Carmen’s - Palm Desert
About This Spot
Stepping into Carmen’s, you immediately sense the charm of a well-loved, family-run Mexican kitchen that pulses with warmth and heartfelt hospitality. It’s the kind of place where the pace feels unhurried, yet the room hums with the quiet energy of locals and travelers alike, all savoring moments that feel as familiar as they are special. The simple, unpretentious setting invites you to relax and settle in—a true neighborhood spot that’s ripe for discovery.
The atmosphere here is approachable and sincere, with subtle touches that speak to tradition without pretension. At Carmen’s, it’s not about flashy décor or elaborate presentations but about the honest pleasure of sharing good food prepared with care. The staff’s attentiveness feels natural and comforting, whether you’re dropping in for a lively dinner or an early morning breakfast that quietly surprises with richness and flavor.
The food reflects this spirit perfectly. You won’t find a menu that simply lists dishes; instead, there’s a flavorsome story woven through every bite of their carne asada tacos, lovingly made guacamole crafted tableside, or artfully balanced seafood combinations meant for sharing. Each plate carries a familiar warmth—a little spicy, a little smoky, and always deeply satisfying. The homemade touches, like fresh tortillas and carefully blended sauces, help make the meal feel like a genuine gathering around the table.
Breakfast at Carmen’s offers an intimate extension of their culinary identity—a peaceful pause where tangy tomatillo sauces and tender pork meet bright, perfectly cooked eggs. It’s a quiet invitation to start the day with dishes that carry the same care and connection found in their dinners.
In every detail, Carmen’s captures the essence of a community spot where good food intersects with genuine human moments. Whether it’s the effortless ease of welcoming servers or the way the margaritas strike just the right balance, the experience lingers long after the last bite.
What’s Available Here
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Identifies as Latino-owned
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Identifies as women-owned
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Delivery
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Takeaway
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Dine-in
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Fast service
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Great cocktails
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Live music
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Serves local specialty
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Breakfast
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Lunch
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Dinner
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Solo dining
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Wheelchair-accessible car park
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Wheelchair-accessible entrance
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Wheelchair-accessible seating
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Wheelchair-accessible toilet
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Alcohol
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Beer
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Cocktails
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Coffee
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Comfort food
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Quick bite
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Small plates
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Spirits
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Wine
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Breakfast
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Lunch
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Dinner
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Catering
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Dessert
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Seating
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Table service
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Bar on site
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Toilet
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Casual
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Cosy
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Family friendly
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Groups
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LGBTQ+ friendly
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Tourists
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Transgender safe space
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Credit cards
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Debit cards
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NFC mobile payments
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Credit cards
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Good for kids
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High chairs
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Kids' menu
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Free of charge street parking
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Free parking lot
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Parking
Location & Hours
| Monday | 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM | |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesday | 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM | |
| Wednesday | 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM | |
| Thursday | 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM | |
| Friday | 08:00 AM - 08:30 PM | |
| Saturday | 08:00 AM - 08:30 PM | |
| Sunday | 08:00 AM - 03:00 PM |
Cynthia Bilodeau 04 Jan 2026
We had a great family meal at Carmen’s! It was our first time eating here, but we’ve been customers of El Mexicalli II for many years. We were warmly welcomed and seated immediately. Omar took great care of us. He made our guacamole tableside, which we haven’t had since before covid! The margaritas were on point and so was all the food. We had Fajitas, Carne asada tacos, Chiles Guéritos, Campechana, Caldo de Res soup. Tremendous!
Bobby Patron 15 Dec 2025
The food is great really like it here and the ceviche is the best my wife and is the only place she goes.
Toni Miller 16 Nov 2025
Very simple looking restaurant, they were really packed, but I was still checked on often. Ordered basic combo plate, two crunchy shredded beef tacos, beans and rice. It came out amazingly fast considering how busy they were. Food was delicious, rice is full of flavor, beans nice and creamy. Perfect amount of beef in the tacos and they were nice and crunchy. Everything went perfect with my margarita. I will be back to try more things!
Tracy Jo Wade 07 Nov 2025
EXCELLENT!!! Our dinner was so good that we went back the next morning for breakfast. Family owned. Outstanding food and service was spot on. The birria tacos were fantastic. And the green chili pork and eggs were epic. Highly recommend!
Allison D 25 Oct 2025
We were traveling through Palm Desert for one night and were so fortunate to stop at Carmen's for dinner. It was outstanding in every way. We started with the Mexicali's margaritas, the best margaritas we've had in ages. They make them with real triple sec and lime, not the sugary syrup used in most margaritas. We were glad we just had the regular size, which was plenty big! We shared the Combinacion de Mariscos, which was a selection of seafood items, and definitely large enough for two people. The shrimp-stuffed peppers may be my new favorite food. The ceviche was beautifully fresh, and the fried fish was tasty and not greasy at all. We finished with the fried ice cream, which made my husband ecstatic. It was a massive ball of ice cream in a cinnamon sugar tortilla shell. He asked to substitute honey instead of chocolate, which they did. I would have been happy having just the shell, which was delicious and very crispy. The service was wonderful, and everyone was friendly and welcoming. We will absolutely come here on our next visit to Palm Desert, and we may eat here every night that we're in town.
Six 27 Sep 2025
Ordered the chili verdi wet burrito and it was fantastic. Also ordered a shredded beef tostada and taco. Been traveling the US and been missing California Mexican food.
Mike Z 23 Sep 2025
We have visited Carmen’s numerous times, never disappointed. The food was always hot when served. The atmosphere and our service was top notch. If you’re looking for Mexican food, Carmen’s is the place. Whether visiting for breakfast, lunch or dinner, I truly believe that you will not be disappointed. Did I mention drinks, they also have a bar, my wife had a margarita and she was impressed not only by the presentation but the taste. I had a strawberry drink and it was the best I have tasted. So stop by Carmen’s, you will not be disappointed.