El Rodeo Cafe

El Rodeo Cafe

44820 San Pablo Ave, Palm Desert, CA 92260, United States

+1 760-346-5046

Mexican restaurant, Breakfast restaurant, Cafe, Latin American restaurant
(597)
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About This Place

El Rodeo Cafe, nestled in the heart of Palm Desert on San Pablo Avenue, is a vibrant celebration of authentic Mexican and Latin American flavors, renowned especially as a breakfast and casual dining hotspot. This charming eatery perfectly blends a cozy, inviting atmosphere with menu offerings that are both comforting and exciting, making it a true gem for locals and visitors craving bold, heartfelt cuisine.

Step inside and you’re greeted with the aroma of freshly prepared dishes, where the sizzle of their famed fajitas announces a meal full of flavor and flair. Whether you arrive early for breakfast or later to enjoy a relaxing lunch, El Rodeo Cafe’s diverse menu promises something for every palate.

Start your culinary journey with their chips served alongside three distinct salsas—the red salsa offers a bright and tangy welcome, while the green salsa is famously spicy and packed with depth, earning regulars’ enthusiastic praise. From there, explore a variety of standout dishes that effortlessly merge tradition with vibrant taste.

Breakfast lovers will find irresistible choices like the Huevos Rancheros served with your choice of salsa verde or roja, each bursting with rich, savory notes. The Chilaquiles Con Carne Asada and the Chorizo Breakfast Burrito boast perfectly balanced seasonings and hearty portions that leave you completely satisfied. Their Mexican Omelette, featuring seasoned ground beef, pepper jack cheese, and creamy avocado, exudes comforting warmth and fresh flavor, ideal for those seeking a flavorful start to their day.

The lunch and dinner menus shine just as brightly. Delight in succulent Carne Asada Tacos, grilled to tender perfection, or indulge in the Wet Burrito Enchilada Style, an indulgent dish where layers of savory fillings and rich sauce harmonize beautifully. Seafood fans rave about the Shrimp Tacos and Tacos De Pescado Asado, which offer a fresh, zesty twist on classic flavors. For an adventurous palate, dishes like the Chiles Güeritos and Pozole bring authentic regional tastes to the table.

Pair these with a refreshing House Margarita or a tangy, chilled Michelada to round out the experience. Don’t miss indulgent starters like the Carne Asada Nacho Fries, a mouthwatering fusion of crispy fries topped with juicy steak and melted cheese, or the Nachos Supreme, generously layered with chicken or carne asada for a shareable treat.

El Rodeo Cafe’s ambiance post-remodel is a perfect nod to classic diner charm—UNFUSSY, welcoming, and familiar—making it an ideal spot for casual family meals or a relaxed outing with friends. Customers continuously praise the quick, attentive service and the ease of parking, enhancing the overall dining pleasure.

With every dish crafted with passion and authenticity, El Rodeo Cafe invites you to savor the rich tastes of Mexico and beyond, leaving an unforgettable impression long after your meal is over. Whether you’re craving a hearty breakfast, a lively lunch, or a flavorful dinner, this Palm Desert beacon ensures a dining experience full of warmth, spice, and unforgettable flavor.

Service options
Takeaway Dine-in
Highlights
Fast service Great beer selection Great cocktails Great coffee Serves local specialty
Popular for
Breakfast Lunch Dinner Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park Wheelchair-accessible entrance Wheelchair-accessible seating Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
Alcohol Beer Cocktails Coffee Comfort food Quick bite Small plates Wine
Dining options
Breakfast Brunch Lunch Dinner Dessert Seating Table service
Amenities
Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual Cosy
Crowd
Groups Locals Tourists
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards Debit cards NFC mobile payments Credit cards
Children
Good for kids High chairs Kids' menu
Parking
Free of charge street parking Free parking lot Parking

Opening 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 - 08:00 PM
  • Saturday
    08:00 AM - 08:00 PM
  • Sunday
    08:00 AM - 04:00 PM

Map & Directions

Visitor Reviews

  • Ashley Speirs
    3 week ago

    They give you chips and salsa to start, the red salsa is good. The green salsa is spicy and is SO delicious, that you will LEARN to like spicy before you even order. The food! So, the fajitas come sizzling and with some fun steaming fanfare but most importantly the perfect flavour. I only get the privilege to eat here when I travel here so please, eat here for me! (Photo only includes only the meat of the fajitas and not the entire additional plate of fixins). I’d give them 7 ⭐ if I could.

  • Rita Figueroa
    1 month ago

    What a hidden gem in Palm Desert. I enjoyed a delightful and delicious breakfast here on a Friday morning. I had the egg or breakfast enchiladas, I opted for the red, not spicy sauce. It was so very flavorful, delicious!!! You can choose the green more robust sauce if you like. My husband had steak and eggs. Service was excellent and quick service as well. I will definitely be coming back to try dinner.

  • Taco Mark
    1 month ago

    We hadn’t been to El Rodeo in a long time, even though it’s been a family favorite for years. Finally made it back after the remodel—and it’s still just as good as we remember. The new old-school diner look actually works. It still feels like El Rodeo. Familiar, unfussy, and welcoming. Their tlacoyos are one of my favorite dishes of all time—like, final-meal level good. And my family swears by the chilaquiles. Honestly, they might be the best in town. Everything we had was solid, and the place still has that same comfort it always had. Really glad we came back. We won’t wait so long next time.

  • Justin “JDubb” Willhite
    2 month ago

    El Rodeo Cafe was great! The food?Delicious. My wife and kids loved it. I got into the al pastor burrito, and it hit the spot perfectly—cooked just right and the ideal size for lunch. Plus, those chips with not one, not two, but three kinds of salsa! The service was top-notch. They got our food fast. And parking was great. Literally parked right out front, no fuss at all. Seriously, if you're on the hunt for some solid Mexican food, you've gotta swing by El Rodeo Cafe. Whether you live around the corner or you're just cruising through town, it's a must-visit.

  • Nick G.
    2 month ago

    Perfect joint to grab some drinks and great Mexican cuisine. They have a full bar and a nice big menu of food. We got the Chilaquilas Con Carne Asada with eggs over medium and red and green salsa. It had the perfect spice and was an extremely big portion. The carne was tender and not chewy. The eggs were also perfectly done. We also tried a veggie omlete that was also cooked to perfection. Fluffy egg, not dry and tasty fresh veggies with fresh slices of avocado. Served with rice and beans that are fresh and delicious. My buddy ordered two Michelada's with Modelo and loved them!! Our waitress was also SUPER friendly and took care of us. Will be back again soon.????????

  • Kakaʻako Lifestyle
    3 month ago

    An absolute hidden gem! From the moment we walked in, we were greeted with the most friendly service from Marilyn!!! She made us feel right at home and taken care of the entire time. The food was incredible! The chips and salsa were fresh and flavorful. I ordered Baja Street Tacos and they were absolutely delicious, with the chicken being my favorite. My partner had the shredded chicken quesadilla and couldn’t stop raving about how good it was. The flavors here are authentic, the ingredients are fresh, and you can truly taste the love and care in every dish. The horchata was also perfection- smooth, sweet, and refreshing. This spot is local, authentic, and a must-visit for anyone who loves Mexican food. We left so happy and satisfied! Definitely one of the best finds around!

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