THE CRUST IS CHEF'S KISS!…read more I've been desperately wanting to come here for months now after hearing about how Truly Pizza ranked in the top 100 of the world's best pizzas. Having tried pizza from Pizzeria Sei, Apollonia and Quarter Sheets, I was on a mission to try this place, but getting a reservation was the difficult part. Luckily, my friend snagged one for our group of 8 so we could try several pizzas since most of us were travelling from LA to Dana Point. PARKING There is a small lot (8 spaces) behind the restaurant that are reserved for the restaurant. We got lucky and snagged a spot but it was the only one available. There are other strip malls nearby so there is limited parking, as well as street parking. Since we had a reservation, we were seated right away. The restaurant has only outdoor seating which was surprising but perfect for the type of weather we had that day and it was beautifully decorated with real and faux lemons trees adorning the entirety of the space. Brandon was our server and while a whippersnapper, he was super sweet, attentive and gave some great recommendations. We tried the following: COCKTAILS Truly Spritz - Super refreshing, not too sweet and perfectly balanced. I really enjoyed this one. Truly Frosé - Fun frozen rosé slushie to drink though just a touch sweet for my palate, but I could easily drink a few of these. APPETIZERS 1) Harissa Honey Chicken Wings - Pretty tasty wings and you can definitely taste the harissa which has a distinct but enjoyable flavor. I would stick to pizza next time but if you're in the mood for wings, then this is a great option and has a nice warm kick. 2) The Dana Point Wedge Salad - Beautifully presented and just what you expect and want from a wedge salad. Refreshing and delish! ROUND THIN CRUST PIZZAS 3) Champion Tomato & Cheese - They say sometimes less is more and this pizza is an expression of that. While I can appreciate the simplicity of this pizza, I'm not sure that I would order this again since I just love the beauty of many flavors and textures. 4) Crispy Pepperoni - Solid choice if you like thick pepperonis with edges that curl up 5) Potato Bianca - I really enjoyed this one. Imagine a variety of cheeses, garlic, onion.. umami.. so underrated and yet so delish! As a I reflect on the pizzas I ate, this was definitely a memorable one. 6) Umami Mushroom - This was unique one that had a very strong shitake-esque flavor to me. While I enjoyed it and the mushroom varietal, I'm not sure I will be racing to order it since there are others that I preferred. SQUARE PIZZAS 7) Smoky Vodka (Added Pepperoni) - YUMMY!! Our group really enjoyed this pizza and the added pepperoni elevated it even more (thanks for the rec, Brandon!) I think this was our group's resounding favorite pizza. There were so many flavorful elements! 8) Sweet & Spicy - YUM TOO! This was a close second and would absolutely order this again. So good! There was a simplicity yet complexity that I couldn't deny. 9) Mamma Mia - Lasagna as a pizza! It was good but when compared to the other two, this was not our favorite but still very good. DESSERT "The Truly Way" soft serve - Just when most of us thought we couldn't handle any more food, the sweet tooth's of the group ordered this and we gobbled it up. Who would've thought to add olive oil, salt and lemon zest to vanilla soft serve?!? It was pretty remarkable THE CRUST - Wow, I think the take away message about this restaurant is that they really know how to make a really AMAZING crust. It was crispy, fluffy and light. Despite trying 7 pizzas, I never felt bloated or filled with cardiovascular regret. Yes, all the different pizzas were great, but it's the crust that makes Truly.. truly special. I can't wait to try their Laguna location!!

Does this place meet the hype? Mostly, yes…read more Do yourself a favor and make a reservation well in advance, like, three or four weeks ahead. Really. This is not a pizza joint. This is a casual restaurant from all appearances that happens to specialize in pizza. The ingredients used for the pizzas, drinks, appetizers, etc. are excellent. Our service was top notch. Kids are ok, and dogs are ok; in fact, the crazy old lady near us held her dog on her lap and allowed it to drink the water directly out of her water glass. I love dogs and all other animals but this was a bit too much. Additionally, many parents allowed their kids to roam freely around the restaurant. This is never a good idea. The place itself is attractive. The lower level is open air, as is the upper level. There is a big fake lemon tree in the middle of everything that spreads its big fake branches with its big fake lemons everywhere over the diners and it is delightful. For an appetizer, we went with the ricotta. You get an ample scoop of fresh ricotta with balsamic, olive oil, and chili flakes, and four pieces of beautifully grilled garlic bread. This delicious dish is a home run. The pull-apart garlic bread appetizer looked amazing, too, but our bellies are only so big. We're obviously trying to make our bellies bigger. They really push the thin crust and extra thin, crackery crust pizzas here. We tried the "famous" one, the "Champion" (because it beat all other pizzas in the known universe in some contest, apparently) and it was fine. There is a hint of tomato sauce on it, maybe a sprinkling of cheese, and some nice salt. That's it. So THIS is the pizza that aliens from other planets visit Earth to try? I don't think so. The crust was raised and salty and good but otherwise, I found this pizza to be quite boring. The square pan Suprema, with pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, and peppers, and cheese (what a concept--cheese!) was much more my style. The ingredients really shined here. This one was delicious. For dessert, we tried the soft swirl ice cream and it was delicious. Vanilla was the only flavor of the day and the ice cream tasted homemade. You get one topping and we added crumbled Oreos which was a good choice. The drink game here is strong. They have a few cocktails, a few mocktails or non alcoholic selections, and very strong and interesting beer and wine options. I never get spritzers but I got a spritzer here and it was terrific and far boozier than I expected (and I am not complaining). Would I come back? You bet. The Champion was a huge miss for me but the cooking here is top notch and the ingredients used are very fresh. This is a professional outfit that is putting out a quality product. And if you bring your dog, have enough thought and courtesy to bring a small water bowl from home for your lovely thirsty hairy companion.

Best Dive bar on Del Prado! Open at 8am and the beer is ice…read morecold. Love the cool surfer vibe that is authentic. The owner is still surfing Trestles and ripping. I love the Chowder and the fish tacos

Affordable prices, but the food was pretty underwhelming. I ordered the Big Als burger which is…read morebasically a bbq bacon cheeseburger. Their version comes with delicious onion strings. The burger itself was just ok. I also ordered the schwack spuds and I didn't care for them much. They did come with the most delicious dipping sauce. Im open to coming back to try some of their other menu items and hoping they'll be better than what I've tried so far. Fun facts: - Street parking - indoor and outdoor seating

I love Jimmy's tavern. It can be difficult to find a place that the kids will also enjoy and this…read moreis it. Everything from the salads, to the sandwiches, and the cocktails is perfection. Service has always been top notch.

I came here once before for an event. This time we came to dine. We were seated in their nice…read morepatio area. Our waitress did a good job even though they seemed to be understaffed. There was a huge party behind us so it took an awhile. Luckily it gives you a chance to just enjoy the atmosphere. I remember enjoying their kalifornia salad so I ordered that with salmon. While it's a little on the pricer side, it was delicious! It could have used a few more autumn squash but it's a great salad! I subbed corn for almonds though. Friends got the fish tacos with yummy sweet potato fries and poki bowl. We enjoyed our dining experience. We did make reservations as well since they did have a line, Definitely worth a visit! SYOY!

I used to come here all the time, and it's still one of those places that feels like home the…read moremoment you walk in. The bartenders are absolutely amazing and they somehow always remember what you like. Becca and Erin truly make this place what it is -- they're the kind of people who turn a quick stop into the highlight of your night. That said, you really can't go wrong with anyone behind the bar or on the floor. Every person I've met here has been welcoming, fun, and genuinely invested in making your experience enjoyable. I don't live nearby anymore, but I make a point to stop in every time I'm back in the area because the staff is that great. If you're looking for a restaurant/bar with great vibes, great drinks, and even better people, this is it. I'll keep coming back whenever I can. I MISS YOU ALL!!!!!!

Such a great spot to watch some Sunday football - this place has high energy so a perfect spot to…read morego watch the game with others. If you're looking for a low-key quiet spot this is not the place to go during football season on a Sunday morning, but it was perfect for what we were looking for :-) Our server was so sweet and attentive. She came up multiple times to make sure we had everything we needed which we truly appreciated. We both got the cider which we enjoyed, it wasn't overly sweet. We also shared the roasted corn dip which was perfect for snacking on while watching the game.

The decor is quirky, different and interesting; always something to catch your eye. Staff,…read moremanagement and bartenders are all very kind. I came here years ago to try the clam chowder, followed by the fish and chips. It's always so delicious I've never tried anything else! I will definitely keep coming back. Keep up the excellent work!

Turk's never disappoints!…read more I don't get down to Dana Point often, but when I do Turk's is a must. The food, the drink, the service, and the ambience are always great! We had a fun and great meal. Shout out to our server, Cheri. She delivered our meal perfectly and helped make it fun. Pro tip: Get the fried Zucchini! It's generously portioned and awesome. I washed my meal down with a couple of Maker's rocks and a Coors Light as one does. Long live Turk's. Cheers!

Came for brunch after paddle boarding with my husband and MIL. Made a reservation through Open…read moreTable just in case they were packed. Got a table outdoor, the weather was beautiful. The only downside was it was a bit loud when cars passed by. Restaurant is beautiful, love the vibe. Our server Sean C. was very pleasant and attentive. I had the avocado tartine with tots on the side, everything was fresh and tasty. Hubbs had the smash burger which he devoured quickly. For drinks i only got a decaf, wish they had matcha - it would've been a perfect meal for me.

I want to start this review off by saying THANK YOU to Blake, Kelly and all the Craft House staff…read morethat had a hand in our wedding reception!! It was truly such a beautiful night that went off without a hitch. Because of YOU GUYS. Beginning of Planning: My husband and I were on the hunt for the perfect "alternative" space to a traditional wedding venue due to time constraints of planning a wedding in 4 months and also budgetary constraints (not willing to sell our souls for a 40k wedding in South OC). I came across Craft House on Yelp (another beautiful couple held their wedding there) and knew the space would be perfect. I emailed for a week or two with Kelly before deciding to see the space in person. Late November/early December we met with Blake to show us the space. We knew it was the place for us when we were explaining to Blake our overall goal we were trying to accomplish: We wanted to throw a nice dinner and dance party for the people we love the most to celebrate the love we share. And we wanted to do it our way. Blake's response: We can do it all. No constraints. Basically no "rules", do it your way. We immediately put a hold on the space for our wedding date. December-March: Kelly was the perfect person to connect with and kindly answered all the questions that come along with planning a wedding. She was efficient with answering emails and following up with us (I'm type B, I love a follow up). We went to eat at Craft House a few times during these months and we able to figure out what we loved the best on the menu and each experience was fantastic. 10/10 drinks, food, and service. March: We started finalizing all the little details, food and drink menu, decorations, table arrangements, day of timeline. It was easy, efficient and there was a confidence from both Blake and Kelly that made us feel extremely confident and grateful to have our reception at Craft House. Wedding Week/Day of: Blake kindly allowed us to bring a load of decorations the day before the wedding to help the set up efforts on wedding day. We dropped off boxes of candles with a bartender (possibly a manager) the night before and he was extremely sweet and helpful by carrying boxes inside for us. The day of the wedding, our DJ and friend who was helping with set up were able to go in a few hours before. When we walked into the reception for the first time, we were blown away! I was in true awe at the space. It was exactly how we envisioned. The beautiful wood interior and 3/4 walls of windows with plants inside and outside made it feel like we were in a green house. I was met with a drink in my hand immediately from the bartenders and I was never without a drink (they would find me every time my drink was empty and give me a new one... THAT'S TOP TIER SERVICE). We ate, we drank and we partied with the people we love the most, exactly how we wanted. Things you should know: Particulars- We had about 90 guests, 4 vendor meals and had the private space from 12 PM (set up time) to 10:30PM. Price- THE BEST DEAL YOU CAN GET. Rental for the space, food and open bar(!!!) all bundled into a great price. Best bang for your buck. Price included gratuity and a small percentage for service fee. UNBEATABLE. Service- As someone who worked in the restaurant industry for many years (and close friends who are bartenders and servers)... we all agreed that the service was top tier. One of the biggest stand outs for me was the smiles on all of their faces during our reception. There is nothing better than seeing employees genuinely smile while they are working. It really makes the whole atmosphere a million times better. Some videos that we got at the end of the night, you can see the bartenders dancing while serving guests, it made my heart happy to know that there was some enjoyment while working their butts off for us. Thank you all so much!! We enjoyed ourselves and so did all of our guests. The next day people were stunned that we had been at a restaurant and not a wedding venue. This review is well deserved. *Pictures to come!

SUNDAY FUNDAY's WON'T BE THE SAME…read more.. STILLWATER Spirits & Sounds, Dana Point, California! This News Hits Hard, that this Iconic Restaurant & Bar will be closing their doors after 13+ years! Still can't believe Sunday November 2, 2025 will be their last Sunday Funday! My Husband & I shared so many Fun memories here! If you've never been here, you missed out! A picture says a thousand words, and I have so many I want to share! Cheers to the Amazing Stillwater Family! You Will All be Missed! And so glad we will still see you at your Sunsets Bar, Capistrano Beach!

StillWater is a cool spot on the corner of Golden Lantern and Del Prado in Dana Point. They have a…read moregreat outdoor patio, with a bar in the middle, and then a huge inside where they'll often have bands, fun line dancing nights, and even karaoke. I was really impressed by the quality of the food. From what I understand, the owner is really into organic and health conscious foods. Also, I love seeing N/A drinks and even mocktails on the menu! I had the Don't Mock Me mocktail and it was so good that I ordered 2! Their bar is really inviting and the bartenders are working hard! Our server, Antoine was hustling too! It was a busy Saturday night and we had a great time.

If you're looking for a solid spot to grab a bite, Hennessey's Tavern is definitely the move. The…read morevibe is laid-back, the food hits every time, and the service is always on point. You have to try the Irishman Burger -- seriously one of the best burgers I've had. Juicy, flavorful, and cooked just right. Big bonus: this place is super dog-friendly They always make it easy to bring your pup along, which makes the whole experience even better. Great food, chill atmosphere, and perfect for hanging out with friends (and your dog). I'll definitely be coming back!

Went for breakfast after St. Paddy's and was not disappointed, ordered the Dublin Benedict and WOW!…read moreBig enough to split but promise me you won't want to lol If you are looking for your local 2 egg breakfast joint with a glass of OJ, this ain't it. But if you want to feel like you've been transported to the Emerald Isle, with Irish decor, shamrock inspired menu and green carpet to match? You've found your place. I can honestly say I'll be back, and then back again etc. Servers are attentive, kind and you really feel good here. I can't wait to try the O' Rueben sandwich, Irish Nachos and so on next time. Parking is great and this place has a lot to be proud of.

By chance we found Cali Costa as we meant to go to Laguna Beach. The crowded private parking area…read morefor 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.

Tried this spot today for the first time and I very was disappointed with the quality of the food…read more 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.

Came by after a fishing trip to grab a couple slices and a drink, and it ended up being a great…read morestop. Two slices and a drink came out to a really reasonable $11.58, which felt like a solid deal. After eating it, I had to grab one more slice of pizza! The service was fast and friendly, and they even brought the pizza out to the table which was a nice touch. The space itself is pretty roomy with a few tables and two island counters with bar stools, so there's plenty of spots to sit and enjoy your food. Great pizza, quick service, and good prices. Definitely feels like the kind of place you could easily become a regular at.

Food was soo yummy :3 Service was amazing !!…read moreThe wait was going to be 20 minutes (dine in) & the man (didn't get his name) offered me Garlic Knots for the wait , I didn't tell him but I hadn't eaten all day & I was starving , so that was very appreciative. & walking out I was offered cookies :3 Love them