Love and sustenance go hand in hand. They nourish the body and soul, fuel our passions, and connect us across generations. For one iconic Palm Springs restaurant, family has always been the main ingredient—and it shows in every bite.
Tucked in the heart of downtown Palm Springs on Palm Canyon, Las Casuelas Terraza isn’t just a place to eat. It’s a living, breathing story of heritage, hospitality, and home-cooked Mexican food—served with soul for over 45 years.
Rooted in Family Tradition Since 1958
When Patrick Service, current operator of Las Casuelas Terraza, pauses mid-conversation to make sure his wife gets her lunch, it’s more than just a sweet gesture—it’s a glimpse into the heartbeat of the restaurant itself.
“I’m a townie,” he says proudly. “I was here on day one of my life. My grandparents, Maria and Florencio Delgado, moved to Palm Springs more than 60 years ago and opened the Original Las Casuelas in 1958.”
Those roots run even deeper than Palm Springs.
“In pre-Depression Arizona—places like Globe and Jerome—my great-grandmother cooked for copper miners in a boarding house. She was a single mom with, I want to say, eight kids. These aren’t the fancy molés of Mexico City. These are hearty, comforting, family recipes meant to fill bellies and warm spirits. It’s the definition of comfort food for us.”
Four generations later, those same recipes still define the menu.
A Taste of Yesterday, Served Fresh Today
Many restaurants talk about honoring heritage. Las Casuelas Terraza lives it every day.
“The recipes haven’t changed in over 100 years,” Patrick says. “We’ve added some new items over the years, but our core dishes are the same ones I remember from childhood. Every bite takes me back to holidays at my grandparents’ house. That’s the magic of it.”
The restaurant’s vibe—colorful tilework, bubbling fountains, twinkling lights, and live music on the patio—feels like an extension of the Delgado family living room. It's one reason Las Casuelas Terraza remains one of Palm Springs' most beloved and longest-running restaurants.
Built on a Risk, Blossomed into a Downtown Landmark
Opening Las Casuelas Terraza in 1979 wasn’t an obvious win at the time.
“This part of downtown Palm Springs was considered a dead zone,” Patrick recalls. “Everyone said, ‘You’ll never make it that far south.’ But my parents saw potential.”
The location—a modest 1920s Spanish casita once used as a real estate office by former Palm Springs mayor Frank Bogert—became something revolutionary: the city’s first large-scale patio dining restaurant.
The timing? Pure Palm Springs magic.
“We opened just days before a rare snowfall,” Patrick laughs. “People went from saying, ‘You can’t do patio dining—it’s too hot!’ to ‘There’s snow in Palm Springs!’”
The risk paid off. Today, Las Casuelas Terraza anchors one of downtown’s most vibrant dining corridors and remains a must-visit for locals and visitors alike.
Menu Highlights
When it comes to the food, Patrick doesn’t hesitate to share his favorites.
“Anything with our Chile Colorado. It’s rich, full of flavor, but light on the tongue. That’s my go-to.”
Fan favorites also include:
- Chimichangas – crispy, golden, and packed with seasoned meats and cheeses
- Street-style tacos – simple, satisfying, and crave-worthy
- Enchiladas Rancheras – smothered in traditional red chile sauce
Pair it all with a house-made margarita, fresh chips, and guacamole, and you’ve got yourself a quintessential Palm Springs experience.
Powered by People, Fueled by Community
A restaurant is only as strong as its team—and Las Casuelas Terraza is powered by decades of dedication.
“Our staff is amazing. Many have been with us for years. They’re proud of what we do here, and that pride shows in every plate.”
That local love extends both ways.
“Palm Springs has supported us so well,” says Patrick. “Even as tourism grows, this is still a small-town community at heart. Locals are our biggest ambassadors, and we’re deeply grateful for their support. You’ll always find familiar faces here—especially in the summer.”
More Than a Meal—A Place to Belong
Whether you’re celebrating a milestone, gathering with friends, or just craving a great margarita under the desert stars, Las Casuelas Terraza delivers more than a meal.
It’s a place where family history is honored, traditions are preserved, and everyone—local or visitor—is welcomed like one of their own.
Come hungry. Come curious. Come ready to make memories—just like generations of Palm Springs families have done since 1958.
They’ll save you a seat on the patio… rain, shine, or even snow.
Las Casuelas Terraza
Address: 222 S. Palm Canyon Drive
📞 (760) 325-2794
Longest Operating Restaurants in Palm Springs
