Armando’s Dakota Bar & Grill continues to thrive while other restaurants seem to come and go. Armando’s is not really known for the atmosphere or are they? People watching at Armando’s can be interesting to say the least. The patio out front overlooks the sidewalks of El Paseo Drive and inside you’ll find an old school Mexican bar and grill (but with a very modern big screen TV).
On a recent visit my husband Bill and I choose to sit at the bar for dinner and drinks and take in the local color. Service was prompt even when busy, as the staff at Armando’s really hustles. I ordered a fabulous Peach Margarita while Bill went for the traditional Margarita rocks. Watch them make their Margarita’s and you’ll know why local legend says they can ‘destroy you.’ Bill tasted his and asked the bartender to turn his one drink into two–problem solved.
On To Dinner For Two At Armando’s
For dinner I ordered the Tostada Salad, which was huge and awesome. Bill ordered a combination dish featuring a home made chicken tamale and a chicken enchilada. Both were very good as were the black beans and rice. My salad was so large that I took half of it home later.
The danger at Armando’s beside their killer Margarita’s, are their traditional chips and salsa. We just keep enjoying those darn chips until I asked our server to please take them away. I guess those salty chips really do encourage people to order more of Armando’s drinks.
Researching Palm Springs Area Restaurants
Before we dine out, Bill or I will usually check out the online reviews on both Yelp and TripAdvisor. Looking at Armando’s, the reviews were very positive, and we agree after our recent visit that Armando’s is definitely worth at try when you’re in a Mexican food mood. A very worthy alternative is the nearby and smaller Fresh Agave Mexican Bar & Grill, also in Palm Desert. We’ll visit Fresh Agave this summer and post a review.
Armando’s Dakota Bar & Grill is located at 73260 El Paseo, Palm Desert. Reservation are suggested during prime times. (760) 346-0744. We could not find a website for Armando’s.