A Must Visit Mexican Restaurant in Palm Springs!…read more
If you're visiting Palm Springs and looking for great Mexican food, creative cocktails, and a beautiful atmosphere, Tac/Quila is definitely worth a visit!
We came in as a group of three and ordered a little bit of everything, from seafood and tacos to appetizers and cocktails. I love when a restaurant offers more than the typical Mexican food menu, and Tac/Quila does a great job of putting its own spin on familiar dishes while still incorporating traditional Mexican flavors.
Drinks
Jalisco Mule - $17
A Mexican twist on the classic Moscow Mule. Made with Serrano infused tequila, watermelon juice, lime, simple syrup, ginger beer, and mint. It brings together refreshing watermelon and citrus with a little kick from the serrano pepper. The ginger beer adds that familiar mule finish. A fun, refreshing cocktail that feels especially fitting for Palm Springs.
Tepache Colado - $17
A tropical inspired cocktail made with tequila, lime, agave, coconut liqueur, and coconut purée. This one sounds like a vacation in a glass! The coconut gives it a creamy tropical character, while the lime balances the sweetness. A great option if you enjoy cocktails with a more tropical flavor profile.
Food
Shrimp Tacos - $23
Grilled shrimp tacos featuring a chipotle marinade, cabbage, pico de gallo, chipotle mayo, and avocado, served in house made corn tortillas. The shrimp and chipotle combination gives these tacos a savory, slightly smoky flavor, while the cabbage and avocado provide a nice contrast in texture. A great choice if seafood is your thing.
Seared Ahi Tuna Taco - $21
One of the more interesting items we ordered. This gourmet taco features seared ahi tuna with mango salsa, cabbage, radish, cilantro, and avocado. It's accompanied by sweet chile sauce and pickled ginger, all served in a house made flour tortilla. I like the combination of fresh seafood with sweet, tangy, and slightly savory flavors. It's a nice departure from your traditional carne asada or chicken taco.
Shrimp Ceviche - $24
A refreshing seafood appetizer made with shrimp, cilantro, tomato, cucumber, serrano pepper, avocado, and lime, served with corn shells. Ceviche is all about balancing fresh seafood with citrus and bright ingredients, and this combination brings plenty of freshness and texture. It's a particularly nice dish to enjoy in the Palm Springs weather.
Chicken Nachos - $23
A classic appetizer with a little bit of everything! The nachos come with refried beans, cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, ranchero sauce, pico de gallo, avocado, jalapeños, and Mexican crema. The combination of melted cheese, seasoned chicken, creamy toppings, and crunchy tortilla chips makes this a great sharing dish. Definitely something to consider ordering for the table.
Beer Tempura Avocado Bites - $16
One of the more unique appetizers on the menu. These are avocado bites coated in beer tempura and served with pickled tequila onions and spicy aioli. I love seeing avocado incorporated into something other than guacamole. The tempura preparation gives it a crispy exterior while keeping the avocado creamy inside, with the pickled onions and spicy aioli adding a little acidity and kick.
Atmosphere
The atmosphere is one of the things that makes Tac/Quila stand out. The restaurant has a beautiful hacienda inspired aesthetic with a stylish, warm, and inviting feel. It manages to balance an upscale dining experience with a lively Mexican restaurant atmosphere.
There is a lot of personality in the space, and it feels like somewhere you can comfortably enjoy a casual dinner, celebrate a special occasion, or spend an evening out with friends. The overall setting fits Palm Springs perfectly.
Service
Good food is important, but service can really make or break a dining experience. The overall experience was enjoyable, and the hospitality complemented the restaurant's atmosphere. I appreciate when a restaurant makes the dining experience feel welcoming rather than simply getting guests in and out.
Final Verdict: 5/5 Stars
Tac/Quila absolutely deserves five stars from me. Between the creative cocktail selection, variety of food, seafood options, and beautiful atmosphere, it makes for a great dining experience in Palm Springs.
What I particularly appreciate is the variety on the menu. You can enjoy traditional Mexican inspired dishes while also finding more creative options like seared ahi tuna tacos and beer battered avocado bites. There's something for different tastes, which makes it a great place to visit with a group.
If you're exploring downtown Palm Springs, I'd definitely recommend adding Tac/Quila to your restaurant list. Whether you're stopping in for cocktails, sharing appetizers, or sitting down for a full dinner, it's a place I'd happily return to!