Las Casuelas Nuevas — Restaurant in Rancho Mirage

We learned of Las Casuelas Nuevas restaurant and its history via an article from a prominent newspaper. Luminaries such as Frank Sinatra have dined there over its 50 year existence. I thought if it's good enough for Frank ..... Driving up to the illustrious building, designed by a revered architect who incorporated authentic Mexican themes, we were impressed, which further swelled our anticipation for epic Mexican cuisine. But alas, that is where the story takes an unfortunate turn.

We arrived at 4pm to a cold reception by the less than friendly waitress. We came specifically at this time to take advantage of their happy hour, which had just begun. After being seated we inquired about their more affordable 'well drinks'. We were told that to receive them, we'd have to move into the cantina, rather than stay at our more comfortable booth. Yet there was no one in the bar area to provide service. So we elected to remain in our booth and order a conventionally priced drink to share. Once we decided to order the Fajitas from the food menu, (which came with either steak and chicken or shrimp), we asked if we could have a combination of all 3 and if so, what might the additional cost be? We were told that this could not be an option, unless we agreed to pay for a whole additional order of Shrimp Fajitas. Why? We asked. 'Because they cannot cook them all at the same time' said the waitress. Very odd...

Though there were very few patrons in the restaurant at 4pm on a Monday, it took them an inordinately long time to prepare the simple meal. When we requested an explanation, we were told that the chicken had to be cooked, that it had not been prepared earlier. It seemed obvious to us that each dish should be prepared fresh rather than by compiling pre-cooked ingredients. Another oddity. Finally, when the meal came, the portions of each element were appallingly meager. A few pieces of green pepper, several strips of skirt steak and mostly, rubbery chicken, with one tablespoon of guacamole and a small cup of pinto beans on the side

We left hungry and disappointed and thinking about Frank. He definitely wouldn't have been inspired to sing...

I’ve only been coming to Palm Springs for the past 10 years and finally moved here just prior to Christmas. I’ve eaten at many of the restaurants at least once during the time I’ve spent here and found the food at Las Conseulas to be to my liking. My prior exp eriences have all been positive until tonight. Tonight we received the worst possible service. People seated, at least two tables behind us, were finished dining before our order was taken. When we were first seated after a 45 minute wait our waitresss pounced on us to take our order like you wouldn’t believe. No, we weren’t ready to order, we had just been seated. There were three of us and we had each odered a Marquita at the bar, one of us ordered a second once we were seated. So annibriation was not the problem; negligence by the waitress was the problem. Once we were not immediately ready to order upon being seated, it was 20-25 minutes before she returned to the table. I should add that we went prepared to order and eat at the bar but because management had failed to staff appropriately we were told that the policy of eating at the bar had been seretipidiouly revoked for the night, how convenient for management. The long and short of my review is that the food is good but don’t rely on the wait staff. Our waitress absolutely ruined our dining experience. She knew how bad her service had been and didn’t have the courage to present us with the tab. Yes, management has a problem: (1) hiring incompetent wait staff; and 2, changing ing policy at a whim. Woukd I return. Yes but I’d never accept the wait person who poorly serviced us this evening. Additionally, if there is a policy change for the evening, which to me is inexcusable, the guest should be notified...

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Review by Aaron G. Beebe — Owner of GonnaHappen

Las Casuelas Nuevas is a true Palm Springs–area classic — full of history, flavor, and that timeless desert charm. Every visit feels like a celebration of good food, family, and community. The atmosphere is lively yet welcoming, with beautiful outdoor seating, colorful décor, and music that instantly puts you in vacation mode.

The food is absolutely fantastic — fresh, flavorful, and made with love. From the sizzling fajitas to the enchiladas and margaritas, everything tastes authentic and perfectly prepared. The staff treats you like family, attentive without rushing, and always smiling.

I’ve spent years coming to the Palm Springs / Rancho Mirage area, from working with Steve Oshita at Oshita Packing to attending Coachella in its early days — and Las Casuelas Nuevas has always been one of those spots that makes the desert feel like home. Had a great conversation with the bartender. Told me some really inside places to go around Palm springs my next trip... He'd love the dodgers, And enjoys fast cars. Great guy..

As the owner of GonnaHappen, I truly value places that bring people together through great food, culture, and hospitality — and Las Casuelas Nuevas embodies all of that and more. A must-visit for locals, travelers, and anyone who appreciates a genuine California dining experience.

#LasCasuelasNuevas #RanchoMirage #PalmSpringsEats #GonnaHappen #AaronGBeebe #MexicanCuisine #DesertDining...