LOW DESERT / MODERN MEXICAN

After a few days visiting Palm Springs, I was in search for a locals dinner spot in a neighborhood away from the downtown area. I’m so glad I found Low Desert / Modern Mexican! The restaurant was cute and simple. We were greeted and seated quickly - they were busy the entire time we were there, and seemed short staffed. Even so, the service was decent. I had a shrimp and carnitas street taco and my husband had the fish low desert taco. We shared a side of rice and beans and the corn and Brussels sprouts starter. The food was delicious! My two tacos were yummy - I especially loved the shrimp taco. The corn starter dish was soooo good. My husband was highly skeptical about ordering it, but he also loved it. The rice and beans were a highlight of the meal. My husband liked his taco, but was disappointed in the size of the taco, given it was 3 times the price of a street taco, and not much bigger. It did have a lot of yummy ingredients. I recommend getting 3 of the delicious street tacos for the price of one low desert taco. Otherwise the prices were very reasonable and I enthusiastically recommend Low Desert / Modern Mexican. I am glad I searched for something away from the touristy area of PS and found this gem!

yes. affirmative bro. the beans are 🔥 beans. corn and Brussel dish hecks ya. 🔥 corn. 🐟 taco yeah pretty good. would go back for the fire beans though. ⭐️ proper legit and super noms. ⭐️ short staffed when we there but garçons held their own, no guff. 10/10 score for mex foodies nerds and tesla drivers oooofffff 🤦‍♂️ - love this place, you will too. safe.

This place has already been open for 3 ys in the Smoketree mall, and tonight was the first time we’ve eaten here. So good! The outdoor dining area is very comfortable w overhead fans. Started w the carne asada street tacos, which had a good deal of meat in it! Then had the low desert salad with shrimp and with chicken. Very filling w the protein, and unusual w its mix if fennel, lentils, sweet potato, beets, and spinach! Attentive service, too! Will be back to try more tacos again!

Don’t let the strip mall appearance scare you away, this is a awesome hidden gem. They have an amazing happy hour everyday (2-5pm) that includes their street tacos and nachos. I would post a picture but ate it too fast! My wife is a vegetarian/ pescatarian and she said the vegetarian tacos were special and she’s picky about her tacos. Love their options here and Francisco (our server) handled our order perfectly.

Food was excellent as it was my previous visit. The drinks are yummy (I had the mango margarita) and I tried 3 different street tacos which were all amazing. I had the Carnitas, Carne ASADA, and my absolute favorite here, the Al Pastor, of which I had two tacos. If you like good Mexican fare and excellent drinks, you should definitely check this place out.

Decent size portions. Food was relatively reasonably priced. Taste was ok. Big outside patio and ample indoor dining room too. So, atmosphere, if you speak Spanish you might dig the music, or, if modest, you might not. Most customers will dig the rhythm and beat. Having said all this, the music is in the background and not overpowering. Just couldn’t help sharing about it because it was funny. Restaurant is located in the middle courtyard of a strip mall away from highway noise. Plenty of parking though we rode bikes there.

Low Desert is a little hard to find. It’s tucked in the Smoke Tree mall. We’re so happy to have found this little gem. Very laid back, with very friendly staff. Unique twist on some great Mexican food. Tacos are wonderful! I highly recommend ordering Cauliflower Corn Mix from the starter menu. Our waiter warned us that it is addicting. He wasn’t lying!

A delightful experience for lunch. The Pastor Torta was delicious, packed with ingredients, flavor and yumminess. The Carnitas Tacos were packed with meat. The staff was welcoming and attentive. A great place in a great location. A must try.

The cutest little restaurant! The staff was very friendly & attentive! Came for lunch & ordered their street taco lunch special. The portion size was perfect for lunch. The tacos were so good!! The birria was flavorful and tender, and the shrimp was so fresh. Didn't get any drinks but they looked so good. Great place for lunch!

Surprisingly Excellent Spot for Modern Mexican in Palm Springs We were a little skeptical when we pulled into the shopping center, but Low Desert turned out to be a total win. Juan was our server and he was excellent, quick, attentive and friendly. Everything we ordered was solid: the carne asada and chicken tacos were both standouts, the guacamole was super fresh, the albóndigas were rich and flavorful, and the corn with Brussels sprouts was a great combo. Even the lemonade hit the spot. Glad we gave this place a shot. It's casual, unpretentious, and the food is seriously good. Definitely worth checking out if you're in the area.

On my recent visit to Palm Springs my Uncle's took me to check out this place that as my uncle explained- "They have a great quesadilla that is served open like a tostada" I was so confused!! It all made sense once I got my food! This is a small little restaurant I saw about 6 tables inside but they have a covered patio outside that looks like a great area when it isn't 100 degrees plus! The man that was our server was very friendly, very patient and very attentive. He answered all of my uncles questions- when my uncles made last minute changes he went with the flow. Prices are reasonable for the great quality food. We all got quesadillas - about $16 each. Not served with rice or anything but for me it was just the right amount of food. My Al pastor was tender and flavorful. The fresh pico was perfect. Lovely amount of cheese and a crispy tortilla like I enjoy with a quesadilla. Only thing I can say is $5 is a lot for a soda. Yes you get refills but most people do not drink $5 worth of soda. Besides that I would love to go back and try their fish tacos. Their menu is smaller but it's clear they put love and quality into their dishes. They do have a small bar for some drinks so if you're a taco and tequila fan- it's a great little place.

Its about the FOOD!!!! We come to Low Dessert Modern Mexican every time we come to Palm Springs. And it's usually twice during our visit. Love their happy hour - I had the prickly pear margarita and shrimp and veggie tacos! My hubby loves the pastor and carnitas! Eat on the patio and bring your four legged family members. For dinner, OMG the Ahi Tosada and bowl of Posole. Ample portion. Juan is so hardworking and friendly. He truly wants the best for you. COME HERE SO THEY STAY! YOU WON'T BE DISAPPOINTED. HAPPY HOUR!!!!

Great delicious tacos and friendly service. They were serving during the Backstreet Art District artwalk every first Wednesday.

Came here with a friend for a late lunch/early happy hour (happy hour menu is 2-5pm) and enjoyed excellent tacos, cocktails and very friendly service. Started with the Whitewater river margarita which is a more refreshing version of the classic with some cucumber, mint, and lemon additions to the zesty lime. It's one of the happy hour. Drinks are definitely recommended! The Paloma was wonderful and refreshing as well. We were able to get seated immediately and orders for drinks and chips and salsa were in and prepared quickly. The presentation of drinks and food are both matching the upscale but accessible vibe that's going on. The restaurant is thoughtfully designed with a nod to the desert in the wall, coverings and tile, but with some Mexican flare. We tried 5 tacos and LOVED each one. It is impossible to pick a favorite, but we both ordered the Asada and said "yummm" at the same time. I had the Birria and Grilled shrimp tacos, and my friend let me taste a bit of the carnitas and al pastor. Each taco is served on a warm crispy (but not too crispy) corn tortilla. These are street tacos that do not break when you eat them which makes it a nice handheld bite. We literally couldn't pick a favorite but agreed the carnitas, (both Birria and asada), and shrimp would be our regulars (why choose 1!?) but the pastor was not quite as much of a front runner. Tacos come with nice garnishing and small sides of salsa, depending on the type of taco. We both really enjoyed both the green salsa verde and the roja. Looking forward to coming back and trying other entrées on the menu, I wish that I had found this place sooner!

The worst service today. I would like to talk with Anis because the way I was treated was completely unacceptable. The server's attitude left me feeling very upset.

This is a great place; the food is excellent, and it's very laid-back. My only major gripe is that you have to pay for chips and salsa. That has led me not to return. I think it is offensive to have people pay for chips and salsa, as you are buying multiple entrees and margaritas. If I wanted to pay for chips and salsa, I would go somewhere else to get ripped off.

Beautiful presentation of food. I ordered enchiladas and tacos. However, you don't get good value for the price. Very stingy portions. I had to get dinner elsewhere an hour after eating here with my kids. Furthermore, rice was extremely dry- like it was prepared a couple of days ago and heated in the microwave. Also why charge for chips and salsa? Sorry, not returning.

Craved tacos on fourth of July just outside of downtown Palm Springs and ended up here after 2 other other places were closed - so glad it worked out this way! Loved that this is in a quiet corner with other businesses and away from the busiest part of town. There is seating indoor and outdoors, and a cute bar by the entrance. Only tried the street tacos,but they were SO GOOD! As someone who lives in LA and eats a lot of tacos, I was very impressed. Had the grilled shrimp, al pastor, and birria. A little container of spicy salsa was also really good. Staff were so welcoming. We liked it so much that we made sure to come back right as it opened before our drive home, AND took a local friend who also became a fan. So glad to have another great spot next time we're in town!

Came here for the deals! Great options for tacos about 7 different kinds to order from. I had the Al Pastor which personally my first thought when I took a bite was is the meat spoiled. Loved the pineapple topping. Salsa was bland no spice. Shrimp taco that's where it's at. Shrimp were succulent and meaty filled with green sauce and cabbage was yummy. The restaurant is small with indoor and outdoor seating cute colorful decor. Unfortunately, it took some time to be seated and to get our order taken since there was only one gentleman working as the host, the server, and the waiter, and perhaps even the bartender. Very nice owner just may need some more support front of house. Be sure to try the first two margaritas on the menu.

I'd say Low Desert Modern Mexican restaurant is amazingly good! The Pozole was satisfyingly delicious and healthy! Full of goodness in a bowl and just gorgeous. For street tacos, I had the Grilled Shrimp and Veggie Tacos. Two faves tacos that didn't disappoint and definitely would recommend them. They were fresh to goodness!

The food was so good. The service was inviting and it was very refreshing. It was healthy and great spot.

This place is not easy to find, in the back of a strip mall, and it's totally worth the effort. Food is carefully seasoned and cooked, fresh ingredients, all-round delicious. Friendly, prompt service. All-weather covered patio is pleasant also.

Eat here whenever possible! I absolutely love this restaurant. Every bite of every dish (2 nights in a row) was perfect. The quality and preparation of the meats they use is impeccable. And everything else from to tortillas to salsas to presentation was likewise awesome. We got the birria beef nachos, and have never enjoyed a plate of nachos nearly as much as these. All the tacos we had were delicious, and there were still a number of items on the menu we were unable to sample during our PS visit! The place is homey and cute, tucked away from the main road. Not fancy, but comfortable with great music. And the staff... Fransisco and Juan were super friendly and interested in our enjoyment. EVERYONE was so friendly and helpful with suggestions! I can't wait to get back here!

Stopped I'm for HH and LOVED it. Great Margarita, spicy and not too sweet. Nachos were tasty and satisfying. Forgot to take pictures of street tacos. Had Vegetarian, Carne Asada, Birria, shrimp and chicken. Vegetarian and Shrimp were the best. Friendly, warm and attentive service. Would definitely come back.

As a local, love how hidden this Mexican restaurant is in north Palm Springs. Hidden gem! Cute color art on walls. Great hospitality and amazing quality on food and drinks! Will be back to tell my friends, thank you!!

I went to Low Desert for Happy Hour. The service was really great and the staff made the effort to chat and get to know you. The happy hour drinks were all $9 which is awesome! All very tasty. I tried their elote cauliflower appetizer and it was so yummy. The ambiance was fun but chill. The inside is beautifully decorated and very clean. There's also a pretty good sized patio you can sit at (shaded). I'm around the corner so I hope to become a regular!

Read reviews that this place was amazing. DID NOT DISAPPOINT at all. We had been out all day working really hard getting massages and doing thermal plunges, therefore we conjured up a ferocious appetite. We wanted a solid meal and tried out Los Desert. At first we weee concerned with it being in a strip mall, but holy smokes it was delicious. We started our feast with chips, guacamole and salsa followed with the two cauliflower and Brussels sprout corn mixes. Those corn appetizers knocked our taste buds off the planet earth. Once flying we devoured our al pastor con piña (a must) enchiladas, burrito, chicken burrito bowl and dry enchiladas. 5 solid stars and we will recommend to anyone wanting unforgettable Mexican food. Glad it's far from home so we don't eat it every single day.

Super cute spot tucked back in a shopping center. Very friendly service, good coffee, excellent food. The patio is spacious and totally shaded and the vibe inside is chill. Chilaquiles with red sauce were BOMB. Not overpriced.

Best meal we've had in Palm Springs so far! Really nice service as well. My favorite was the birria taco.

Had the most amazing lunch at Los Desert Modern Mexican this past Saturday! I usually go straight for the fish tacos, but decided to mix it up and try a vegetarian option -- and I'm so glad I did. Our awesome server suggested the Kale Salad with couscous, green apple, jicama, pomegranate, avocado, and red onion, all tossed in a blueberry dressing, plus the Camion Margarita to go with it. Total game changer. Every bite was packed with flavor -- fresh, bright, and just delicious. I was with a big group, and everyone was raving about their food. The staff was super friendly and made us feel really welcome. One of the best meals I've had in the valley -- can't wait to go back!

Disappointed with the taste and quality of food. It seems they put the same vegan sauce in all vegan options.

Been here a few times. Food is always fresh and delicious. Service is prompt.. and the ambience is relaxing.

Hidden away in a little alley way next to Ralphs..We chanced upon this little desert gem. Though not a vegan restaurant, almost all menu items have a vegan option. There is a nice patio and also inside seating. The food is delicious. The staff is very friendly and pleasant. Service is quick. What more do you want? . A margarita? They have that too; there is a full bar. A very unexpected surprise. If you are looking a nice Mexican restaurnt away from downtown and the crowds then this is the place.

I ate there on 8/20/25 with my husband and a friend. The food was delicious, the portions were generous without being overwhelming, the prices were reasonable and the service was attentive without being intrusive. The staff was very friendly. The ambiance was very pleasant with it being quiet and the artwork (mural) very impressive. It was very clean and bright. I will definitely be returning and will gladly bring out of town guests here.

My favorite spot for vegan mexican food. Best tamarindo margarita i've ever had! The vegan enchiladas are 10/10!

Yummmmmm. Great service, bright and clean interior and delicious food! Can't wait to return.

We enjoyed a nice meal at this little family-owned and operated restaurant. The casual place was not busy, but had a positive vibe. They make you feel welcome with their friendly and accommodating service. There is indoor and outdoor seating with an attractive and clean design. Their creative dishes create a refreshing Mexican meal. They are vegetarian friendly and will adapt some of their dishes to be meat-free. To be honest, the tortilla soup didn't wow me, but the shrimp taco and Brussels sprouts with corn were flavorful and presented with style. We went during happy hour and the nachos were a good deal and loaded with toppings; the tacos were discounted a dollar. It was a pleasant evening.

Outstanding dining experience! The presentation of the food was a lovely work of art. I had the Low Desert Salad, and it was absolutely delicious and nutrient-packed. The combination of pomegranate seeds, lentils, spinach, carrots, apples, and beets--along with other fresh ingredients I may have missed--was perfectly balanced and bursting with flavor. Seriously excellent! If you are vegan, they have lots of yummy options here. I will be back to try more items. Despite being very busy, the staff provided exceptional service, taking care of me right away. Everyone was friendly, attentive, and genuinely passionate about their work, which I truly appreciate. Great food, great people--I'll definitely be back!

Another great find for Mexican food in Palm Springs. Low Desert is located in the SmokeTree Ralph's shopping center. I have eaten here three times now. All three visits were awesome. The inside dining area is appealing. There is also outdoor patio seating for cooler- pleasant in-season weather. The street tacos are authentic with a twist. The chicken and veggie tacos are my favorite. The chicken tacos have delicious corn tortilla with chimichurri sauce. If you are a big veggie fan, you must try the veggie street taco. The portobello & shitake mushrooms takes this taco to a superior level... absolutely delicious. Their special margaritas are supreme cocktails. My favorite is the Mecca Margaritas: Tequila; cilantro; pineapple & lemon juice, with tajin/salt rim...Excellent. Alvaro provided us with friendly, warm, and festive table service. Bravo, a huge Thank You, and applause to Alvaro. From 2p to 5p, Happy Hour is fun and an even greater value. I'm a fan!

Good food, great, friendly service, great atmosphere convenient location, free and abundant parking and have a cocktail while you wait. That is Low Desert modern Mexican restaurant. I was so pleased and left so happy with my choice of restaurant and the delicious food and welcoming service. The menu offer so many options, regardless of dietary lifestyle. Have a cocktail while you wait on their spacious patio or if you prefer indoor dining that options available too. You can't go wrong.

Enjoyed our second lunch here after 6 months or so. Nice ambiance in the outdoor area. Service was "paced," professional, and friendly. Homemade carnitas with pineapple was special. We had the cauliflower and corn appetizer, also unique and flavorful. Moving this spot into our top rotation.

Flavorful with quick service. Ordered the Low Desert salad to split and we each had an Al Pastor street taco. Always save room for dessert, the flan was fantastic! We will return on our next PSP visit.

I went there again tonight, and the food is delicious. But the bartender was rude as fk. Along time will pass before I go back there :o(

Combines outstanding margaritas, nice variety, with great tacos in low key outdoor seating at a strip mall patio. Chips and guacamole are fresh. Chicken taco made from moist leg meat; veggie taco is from mushroom. Wife had good cheese enchiladas with green sauce. Expectations exceeded. Price not bad, about $5 a taco.

Excellent Mexican food. Walked over to Smoketree on Cinco de Mayo and discovered that Low Desert was doing Happy Hour pricing all day. Got a seat on the patio and enjoyed a couple tacos and a beer. Excellent service from the friendly server and host. Great tacos, although I liked the shrimp taco better than the carnitas and would order next time without the chipotle mayo. Nice beer selection too. I went with a local IPA from La Quinta Brewing. Patio is very nice, a lot of well-shaded places to sit. Music was good and not too loud to hear conversation. We will definitely be back.

Vegetarian here. The food quality is fresh, but the flavors are unremarkable. Before even being seated, the host asked, "Would you care for chips and salsa and some guacamole?" We assumed they were complimentary, so we answered, "Sure." They are NOT complimentary, and I dislike that sort of "hussle" before we have even sat down and seen a menu. I ordered the lunch special, which was a microspocic serving of two tacos with a side order of small and very thin flour tortillas plus a soda for $16. I was disappointed in the amount of food, and I was still hungry after my meal. Between delivering plates and end-of-meal cleanup, we never saw our waiter. Twice we had to walk to the cashier location to request more water. My fellow guests were equally disappointed with their dining experience. I cannot recommend this restaurant.

Tucked back in the corner of a strip mall, Low Desert offers tasty tacos for $5 each ($4 during happy hour). We had the carnitas, chicken and veggie. All solid options. The pineapple salsa on the chicken is the stand out. The patio is nice and covered. Would be hot during the summer. There are cute tables inside. The happy hour margarita was just ok. Go for one with flavor. Server was friendly.

Decent food, but comes out very quickly so I am not sure about the freshness. The carne asada had a nice spice, and the Oaxaca cheese was pretty good too. The venue is a bit plain, with mostly outdoor seating.

I was not sure what to expect. Finding good Mexican food in Palm Springs has found to be difficult especially since I come from an area where there is so many great Mexican food options. With that being said, I was pleasantly surprised as this place was good. We ordered the chips and salsa, which we are use to them usually being provided by the restaurants so that was different. But I do recommend you do so. The chips were so delicious and pairs with the salsa perfectly. My husband and I both got the lunch special which was 2 street tacos, a side of your choice, with a drink for $16. He did the shrimp taco and carnitas taco with his side of Mexican corn. He said it was amazing! The carnitas was his favorite. I got the carne asada taco and al pastor with a side of rice and beans. The carne asada tasted reheated, but I feel if I went after lunch and when they were busier it would have been great since the flavor was there. The Al pastor was really good and probably my favorite. The flavors just intertwined so well. The beans though just beans, were so delicious. It's hard to get good beans at places surprisingly but they did it. The only thing I would not get at all again was the rice. It had no flavor and was very crunchy. The device was okay. They weren't busy and the waiter forgot our drinks. Then when we asked he acted like it was our fault. So that was a little irritating but we won't hold this place accountable for his actions. Overall we will come back and I look forward to trying their different items.

The food showcased a remarkable interpretation of Mexican cuisine, offering a delightful and unique twist. Additionally, the distinct cocktails enhanced the overall dining experience, perfectly complementing the flavors.

Great service? Great food? (We had the veggie enchilada, the flautas, and street tacos: birria, shrimp and al pastor.) Not crazy expensive? We will be back!

Well, Low Desert Modern Mexican was disappointing. We ordered tacos, the "Cauliflower Corn Mix" and a chicken burrito. The "Mix" was a healthier version of other ones I've had before. It wasn't decadent. It was... fine. The chicken burrito was so bad. You can't just put bland chicken, rice, beans, pico and cheese into a wrapper and expect it be a success. This was really boring. The tacos were also boring and bland. I feel like we were having the "Health Mex" menu at a popular drive-thru chain. Not much excitement at Low Desert Modern Mexican.

Low Desert is a fun spot to eat in the valley. Great vegan and veggie options. The cauliflower/corn dish was phenomenal. The cebiche was good and you need to pair it with the habanero salsa. The pineapple margarita might be the best margarita I've had. Anis was an amazing host. Paul was an accommodating and enjoyable waiter. Would definitely come again.

What a find!!! We were on our way to get some water at Ralph's, and we discovered this restaurant hidden in an alley with other healthy food places. We are vegan, and the reservations at Tac/Quila dis not fall in our early dinner time. Thank goodness for this place. Has lots of vegan options including vegan cheese, rice and beans, enchiladas, burritos and tacos. We got here around 4pm and was not too busy. Our server was great and answered all our dietary needs. A+ and Amen.

We were dropping off my daughter for a friend's wedding. We had our dog, American Psycho with us. She's actually a Belgian Mal puppy nice but full of energy. I spoke to the manager and asked if he had seating for us and our dog. He said no problem. He cleaned a table at the rear so the dog would not bother any one. Dog was on her best behavior. They also made sure no gluten issues as my daughter has issues. We had chips guacamole to start. Along with margaritas. Then he had different tacos along with a cilantro rice and beans. They served carne asada to the dog in a bowl.. I think the staff was on edge because of the dog as she is intimidating but actually really nice. Everything was great.

Been coming to P.S. for years and this is the best Mexican we've had. Just had chilaquiles w chorizo and hubs had chix enchiladas for brunch - so good. And Sebastian made us feel right at home. Def recommend!

Great food; has all the standards but some stand out items as well. The Low Desert Salad was delicious and nutritious. They also have a couple of soup options for a lighter meal. We went back for a second visit with friends and everyone loved their meals. The service was friendly and efficient.