Don Diego's of Indian Wells — Restaurant in Indian Wells

The food was decent, the wait staff incredibly friendly. HOWEVER, the owner (older woman, white hair) caused our whole dinner to be ruined. Mind you, we usually come to Don Diego's for birthdays and family get togethers because of their happy hour menu. Today was my mother's birthday and because of our experience we will NEVER be back. My grandmother ordered our food while waiting for all of us grandkids to get to the restaurant, but none of us brought our husbands (4 people missing from our party in total). Because of this, entirely too much food was ordered and we packed up our extras to go (you know, like at any other restaurant in America when you can't finish your plate).

This horrid woman came over to my mom, got right in her face and said "Really? We already don't make any money on this food and you're just gonna take it home even though it says right on the menu you can't!" My mom was mortified, as were my grandparents. I asked her very plainly, "so, it's better to just throw it away? Doesn't make too much sense to me." Her response? "well I'll just charge you the regular cost of tacos."

She then proceeded to stand at her podium and stare at us with the most retched expression on her face for a solid 10 mins.

All of this OVER TACOS. Why are they so angry? Were they planning on reusing the food somehow? Clearly the business is struggling or else she wouldn't have made a point to say that they aren't making any money. I understand things are hard in the desert during the summer, but you don't treat your locals this way and expect to stay viable...

This restaurant staff needs training. As my wife and I walked in, the host never greeted us. As she and a waitress were arguing over a bill in front of us. Still waiting on a hello , but just ask us if we would like to sit inside or out on the patio. We decided to sit outside as the inside had a mothballs smell to it. As we sat for about 10 minutes someone came and brought us chips and salsa. But didn't ask for our drink order, I was fine probably not the person waiting our table. About 15 minutes after we got the chips and salsa the waiter stared at me, like I mean we locked eyes and didn't even bother to check if we were ready to order drinks or food. But rather go wait on a table that was just seated moments ago. As we had a event to attend, we were limited on time at this point. We decided to try another restaurant. We have drove off but returned as I forgot my glasses. As I grabbed them I noticed they served our table that was empty at the time glasses of water. Bad service probably would've been Still waiting for them to take our drink order. Luckily another restaurant greeted and sat us down right away. And even noticed and asked if we were attending a event near by. Service was very excellent food and drinks came out fast. We were greatly amazed that we were able to to make our event on time. As we wasted majority of it waiting to be served at Don Diego's. Bad...

My sister and I had been busy shopping and we decided to stop in for lunch and drinks, we had our small dog with us and they politely pointed us to the patio. It was inviting and clean, server brought the menus and to our surprise we order and everything was delivered so quickly. First our drinks were great, and the food we ordered was surprisingly tasty and authentic! portions were not skimped on. Taste was on point, so we decided to to return for dinner this past Friday. We made reservation just in case it would be packed ( to our surprise it wasn’t as busy)

First impression inside: tired and a real need of a makeover, some light were out and air filter dirty plus the booths ouch, replacement needed ( so atmosphere was lacking ) But food and drinks did not disappoint, even dessert was great ( BIG value for what we got )

I just wished they would update the decor and remodel their dining room and maybe Margarita menu ( newer flavors like watermelon or spicy habanero) bet it would make a big difference 🤞 one concern we all had that the food runner would drop the food on us, I’m sure is on guests expecting delivery of food since I noticed the family near us cringed when he was delivering

We will be back, I just wished they do something to bring this great restaurant to 2025 atmosphere looks like it’s been like that...