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El Patron

4.0 (1.2k reviews)
ModerateTacos, Cocktail Bars
Closed • 11:00 am - 8:30 pm
Updated 2 weeks ago

Order El Patron Takeout or Delivery

El Patron Photos

Business Info

EL PATRON ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Casual
Touristy
Moderate noise
Outdoor seating

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Recommended Reviews - El Patron

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Chips and guac
Arthur T.

Was in the area for lunch! I ordered: el patron burrito $16.95 add $3.95 for steak $7 mango cart $21 burrito, a bit mushy. Not ideal. Also, not the biggest fan of sitting, then standing up to order again, then sitting back down. The misters (when we went was super hot), and the umbrellas were set up in a way to block most of it which wasn't the best.

Chicken Fajitas $19.99
Mel G.

Was shocked to learn this restaurant is self serve here in the heart of downtown Palm Springs. You order at the counter and get up to get your own ice water and anything else you need, no servers!!! A runner comes being you your food, but that's about it. Any condiments, you also need to go up for the register. Food was good, though. Nothing special.

Nijole T.

This is such a great restaurant right downtown, Palm Springs! They have an excellent happy hour, very affordable! Beautiful restaurant with plenty of indoor as well as outdoor seating. Service was friendly and fast, and the food was plated and presented beautifully. The drinks were also delicious, you simply can't go along with anything on the menu you're here. I recommended if you are looking for authentic and flavorful Mexican food.

3 KIDS TACO PLATE
Crystal B.

What a great spot! Right in the heart of downtown. Outside seating to enjoy the weather & people watch. Got here at 11:30 on a Wednesday afternoon. No crowds, no wait. Seated immediately & went inside to order. Make sure you ask about their special of the day. We got the 3 hard shell tacos , rice & beans with a drink for $13.99 & the 2 flour tacos, beans & rice for $13.99. You can tell a good Mexican restaurant by the rice & beans (imo) Everything was delicious! Staff was friendly & helpful, will definitely be back.

Frozen Margaritas with sugar rim
Jessica M.

Love love love this place! I brought my Mom here and she absolutely loved it. She could only drink 1/2 a frozen margarita... she said they were too good and strong, lol. We both got the taco Tuesday special. I did chicken and carne asada tacos, my Mom did the carne asada and pork carnitas taco special. It comes with rice, beans and homemade chips, plus either a frozen margarita or beer. Gina, one of the owners, was ABSOLUTELY AMAZING! SO patient explaining everything to my Mom. She was incredible! Customer service in Palm Springs has been amazing since we have been here. Love supporting Latino businesses, and I will always be back to El Patron!

Sonj H.

Amazing service, vibe, tacos and margaritas. Also, Gina is incredibly cool. So much love in this place.

Miriam P.

The restaurant was super close to our hotel so why not! We saw they had 4 shots for $30 so we had to visit. The Mexican candy shots were delicious. The asada tacos were flavorful. I would recommend the flan it was delicious . You order and pay at the counter so service was very fast. I got the patron salad nothing to rave about. They have handmade corn tortillas which were very tasty! We went in a Saturday and it wasn't crazy busy so that was nice. The outside patio was perfect to sit eat and people watch!

Arthur C.

Went to El Patron in Palm Springs and overall had a really good experience. We ordered the shrimp ceviche with avocado, a loaded hot dog, and a huge tray of nachos. The ceviche was very fresh, light, and flavorful, and the avocado on top made it even better. The nachos were massive and loaded with meat, cheese, sour cream, guacamole, and pico de gallo, perfect for sharing. The only thing that surprised me was the hot dog. The toppings on it were almost the same as the toppings used on the nachos, like pico de gallo, avocado, and sauces, so it looked a little weird and unexpected on a hot dog at first. But the flavors actually worked together better than I expected. The atmosphere was lively, portions were generous, and the food came out fresh. Definitely a fun place to eat with friends.

Margarita flights

I love the Drinks , very delicious . Great hospitality ! The ambiance is awesome . Also they have wonderful staff . Gina was very ni

FRIED MINI TACOS (3)  , happy hour wings, happy hour taquitos
Ryan C.

Centrally located spot right in downtown Palm Springs offering a solid happy hour and lots of patio seating for ample people watching! Staff all very friendly, and attentive; they did let us know after being seated you go up / in and order at the counter inside and they give you a number for your table. Happy hour menu consists of mini nachos and tacos, etc. offerings and a few cocktails. Some beers on tap too here. Cool fun spot to stop if walking around.

yummy
Aidan S.

delicious food especially the el pastor and bean and cheese burrito. The service was great and the room is very cozzy. defenetly will be getting the five star treatment.

Sign out front
Doug B.

We were walking around downtown and needed a little snack so we stopped by El Patron. The inside dining area is very small and was full, so we were seated out on the patio right next to the sidewalk on Palm Canyon drive. It was nice and cool under an umbrella and the overhead light water mist felt great on a hot day. This was also a great spot to people watch. We were saving room for dinner later that evening so we just ordered chips and salsa with guacamole. You have to go inside to place your order and then they bring it out to you. The chips were some of the best we have ever had and the salsa was good also. The star was the guacamole, very fresh and creamy and a very good sized portion. Before we left, I did a search for "best chips & salsa in Palm Springs" and El Patron was on two of the lists I read. We would definitely like to return for a regular meal.

Delta C.

Service was a solid 10/10 everyone was incredibly accommodating. We came in with a group of 20+ and they had a table set up for the boys before we even arrived, which was such a thoughtful touch. Ordering is done at the counter, but the process was seamless and well-organized. There's both indoor and outdoor seating, making it a great spot for group gatherings. The vibes were on point, and everyone loved their food from the taquitos to the pozole, with the tacos being a definite standout

EL PATRON SALAD and prickly pear margarita

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Solid lunch taco special. Tacos, chips and guac were great. Good service and friendly staff.

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El Patron Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - El Patron

How do I get in contact with manager for refund?

Your review indicates you ate your meal. Why should you get a refund for food you "scarfed down"? Ridiculous.

Do you take reservations?

I apologize we do not..

Can we bring dog for outside dining?

Yes, I've brought my baby and have met other pups while dining on the patio =]

Are you open today 9/29/2020?

We are not today, I apologize! Tomorrow :)

Are they open for dine-in today? I called twice and no answer.

I’m sorry Danny we are not! We will be back tomorrow :)

Hello, do you cater? If so, what is the average cost per person and food options available? Thanks…

Hi! Thank you for reaching out. We’re not quite ready yet for a catering gig.. but I will speak with chef.… 

Anyone know if they have happy hour? Food/ drinks?

They should have happy hour in the near future.

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Bootlegger Tiki - Outside patio

Bootlegger Tiki

4.1(820 reviews)
1.0 mi
•$$

Great little tiki bar. Ambience is spot on. Reservations strongly recommended, it's tiny. Three…read morebooths + five seats at the bar + one high top for two and one weird desk, which is probably there for wheelchairs. They do have an outdoor patio, which is cool at night. It's right on the street but they have cool red lights, which gives it a little something something. Nicely crafted drinks, they actually serve a lot of them in the appropriate mugs. Limited menu, but I assume you can go off menu if you want. Bartender Dave knows what he's doing. Thumbs up. Note, no food other than chips and pretzels and that sort of thing.

A Little Piece of the Tropics in Palm Springs…read more If you're looking for a fun cocktail experience in Palm Springs, Bootlegger Tiki is definitely worth checking out! This is one of those places where the atmosphere is just as much a part of the experience as the drinks. It's tucked away and has that intimate, old school tiki bar personality that makes you feel like you've stepped into a different era. The interior has a cozy, vintage Polynesian inspired aesthetic, with bamboo details, moody lighting, tropical decor, and fun tiki accents. It's not an enormous bar, which actually adds to its charm. The space feels more like a hidden little getaway than your typical neighborhood bar. It's a great setting for a date night or a night out with friends. The Drinks We ordered four different cocktails, and I appreciated the variety rather than having four versions of the same tropical drink. Mai Tai - $18 You can't visit a tiki bar without trying a Mai Tai! This is a classic tiki cocktail traditionally made with rum, fresh lime, orange curaçao, and orgeat (an almond based syrup). It's known for balancing citrus, sweetness, and the deeper flavors of rum. A staple for anyone who enjoys traditional tiki cocktails. Green Tea Bag - $19 One of the more interesting selections on the order. The name definitely caught my attention because it's not something you'd typically associate with a traditional tiki cocktail. Green tea inspired drinks can bring a more delicate, earthy, slightly herbal flavor that contrasts nicely with sweeter tropical cocktails. It's an interesting direction for a craft cocktail. Bourbon Berry Boomerang - $19 For anyone who enjoys bourbon but wants something with a fruity twist, this is an interesting choice. The combination of bourbon and berry inspired flavors offers a different direction from the usual rum heavy tiki drinks. Bourbon brings warmth and depth, while berry flavors can add sweetness and a little tartness. Dealer's Choice: Bourbon - $20 This was probably the most fun concept on the menu because you essentially let the bartender take creative control. We selected bourbon as the base spirit and left the rest to the bartender. It's a great way to experience the creativity behind the bar and try something you might not have picked yourself. I particularly like the idea of having a bartender customize a cocktail around your preferred spirit instead of simply ordering from a list. Atmosphere The atmosphere is definitely one of the highlights. Bootlegger Tiki embraces the classic tiki bar aesthetic without feeling like an overly themed tourist attraction. The dim lighting, vintage decor, tropical details, and intimate layout give it a lot of personality. I also appreciate that it feels like an actual cocktail destination rather than just another bar playing loud music and serving basic drinks. It's the kind of place where you can settle in, enjoy a couple of cocktails, and have a conversation. Service The cocktail experience is clearly a big part of what this establishment focuses on. Having a Dealer's Choice option is a nice touch because it gives the bartenders an opportunity to showcase their creativity and knowledge of different spirits. The overall experience felt like what you'd expect from a specialty cocktail bar, where the drinks and presentation are the main attraction. It's a nice change of pace from establishments that simply pour a drink and send it out. Final Verdict: 4/5 Overall, Bootlegger Tiki is a fun addition to the Palm Springs nightlife scene. I enjoyed the concept, the intimate atmosphere, and the variety of cocktails available. I especially appreciate that the menu offers more than just the traditional tropical rum drinks, giving bourbon drinkers and people who enjoy experimenting with different flavors something to explore as well. If you're visiting Palm Springs and enjoy craft cocktails, unique drink menus, and a little vintage tiki nostalgia, Bootlegger Tiki is worth adding to your list. I'd happily consider stopping by again for another round!

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Cobra bite

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Bootlegger Tiki - Dealer's Choice. 10/10.

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Bar Cecil - Our dessert, yummy

Bar Cecil

4.4(592 reviews)
1.2 mi
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Bar Cecil absolutely lived up to the hype…read more The ambiance was exactly what you'd expect - busy, lively, and filled with excited chatter with upbeat music playing in the background. It has that effortlessly cool Palm Springs energy where the room feels like part of the experience. It's definitely a scene, but in the best possible way. Obviously, I started with cocktails. I tried the Lychee Star Martini, made with Haku Vodka, Lichi-Li liqueur, jasmine green tea, and passion fruit, served with a little sidecar of rosé champagne because apparently regular champagne just wasn't fabulous enough. I also had the French 75 Regal, made with The Botanist dry gin, fresh lemon, grapefruit oil, and topped with Moët & Chandon champagne. Both were excellent. We clearly believe in easing into dinner gently... so we ordered three starters. The Beef Tartare with BC aioli seasoning, truffle aioli, cured egg yolk, potato chips, and chives was delicious. We also had the Grilled California Artichokes with Bar Cecil aioli, brown butter, and lemon, and the Deviled Eggs with pickled mustard seed. Not a bad bite on the table. For dinner, I went with the Beaton Burger -- prime beef, Gruyère, bacon-onion jam, and aioli on a brioche bun with fresh-cut fries. And because this is Bar Cecil, naturally your burger arrives in its own monogrammed box. Completely unnecessary. Completely adorable. I loved it. The food was fantastic, the cocktails were beautiful, the atmosphere was fun and energetic, and the entire experience felt quintessentially Palm Springs. Bar Cecil is one of those places that actually manages to live up to its reputation. We'll absolutely be back.

One of the best dining experiences we've had in Palm Springs!…read more Bar Cecil completely exceeded our expectations from beginning to end. Everything about the evening felt thoughtful, sophisticated, and incredibly well done -- from the food and cocktails to the service and overall atmosphere. We started with the fresh bread with date butter, which was absolutely delicious and the perfect way to begin the meal. For our main courses, we ordered the roasted chicken and the ratatouille, and both were outstanding. Everything tasted incredibly fresh, beautifully prepared, and full of flavor. And then came dessert... absolutely incredible. We tried the passion fruit pavlova, lemon tart with pistachios, and warm cookies, and honestly, it was hard to choose a favorite. Every dessert was beautifully done and a perfect ending to an amazing meal. The craft cocktails deserve a special mention as well. Every cocktail we tried was delicious and so thoughtfully created. You could tell there was a lot of creativity and care put into the flavors and combinations. Nothing felt ordinary or like an afterthought. This is one of those restaurants where every detail feels intentional, and the entire experience comes together beautifully. We absolutely loved our visit and will 100% be back the next time we're in Palm Springs. If you're visiting Palm Springs, Bar Cecil absolutely belongs on your list. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for incredible food, creative cocktails, and a truly special dining experience. We can't wait to go back!

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Bar Cecil - Bar seating

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Bar Cecil - The best cookies ever.

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Bar Cecil - Escargot

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The Evening Citizen - Mai tai and consenting adulterer

The Evening Citizen

3.9(98 reviews)
0.2 mi

I decided to check out the Evening Citizen again during a recent Palm Springs trip. I first went…read morearound Christmastime a while ago and remembered being impressed with not just the holiday decor but the bar's overall mood and vibe. You enter a darkly swanky space after walking through a nondescript door, and it feels like you are transported to a different world. I also liked how their menu was in the format of a newspaper (though during my most recent visit, they were using temporary standard menus while the newspaper versions were unavailable). During both of my visits I went around opening time, though it was moderately busier during my most recent experience; the bartender was welcoming but had to juggle various customers. My first drink had some ice despite being strained but the second cocktail was better made. Despite the minor quality issue with the first beverage, I enjoyed both drinks and look forward to revisiting!

We hadn't been back since the summer. The last time was the day before they were closing for their…read moresummer break and then it was great. This time, we brought some friends that couldn't find it when they had visited a while back. Of course they enjoyed it. Also with the rainy weather that was happening in the desert, the moody vibe and the dark lighting inside was the perfect combo. It was pretty busy when we walked in. Really wanted the bar seating but the place was pretty busy and it was occupied. They actually had a table left for four which was great. The gal working Saturday night was the sweatiest. Didn't get her name but she was a doll. Menu, they had a really nice selection of specialty cocktails. As it's a full bar, I'm sure whatever you're craving they could create. The selections of cocktails that was coming out was quite impressive. The place is very moody with the dim lighting and dark wallpaper. A nice long bar along one side with hi top tables along the side and back. The cool speakeasy feel. I believe with the construction that's going on, small bites will be offered soon. And I believe they're expanding. Chad took over after our sweet waitress and he was great as well. The service was great the whole time we were there. Drinks were good and the experience was nice. Until next time.

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The Evening Citizen - There are 2 rules for this bar. Rule #1 involves the bar lamps. Rule #2 refers to the picture on the bar.

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El Patron - tacos - Updated November 2026

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