El Pollo Dieta

I asked ChatGPT to recommend the best Mexican restaurant in the Coachella Valley--the kind of place…read moreyou'd take an elite chef visiting from Mexico to show off just how good our Mexican food can be. El Tranvía in Coachella was the top recommendation. I tried it, and damn, I see why! It's amazing. Their birria tatemada is out of this world, and the aguas frescas are to die for. Hands down, this is the best birria I've had outside of Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico. Absolutely worth the trip!

Whoa flavor explosion! The food here is so good…read more Service was a bit slow, and the food took a while to come out. We also had to figure out on our own that we needed to grab our own salsas. They have a salsa bar near the cash register. All was forgiven once the food came. The carne asada in both the tacos and burritos was so flavorful, and I loved the homemade fresh tortillas. The salsas were all tasty, though definitely all on the spicy side. What really stood out to us were the camarones zarandeados (grilled shrimps). The sauce on them was delicious! They also have a full bar, and I couldn't help but notice everyone ordering these yummy looking red margaritas with a chamoy rim! Too bad it was a little too early for me to try one. However my husband did enjoy the beer. The decor is fun and lively, with a stage right in the middle. It was nice that the owner/manager came by to check in on us.

Torta - carne asada - super well seasoned meat and the bread was flakey yet soft

Torta de Carne Asada

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Outside

Taqueria & Birrieria Guadalajara

4.3(82 reviews)

0.7 mi

Great food and great service very friendly people I will come back soon we order de birria and the…read morebarbacoa they were very delicious

Great service, would definitely recommend to come here. The lady was very nice and even gave me…read morechips on the side with my order.

Inside of where you can get some fire tacos

Half of the Al Pastor Torta. Very good!

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Front of restaurant.

Olgas Tacos

4.6(20 reviews)

0.2 mi

Was in the search for some tacos, and decided to try this place out. It used to be various other…read morerestaurants but Olga's is delicious! She's very nice and the other staff is also very friendly. We were the only ones in the restaurant, but they were people in drive-through. I had the green chicken enchiladas, and my husband had 3 crispy beef tacos, very flavorful. The salsas are on point! Spicy and very flavorful. Definitely would be better if they offered alcohol, but we were there for food lol I will be back. This place is very good!

Beautiful as always, amazing service and delicious food...the food came out very quick as well! I…read moreloved this place in cathedral city and the one in Coachella is amazing as well!

Huarache

Quesabirrias

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Carne Asada Fries

Jalisco Restaurant

3.8(212 reviews)

0.6 mi

Fun little place in old town Coachella. Wonderful older area with great architecture and small…read moreshops. Appears to be a popular locals place as there were several workers sitting down for lunch. Certainly not a picture perfect place but that was just fine. The pass thru window had charming signage above the window with all the meats and combinations explained in English and Spanish. Very helpful for us gringos. And wow! They have a very good assortment of meats. Hard working waitresses kept busy ! Cold modelo started the meal perfectly. Chili relleno plate and birria burrito soon followed. Rice was nice and fresh. Beans very puréed and not quite as good as I would expect. Entrees were so-so. With plenty of Mexican restaurants around we will keep trying them out! But I suspect this place will be just fine.

The Real Deal: Like Sunday at Tio's…read more If you're looking for a "fusion" taco with micro-greens and a side of existential dread, keep driving. But if you want a meal that feels like a warm hug from a relative who's slightly disappointed you haven't visited more often, welcome to Jalisco Restaurant in Coachella. The Atmosphere: Family Values & Smoke Walking into Jalisco isn't like entering a business; it's like walking into Tio JP's backyard. That nostalgic aroma of hard work and seasoned grills immediately greets you. It's a throwback to being a kid, watching your tios hover over the fire, treating every flip of the meat like a sacred ritual. There's no "new-age hype" here--just the perfected craft of a family that knows exactly what they're doing. The Heavy Hitters: Tripas & Cabeza Whether you're a "seasoned veteran" of Mexican street food or a nervous newbie, you have to commit to the Tripas and Cabeza. The Texture: The Tripas are cleaned and cooked to that elusive, crispy-yet-tender perfection. The Vessel: Whether you tuck them into a taco or go big with a burrito, it's a masterclass in traditional cooking. The GOAT (Literally): The Birria Let's get one thing straight: most places are out here serving "beef seasoned with birria spices" and calling it a day. Don't be fooled. This is the real deal. We're talking authentic goat meat, slow-cooked using the De La Torre family recipe straight from Jalisco. It's rich, it's tender, and it carries the weight of generations. It's the kind of flavor you can't replicate with a "modern twist." The Refreshment: Homemade Chavelas You're going to need something to wash down that Menudo or those wet burritos. Their homemade Chavela recipe is the MVP here. For the Modelo Negro fans: It adds a dark, savory depth. For the Michelob Ultra drinkers: It gives that crisp finish a spicy, citrus kick. The Verdict Jalisco Restaurant is one of the valley's originals for a reason. It's honest food for people who respect the process. In a world of trendy "reimagined" Mexican food, Jalisco reminds us that the original recipes never needed fixing in the first place. Go for the food, stay because you feel like family.

Tacos de birria, consomé

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La Noria

4.1(188 reviews)

0.2 mi

The food is very delicious. The people were nice and friendly. my best friend had referred me to…read morethis restaurant months ago and I finally had a chance to stop by and the restaurant did not disappoint.

Our party of 9 was warmly greeted and promptly seated upon arrival. Our waitress introduced…read moreherself right away and took down our orders. They brought us two tiny baskets of chips with no more than maybe 12 chips per basket. Within minutes they were devoured so we asked for more. Who knew that the baskets could get even smaller?! All but one of us received our drinks. One of my friends didn't get the beer he ordered. Then when our food came out, it was definitely not what we were expecting. Some of us didn't have meat in our taquitoes. Others had rolled up flautas without the meat. It was a very odd and disappointing experience. Unfortunately no one in our group had anything positive to say and all were quite disappointed in the food. Don't think we will ever go back.

Dining area a bit small but cozy

Cafecito con pionsillo

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Inside

Birrieria Sinaloa

4.3(45 reviews)

1.5 mi

Hands down the best Birrieria in the valley, can't go wrong with any item. Don't sleep on the…read morecabeza tacos!

They get stars due to the food being decent. They got my order wrong and then charged me twice. I…read moreordered the child's meal was supposed to come with 2 tacos, a small quesadilla, chicken nuggets, and fries. Instead, I got 2 tacos and a small helping beans and rice. To top it off, I was charged twice for my whole order. Very disappointed. I won't be returning.

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Food truck

La Cazuela

3.9(54 reviews)

1.5 mi

My friend and went here for lunch here yesterday. We arrived around 1 pm…read more The food was good, but the waitress only came back once to check on us. It wasn't busy. We each ordered the 3 rolled taquitos w/guacamole. We each had a regular margarita. The Bill was $76 without the tip. That's almost $40 each. We didn't get rice and beans with meal. I'm not paying that much for lunch in a place like this.

Delicious Mexican food! One of the TOP PLACES in the valley! Definitely has cold air and very…read moreclean!!! I like the tacos but I seafood is out of this world!!! Great service too!! Don't forget the chelada style beer!!

Mineral water prepared.

Menudo

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Nachos with no meat & guac on the side

Casa Mendoza

4.0(947 reviews)

6.9 mi

Went to dinner at 4 PM.......with a two year old........didn't feel very welcome, as we are not one…read moreof their their 'frequent' diners.........Seating was in a tight space with a high chair, considering we were the first diners there. Service was adequate, but had to ask for more water, chips, etc ! Meals were good, but chimichanga not deep fried.....more like a burrito ! Rather disappointing experience this time with our kids...... have been there before with a much better experience ! Will give it another try.........

SHORT ANSWER: Just an update, but Casa Mendoza seems to be just getting better. Some new staff but…read morefood quality and people here are very welcoming. LOCATION: In Old Town La Quinta, OTLQ easy to find, tons of parking but at times it gets busy so you may have to walk a bit. FACILITY: very traditional inside and out, clean, and lots of space between tables. MENU: rather massive, we usually order the same things so all the other options makes my head hurt so we just go with what we know. FOOD PREP: excellent, always looks the same which is a good things. FOOD QUALITY: some of the best in the valley. LIBATIONS: lots of choices and not too expensive, wish they had a locals city of LQ discount like some of the other options in OTLQ.. WAITSTAFF: very nice, everyone. OVERALL VALUE: if you order the right things, it is a great value but you can go nuts and spend a lot, tourist dollars spend well, upselling happens for those who want it and deserve it! TIP: Sitting outside is great most all year, we don't go out when it is crazy hot, but have dined outside in 100+ temps, we prefer the front outdoor space.

Bar Area

Friday lunch, outside, single comb $12.99

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100 outside misters outside.. cheers

Taco Shop 760 Restaurant

4.5(153 reviews)

2.3 mi

Birria Tacos - Muy Beuno!!! Was dropping off a donation at Martha's Village and wanted to try this…read morespot since it was in the area. I am so glad I did! Staff were cool and helped me making a choice, since there are so many options. I hadn't been there before, so trusted their opinion. Andrea suggested the Birria taco plate which came with rice and beans and 3 tacos. I added a Horchata drink too and it was delicious! They only have one size drink and it is 32oz. Came in a cool cup, that I think you can take back to get a discounted refill.... But need to verify that. They have another location in Coachella and I plan on hitting that spot up too, as this one had no seating inside, it is in a local market, kinda of liquor store. I am grateful to be a new customer of theirs, yummo!!

I just have one question... How do you make this food SOOOOO…read moreGOOD? We pick up and take out from you regularly over the past years, and you guys are great!

Damn good tacos.

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Taco Shop 760

Sayulita Tap Room

4.3(143 reviews)

4.3 mi

Best fish tacos ever! Everybody's very nice. You just go order it bar and sit down. I love the…read morebeautiful plates they give you the food on just a really nice atmosphere within the grocery store.

Over priced for a not so good margarita. Beans especially lack flavor. Service is friendly and…read moreatmosphere is good.

Exterior of Sayulita Tap Room with modern design and inviting outdoor seating.

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Exterior of Sayulita Tap Room with modern design and inviting outdoor seating.

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6 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

Anthony K.

17 years ago

The best grilled chicken this world has ever seen or tasted. El Pollo Loco can take their cheep KFC style chicken and sell it to tasteless "gringos" ok so I am a gringo but I have seen the light and it comes from a smoking beacon that calls from the top of El Pollo Dieta "The Diet Chicken" as they grill whole chickens to golden savory goodness. On Sundays they do 2 for one chickens! Nothing fulfills a holy day like two for one grilled chicken! Yeah the neighborhood rings of Mexicali but that only enhances the flavor, if you want authentic some times you hafto step out side your front door. Lets be honest this chicken is so good they could open a stand out in the middle of the desert and their would still be patrons knocking at their door or dune. And I mean come on it is diet food the hell with that Atkins guy just get a little "dieta" Thank you Coachella for harboring this "pollo" heaven read more

Mario C.

8 years ago

If you come here, make sure you ask for Recently grilled chicken. sad to say, the last 3 times have been old and very dry chicken !

Jay R.

2 years ago

Pollo is best in valley...go to each and every year. It won't disappoint!!!! ........................................

Frank C.

11 months ago

good chicken and good drinks really like this place super clean I would like to go again

Steve G.

12 years ago

I love this place, I remember as a kid we use to order a chicken every saturday!.

Cruz Belinda C.

13 years ago

Best chicken in the valley.

El Pollo Dieta - mexican - Updated September 2026

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Juan Pollo

4.2

(13 reviews)

Just had DoorDash service from Juan Pollo. I ordered the Chicken and Rice bowl. The picture shows…read moreall white meat. Not the case, half of it was dark meat. It went into the garbage. Add a check box or additional fee for all white meat if it is a cost issue for you. We also ordered a full chicken. Oddly it had 4 drumsticks. Yep, think about that. It also went in the garbage. Not what we expected. The nachos were good.

Good tasty chicken Very moist & good price…read more I really enjoyed Much better Than other chicken places

Plaza Garibaldi

3.6

(76 reviews)

You want great food? This is where you get great food! First…read moreof all, the drinks are huge! Look at my picture comparing the regular size cup to the large. Agua de piña was so refreshing and sweet. The chilaquiles were saucy and delicious. The sopes were so good! You can tell that the carne they use is high quality. I know where to go when I need soup because the Caldo de Rez was my favorite! The caldo was tasty, the meat was tender, and the vegetables were so hearty; yet refreshing. 10/10, I'm coming back for my Caldo again!

Used to love this place, but it's gone downhill…read more The bill is higher than the prices on the menu and the food was flavorless and boring. Staff is nice though

Taqueria Allende

4.0

(22 reviews)

Good for weekend bowl of menudo. Plenty of meat and homily, though it could have used a bit more…read moreflavor. The broth was a wee bland. Corn tortillas held up OK but they were not freshly made which is not an issue, but would add a more authentic feel. The coffee was good a little bit strong for me, but my mom seemed to like it . The employee was very sweet and friendly . She acknowledged us and took our order. It was quick friendly, and the restaurant was clean and orderly. For two bowls of Menudo and two coffees we paid $38. I think this is a bit pricey for what we've got but considering the time we live in and the cost of goods I think they're only charging that much to pay the bill bills. So if you want to help out a community owned restaurant, this is where you go for a nice hot bowl of Menudo.

Amazing food quality I am always impressed with authentic flavor and customer service the ambiance…read moreis very lay back and comfortable you can choose your own table and the ac is always very fresh I highly recommend their tacos and the bean with rice it never disappoints

Taqueria El Compa Habibi

4.2

(11 reviews)

Do not be misled by the name of this Mexican restaurant because all you need to know is that…read morethere's no better value for the quality of food that you will get while dining at Taqueria El Compa Habibi. I have to say that the ambience needs some improvement, but I have a feeling that it will be improved over time. The service, the presentation, and taste of the food, and the incredible pricing will make you overlook the stark walls that need decoration. Tell me one place in the Coachella Valley where you can get $.89 tacos that look like my pictures and $.50 guacamole? You can't even get guac at a fast food restaurant for under $3.00!

I've been dining here for about four days, and today's bill came to $40. I covered it and tipped as…read moreusual. I wasn't aware that I owed $20 from a previous visit. While I was on the phone, the owner stood in front of me and insisted on watching me pay the $20, offering no space to breathe. I asked for a moment to finish my call, but he remained there. When I hung up, I paid and apologized, though I've been a regular guest for nearly a week. The interaction felt intrusive and unnecessary, turning a routine transaction into a stressful moment. What concerns me most is the impact on the customer experience. Exceptional service isn't just about food--it's about making customers feel respected and in control of their own pace. A discreet and courteous approach would have preserved trust, especially with loyal patrons. The staff have been great, which makes this outcome even more disappointing. A simple reminder or private moment to settle the bill would have made a world of difference.

CarnitasBoy

5.0

(6 reviews)

I never write yelp reviews, but this place deserves all the praise. I came here a year ago when I…read morewas in town for Coachella and at the time it was a random burrito spot at the back of a liquor store. The burrito was so good and so big and so affordable that I haven't stopped thinking about it since. I knew I needed to come back this year for Coachella and I was thrilled to see that they opened their own place with a dining area just down the road. They are also so so nice and welcoming! This place is now a must go for me whenever I'm in the desert and I couldn't recommend it more.

Great quality Carnitas. Fantastic service. Located in a liquor store, kinda weird, very much worth…read moretrying.

El Mexicali Cafe

4.2

(429 reviews)

Nick, what a guy!! Great server, I give him 5 stars! He Brought us complimentary appetizer,…read moreshrimp stuffed pepper, and we added lemon, mayo and soy sauce. It was freakishly delicious. You got to try it. I had the chili verde, it was very good, but not the best I've had. The meat wasn't melt in your mouth tender, but still very tasty. I would get it again. We also got the combo plate with enchilada, taco and chili relleno. Absolutely fantastic. It hard to find a good chilli relleno. We will absolutely come back to this place when we're in town.

This was my third visit in a very long time. The place looks great. I love the outdoor patio. I…read moreenjoyed lunch on a recent Sunday. There was a singer on the patio entertaining the patrons with classic latin music. Now for the food..still amazing! The Chiles Gueritos is their succulent signature item. Shrimp stuffed in a large Chile pepper, with mayonnaise, and soy sauce. Truly unique and excellent. I also ordered two fish tacos al la carte. YUM. For drink, I enjoyed a Pacifico beer. In my opinion, this eatery is an Indio institution. The best Mexican restaurant in the east valley. Our server was friendly and prompt. Our lunch was stupendous. I cannot wait to return.

Santiago's Mexican Food

4.0

(21 reviews)

For people that are from out of town this is a prefect spot if you wanna try real affordable SoCal…read moreMexican food! We ordered a chicken Cali burrito and a carne asada Cali burrito, a chicken quesadilla, agua de Jamaica and an horchata and it was soooooo delicious! This will be my new go to as a local! No complaints for the prices and the fact that they're open 24!

They fries were delicious, they seemed freshly made. We asked for them well done so we had a mix of…read morecrispy and soft fries. The meat could've used a little more seasoning but it still tasted good. Threw us off a little bit that it was a joined restaurant and convenience store but it was helpful when we wanted a fun drink. I would recommend this for the carne asada fries since we ordered 3 and that's all we tried.

Cocina Xalisco

3.8

(12 reviews)

Unfortunately they are Closed for the Summer and YELP hasn't updated this business as so so it says…read more"open" but don't waste your time

Chips tasted weird.. Had one , and half of another to confirm it wasn't just one. Ordered the…read moreChilaquiles. Had diarrhea later that day and the following day. Service was good(only one other table) . Ambiance was good, nice looking decor and classic Mexican music. I'm not the type to complain.. just won't be going back.

El Revolucionario

3.7

(98 reviews)

Great prices,delicious food,family oriented,clean place and customer service very friendly…read moredefinitely will be back

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