Mariscos El Capitan

I asked ChatGPT to recommend the best Mexican restaurant in the Coachella Valley--the kind of place…read moreyou'd take an elite chef visiting from Mexico to show off just how good our Mexican food can be. El Tranvía in Coachella was the top recommendation. I tried it, and damn, I see why! It's amazing. Their birria tatemada is out of this world, and the aguas frescas are to die for. Hands down, this is the best birria I've had outside of Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico. Absolutely worth the trip!

Whoa flavor explosion! The food here is so good…read more Service was a bit slow, and the food took a while to come out. We also had to figure out on our own that we needed to grab our own salsas. They have a salsa bar near the cash register. All was forgiven once the food came. The carne asada in both the tacos and burritos was so flavorful, and I loved the homemade fresh tortillas. The salsas were all tasty, though definitely all on the spicy side. What really stood out to us were the camarones zarandeados (grilled shrimps). The sauce on them was delicious! They also have a full bar, and I couldn't help but notice everyone ordering these yummy looking red margaritas with a chamoy rim! Too bad it was a little too early for me to try one. However my husband did enjoy the beer. The decor is fun and lively, with a stage right in the middle. It was nice that the owner/manager came by to check in on us.

Torta - carne asada - super well seasoned meat and the bread was flakey yet soft

Torta de Carne Asada

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Outside

Taqueria & Birrieria Guadalajara

4.3(81 reviews)

0.6 mi

Great food and great service very friendly people I will come back soon we order de birria and the…read morebarbacoa they were very delicious

Excellent service and delicious Mexican food. I definitely recommend coming here. Authentic birriaread more

Inside of where you can get some fire tacos

Half of the Al Pastor Torta. Very good!

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Front of restaurant.

Olgas Tacos

4.6(20 reviews)

1.5 mi

Was in the search for some tacos, and decided to try this place out. It used to be various other…read morerestaurants but Olga's is delicious! She's very nice and the other staff is also very friendly. We were the only ones in the restaurant, but they were people in drive-through. I had the green chicken enchiladas, and my husband had 3 crispy beef tacos, very flavorful. The salsas are on point! Spicy and very flavorful. Definitely would be better if they offered alcohol, but we were there for food lol I will be back. This place is very good!

Beautiful as always, amazing service and delicious food...the food came out very quick as well! I…read moreloved this place in cathedral city and the one in Coachella is amazing as well!

Huarache

Quesabirrias

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Carne Asada Fries

Jalisco Restaurant

3.8(212 reviews)

1.0 mi

Fun little place in old town Coachella. Wonderful older area with great architecture and small…read moreshops. Appears to be a popular locals place as there were several workers sitting down for lunch. Certainly not a picture perfect place but that was just fine. The pass thru window had charming signage above the window with all the meats and combinations explained in English and Spanish. Very helpful for us gringos. And wow! They have a very good assortment of meats. Hard working waitresses kept busy ! Cold modelo started the meal perfectly. Chili relleno plate and birria burrito soon followed. Rice was nice and fresh. Beans very puréed and not quite as good as I would expect. Entrees were so-so. With plenty of Mexican restaurants around we will keep trying them out! But I suspect this place will be just fine.

The Real Deal: Like Sunday at Tio's…read more If you're looking for a "fusion" taco with micro-greens and a side of existential dread, keep driving. But if you want a meal that feels like a warm hug from a relative who's slightly disappointed you haven't visited more often, welcome to Jalisco Restaurant in Coachella. The Atmosphere: Family Values & Smoke Walking into Jalisco isn't like entering a business; it's like walking into Tio JP's backyard. That nostalgic aroma of hard work and seasoned grills immediately greets you. It's a throwback to being a kid, watching your tios hover over the fire, treating every flip of the meat like a sacred ritual. There's no "new-age hype" here--just the perfected craft of a family that knows exactly what they're doing. The Heavy Hitters: Tripas & Cabeza Whether you're a "seasoned veteran" of Mexican street food or a nervous newbie, you have to commit to the Tripas and Cabeza. The Texture: The Tripas are cleaned and cooked to that elusive, crispy-yet-tender perfection. The Vessel: Whether you tuck them into a taco or go big with a burrito, it's a masterclass in traditional cooking. The GOAT (Literally): The Birria Let's get one thing straight: most places are out here serving "beef seasoned with birria spices" and calling it a day. Don't be fooled. This is the real deal. We're talking authentic goat meat, slow-cooked using the De La Torre family recipe straight from Jalisco. It's rich, it's tender, and it carries the weight of generations. It's the kind of flavor you can't replicate with a "modern twist." The Refreshment: Homemade Chavelas You're going to need something to wash down that Menudo or those wet burritos. Their homemade Chavela recipe is the MVP here. For the Modelo Negro fans: It adds a dark, savory depth. For the Michelob Ultra drinkers: It gives that crisp finish a spicy, citrus kick. The Verdict Jalisco Restaurant is one of the valley's originals for a reason. It's honest food for people who respect the process. In a world of trendy "reimagined" Mexican food, Jalisco reminds us that the original recipes never needed fixing in the first place. Go for the food, stay because you feel like family.

Tacos de birria, consomé

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La Noria

4.1(188 reviews)

1.5 mi

The food is very delicious. The people were nice and friendly. my best friend had referred me to…read morethis restaurant months ago and I finally had a chance to stop by and the restaurant did not disappoint.

Our party of 9 was warmly greeted and promptly seated upon arrival. Our waitress introduced…read moreherself right away and took down our orders. They brought us two tiny baskets of chips with no more than maybe 12 chips per basket. Within minutes they were devoured so we asked for more. Who knew that the baskets could get even smaller?! All but one of us received our drinks. One of my friends didn't get the beer he ordered. Then when our food came out, it was definitely not what we were expecting. Some of us didn't have meat in our taquitoes. Others had rolled up flautas without the meat. It was a very odd and disappointing experience. Unfortunately no one in our group had anything positive to say and all were quite disappointed in the food. Don't think we will ever go back.

Dining area a bit small but cozy

Cafecito con pionsillo

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Inside

Birrieria Sinaloa

4.3(45 reviews)

2.7 mi

Hands down the best Birrieria in the valley, can't go wrong with any item. Don't sleep on the…read morecabeza tacos!

They get stars due to the food being decent. They got my order wrong and then charged me twice. I…read moreordered the child's meal was supposed to come with 2 tacos, a small quesadilla, chicken nuggets, and fries. Instead, I got 2 tacos and a small helping beans and rice. To top it off, I was charged twice for my whole order. Very disappointed. I won't be returning.

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Food truck

La Cazuela

3.9(54 reviews)

0.2 mi

Delicious Mexican food! One of the TOP PLACES in the valley! Definitely has cold air and very…read moreclean!!! I like the tacos but I seafood is out of this world!!! Great service too!! Don't forget the chelada style beer!!

My friend and went here for lunch here yesterday. We arrived around 1 pm…read more The food was good, but the waitress only came back once to check on us. It wasn't busy. We each ordered the 3 rolled taquitos w/guacamole. We each had a regular margarita. The Bill was $76 without the tip. That's almost $40 each. We didn't get rice and beans with meal. I'm not paying that much for lunch in a place like this.

Mineral water prepared.

Menudo

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Nachos with no meat & guac on the side

Casa Mendoza

4.0(945 reviews)

6.9 mi

Went to dinner at 4 PM.......with a two year old........didn't feel very welcome, as we are not one…read moreof their their 'frequent' diners.........Seating was in a tight space with a high chair, considering we were the first diners there. Service was adequate, but had to ask for more water, chips, etc ! Meals were good, but chimichanga not deep fried.....more like a burrito ! Rather disappointing experience this time with our kids...... have been there before with a much better experience ! Will give it another try.........

SHORT ANSWER: Just an update, but Casa Mendoza seems to be just getting better. Some new staff but…read morefood quality and people here are very welcoming. LOCATION: In Old Town La Quinta, OTLQ easy to find, tons of parking but at times it gets busy so you may have to walk a bit. FACILITY: very traditional inside and out, clean, and lots of space between tables. MENU: rather massive, we usually order the same things so all the other options makes my head hurt so we just go with what we know. FOOD PREP: excellent, always looks the same which is a good things. FOOD QUALITY: some of the best in the valley. LIBATIONS: lots of choices and not too expensive, wish they had a locals city of LQ discount like some of the other options in OTLQ.. WAITSTAFF: very nice, everyone. OVERALL VALUE: if you order the right things, it is a great value but you can go nuts and spend a lot, tourist dollars spend well, upselling happens for those who want it and deserve it! TIP: Sitting outside is great most all year, we don't go out when it is crazy hot, but have dined outside in 100+ temps, we prefer the front outdoor space.

Bar Area

Friday lunch, outside, single comb $12.99

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100 outside misters outside.. cheers

Taco Shop 760 Restaurant

4.5(153 reviews)

3.4 mi

Birria Tacos - Muy Beuno!!! Was dropping off a donation at Martha's Village and wanted to try this…read morespot since it was in the area. I am so glad I did! Staff were cool and helped me making a choice, since there are so many options. I hadn't been there before, so trusted their opinion. Andrea suggested the Birria taco plate which came with rice and beans and 3 tacos. I added a Horchata drink too and it was delicious! They only have one size drink and it is 32oz. Came in a cool cup, that I think you can take back to get a discounted refill.... But need to verify that. They have another location in Coachella and I plan on hitting that spot up too, as this one had no seating inside, it is in a local market, kinda of liquor store. I am grateful to be a new customer of theirs, yummo!!

I just have one question... How do you make this food SOOOOO…read moreGOOD? We pick up and take out from you regularly over the past years, and you guys are great!

Damn good tacos.

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Taco Shop 760

Sayulita Tap Room

4.3(143 reviews)

5.5 mi

Best fish tacos ever! Everybody's very nice. You just go order it bar and sit down. I love the…read morebeautiful plates they give you the food on just a really nice atmosphere within the grocery store.

Over priced for a not so good margarita. Beans especially lack flavor. Service is friendly and…read moreatmosphere is good.

Fumi Servicios Profecionales N.

Exterior of Sayulita Tap Room with modern design and inviting outdoor seating.

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Exterior of Sayulita Tap Room with modern design and inviting outdoor seating.

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37 reviews that are not currently recommended

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Eric W.

144

9 months ago

I recently visited El Capitan and had an amazing dining experience from start to finish. We ordered the Parrillada Número Uno and the Chiles Calibre 50, and everything was absolutely delicious. The Parrillada Número Uno was the standout dish -- it was loaded with a generous variety of seafood, including grilled fish fillets, Culichi shrimp, chipotle shrimp, devilish shrimp, and octopus in garlic sauce. Every item was flavorful, well-prepared, and cooked perfectly. We also tried the Chiles Calibre 50, which consisted of six yellow chilies stuffed with shrimp and topped with melted cheese. They were rich, savory, and incredibly satisfying -- a must-order if you enjoy bold flavors. Portion sizes were very generous, both with the food and the drinks, making it great for sharing. The restaurant itself was nice-sized, very clean, and had a welcoming atmosphere. Our server was friendly, helpful, and attentive, which made the experience even better. Overall, El Capitan is a fantastic spot for quality seafood, great service, and a comfortable dining environment. I'll definitely be coming back and highly recommend it to anyone looking for a great meal. read more

Yolanda M.

7 years ago

I am very distraught, never thought that they would have terrible service! As I was looking through the menu, it said that there were medium and large drinks, however as I ordered the waiter did not even asked what size and brought a large for their convenience. Not even this, when I was looking for the waiter that brought our drinks, the waiter did not even bother looking at our table and I have to get up to the front desk and ask for someone to get our order. As I went to sit, they took another 30 minutes to take our order. I was really frustrated! Never coming back here again!!!!!! Horrible customer service!!!!!!!!!!!! read more

Maria D.

1 year ago

It's been our 4 time eating here at El Capitan Mariscos , ! Food is amazing but the most important part is our server that have had a few time his name is Ernesto amazing customer service and very knowledgeable about the food and his recommendations! Ernesto is on top of everything amazing customer service and takes care of his customers! Amazing service from Ernesto! So people plz request him when you visit El Capitan ! Amazing work and team work too ! Every dollar spent is well spent and happy with every one and had a great time with the music and delicious food and drinks! Awaom service 100 out of 100 !! read more

Silvia M.

518

9 years ago

I never do bad reviews but I certainly wanted to share my experience so others don't go through it. This is the second time we had a bad encounter, the first time the food tasted poorly and not well cooked but we thought maybe the cooks were different so we left and payed. The second time we got two orders of food and both were poorly done, were NOT edible. The food tasted old and clearly had gone bad but when we complained they said they couldn't do anything about it and we spent over 40$ on food we did not eat. Won't be coming back after this time. read more

Stephanie M.

7 years ago

very disappointed *** very bad customer service we waited 30 minutes for a tostatda de ceviche de pescado and they only brought the ceviche without the tostadas and we had to wait an extra 20 minutes for them to bring the tostadas by that time i was not even hungry anymore we kept calling them and they ignored us and i had to walk up to the front desk I DONT RECOMMEND THIS PLACE TO ANYONE EVEN IF ITS THE LAST PLACE ON EARTH !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! read more

Loretta G.

3 years ago

I've been looking forward to trying this place for such a long time but I was so disappointed. I went twice hoping I'd have a better experience the second time around. This place is LOUD and always packed. The food takes FOREVER to arrive. The shrimp cocktail was mediocre at best. The second time I decided to make an order over the phone and pick it up, they said it would be ready in 40 min. An hour later it still wasn't ready. I give up. read more

Sandra C.

2 years ago

Checo nos atendo, he was great! La Comida deliciosa como siempre! They sat us right away, and took our order. We come from Cat city for the "Cucaracha Shrimp" Ordered tacos, shrimp plate & ceviche. Food came pretty quick, our first time we were here on a Thursday, Banda playing while we ate our dinner and drank a few Chabelas. Pretty chill atmosphere, we will be coming back soon! Gracias Checo, nos vos pronto! read more

Monica D.

7 years ago

bad customer service!!!! never coming here again **** the food was bad and they took long to give us our food, not to mention a hair was in my ceviche and after that all the basic employees were laughing because of what i said to the irrelevant waitor. if i could i would give them no stars!!!! their business should shut down if they are not gonna respect and attend with great service!!!!!! read more

Mary M.

9 years ago

We were driving to LA from Arizona and decided to stop here on the way home. I was skeptical that the seafood would not be good since it's the desert but I was wrong, everything was soo good and fresh. The Chavela's were good and it's hard to find a good michelada! They had stuffed yellow peppers with shrimp wrapped in bacon, called toritos , if you like spicy it's a must ! read more

Nicola P.

8 years ago

Everything was delicious and well worth the prices! The sauce that is used for the Camarones a la Kora is the best I have tried. I had the Seafood Tower; it was an amazing blend of all types of seafood. The remodel and decor is beautiful and very clean. Thank you Maria for welcoming us and taking the time to chat with us. We'll be back to try more! read more

Oliva S.

8 years ago

Es el mejor lugar del valle para comer mariscos. Muero por un COCO ESPECIAL. Esta delicioso. La mojarra al mojo de ajo fabulosa.. y muchos platillos mas. El servicio muy bueno las meseras son muy amigables y siempre con una sonrrisa eso hace un ambiente muy familiar. Lo recomiendo . Yo regresare siempre!!!. read more

Victor M.

10 years ago

My favorite place to go to. The food is amazing, the customer service is great. Props to those who work here because its a very busy environment. Sundays are really busy but thats due to the banda, I dont blame people because thats the day I like to go. If you want mariscos and sushi this is the place to go! read more

Ashley R.

1 year ago

My first time trying out this restaurant. Excellent food and service. The cucarachas were amazing! Our server Lupita was an amazing server. She was very nice and helpful. Definitely coming back to this place. read more

2 years ago

Excelente servicio de parte la la guapa de Annel , mas meseras como ella , atenta , servicial y muy amable , siempre venimos a la hora que ella esta por que nos encanta como nos atiende read more

Carolina T.

11 years ago

Quality food! This place has delicious food and great customer service. The food is great I recommend the shrimp In the green sauce oh my goodness this place is great!! read more

Imelda F.

1 year ago

Comida riquisima y El servicio muy atentos. Gracias. Hasta la proxima. Camarones a la Costa Azul, cucarachas, toritos de camaron, tostada El Capitan super fresco Todo. read more

Jesus V.

1 year ago

My second time at Mariscos El Capitan with my family. Food was great! Our waitress Lupita was also amazing she recommended the ceviche and it was delicious! read more

Jacob L.

10 years ago

Amazing sushi and mexican restaurant! They have many tables and seats even if packed they tend to seat you right away! Pretty far out east but worth it! read more

Nicole

1 month ago

Muy buena comida!! Los camarones a la diabla super recomendados! y excelente servicio de la muchacha que nos atendio muy gentil (Yudit).

Assul M.

16 days ago

muy buen servicio, súper amable la mesera yudith! la comida muy buena, súper recomiendo:) para cualquier día que quieran salir de rutina. read more

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Mariscos El Capitan - seafood - Updated September 2026

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I came here for lunch specifically for their Chiles Gueritos Rellenos de Camarón! They were…read moreabsolutely delicious and my favorite place to get them. They come with a limey-Mayo and soy sauce is already on the table. Service was amazing as usual and the place is kept very clean including the restrooms.

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Great hole-in-the-wall eatery. They specialize in Mexican seafood dishes but also serve traditional…read moredishes. I had a chile relleno, which is my test dish for a good Mexican restaurant. I was not disappointed! Split the Beef Fajitas with the wife. They were flavorful but a bit overcooked and dry. We watched several seafood dishes walk past us and the looked incredible. Service was friendly and prompt.

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Just had an amazing lunch! We both loved our burritos!…read more Simple authentic Mexican! The place was spotless and our guy serving us was super attentive and nice. Will be back next time we're in town.

When it comes to Mexican food, I usually don't hesitate. I'm there…read more (I really wanted to rate this place 3.5 stars, but since Yelp doesn't allow half stars, I can't quite give it 4 stars just yet.) We were in La Quinta and decided to check out Taqueria El Guero. It's a newer spot, which probably explains why it was pretty quiet when we arrived (party of 9), though a few smaller groups came in after. Service was solid! Our server (who was also the hostess) was friendly, attentive, and handled our group very well no complaints there. Food-wise, it was a bit of a mixed bag. Chips and salsa were just okay, not bad, but not memorable either. That's usually the first thing that sets the tone at a Mexican restaurant. We ordered a variety of dishes: molcajete, menudo, torta, flautas, chimichanga, California fries, and camarones a la diabla (my plate). Camarones a la diabla: 5/10 - more smoky and slightly sweet than spicy, which was unexpected. Also heavier on onions than usual, but I didn't mind since I like them. Chimichanga: 6/10 - smaller than expected for the price and overall just okay (my partner's take). Menudo: 5/10 - based on feedback, it could use some improvement. The rice could definitely be better, while the beans were decent. The space itself is clean and nicely decorated, but the atmosphere could use a little work. Some background music would go a long way TV shows kind of take away from the dining experience, unless that's the vibe they're going for. One thing that really stood out (in a not-so-good way) was the bathroom! it could definitely use attention in terms of odor (possibly a sewage issue). It has potential, but it's not quite at a 4 or 5 star level yet. I'd be open to coming back in the future to see if things improve. Parking is easy and convenient, which is always a plus

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