This was our 2nd time eating here, really fun place. We had lunch on a weekday, not too busy and we sat on the gorgeous patio. The bartender was our server and was excellent. We had a taco salad and 3 taco plate: both were awesome. The salad was so big. I couldn't even finish it! He checked on us often and refilled it beer/sodas and water I love the decor and the food is great, highly recommend. read more

Cali Costa - Beautiful plants on the patio. - Mexican Near Me - Dana Point, California

Don't go. I used to like this place. Outdoor and airy with lots of tvs. Unfortunately it has gone way downhill. The server was fine. Took our order quickly. Food took forever to get to us with very few customers. Both the crispy short rib tacos and the Maui chicken tacos were cold dry and almost inedible. The server was great. Seemed like she'd heard our complaints before but we will never go back. read more

By chance we found Cali Costa as we meant to go to Laguna Beach. The crowded private parking area for a late weekend was a good sign that we'd enjoy our meal. There's a large dark bar as you enter but don't let all the TV's showing many different sporting events mislead you about the food. We got great service and food for fair prices. We sat on the patio in comfortable wicker chairs. Our server Natalie was helpful and patiently answered our first timer questions. We each ordered two taco and shared. Their complimentary chips are thin and crunchy. Some are sprinkled with spices, nice little kick. Our tacos were beautifully plated. Rice and beans are extra (you can get in a combo) but pico de gallo was on a bed of fresh cabbage with freshly cracked pepper, subtle but delicious seasoning. All of the tacos - shrimp, carnitas and birria short rib, were delicious, the first two were topped with a generous amount of tasty guacamole. My friend and I didn't like the mostly oil birria taco sauce though. They have the range of Mexican food here including all day breakfast burritos. The only negatives were the dirty menus (smeared dried pinto beans) and the women's bathroom was out of seat liners. But I would definitely come back if I'm in the area, hopefully to take advantage of Happy Hour of nearly every day specials. read more

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Random Tuesday stop! Good service, awesome salsa! Perfect ambiance! Lots of menu choices! Cool decor! read more

Cali Costa - Taco Tuesday menu - Mexican Near Me - Dana Point, California

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We stop here 2-3 times a month, and the consistency keeps bringing us back. Love their tacos, and of course the 34 oz margarita! Bottom line, when you compare it to other places around like Calo's, Sol Agave, or others, this is where you get the best value for your money... good portions, good drinks, and most importantly, consistently good food. Definitely one of our go-to spots. read more

This had got to be one of the best Mexican restaurants around! The food was delicious! Even the chips and salsa was good! It's a quaint lil Mexican restaurant with patio seating, very nice. Our server was excellent and asked if we needed anything several times. If you're in the area you have to try this place. SO GOOD! read more

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Enjoyed the quick lunch. Pet friendly patio we brought our dog along for our trip to the beach. We enjoyed the cod fish tacos. The bartender was friendly and made me a couple of vodka drinks I wanted. read more

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Nice spot not near PCH. Casual vibe. Good food. Good drinks. Exactly what I was looking for that day! read more

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I'm back for another great review! I've been a regular here for the last 4 years, and I want to give props to Sara. She's the manager that is often helping out serving. She's amazing. She remembers my order and is always a friendly face to see. The food, always top notch, and serving sizes are nothing to fret from. They are very friendly to dogs and allow them in their patio seating, offering water bowls for our fur babies. Can't forget the $19.99 bottomless mimosas!! Will always be back! read more

Cali Costa - Bottomless Mimosas - Mexican Near Me - Dana Point, California

Ate here last night for our first time. Note: we are not locals...like to get off property to experience the local neighborhood and restaurants. Could not be happier with our decision...outstanding authentic Mexican food, very cool atmosphere with various seating options inside and out, superb service delivered by friendly staff! Will go out of our way to visit again whenever in the area! read more

It is interesting that some of the restaurants along the coast, in some of the towns, are not dog friendly, even when you see people with dogs everywhere! Luckily Cali Costa is a dog friendly place with an awesome outdoor patio! All the workers are really friendly and welcoming! Not too busy on a Monday evening which was nice for us. We had just missed happy hour. Ordered a house margarita and a skinny margarita. Both very good! The server in training suggested chips and guac, and why not? Really nice presentation and a really good serving of avocado and spices! I ordered the short rib enchiladas and Daveed had the combo taco and cheese enchilada. The short rib was good, and the sauce had a fair amount of heat. I wasn't too keen on the rice, and the pintos were good. Daveed thought he was getting a hard shell taco, but he said it was good. He would've preferred the pintos instead of the black beans. I would've wanted the black beans instead of the pintos, so maybe offer a choice? The presentations of both were really good. Since we're from San Diego, we do tend to judge Mexican food a little hard. We thought the food was pretty safe, meaning anyone who does not like spicy, or is apprehensive about Mexican food, is safe to eat here. There's something for everyone. Again, the service was friendly and upbeat, and they were attentive without being intrusive which we like. Oh, and Cako liked being there because she only lays down when she does! Cako Approves! read more

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Good Mexican place. Live music often, good place to watch a game. Nice staff. Been here 3 times. If you order right you'll be happy. For two recommend the big Cadillac Margarita, two birria tacos and enchilada sampler and share. You won't be disappointed. read more

Cali Costa - Enchilada sampler split. - Mexican Near Me - Dana Point, California

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Tried this spot today for the first time and I very was disappointed with the quality of the food. The short rib enchiladas were decent, not good but not bad either. However, the Spanish rice and the refried beans were really disappointing for a Mexican restaurant with these prices. What I was served is something I would expect from a really cheap Mexican restaurant in an area where people aren't familiar with Mexican food. The beans were so watery it was like a soup with a few beans mixed inside and the Spanish rice was completely bland. I had stomach pain after the meal and subsequently had to run to the bathroom. You can definitely find much better Mexican food in the area for the same price that's much better quality as well. Only had one customer in the store at 2pm on a Saturday so that seems indicative of how popular this spot is. If they improved the quality of their food and used better ingredients this would be a much better place. For what you get right now, it is not worth the price you're paying. read more

Cali Costa - Short Rib Enchiladas - Mexican Near Me - Dana Point, California

This is a good restaurant to watch sports without the typical "sport's bar" atmosphere. It has a wonderful outdoor patio and serves tasty coastal Mexican food! My go to when meeting up with friends. read more

Cali Costa - Asada and Eggs - Mexican Near Me - Dana Point, California

Amazing restaurant! The vibes are immaculate and the food is exceptional! Would definitely recommend coming in and trying it for yourself. Also a great spot to watch the World Cup with over 20 TVs all around! read more

Cali Costa - Mexican Near Me - Dana Point, California

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Had never been here before but I was looking to watch the World Cup game and saw an English flag waving so I gave it a shot! SO GLAD I DID! Friendly welcome, cold beer, and above average Mexican food! Enjoy the Mango Fire hot sauce too A lot of TVs to see the game and hopeful this is the same setup for all sports games!! Will definitely be back!!! read more

Food was not great. Just okay. Service was slow (they were understaffed apparently). Chips and salsa not great. Guacamole is okay. Rice and beans are bad, very poor quality ingredients! Their cod fish taco was good though! That saved this review from being a 1 star. Given their prices, this is way below what I would expect. Overpriced for this kind of quality... read more

My favorite lunch or dinner stop when I'm heading home to San Diego County from Laguna Beach. I really enjoy the California fusion style tacos. This time I ordered 3 - Crispy Taco with Carnitas, Cali Shrimp (soft) Taco, and Maui Chicken (soft) Taco. All three were really tasty and hit the spot. The free chips and salsa (just enough heat) are also always good. A couple of on-tap Pacifico beers to wash everything down, and I was a happy camper! read more

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Cute little Mexican place with nice seafood options. I got the enchiladas Mariscos which has one green enchilada with shrimp that was quite tasty. The other enchilada was chipotle crab. This one was super hot, also appeared to be imitation crab so want to throw that out there. I enjoyed my food though and waiters were very attentive. My mom had the fish tacos and she also enjoyed them. I would recommend it for a nice easy sit down place for someone looking to eat some seafood. read more

Cali Costa - Mariscos Enchiladas - Mexican Near Me - Dana Point, California

Very friendly staff. Food is good and I love their Happy Hour! They also have patio seating . I absolutely love love their pulled pork nachos. read more

Their menu has a lot to offer. The Chile Rellano has bacon in it, which gives it a good flavor. Free chips n salsa as well as great service.

The food here is amazing. Large portions and filled. I got the carnita nachos. My husband got the surf and turf burrito. Michelada's made to perfection. Service was attractive and kind. Definitely will go back when in town! read more

Cali Costa - Michelada - Mexican Near Me - Dana Point, California

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This is the perfect beach town mexican restaurant. Great margaritas meets tasty tacos, with a key brunch bonus (pork chili verde with eggs) I started with the chicken tortilla soup Rojo and it checked all my boxes. The Owner Josh has strong vision for Cali Costa and he is constantly delivering. A perfect spot for a fun night out with friends and family. read more

Cali Costa - Chicken tortilla soup rojo - Mexican Near Me - Dana Point, California

We went for lunch on a Sunday. The waitress was friendly and efficient. I had a burrito which was great. The chips and guacamole were top notch. The Mexican street corn was tasty. They had live entertainment which I loved. Played all the great stuff from the 70's. Cute place with plenty of outdoor seating. read more

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We really wanted to like this restaurant and have given it multiple chances. We first visited shortly after the new owners took over and were disappointed with both the food and service. About a year later, we decided to try again, hoping things had improved. The food was better, but the service still left a lot to be desired. Tonight, we gave it a third try. While the service was again mediocre, we understand that everyone can have an off night, so that alone wouldn't have prompted this review. What concerned us more was the overall cleanliness of the restaurant. The bathrooms were not clean. The condiment bottles (hot sauce) were dirty and sticky, and our menu pages were literally stuck together with what appeared to be dried salsa residue. Cleanliness is something guests notice immediately, and it impacts the entire dining experience. We genuinely hoped to see improvement after several visits, but unfortunately that wasn't our experience. We hope management takes this feedback constructively, as we'd love to see this restaurant succeed read more

We found this place driving down PCH and wandered in. We've been back about twice per month since. The drink specials and happy hour are totally worth it. The Mexican candy shot and hot dog stand out. The bottomless mimosas and Bloody Marys are really good and good price too. The menu is pretty big and the food is good. I always end up with cheese or the fish and crab enchiladas or fish burrito, and with leftovers. This is a neighborhood hang out with chill vibes. Consistent, good service. read more

My boyfriend and I had our first date here back in 2021 and have been back consistently since then. The service is amazing and we love sitting on the porch with our pups. They go out of their way to make us feel welcome and even remember my boyfriend's order. Sarah (their manager and our usual server) is especially amazing. We get excited to see her for our brunch date on the weekend. Thank you for all the memories. read more

I always seem to get in here. Prices are low enough (for Dana Point) and last time I was here they had a local guitarist playing music and it was awesome. read more

Second time enjoying a post surf meal at Cali Costa. I was delighted to see that we got the same server that helped last time (the one working her butt off, not the one that ignored us and spent more time talking to other diners). Natalie deserves a shoutout for great service, friendliness, and attentiveness. Food was good again.. tried two new items: the guacamole dip and Cali burrito. Guac was delicious. Presentation of the Cali burrito was as boring as it tasted. The meat was a little cold and bland. We also had the avocado shrimp rolls which I had last time and they were as scrumptious as ever. We also got a wagyu burger for my friends dog. It's cute that you can order entrees for your doggie if you have one. read more

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Went to try it out for the first time on Taco Tuesday. Really great tacos especially the birria & nachos. Margarita is good too. Server was knowledgeable, nice & accommodating. read more

Went here for Taco Tuesday. The food was excellent, good prices, great service and nice atmosphere. Will definitely be a repeat customer.

Decent restaurant. Slow service 2 times visiting. Visual setting was favorable. nice asteroids and ambiance. good option socal entertainment on screens (should you be in mood to watch tv while not home). Salsa placed in chip basket causes soggy chips. Too much chipotle on menu. It was a hit flavor five to ten years ago. pretty outdated flavor profile. No street tacos unless lunch time. Pretty safe staple for mexican food fans. simple low food cost high menu price item. missed revenue stream for management. patio seats very uncomfortable. overall food is just decent. Not bad but not "crave I'll be back" good. couple that with slow service. makes for very average mexican restaurant. In a market with many exceptional options, I won't return after second attempt. read more

Great spot. Before going I didn't know it was a sports bar. Went during NFL play-off game, Plenty of seats and tv"s not a spot inside that does not have a great view of tv. Many food options and drinks. They appear to offer specials different days of the week. Must try spot if in the area. read more

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Food was excellent Service was very attentive Ambiance is perfect for the old Hobe Surf shop. Brings back a lot of memories. read more

Had an amazing time here this past weekend! Great and friendly service from the servers as well as the manager! One of the best margaritas i've ever had and the taco surf doheny shrimp tacos were amazing! Would definitely recommend! read more

Place was great , friendly staff . Food was delicious multiple screens for all sports ! Server was very welcoming !

Shout out to the girl helping me when I had my hot date a few days ago. Granted I feel like the margarita needs to be a bit stronger but overall the tacos were legit. read more

The service was terrible. The bartenders never welcomed or acknowledged me, I had to ask for a menu. They seemed inconvenienced when I asked for a margarita on cinco de mayo. And they never asked if I wanted to order food, it's like they didn't want the business. read more

Food was good Service was great! The cook even came out to our table to check to see if our food was to our liking. Ambience is very casual. Will definitely go back. read more

GET THE TIJUANA DOG. they brought it back and the corn is a must. margs obvi. happy hour from 3-6. also get the grilled chile relleno. read more

Cali Costa - Tijuana Street Dog, Elote Corn, Margarita - Mexican Near Me - Dana Point, California