dishes like the slow-cooked mole con pollo asada enchiladas, every bite is a testament to quality and authenticity. Pair your meal with one of their signature margaritas, tangy and sweet, for the ultimate dining experience. Mole is a standout in Palm Desert’s vibrant culinary scene.

Location: Palm Desert

 

Tía Carmen

Must-Try: Lamb Barbacoa with Caviar + Yuzu & Bergamot Paloma

At the Grand Hyatt Indian Wells Resort & Villas, Tía Carmen is Chef Angelo Sosa’s homage to the Southwest, blending bold regional flavors with modern Californian flair. Named after his aunt, who inspired his culinary journey, the menu features standout dishes like ember-roasted purple yam with aged mole and lamb barbacoa topped with caviar. For breakfast lovers, the Mercado Experience includes a variety of signature dishes, including native grain fried rice, green chile pork, beef birria, tres leches French toast, made-to-order omelettes and more! With a stunning design, refined ambiance and innovative cocktail program, Tía Carmen takes foodies on a culinary adventure from the first bite to the last.

Location: Indian Wells

 

Carmocha

Must-Try: Sticky Pork Ribs + Pillow Talk Cocktail

A sibling restaurant to Tía Carmen, Carmocha is Chef Angelo Sosa’s imaginative take on global cuisine. Also located within the Grand Hyatt Indian Wells, this chic spot serves small plates inspired by culinary explorations, featuring dishes like lamb spring rolls, sticky pork ribs with tamarind and burrata salad with heirloom tomatoes. The beverage menu is equally impressive, offering cocktails like the vanilla-infused Pillow Talk and a curated selection of international wines. Whether seated at the bar or in the light-filled dining room, you’ll experience Chef Sosa’s creativity at its finest.

Location: Indian Wells

 

Felipe’s

Must-Try: Octopus Ceviche + Mango and Tajin Margarita

Felipe’s is more than just a restaurant—it’s a heartfelt celebration of Mexican cuisine and culture. Born from the shared passion of co-owners Felipe Delatorre and Felipe Sanches, this local gem was founded with a simple yet ambitious goal: to bring the authentic flavors of Mexico to Palm Springs. What began as a culinary dream has blossomed into a beloved neighborhood spot renowned for its welcoming atmosphere and flavorful dishes. 

The menu balances traditional Mexican dishes with a special emphasis on fresh seafood. Don’t skip the octopus ceviche as an appetizer, and the enchiladas de mole are also a local favorite.

Location: Palm Springs

 

Maleza

Must-Try: Whole Branzino + Coco Borracho Cocktail

If bold Mexican flavors are your current craving, look no further than Maleza, the standout dining destination at Drift Palm Springs. The menu is a celebration of authentic Mexican cuisine, offering everything from tuna tostadas and Baja mussels to standout dishes like whole branzino, all crafted with the freshest ingredients. Complement your meal with a specialty cocktail, like the Coco Borracho with Mexican rum, ube coconut syrup, lime and pineapple. Then, enjoy it either at the open-air bar or on a lounger by the pool.

Location: Palm Springs

 

Clandestino

Must-Try: Chimichangas + Seasonal Sangria

For a sophisticated and eclectic Mexican food experience, Clandestino does not disappoint. The owners, who are known restaurateurs in the area, call this Palm Springs restaurant “Tac/Quila’s moody sister.” True to its name, Clandestino is located in the heart of downtown with the grand San Jacinto Mountains in the background. The menu will take you on a trip south of the border, with gourmet tacos. There’s is the all-time favorite al pastor, as well as more elevated classics like cochinita pibil and cauliflower mole. Seafood is featured heavily on the menu—we recommend the crab enchiladas or any of the ceviches. The vibrant energy of the restaurant echoes throughout every detail—from the food and decor to the craft cocktails.

Location: Palm Springs

 

Adobe Grill

Must-Try: Al Pastor Tacos + Pepino Diablo Margarita

Part of La Quinta Resort & Club, Adobe Grill offers a delicious, flavorful escape for those craving south-of-the-border bites. The restaurant features an inviting atmosphere and three delicious options for tacos—steak, shrimp and al pastor. These are all served atop fresh, hand-pressed tortillas. For a kick, pair your pick with Adobe Grill’s Pepino Diablo margarita crafted with Milagro silver tequila, muddled cucumber, agave nectar, jalapeños, fresh-squeezed lime and lemon juice. With the bar staff’s expertise and over 100 types of tequila to choose from, you’re sure to fall head-over-heels for this Mexican restaurant near Palm Springs.

Location: La Quinta

 

TQLAS Agave Bar & Grill

Must-Try: California Burrito + Skinny ‘n Smokey Margarita

Experience the vibrant flavors of traditional Mexican culture at TQLAS Agave Bar & Grill, home to one of La Quinta’s largest selections of specialty tequilas, mezcals and signature margaritas. Whether you’re indulging in a sizzling platter of shrimp fajitas,  or savoring a French fry-loaded California Burrito, there’s no better way to enhance your meal than with a perfectly paired reposado or handcrafted margarita. The watermelon-flavored Sandia Smash is your best bet if you like something fruity. However, mezcal folks will love the Skinny ‘n Smokey.

Location: Old Town La Quinta

 

Tac/Quila

Must-Try: Fried Sole Street Tacos + Jalisco Mule

Take a step off of the bustling Palm Canyon Drive and into the welcoming and brilliantly decorated Tac/Quila. Boasting a menu of modern Mexican fare, this Palm Springs Mexican restaurant is as much of a treat for the eyes as it is for the palate. We can’t get enough of the binge-able street tacos at Tac/Quila—especially when paired with a refreshing Jalisco Mule. However, if you’re leaning more toward their selection of gourmet tacos, we’d recommend trying out the arrachera steak, fried calamari or grilled portobello mushroom tacos.

Local Insight: In the mood for an after-dinner drink? Try the Mexican Coffee Martini with reposado tequila, coffee liquor, sweet cream, housemade pilloncillo syrup and cinnamon!

Location: Palm Springs

 

El Patrón

Must-Try: Carnitas Tacos + Cadillac Margarita

One of the best fast-casual Mexican restaurants in Palm Springs, El Patrón opened its doors in 2019 and has been feeding crowds of hungry taco-and-tequila-seekers ever since. Known locally for serving up impeccable vibes and even more impeccable food, it’s easy to see why this spot has earned its place on this list of local favorites. At El Patrón, we recommend sticking with a truly classic combination: a pair of juicy carnitas tacos with a Cadillac margarita. However, if you want to try something super unique, the prickly pear cactus margarita and bacon-wrapped Tijuana street dog are totally worth the splurge.

Local Insight: El Patrón has a vegan menu full of veg-friendly delights!

Location: Palm Springs

 

Las Casuelas Nuevas

Must-Try: Grilled Mahi Mahi Tacos + Pineapple Mint Margarita

The first Spanish colonial hacienda restaurant in the country, Las Casuelas Nuevas has been making history (and delectable food) since it opened its doors in 1973. Indulge in some tableside guacamole, then dig into a grilled mahi mahi taco. Pro tip: These tacos are perfectly complemented by the crisp, tropical flavors of the pineapple mint margarita. This Mexican restaurant near Palm Springs also offers a ton of specials. These include happy hour (Sunday-Thursday from 4-6 p.m.) and a Sunday champagne brunch (2-6 p.m.). 

Local Insight: You can dive into the rich history of this Rancho Mirage restaurant here. 

Location: Rancho Mirage

 

El Mirasol Cocina Mexicana

Must-Try: Crispy Mini Chorizo Tacos + De la Casa Margarita

With one location nestled inside the beautiful Los Arboles Hotel (which is currently being remodeled) and the other at the fork where East and South Palm Canyon Drives meet, El Mirasol has been a Palm Springs staple since 1985. Make a reservation at El Mirasol Cocina Mexicana, and don’t miss out on the crispy mini chorizo tacos appetizer (two bite-size chorizo tacos with pico de gallo and jalapeño-cilantro crema) or the De la Casa Margarita—a recipe that this Mexican restaurant in Palm Springs has been serving for over 35 years.

Location: Palm Springs