Food & drink
PalmSpots keeps this list short on purpose — rooms we would send a friend to, with the patio and happy-hour details that matter in the desert.
Italian · Indio · $$
A long-standing family Italian and pizzeria on Highway 111. Ciro's Ristorante & Pizzeria is an Italian spot in Indio. Prices sit in the mid range. Served here: lunch, dinner. Kids are comfortable here. Best for family dinner, takeout.
Mexican · Pueblo Viejo · $
Straightforward Mexican cooking in downtown Coachella's Pueblo Viejo district. El Campanario is a Mexican spot in Pueblo Viejo, Coachella. Prices sit in the budget range — easy for a quick, cheap meal. Served here: breakfast, lunch, dinner. There is a patio. Kids are comfortable here. Best for cheap, authentic mexican.
Mexican · Indio · $$
Indio institution since 1981, famous for chiles gueritos - shrimp-stuffed yellow chiles - and full breakfasts. A must-stop before or after festival weekends.
Mexican · Indio · $$
The second location of Indio's beloved El Mexicali Cafe, named one of the best Mexican restaurants in the United States by USA TODAY in February 2026. The menu centers on the family's famous chiles güeritos — yellow chiles stuffed with shrimp — alongside ceviches, seafood plates and Mexican classics. Happy hour runs Monday–Friday 3–6pm.
Mexican · Indio · $
Family-owned and operated by Maria and Ruben Garcia Sr. since 1987, El Tapatio grew from a small taqueria into a full-service Indio restaurant. Everything is freshly prepared to order — the kitchen asks for a little patience, and the traditional plates are worth it.
American · Indio · $$$
An enormous ranch-styled restaurant with waterfalls, patios and a mesquite grill. Jackalope Ranch is an American spot in Indio. Prices sit in the upper-mid range. Served here: brunch, lunch, dinner. There is a patio. Kids are comfortable here. Best for groups, festival weekends.
American · Indio · $$
Date shakes, date-crusted salmon and a garden patio inside the historic date farm. Shields Date Garden Cafe is an American spot in Indio. Prices sit in the mid range. Served here: breakfast, brunch, lunch. There is a patio. Kids are comfortable here. Best for date shakes, lunch stop.
Mexican · Indio · $
No-frills taqueria with al pastor off the trompo and long weekend lines. Tacos Gonzalez is a Mexican spot in Indio. Prices sit in the budget range — easy for a quick, cheap meal. Worth knowing: tacos, cash-friendly. Served here: breakfast, lunch, dinner, late-night food. Hours: Daily 9am-10pm. There is a patio. Kids are comfortable here. Dogs are welcome on the patio. Best for quick, cheap and very good.
