Ultimate Taco Tuesday Guide: Best Spots in Greater Palm Springs
On the topic of tacos, the late, great food critic Jonathan Gold once said: “My theory is that taco eating is… it’s almost a verb. Taco should be a verb. The tortilla’s hot. The meat’s hot. They combine. The sauce is sloshed on it. And then you’re almost eating it in one continuous motion, from the way it comes from the grill, to the guy, to the counter. I know it’s overly romantic.”
Romantic, perhaps, but tacos captivate their fans. In Greater Palm Springs, taco enthusiasts are spoiled for choice with exceptional dining options. We've curated our top favorites based on local expertise and rave reviews.
La Bonita’s is a standout newcomer. Opened about four years ago in downtown Palm Springs, this cozy spot has become a go-to for authentic Mexican fare. Their traditional soft tacos shine, especially the carne asada. For a twist, try the “Double Shell Bonita Tacos”—a soft corn tortilla with melted cheese wrapping a hard shell filled with carne asada or chicken, salsa, lettuce, pico de gallo, and sour cream. Watching carbs? Request the off-menu “Cheese Shell Taco,” made from crispy fried cheese or a “hot cheese shell” with crushed Flamin' Hot Cheetos.
Savor tacos outdoors on the lovely patio at Las Casuelas Nuevas, a family-owned Rancho Mirage staple since 1973. Both hard and soft shell tacos impress. Start with flautas: rolled crispy flour tortillas stuffed with cheese and shredded beef or chicken, topped with cotija cheese, crema fresca, pico de gallo, and served with creamy chipotle sauce.
At Fresh Agave in Palm Desert, the “Taco Fiesta for Two” delivers carne asada, pollo asado, carnitas, chorizo, guacamole, pico de gallo, sour cream, jalapeños, and cheese with corn or flour tortillas.
Craving variety? Tonga Hut in downtown Palm Springs offers Polynesian flair with Tiki Taco Tuesdays: three tiki-themed tacos and a Mai Tai for $12 from 5-10 p.m.
The Grill on Main in Old Town La Quinta features $3.50 tacos from 3-6 p.m. Tuesdays, plus cocktail, wine, and beer specials. Options include shaved ribeye, fried shrimp, grilled fish, and beer-battered fish.
Tacos Gonzalez, an Indio hidden gem, serves street tacos at $1.89 for al pastor, carne asada, pollo asada, and chorizo; $2.29 for carnitas.
Other must-visits: El Mirasol (north and south Palm Springs), Las Casuelas Terraza and Las Casuelas Original in downtown Palm Springs, Maracas Mexican Cantina & Grill (Palm Springs and Rancho Mirage), Casuelas Cafe in Palm Desert, and Rio Azul in Palm Springs.
Thursday is the New Tuesday
El Jefe at the Saguaro Palm Springs and Taqueria Guerrero in Indio extend specials to Thursdays alongside Tuesdays. Taqueria Guerrero offers all-day $1.25 tacos. El Jefe serves $4 tacos from 6-9 p.m., like Baja fish, pork carnitas, pollo verde, carne asada, and sweet potato. Enjoy $6 happy hour drinks (try Cucumber Fizz or Spicy Mexican Mule) Monday-Friday 2-6 p.m., plus sides like mini nachos or chicharrones with chamoy.
Hold the Meat
Vegans and vegetarians, rejoice! Native Foods in Palm Springs offers all-vegan Baja Tacos with blackened tempeh, creamy chipotle sauce, salsa fresca, and shredded cabbage.
El Jefe's heirloom roasted carrot tacos feature house-made requeson cheese, cotija, arbol sauce, and toasted sesame seeds. El Mirasol has spinach soft tacos; Fresh Agave's veggie tacos include sautéed carrots, zucchini, mushrooms, jicama, broccoli, spinach, lettuce, cheese, and avocado. In Joshua Tree, Crossroads Cafe serves the “Hot as Hell Taco” with seitan, onion, peppers, chipotle sauce, cabbage salad, salsa, and avocado.
Out at Sea
For fish taco perfection, Shanghai Reds in Palm Springs delivers Baja Fish Tacos—beer-battered Alaskan cod with shredded cabbage, pico de gallo, and signature white sauce—once called “truly exceptional” by Anthony Bourdain. Also try grilled or fried shrimp and seared ahi tacos.
Chúa Artisan Eatery in La Quinta tops lunch fish tacos with pineapple salsa, garlic crema, jalapeño jam, and pickled cabbage.
The Taco Journey Continues
The local taco scene keeps evolving. Add La Noria in Coachella to your list—reports say it's outstanding. Missed your favorite? Share on Instagram!
