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    La Barra by Lupes

    3.9 (96 reviews)
    ModerateMexican, Seafood, Bars
    Closed 8:00 am - 10:00 pm
    Updated 2 months ago

    La Barra by Lupes Photos

    LA BARRA BY LUPES ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Hipster
    Casual
    Trendy
    Outdoor seating

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    Recommended Reviews - La Barra by Lupes

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    Reviews With Photos

    Tamarind margarita
    Genevieve H.

    I haven't been to Lupe's in a few months - and I was surprised by the changes inside! New comfortable booths, laminated menus, and more drink options. The food came out quickly and was delicious as always, I got the carnitas taco and carne asada. My tamarind margarita was a perfect balance of tamarind and tequila, and the side of guac and chips hit perfectly. I'll be back again!

    Front of place showing both sides
    Michelle O.

    Had heard from a friend that this was a great lunch spot, he was right! place is fun with lively atmosphere. Service was excellent. Menu is unique and interesting. Looking forward to visiting again to try their famous burritos. Had the chicken bowl. It had great flavor and was a big portion. Looked nothing like the photo on the menu but I was not disappointed. Hubby had the taco combo and said it was delicious! We will be back. Two sides to the place, one has a bar and one is more of a take out.

    From top to bottom: Al Pastor Carne asada (not) Carnitas
    Jason T.

    Came in to finally try this spot and probably my last visit. Had three different tacos a la carte. From best to worst 1. Carnitas- had the most authentic flavor of the 3. 2. Al Pastor-had more of a med shawarma flavor 3. Carne asada- the worst of them, it wasn't even carne asada they used boiled meat (not even arrachera). The Pacifico was cold.

    Happy Hour Menu

    Food was good. I asked for my white sauce on the side for my fish taco and they charged me a $1 charge for a side of white sauce... It already came on the taco. I just wanted it on the side. Happy hour had great prices on tacos!

    Birra tacos and dipping liquid
    Stephen O.

    The Birra tacos were generous and delicious. Great service The bar was lively and updated. Really good food and value. Definitely worth while!!

    Love this place!! Authentic good food and drinks!! Pleasant and attentive staff. It's always busy here which is a good sign!!

    Main bar area
    Debbi B.

    Taco Tuesday is the best here! $1 off the main tacos with include shrimp: shrimp & mushroom:chicken:carnitas:grilled fish: etc etc You can order lettuce wrapped tacos If you want less carbs. Plus salsa bar with handmade salsas that are hot It's a "local secret" in Dana Point!!

    Fish tostada

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    3 months ago

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    4 months ago

    All around good Mexican food and service. Prices typical for the region. Personable staff and clea surrounding.

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    2 years ago

    The service is great and the food is amazing! They have a good happy hour. Beer is always cold.

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    2 years ago

    The food is AMAZING!! Victor is the BEST!! . Can't wait to visit again & again. Authentic tastes. Highly recommend the enchiladas

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    2 years ago

    House special seafood tostadas was absolutely delicious, and super fresh! Steak burrito hit too. Good salsa bar. Definitely recommend!

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    Page 1 of 3

    Ask the Community - La Barra by Lupes

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    Cali Costa - Breakfast tacos

    Cali Costa

    4.0(336 reviews)
    0.8 mi
    $$

    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.

    Photos
    Cali Costa - Great, open air restaurant with the perfect, chill vibe... - Big Aloha!

    Great, open air restaurant with the perfect, chill vibe... - Big Aloha!

    Cali Costa - New Cali Surf Tacos! Birria is bomb!

    New Cali Surf Tacos! Birria is bomb!

    Cali Costa - Voted best margaritas in Dana Point

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    Raya - Guacamole

    Raya

    4.1(847 reviews)
    1.9 mi
    $$$

    We had a wonderful experience at RAYA. The Achiote salmon dish was incredibly tasty--perfectly…read morecooked and full of flavor. Service was excellent: attentive, warm, and seamless throughout the meal. The Christmas atmosphere really elevated the experience, with beautiful décor and live music creating a festive, relaxed vibe. Overall, it was a memorable and elegant dining experience. Definitely a special spot for the holidays or a celebratory night out.

    I've had two separate experiences at Raya this year, and both were unacceptable -- which is…read moredisappointing because the rest of the property has consistently been excellent. Kahani, the club lounge, and the Marketplace all delivered exactly what you expect from a hotel at this level: attentive, well-trained staff, seamless service, and a clear understanding of hospitality standards. That's why I've never focused on smaller issues before -- they didn't outweigh the overall quality of the stay. Unfortunately, Raya has now been the exception twice. The first time, back in January, the food quality wasn't on point-I ordered the blackened tuna tacos and they were completely inedible. I didn't complain or send them back -- I simply left it at that. Today was service from one particular server Taylor. I had just come down from the club lounge and remembered that I had a complimentary voucher given at check-in, which didn't specify what it covered on it. I first asked at the lobby bar and no one was able to provide a clear answer, so I went next door to Raya and asked again before ordering. The hostess told me I could choose anything and even recommended the skirt steak. She was kind and friendly. Taylor took my order, and I reasonably assumed there had been communication between staff. So I spent some time ordering and waiting and when my food arrived since I asked for a to go order, I grabbed the bag, tipped, and left. Then Taylor ran after me at the hotel entrance asking how I planned to pay -- in front of other guests. It was an extremely uncomfortable and bizarre situation. I didn't realize what has happened I was just handed the bill and I put my room number and name down. I was then told the voucher only covered guacamole, which directly contradicted what I had been told prior to ordering. As a result, I wasted approximately 40 minutes of my time, I was simply trying to head to the beach before departing, and instead found myself dealing with a situation that should have been handled internally and discreetly. When I handed the food back and said I did not want it, the response was "ok, I'll toss it," followed by no acknowledgment, no apology, and no effort to resolve the situation. At this point, this is no longer an isolated incident. For a restaurant positioned as fine dining, the lack of internal communication, consistency, and basic guest handling is surprising -- especially when every other outlet on the property demonstrates a significantly higher standard. Raya was the only part of the experience that felt misaligned with the rest of the hotel -- and unfortunately, it's the last impression I'm leaving with.

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    Raya
    Raya - Raya Citrus Carlota

    Raya Citrus Carlota

    Raya - Table-side view

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    Table-side view

    Olamendi's - ##5 Two Tacos

    Olamendi's

    3.1(1k reviews)
    1.3 mi
    $$

    Olamendi's in Dana Point is one of those places that feels like a local secret once you're sitting…read moredown with a plate of great food in front of you. I had the Pollo Tomatillo, which was absolutely delicious - tender, flavorful, and nicely balanced for such a simple recipe. My friend ordered the 2-taco combo plate, and it did not disappoint. Everything tasted fresh and well prepared. The salsa had a great flavor with a nice little kick at the end that sneaks up on you in the best way. The location is a bit wonky and the parking lot is tight, but once you're there, it's worth it. The patio is surprisingly comfortable, and inside is the most eclectic collection of tchotchkes you've ever seen - it's like dining inside a little museum or a shop on Calle 16 de Septiembre in Cabo. Even if you eat on the patio, be sure to go in and take a look around. Service was friendly and attentive, and our meals were complemented perfectly with ranch waters - tequila, mineral water, and fresh lime juice. Simple, crisp, and refreshing. We'll definitely be back.

    A group of nine of us decided to visit Olamendi's in Dana Point. The patio's view is beautiful and…read morewe asked to be seated there. Although there were two large tables that could be joined, they refused. We were seated inside. Our server, Claudia, approached our table with a sour attitude. She never greeted us and coldly asked for our drink order. She brought our drinks, and proceeded to take our order. I politely asked if she would break down the bill individually, she said no. Our food was mediocre at best. I ordered a shredded beef Chimichanga which completely tasteless (and to my surprise was charged $4.00 extra for Birria which I did not order). I later discovered the Birria was the shredded beef I ordered). Everyone at the table was disappointed with the taste of the food. We visit many restaurants, especially Mexican Food; we had never encountered the added charges for the basics, i.e. chips and salsa (refills were $3.50 for each item). The carnitas were dry, the Guacamole ordinary, and the tacos were served without salsa. My friend ordered Pico de Gallo and was charged $4.00 for it. We do not recommend Olamendi's.

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    Olamendi's - Inside is colorful.

    Inside is colorful.

    Olamendi's - Complimentary chips with spicy dipping sauce

    Complimentary chips with spicy dipping sauce

    Olamendi's - Welcome Sign...

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    Welcome Sign...

    La Barra by Lupes - mexican - Updated May 2026

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