Social media users love to point out what our area doesn't have enough of, from Chinese restaurants to shawarma spots. But there is one type of restaurant absolutely nobody can say we're short on, and that's taco shops.
In true SoCal style, the Coachella Valley is a top destination for Mexican food, but there's something particularly memorable about our tacos. From Baja-style fish tacos to Mexico City-style tacos de lengua, there's something for every palate, and you could try a new place daily for a month and only make a dent in the offerings.
The Desert Sun took on the difficult task of choosing our top five favorite taco shops in the desert, so read on to see who made the list (and how to contact us to tell us what spots we missed).
tried 8 tacos at Coachella's taco fest. These were our hot takes
One Stop Taco Shop
Details: A counter inside the gas station at 84-051 Indio Blvd., Indio
I first tried this place at the Annual Tacos, Tequila, & Chavelas Festival, and I've been thinking about their asada taco ever since. Owner Arnulfo Valencia said his shop is particularly revered for its homemade flour tortillas, and even this avowed corn tortilla lover has to admit these babies were good, as were the tiny diced pieces of asada and the flavorful salsa that topped them. Heck, even the cabbage that also topped the tacos was flavorful, and pairing it with one of their agua frescas only made it better. One Stop Taco Shop once again defended their first place title in Coachella's 2026 best taco competition, and I can see why. If you visit them in Indio, look for the taco shop that's part gas station and expect a warm welcome from Valencia, one of the friendliest restaurateurs in the valley.
— Paul Albani-Burgio
Don Tacorriendo
Details: 13-900 Palm Drive, Desert Hot Springs
This Desert Hot Springs eatery may not look flashy from the outside given that a gas station is adjacent, but the food inside will make you happy you took a chance on this place. The deliciousness starts with the homemade corn tortillas, which fill the whole place with a marvelous smell. You can't really go wrong with any of the classic taco options, such as al pastor or shrimp, and they're topped with cilantro and onions so that you get the most authentic bite. This is one of those hidden gem places that makes this valley so culinarily rich.
— Ema Sasic
Olga's Tacos
Details: 67-850 Vista Chino, Suite 105, Cathedral City; 760-832-8488; olgasrestaurant.com
Olga's new-ish (and currently only) location tucked into a quiet corner of a Cathedral City strip mall immediately sets a good tone by greeting visitors with vibrant murals of Hispanic cultural icons, and if you eat inside, you can enjoy the Spanish-language music videos playing on a loop on the wall-mounted TV (the staff are big Peso Pluma fans). I'm a boring gringa who often sticks to their savory chicken — or occasionally chorizo — tacos, but nothing tastes remotely boring here. My husband loves their juicy al pastor and carnitas tacos, and more adventurous eaters are excited by the tripas (beef small intestines) and lengua (beef tongue) tacos. Don't forget to top them off with some perfectly tangy salsa verde and wash it all down with a housemade strawberry agua fresca (made with real strawberries).
— Niki Kottmann
Baja Springs Market and Taqueria
Details: 1800 N. Sunrise Way, Palm Springs; 760-322-9988, instagram.com/bajasprings/
Baja Springs Market will always have a special place in my heart because 1) it's affordable and 2) it's the first hole-in-the-wall taco shop I ever tried upon moving to Southern California. Located inside an unassuming Mexican meat market and convenience store, this shop used to be takeout only, but it's grown in popularity in the five years I've lived here and now has a humble dine-in section right in front of the meat display (you can usually catch a soccer match playing on the adjacent TV while you eat). I first came in when I learned of their 99 cent Taco Tuesday deal (which has since expanded to a $.99 chicken and $1.39 asada, al pastor and chorizo taco special daily from 5 p.m. to close), but now I go back any day of the week for three words: amazing fish tacos. The crispy battered fish melts in your mouth, and their Baja-style crema sauce is the perfect topping.
— Niki Kottmann
Rincon Norteño Mexican Restaurant
Details: 83-011 Indio Blvd., Indio; rinconnorteno.com
If you're all about sitting down at a restaurant that feels more homey than anything else, Rincon Norteño Mexican Restaurant is the spot for you. The Flores family has been serving up authentic Mexican food at this Indio resident for more than 50 years, and each visit makes you want to come back and have even more delicious items on the menu. I've indulged in the enchiladas and burritos before, and they were the bomb, but this list is all about tacos and I'm happy to report this spot has those on lock too. The carne asada and chicken tacos are favorites of mine for how juicy and flavorful they are (you can get as many as you like but I usually get two or three). People also love the shredded beef option, which I'm eager to try. Plus, the beans and rice that come along with the dish are the best.
— Ema Sasic
Editor's note: Readers, we know we missed some spots. Amazing taco shops are aplenty in our valley, and we want to hear what shops you think deserve to be on our next roundup of best tacos in the desert. Send us an email at NKottmann@gannett.com and we'll add your favorite to our reader's pick list.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: 5 taco shops to try across the Coachella Valley right now
