They deserve 5 stars. Quality food and great employees. Fun Fifa vibes all around this place. We always go to next door (Lupe's) and even for dine in sit on that side. Today we came and they suggested us to be in next door. First we were hesitant because i did Yelp it and i saw the stars and reviews and compared to Lupe's with great reviews! But interestingly, they both are same. La Barra by Lupes and Lupes were the same and same kitchen. So the quality of food is 5/5. Eveb though it looks overpriced for the amount you get but quality talks first. As usual, their Guac and ceviche are the MUST to order. Today, we also got shrimp taco and shrimp bowl and we asked to eliminate the rice from bowel to get the healthy lunch we came for. Their cocktails are always great so no regret for what we got and happy for what we order. I love their different offered dressings. Fall four were delicious but Creamy C mixed with green was heavenly taste. Very Delicious... read more

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The fancy name is definitely misleading. La Barra has is so dive-y and definitely a local hangout for people who like to drink and don't really care about the bathroom being so FILTHY I mentioned that to the waiter and he didn't seem to care which is disappointing. Overall, I was SCARED to eat my shrimp tacos but they weren't bad. Don't get the guacamole because it has additives which distort the taste. Guacamole is so easy to make so why add preservatives? I don't understand all the great reviews for this place, it's definitely less expensive so maybe that's it? I'm definitely not impressed and it's my second time here. read more

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My new favorite place to eat! The nachos are so much for a great price! The El Pastor tacos are to DIE FOR! I also love their Tamarindo margarita read more

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Excellent place for authentic Mexican food . Great drinks & fun place to enjoy friends. Service is excellent. This is the regular Lupe's with a full bar and nicer seating for dinning. read more

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Overpriced and mediocre They used to be ok. The sidebar has and extra ego. Once upon a time this place had good food. When the side place opened it went down and down the ego needs to be checked. Trash pit read more

La Barra by Lupes - They act after better than they are. I used to love this place. Now it's overpriced and mediocre. - Mexican Near Me - Dana Point, California

This Restaurant is excellent. The food always tastes great and the service i top notch.

La Barra is an excellent Mexican restaurant and bar right here in Dana Point. In the Albertsons shopping center. The food is fresh and full of flavor, and the service is always friendly and attentive. I've been coming here to get work done rather than being in my home office all day. Whether you're coming in for dinner or just drinks, it's a great spot to relax and enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine. Highly recommend! read more

If you want a bite of Mexican with a side of football, this is the place to go. And I do mean American football! This is a small restaurant right next to the fast foodLupe's restaurant. It is their step up. I have yet to see it too busy to sit down and get relatively quick service. Usually there's one bartender and one server. The bar has a little more than a handful of seats and is a single straight line bar with its back to the tables. There are about a dozen booths and high top tables. It is not too much of a bar atmosphere to bring kids to. Prices are fast food plus a little bit and the food is good. Ambience is very casual and chill. We usually stop by here for lunch. Overall, it is more enjoyable than the Lupe's fast food restaurant and good for a very low-key date or dine experience. read more

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! read more

La Barra by Lupes - Tamarind margarita - Mexican Near Me - Dana Point, California

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

Hands down the best taco shop I've ever been to. They offer lots of options, the food (and even the chips) are freshly made, and the drinks are great. The music gave fun '90s vibes. The space is roomy and parking is easy. Definitely recommended. read more

This is a cool little spot right next to Lupe's that has a full bar with all the good stuff. You can order food to go with as well. They have a cool happy hour from 3-6 pm m-f. Great happy hour menu. They have a cool cardiac margarita made with Corazon tequila, topped off with some grand marnier. Had the chips and guacamole. Tasty chips of avocado . read more

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. read more

La Barra by Lupes - From top to bottom: Al Pastor Carne asada (not) Carnitas - Mexican Near Me - Dana Point, California

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Love this spot the best El Pastor tacos ever!!! Good spot to meet up for some food before or after visiting Doheny State Beach. The service is great and so is the bartender. Small place not recommended for a large crowd. read more

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. read more

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Huge Mexican food fan here and can say this place is pretty legit. Would recommend trying this spot. Food is amazing and the service is pretty good as well. read more

Classic Michelada 5 stars Aguachiles 4 stars (not enough shrimp) Loaded fries 4 stars (warm avocado tastes bad) Chips and salsa 5 stars Quesabirria tacos 5 stars +++ Service 4 stars (staff is helpful but not super attentive or conversational) read more

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

La Barra by Lupes - Birra tacos and dipping liquid - Mexican Near Me - Dana Point, California

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! read more

La Barra by Lupes - Happy Hour Menu - Mexican Near Me - Dana Point, California

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!! read more

La Barra by Lupes - Main bar area - Mexican Near Me - Dana Point, California

First time here. Fun ambiance. Great drinks. Hubby ordered the enchiladas not on menu and they were great. I had the fish tostadas. So yummy! Menu is in definite need of updating both for food available and prices are not correct. Service was good. read more

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My wife told me that for how much I bring up the tacos I should at least leave a review. If only there were six stars. The grilled fish and Al pastor tacos are unreal. I have been 3 times in 4 days and I want to go back tomorrow. read more

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

La Barra by Lupes - Mexican Near Me - Dana Point, California

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

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

Not sure what happened here... Did they change owners?? The menue items changed, no more tostadas de atun among other missing items. The authenticity- GONE. All the flavor and ingredients that hooked me 3 years ago disappeared. I'm heartbroken. Food was bland and salsa was - flavored but not a h8nt of spice anywhere. Boo. read more

The drinks are the cutest! The sushi is not bad for a Mexican restaurant, but the selection is limited to more Mexican seafood themed. The aguachile was spicy! The owner came out to the patio to check on us, so that was really nice. Super friendly and if you don't want food from here, you can get eat at Lupe's next door but get drinks from La Barra. read more

La Barra by Lupes - The Nest - Mexican Near Me - Dana Point, California

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Tay tay Taylor!!! Was the bestest EVER she had the best recommendations and customer service! Will return just for that! Drinks were a plus! Thank you Taylor!!!!! read more

La Barra by Lupes - Mango margarita too good it's gone - Mexican Near Me - Dana Point, California

Delicious! (This review is long overdue... it was stuck in my drafts.) Tasty, fresh, and served with a smile! There's outside seating for covid compliance. read more

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Right when you pass the entrance, driving or walking you can't help but to notice this restaurant right off that bat. It's a brother and sister location with lupes Mexican eatery to the RIGHT it! For fast pickup and quick orders go NEXT DOOR TO LUPES, but for a date or evening or EVEN breakfast alone La Barra to the LEFT - captures your attention and let me tell you I was drawn in by this spot specifically! 1) because it was bright and inviting 2) the two gentleman in the front working lit the room with there smiles and inviting comments 3) they not only sat me right away but gave me there initial recommendations for dining in! My recommendations is most definitely the signature dolphin breakfast burrito and the sangria Note to self it's only beer and wine right now but liquor license coming soon (: HEATHER K. read more

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

Short Version Food 4 stars Staff 5 stars Atmosphere 4 stars Same restaurant as Lupe is, the menu a little bit different but you can also order anything off the regulars Lupe's menu we have the Lupe's fries al pastor burrito and always have to get chips and salsa the food here is four stars staff is very friendly highly recommend if you want Mexican food in the area read more

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No bathrooms! Should be illegal and against health code. If you do decide to, wash your hands before you go. Hopefully,, the employees have a sink back there. read more

Short and sweet. It's nice inside. We had wet burritos which were delicious for $15 each. I had the chicken fajita with the red sauce and would order it again. Hubby, got the the surf and turf with the red sauce which was also yummy. What I didn't like? I saw two different staff picking up utensils from the fork portion instead of the handle. These people need to be trained not to handle utensils this way. Food took way too long and the place was not even half full. Would we return, yes we would. read more

High priced small portions that are just meh. I had an avocado margarita ( sounded interesting to me) and a small taco salad. The bartender was obnoxious and mostly ignored me. Had to wait and ask for service each time I wanted something, (a drink and something to eat) The bill with 15- 20% tip that wasn't deserved or earned at all was $40 for lunch for just me. I won't be coming back. read more

Authentic Mexican seafood best in all south Orange County. Full tequila and mezcal bar with Mexican beers and local brews also. It seems like they update there menu to better serve customers. Nick was busy bar and was a great server as We read more

Very clean good vibe friendly beautiful experience the owner and the manager are so so nice people long time I haven't have this good experience read more

La Barra by Lupes - They let me try their mask out for free and they also the bartender manager give me a free special drink Great - Mexican Near Me - Dana Point, California

Good option to Lupe's next door. Not a big menu but we tried a couple of the Enchilada options and they were good. Also started off with Chips and Salsas. They serve wine and beer as well. Nice to have when you sit down for dinner. They were playing 80's music videos on the TV's which was fun to see. Ok but wish they had a little larger selection on the menu. read more

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I am a frequent visitor of Lupe's Kitchen next door, so I was excited to see a new bar space next door. Let me say, this is the way to experience Lupe's. The aesthetic is beautiful, it doesn't feel like the dine and dash rush next door. The service and hospitality is friendly and prompt. In fact, as a food photographer I noticed a photo on the menu of a seafood plate I wanted. They said it wasn't actually offered on the menu yet but would make it for me if I wanted. ABSOLUTELY! I'll take that kind of service all day. All that so say, don't miss this wonderful was to experience Lupe's food in a great environment! read more

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An extra star for food, one star service! We came in within the last hour of closing, yes we were those people because my husband had to stay late at work. We got in and assumed it was a "seat yourself" situation so we chose one of the 12 empty tables. Most tables had a "reserved" plaque on them which I now know is because they don't want people to sit down so they put reserved signs on most tables. We grabbed our own menu. We waited and waited and waited. Two girls working, one on the computer for most of the time and the other serving tables. We didn't get service for about 15 minutes, totally ignored. As I became flustered, waiting to order, I notice the server carrying out drinks for a table. Then I quickly notice that my server that had been ignoring us for 15 minutes was taking a shot with a guest.... Totally unacceptable. Once my server collected herself, she took our order. The food came out pretty quickly but once it arrived, we didn't have silverware or napkins and were never offered hot sauce or checked on. I got out of my seat to grab my own hot sauce and silverware from the server station. We ate our meal quietly and got up to try to pay with the girl on the computer. $62 for two margaritas and two burritos, $0 for tip. I can't imagine giving gratuity to someone that ignored us so she can take her tequila shot... management/ owner really needs to iron these things out. I have ordered burritos and to go margaritas from them through Covid and after this inexcusable service, we probably won't be back. read more