You’re driving down Highway 62, the sun is doing that aggressive, golden desert thing where everything looks like a vintage postcard, and then you see it. A small, unassuming 1952 building that looks "more or less" like a house but feels like a sanctuary. This is Más o Menos. If you've been searching for más o menos joshua tree photos, you're likely trying to figure out if the hype matches the reality.
Honestly? It does. But not for the reasons you might think.
It’s not just a coffee shop. It’s not just a bar. It’s a masterclass in high-desert "wabi-sabi" design that makes every phone-wielding tourist look like a professional editorial photographer.
The Vibe That Launched a Thousand Grams
The phrase "más o menos" translates to "more or less," a nod to the laid-back, "it is what it is" attitude that defines the Morongo Basin. The owners, including Christian Bradford, teamed up with Studio Plow and Grain Construction to turn a literal shoebox into a desert oasis.
Why do the más o menos joshua tree photos look so good?
The palette is intentional. We’re talking warm terracotta, dusty sand hues, and Douglas fir. The designers didn't just paint the walls; they used clay-based materials that soak up the light rather than bouncing it harshly. If you’re trying to get the shot, the interior light at 10:00 AM is like a softbox from heaven.
The space transitions from a Canyon Coffee-fueled morning hub to a natural wine and mezcal lounge at night. This "hybrid" identity means the photography changes too. Morning shots are all about the crisp lines of the custom furniture and the shadows cast by the mesquite trees on the patio. Night shots? That’s when the disco ball in the bathroom comes out. Yes, a disco ball in a desert bathroom. It’s a rite of passage at this point.
The Specific Spots You Need to Capture
Don't just walk in and start snapping. There’s a rhythm to this place.
- The Terracotta Gradient: Look at the tiles. The designers (Brit Epperson and Barrett Karber) used a color gradient in the bathroom and behind the bar that mimics a Mojave sunrise. It’s subtle. It’s brilliant.
- The Back Patio: This is where the real life happens. You’ve got local vendors, live DJs, and occasionally, actual mini donkeys. The wooden trellises create these rhythmic shadows on the ground that are perfect for "candid" walking shots.
- The Photo Booth: Tucked away in the back is a classic analog-style photo booth. It’s the "surprise" everyone talks about. There is something incredibly tactile about holding a physical strip of photos in a digital world, especially with the Joshua Tree dust on your boots.
More Than Just a Pretty Face
Let's get real for a second. The desert is full of "aesthetic" spots that have zero soul. They feel like movie sets. Más o Menos is different because it was built by friends for friends.
The art on the walls? Usually for sale and created by locals like Aleksandra Z or Ana DiGiallonardo. The snacks? They aren't flying in frozen muffins. They source from L’Artisan and the Joshua Tree Catering Company.
When you take más o menos joshua tree photos, you aren't just capturing a building; you're capturing the community. You’ll see local climbers in dusty Carhartts sitting next to influencers in $400 linen sets. It’s a weird, beautiful mix that works.
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Lighting Tips for the High Desert
The sun in Joshua Tree is brutal. It’s flat and punishing from noon to 3:00 PM. If you want your photos to look like the ones on the Studio Plow portfolio, you have to time it.
- Golden Hour: Obviously. But at Más o Menos, "Golden Hour" starts a bit earlier because of how the building sits. The light hits the front facade around 4:30 PM in the winter, turning the alabaster walls into a glowing amber.
- The Blue Hour: After the sun drops behind the mountains, the desert turns a deep, bruised purple. This is the best time for shots of the outdoor fire pits and the neon signage.
The "More or Less" Reality Check
Look, it’s a popular spot. If you go on a Saturday at noon, it will be crowded. Your "minimalist" photo might have twelve other people in the background. If you want the quiet, architectural shots, go on a Tuesday morning.
The menu is small. They do coffee, tea, and a few killer breakfast burritos (the soyrizo one is the move). At night, it’s about the "Thirst Trap" cocktail or a curated mezcal flight. It’s not a full-service restaurant. Don’t show up expecting a five-course meal; show up for the atmosphere.
How to Make Your Photos Stand Out
Everyone takes a photo of the bar. Everyone.
To make your más o menos joshua tree photos actually interesting, look for the "imperfections." The designers specifically built the exterior furniture during a live DJ set to ensure it felt a bit "imperfect." Capture the grain in the Douglas fir. Capture the way the desert wind has weathered the outdoor cushions.
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Focus on the textures:
- The rough texture of the clay walls.
- The smooth glass of a natural wine bottle.
- The contrast of the green succulents against the orange terracotta.
Actionable Tips for Your Visit
If you’re planning a trip to the high desert and Más o Menos is on your list (it should be), here is how to handle it like a local.
Check the Pop-Up Schedule
They don't have a kitchen, but they do have "I Fall to Pizzas" or "Friendo Burger" on rotation. Check their Instagram before you go so you don't arrive hungry on a night when there's no food truck.
Bring Your Dog
The patio is incredibly dog-friendly. Some of the best photos of this place feature a tired hiking dog splayed out on the cool concrete.
Respect the Space
It’s a business, not a free studio. If you’re doing a full-on "content shoot" with three outfit changes, buy a few rounds of drinks and be cool to the staff. They’re some of the nicest people in the desert, but they’re also busy making some of the best lattes in the 760 area code.
Combine it with the Park
Don't just go to the bar. Use it as your "after-hike" reward. Hit Hidden Valley or Barker Dam for your nature shots, then head to Más o Menos to download your photos over a cold brew.
The desert is all about the "in-between" moments. It’s the drive, the dust, and the unexpected oasis on the side of the road. Más o Menos is exactly that—a place that is exactly as much, or as little, as you need it to be.
Next Steps for Your Desert Trip
- Download Offline Maps: Cell service drops the second you leave Highway 62.
- Pack a Jacket: The desert temperature drops 20 degrees the moment the sun touches the horizon.
- Check the Live Music Calendar: They often have local bands that turn the patio into a full-on desert party.