Crazy Coyote Tacos

By “The Palm Springs Local” Denise Ortuno Neil

The one constant that I’ve found when I visit a new place is that the source to find the best of the best is from the people who actually live in the area. The information obtained from them is undiluted and untainted by any sponsorship, completely pure in its direction. The words, “Where do the locals go?” can open a world of experiences not always indulged by the average visitor.

Now, I am here to give you that same kind of experience, because I am a “Palm Springs Local." Actually, I am a local of the entire Coachella Valley, with 30 years of desert living under my belt. I will highlight places, people and bits of local treasure that you probably didn’t know about and that will hopefully enrich your stay here in the desert if you’re visiting or if you’ve made the commitment to be a “local” yourself. Either way, I will be sharing all the fun and fascinating things about this beautiful and deliciously enchanting area, and give you the insight from a “Palm Springs Local.”

Most of us have little rituals to which we succumb when taking a road trip out of town. We lock up the house, gas up the car, check the tires and then "boom," we’re on our way. But for me, I add a little something extra. I actually get on the road with an empty stomach, because I’m saving myself for something spicy and special about 15 miles west of Palm Springs off Interstate 10. It’s Crazy Coyote Tacos. The exterior may not look impressive with its walk-up window and outdoor-only seating (about six concrete picnic-style tables in all), and even a little strange with dinosaur replicas guarding the joint. However, if the old saying, “Don’t judge a book by its cover,” ever had any relevance, it would certainly pertain here and with further investigation and a sampling of their food, anything strange quickly becomes nothing less than charming.

It’s always a little breezy when I exit my car to partake in the tasty tacos at Crazy Coyote. The food haven is situated on Fields Road just down the street from the Cabazon Outlet Stores and has been owned and operated by the Miller family for the past 10 years. The family, being from the Morongo Band of Mission Indians, infuses Native American cooking with a Hispanic influence, which results in food with not only seriously complex flavors, but rich depth as well. My favorite, and their best seller, is the Giant Taco. The name says it all, incorporating a large homemade corn tortilla with melted cheese, your choice of perfectly seasoned and sauced chicken or beef (I always get the chicken), then guacamole, onions, cilantro and either mild or hot salsa. Is your mouth watering yet? The taco slightly encroaches itself on all parts of the face when trying to eat it with hands only, so I usually employ a handy spoon to help me devour the enormous bundle of flavor.

There are other equally saliva-producing delights on the menu, such as their exceptional Chili Verde Burrito and gooey cheese-filled Quesadilla, just to name a few. They also offer their savory chicken or beef by the pound to go, if you are inclined to assemble your own taco symphony at home. All their food is homemade, which is more than abundantly clear after the first bite.

Moderately priced and highway accessible, Crazy Coyote Tacos will always be one of my favorite rituals and if you give them a try, it just might become one of yours too.

For more information about Crazy Coyote Tacos, call (951) 849-2000.