Palm Springs, like most of Southern California, is crawling with Mexican restaurants, which is wonderful, because who doesn’t like Mexican food at least once in a while? We go through phases where we could eat it every day—and sometimes do—for four or five days in a row! But even in a city with lots of great places serving cuisine from south of the border, we keep going back to El Mirasol Cocina Mexicana. (That’s plain old “El Mirasol” to those in the know.)

 

Opened in 1985 in the space now occupied by its bar and kitchen, Felipe Castaneda’s restaurant has expanded into the adjoining commercial spaces twice and now seats 80 inside and a few dozen more on the misted street-side patio. Most evenings, the place is packed. And although El Mirasol doesn’t take reservations, patrons are usually seated with a minimum wait. Hmm...what to do if you have to wait? Well, there’s always a margarita or cerveza with your name on it here. And those margaritas are mighty good!

 

 

So is the food. When asked why El Mirasol is so popular with the LGBT community in the Coachella Valley, Felipe—who estimates that about 70% of his business is gay—tells us with a twinkle in his eye, “I think gays and lesbians are more discriminating about what they put in their mouths.” (For the record, Castaneda is a charming and sweet straight ally whose family members help run his establishment.) 

 

What would a Mexican restaurant be without a starter of chips and salsa? You’ll find fresh, crisp, non-greasy chips here, with tasty homemade salsa. (A spicy version is also available.) This will stave off your hunger for a bit as you peruse the reasonably priced menu, which contains both combination plates and some really amazing especialities de la casa.

 

We love the usual fare of taquitos, burritos, tacos, chile rellenos, tamales, and enchiladas, all of which are well-prepared and delicious at El Mirasol.  However, we usually head right for the house specials. The Chicken with Mole Poblano is bursting with the flavor of the classic combination of chiles, cocoa, and pumpkin seeds. (If you’ve never tried it, it’s a must!) Chicharrón en Salsa (crispy bites of pork rind in a wonderful tomatillo and green chile sauce) is so good that it’s been ordered just about every time we have ever eaten here. Beef Chile Rojo and Pork Chile Verde are also extremely popular. Carne Asada (thinly sliced, Mexican-style marinated steak) and Carnitas (slow-cooked pork that is then browned) will bring meat-lovers to nirvana. Also not to be missed, Felipe’s favorite Crab Enchiladas, and anything on the menu with pipián, a deep-flavored sauce made from ground pumpkin seeds and chile. Many of the house specials can be ordered as a combo, so you can try more than one.

 

 

El Mirasol does not forget the vegetarians and fish-lovers among us, and, on offer, is a generous selection for both. Standouts are the Spinach Enchilada, so good even carnivores will enjoy it, and a variety of fresh fish that can be prepared any number of ways. If you need a little sweetness at the end of your meal, check out the tasty, traditional Flan de Café or the Carrot Cake.

 

Most regulars don’t go to El Mirasol for the décor—it’s pretty basic—but for the festive atmosphere, the lip-smacking libations, and the superb food. Go by yourself. Take a date. Bring a party. Start one there. But whatever you do, enjoy everything you put in your mouth.

 

El Mirasol Cocina Mexicana

140 East Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92264

760-323-0721

Open Daily 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.