When we're coastal we seem to wind up here. It's been a long-standing favorite I've never had a bad meal and we showed up for Father's Day I've never seen it this crowded. We were lucky to find one table open without waiting. And as usual the service was top-notch even though they were crowded and the food came out fresh and hot. Took my grandson because he's ready to join the Air Force academy and this may be his last meal here for a few years. He grew up on this place. They have one in Sunset Beach which is a little smaller a little less parking and this one in Dana point which always has plenty of street parking but both are coastal right on Pacific Coast Highway. read more

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Service sucks. "Sit where you want". "Okay". Sit in a booth with lots about. Wait at least 10 minutes before anyone comes by. Young kid who perhaps moments before was told to adorn the cafe t-shirt, pad shoved into his hand and told, " go take orders", only comes to our table after waving him down. The first one we made eye contact with never reappeared. He comes back with water, menus, and cutlery. Another 10-15 goes by. No sight. We depart. Restaurants frown on bringing outside food. For Harbor House Cafe I recommend packing a meal at home. read more

I just want to say, this place did not disappoint. The server Robert had exceptional customer service. He was honest and answered all of the questions I had to accommodate me on choosing what I wanted to eat. It was simple but perfect, to me and my friends. I'd definitely come here again. I would ask for him if you want good service. We got the half turkey sandwiches with corn chowder, the fish and chips, and the Oreo milkshake. Looks can be deceiving... it was all delicious!! read more

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I have never cared deeply enough to write a poor Yelp review in my life, but their omelette was so ass I remembered it months later and had to write one. Truly unfortunate, because the interior is charming and the place is a vibe, but whoever owns this place needs to fire their cook for the following reasons. 1. From the other reviews I see I'm not the only person who experienced coming at opening hour to find out their cook simply wasn't there so nothing to eat for a good hour? To me this was strange but forgivable since I was happy to just chill with my coffee for a while. To others, a missing cook at a place they're trying to eat at may be an obstacle! 2. I ordered an omelette and added spinach as an ingredient. A simple request...or so I thought. Never in my life did I know restaurants could freeze spinach. And in clumps like the one that appeared in my omelette. Tasted like lawn mower wet grass chunks. Not that I ever tasted grass. But conveys how unpleasant it was. I tried to pick around it but lost my appetite and gave up. 3. The egg itself tasted like it was soaked in days old oil and just greasy af. While the interior of this establishment may feel homey and lovely, the food was far from so. The manager/server was very nice though. Maybe it was a one off thing with the food. Maybe the spinach was frozen cause it was the morning. Idk. But it was horrible enough that the frozen spinach chunk omelette seared a permanent core memory into my mind. read more

Harbor House Café - frozen spinach chunk omelette! - American Near Me - Dana Point, California

We didn't get the chance to even try the food. It's open seating, so they instruct patrons to sit anywhere. We waited 10 minutes for a server to even give us menus and get a drink order. Waited another 10 minutes before even seeing our server in the area again. Others were waiting as well. It looked like other servers were more active for their areas. Left before being able to place an order or try the food. read more

Old, classic diner feel; the kind of spot where you can settle in without fuss and know exactly what you're getting. THE FOOD. - Corned Beef Hash. The corned beef hash was crispy on the edges and soft in the middle; its salty bite worked perfectly with the over easy eggs. I also received a side of English muffin and used it for soaking up the yolk. - Breakfast Sausage with Eggs & Hashbrowns. The sausages were juicy with a mild spice, scrambled eggs, and golden-brown (buttery) hashbrowns. THE DRINK. - Coffee. Medium blend and much needed in the morning. THE PARKING. There's a small line of parking spaces in front of the restaurant. If you can't find parking there, street parking is your other option. THE VERDICT. A solid go-to for a hearty, straightforward breakfast. Nothing overcomplicated, just reliable comfort food that hits the spot! read more

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This place never disappoints. I've been coming here easily for over 40 years. The restaurant was not busy at all since we arrived at 5pm. We sat in the well lit indoor patio. The waiter was a young guy and was very attentive. I worried at first. He never wrote anything down. Almost everything was correct. I ordered the grilled roast beef with Ortega chilis. My brother n law ordered the same. We both received the wrong sandwiches. The ones we received were the Philly cheesesteak sandwich. Only difference was that it had peppers , onions and the beef was a little thinner. We just let it go. We took off the onions & peppers & enjoyed. So there might be something said about writing the order down. ‍. Especially since we were a party of 6! Besides that we had delicious food and great service. read more

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Classic diner feel with the type of menu you would expect. Been around forever. Good coffee and vibes. Don't expect anything too fancy!

We came for brunch on thanksgiving morning. The restaurant was pretty dirty with quite a bit of food and trash on the ground. The staff was busy with other tables and took a while to greet us and take our order but there were a lot of empty tables as well. Once the staff go to us they were nice. The food was below average. Sandwich was very simple and could easily make the same exact thing at home, ingredients seemed fresh. Hash browns were greasy and not crispy. Country fried steak definitely needed the gravy. Steak was chewy and tough but a pretty good deal for the price. Overall I wouldn't come back. Nothing special read more

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Finally, someone knows got to make the perfect pouched egg. I really enjoyed this light breakfast. We came in during the work week it was nice and quiet with just a few locals. While I enjoyed my breakfast my fiancée enjoyed the soup and tuna melt sandwich. We really enjoyed the service. read more

Harbor House Café - Pouched eggs - American Near Me - Dana Point, California

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The Harbor House Cafe in Dana Point does not disappoint. Several times a year, I will take groups here for lunch as it is usually quiet and there is a large room to accommodate everybody. The portions are ample and the prices are fair. I usually have the California chicken sandwich with fries. My friends often order a breakfast item at lunchtime. The staff is friendly. While parking can be a problem, usually I am able to find a parking spot close by. Picture this cafe like an old fashion diner. I will return to it. read more

This is a cool place to eat. I love all the old movie posters and pictures. I had the French Toast combo. Only bad thing was the bacon was a bit crispy for me. Service was good. I'll come back read more

Harbor House Café - American Near Me - Dana Point, California

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Food was just not on point- even the toast was marginal. Coffee wasn't good either. The waitress was nice read more

I've been eating at the harbor house for 40 years. When I was a teenager it was a frequent stop for breakfast after surfing at san onofre or trestles. Staying in san Clemente for valentines day so we hit up harbor house for breakfast for nostalgia's sake before taking a little cruise on my boat which has its' slip in Dana Point harbor. Breakfast at the harbor house is always solid in my experience. French toast combo is my go to. Self seating When you walk in. Pick A booth, table, or at the bar. Your server will come to you, take your order, and bring your food and drinks to the table. read more

Harbor House Café - Scrambled eggs and bacon - American Near Me - Dana Point, California

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I give it 3stars because the older gentleman that picks up and cleans the tables is a very good guy and seems to be the only one that actually works there. This place was great in its early days but due to the economy not too many people go there now. But, with that said, when a customer walks in, one would think they would be super attentive because of the lack of patrons. But instead, they take their time hiding in the kitchen. It's a shame. It's a vicious circle. They have no customers so they can't get good help. I don't have the answers. All I know is that the service could be way better. And without attitude. My last visit I waited with the people I was with, as the waitress saw us but because it wasn't her station, she ignored us and when our waiter finally came, he wouldn't even look us in the eye. read more

3.1 is a joke This place is been around longer than I can remember. I can only go back 45 years when I used to order vegetable soup and the seafood combo. One bummer is that there's no scallops in it anymore. It used to be fish, shrimp, scallops and fries. It's a diner, live with it. I think there's probably too many things on the menu. Anybody that can complain about this restaurant can F.O. read more

Harbor House Cafe in Dana Point is a legendary, old-school diner known for its nostalgic Hollywood atmosphere and massive, "trucker-sized" portions. Serving coastal California since 1939, it is a quintessential "roadside Americana" spot where the walls and ceilings are famously covered in vintage movie posters and celebrity photos. read more

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The cafe itself is neat! There's so much to see and everyone was nice! My eggs were good- nice and cheesy, great English muffin- it was buttered, the hash brows were average. The grilled cheese did end up in a stomachache so I'm not too sure what was up with that but the fries were also yummy! read more

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This is my first time trying this location and it did not disappoint! I love the inside of the restaurant with all of the cool posters and pictures everywhere! Service was fast and the food came out even faster! My grilled chicken sandwich was delicious and very fresh tasting and they give you a lot of avocado! Fries were GREAT! Huge fan of the fries! And fan of the ranch! Overall great food ! read more

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Another day that I waited for 1 hour and the cook did not show up so no food to eat. I will keep trying as only place that opens on area at 6 am but hard when you can't order. read more

Worlds toughest steak didn't eat it and waitress exclaimed " that's too bad" sometimes old school needs an education read more

Harbor House Café - Easier to eat a Palm tree - American Near Me - Dana Point, California

This place is much better than 3.1 stars would indicate. It is greasy spoon food--not fine dining. For basic diner food the portions are above average, quality of ingredients range from average to above average, service is good, menu selection is larger than average. Ambience is definitely old, old, old-school. To say the place has "texture" doesn't do it justice--definitely like a well worn pair of old shoes, comfortably worn in. Burgers are large and basic with lots pickles, lettuce and tomato slices. You get a bit more than what you pay for here. Also, good old-school breakfast--no fancy quiches, no jambon et oeufs au buerre noir. Corned beef hash works. read more

This is ridiculous!!! 45 minutes and all we ordered were milkshakes... Oh and bonus fact the milkshakes weren't even properly mixed and made. This is outrageous. read more

Lots of seating and cool photo decor around and above. Food is simple and good. Friendly, fast and helpful staff. read more

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Although the HH wrap that I ordered was rather tasteless, others enjoyed their entrees ~ French beef dip, patty melt etc. French fries were the best! Friendly service and quaint atmosphere for family dining. read more

The best casual dining! Great food, reasonable prices, great staff. Been going for many years we all love our HH

Amazing ambiance. Epic diner vibes. Super nice staff too. I just got the hobos hash browns which was such a big serving like 3 meals worth of hashbrowns. read more

Harbor House Café - American Near Me - Dana Point, California

Me and my boyfriend went after the beach, the atmosphere couldn't be more odd, service was awful, and the food was below average. His steak and gravy seemed microwaved, the food had no seasoning whatsoever, and the only good thing was the fries because they were hot and crispy. The service was very poor, two servers would follow eachother (I assume one was in training) waiting a table together and would talk so quietly id have to ask multiple times to repeat or say we couldn't hear. The place maybe only had 2 other groups in it and it all seemed like AI generated everyone was so damn quiet, mind you there is no music playing whatsoever and the tv sound is off, all there is to listen to is the loud buzzing sign that was flickering near the bathroom. Place looked cool but needs better service and something in the background badddlyyy. Servers don't check on you if u need anything else or how the meals going So u have to go out of your way to get the check or anything else. read more

Great food and service!! Definitely a staple in Dana Point and deserves way more love!!

As someone who grew ip coming here, Tonight the food was the worst food that I have had ever in my life. We tried the Claim Cowder and it was grainy and seem to have been sitting in a hot pot way to long. We then tried the Tuna Melt and am sorry even after pointing it out to the server it was disgusting and burnt within one bite you knew it was completely garbage and should never have been served. I didn't ask the server to remove it from the bill nor was it offer. The server was great the food she had to serve was the issue. The moment we walked in and seen one couple at a booth and two men at the counter the rest of the resturant empty I should have known the place had gone down hill. I believe the Manager should be in charge and make sure to see the cooks as quality control is lacking as this place use to be a good place for comfort food. I am now heading out looking for food to get the taste out of my mouth. Sadly after dozens of years coming here we are most likely not going to return. read more

Harbor House Café - We eat the Onion Rings and tried a the worst tunes melt ever and not worried we might get sick from trying. - American Near Me - Dana Point, California

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We were cheated by the waiter. The menu showed 14.99 for steak and egg lunch. He also said that it came with toast before we ordered. But when we pay, he said he told us that the price when up to 19.99 and that it didn't come with toast. We didn't want to argue but was disappointed. The atmosphere is OK but there were some old wooden smell in the restaurant. Although there weren't many customer in the restaurant, the wait time was unreasonable. read more

Love this diner! Great service, awesome decor. Food isn't the best but I love that spinach and rice are options! You definitely can find something healthier or tastier on the menu. If you live the old school diner vibe, this is the place to visit! read more

Harbor House Café - Three Center Cut Pork Chops and Two Eggs, Steamed Spinach, just a lot of protein. - American Near Me - Dana Point, California

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Thankfully, we disregarded the negative reviews. We two loved the vibe, our server Danielle and the simple food: Chili Cheese Fries for me and Ortega Burger w/Inion Rings for partner. Not healthy choices, but vacation food. Also a glass of Cab Sav, two glasses of Chardonnay and a big slice of Apple Pie to go. $62 out the door. We'd definitely come back to eat and see Danielle read more

Harbor House Café - Seared Jumbo Scallops 05/31/24 - American Near Me - Dana Point, California

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Always!!!!!!!! Fun , friendly and fantastic foooood! Live the surfin entertainment!!!! read more

Harbor House Café - American Near Me - Dana Point, California

We have always had a great experience. Casual diner experience. Great for kids! Usually only come for breakfast and it's always good and so is the service! read more

Came here last night just driving through and boy the mashed potatoes are bussin. So good, good service and really cute atmosphere. Really good grilled chicken too. The girlfriend loved it as well. read more

Harbor House Café - American Near Me - Dana Point, California

Breakfast for dinner? Um yes, always! I love the legit, red leather booths, and their rockin decor. The staff here is friendly and everyone inside was having a nice time. Their eggs are yummy and a few of their signature plates regularly were ordered by local and visiting customers. It's a fun, warming little corner spot open all day, food is fresh and the windows open onto the bustling main beach streets. Go early or late, or hey, early and late! read more

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I used to love this place as it's just so iconic old Dana Point n I really want it stay in business BUT I have to say that the last breakfasts I've had there r REALLY too greasey or butter or whatever I couldn't even eat my egg scramble n neither could my guest PLEASE read this n tell the chef to get healthier cooking read more

Don't even bother going to this place when it's even halfway full. They give you absolutely no attention, you have to flag the waiter down left and right to even place an order, then the food takes forever. I'll never return here again. read more

When we arrived and walked inside the restaurant. Another couple was at a table and the rest of the restaurant was empty. That should have been an indication to think twice before finding a place to sit. Staff was friendly, but food was not good. Being near the coast, I ordered the dinner fish and chips. The fish was breaded and not battered. The fish breading was over cooked on the outside, just short of being burnt. The breading on the inside was not fully cooked. I had to remove the partially cooked fish from inside the breading to try and salvage my meal. My husband ordered the same and he was not impressed. With our dinner being on the less than desirable side, we decide against ordering dessert. This is the first negative review I have written. I was really trying to find the positive... If you come here, Do Not get the fish and chips. We will not be back. read more

Harbor House Café - American Near Me - Dana Point, California