The decor is great, lots of it. Food is good. Salsa has some kick to it. Chip tasted hard/over cooked and stale. Pitcher of house margarita was week. read more

Service is hit or miss. Mostly a miss in my case but the food is good, better than most and convenient if you are wanting to get something to go and chill at the beach. Plenty of options if you are wanting to eat meat, vegeterian or even vegan. If you use the yelp check in I think they purposely mess up your food orders. I've tested this theory. If you use the check in, they treat you like garbage! I like the tacos and the vegan enchiladas. read more

Not sure what happened, it's not edible anymore. The branded Tequila, chips and salsa is great unfortunately the food not so much.

This is a small restaurant with fantastic Mexican food, but let me first start off with the Cadillac margarita. It was $15 but it was worth every single penny. It is possibly the tastiest Cadillac margarita I've ever had and you can taste the quality of tequila in it. For an appetizer, we had the standard chips and salsa and we ordered the nachitos. I don't know what cheese they use but it was delicious. I ordered a steak burrito with red salsa and it was just as good as everything else that I've had up to that point. As far as the service, it was top-notch. There were two older Hispanic waitresses that took care of us. They were very affable and make sure that we were having a great experience. The meal for two was approximately $50 including the two margaritas we had. Would I return? Anytime that I'm in Dana point I will make an effort to eat at this restaurant. read more

Really bad service.. walked in and was greeted with an attitude. Came in at 8:30pm and ordered to go.. didn't leave u til 9:30pm.. I ordered the Capo beach burrito.. No flavor.. got the Nachos a la Olemendi ($16) they didn't even add the guacamole, sour cream or tomatoes smh. Couldn't go back because they were closed. Horrible service. Plus their food doesn't even taste like authentic Mexican food and their salsas, disgusting. Anyone that says this place is good is lying. read more

Our first time there and we will absolutely be back! The food, the atmosphere and the staff are second to none! Add to that their amazing tequila and there is not a more amazing place to go ... for lunch, an afternoon and on into the evening! You just don't want to leave. And if you are lucky and go on your birthday, you are treated to the most amazing song imaginable. Again, our first time there but it's just the first of many more to come. At Olemendi's, friends quickly become family!! read more

Olamendi's - Mexican Near Me - Dana Point, California

I really loved the beef tacos. The meat has a seasoning I enjoyed a LOT. Crunchy and moist, can get messy. My wife was not as ecstatic, so that's the rating. The rice and beans are okay, think Nixon level excitement on their own. But the salsa packs a hot flavor punch, so mixing that into the rice and beans, scoop with chips, and you get happy real fast. The atmosphere is jam packed with visuals, from dolls to photos to signed shirts. If Toy Story is real, this place has a full movie and sequel of characters. If you are mischievous, bring your OCD friends (like me) here, and watch them come unglued. read more

Olamendi's - Beef tacos combo to go - Mexican Near Me - Dana Point, California

Service was terrible! Our server was so rude & not attentive! We had a party of 10 & she was annoyed from the moment we sat down! Plus on top of shitty service she hand writes the tip on the check, she added for 20% which is totally illegal to add gratuity to large parties now since the law changed! Even worse she counted out the cash in front of us on the table ...to make sure we didn't bail on the tip! We would consider going back because the food was good but service is terrible & they're shady!!! read more

Oh my gosh I can not veto have never ate here before. The chips and salsa are tasty and the service is great.

Absolutely awful service. Disappointed with our experience. Will never go back. A taco truck would be better than this place.

The first time I came here, I was a big fan. Excellent food and service. This time- not so much. My wife ordered the tamales which seemed very old. Very dry and gritty texture. I ordered the tacos and they came with lettuce and tomato instead of onions and cilantro. Completely different than expected. The place was not busy at all and the service was below average. read more

Bummer. Used to be a nice "go-to" spot. But not anymore. Came for lunch today, seated myself as no one noticed I was standing there for 5 minutes. Not busy at all. Chips and salsa comes, seems very small like 7-8 chips after about 5 minutes seated. Ordered a taco. It was very average and asked for more chips. About the same amount...Noticed other tables had full baskets. Easily over 15+ chips. Noticed bigger tables got better service. Another 5 plus minutes to address my bill. Oh yeah the lady waitress left a giant water pitcher in front of my plate the entire time I was there. read more

Hubs and I had Arnold palmers and shared guacamole and a grilled fish taco combo. Food was good, not even close to great. Arnold Palmer has an odd flavor I didn't really understand. The main deal about this place that brings down my score is the service. Our server was super rude. The bussers were great with chips but overall I'm not excited to return. Living in SD, we have endless opportunities for cute local mexican food and breathtaking fish tacos. This place wasn't special. read more

The owner of this restaurant has the absolute worst customer service. We were 15+ year customers and came to eat. We waited 45 min for a table to then be told to leave because they were closing. We returned the next day for dinner and ate and tried to redeem a coupon toward the bill but the owner refused to use it because it was holiday. The owner refused to come to the table to speak with us. They have lost a 15+ year family and thousands of dollars we would have spent over not redeeming a 20% coupon. The food is good but we were treated so poorly for being loyal customers read more

If you want great Mexican food....come here! You won't be disappointed. We were here for a rehearsal dinner so my review is based on what we were offered and the service we received as a group. I tried almost all foods that were offered and every bite was delicious. The wait staff was very friendly and always around when needed. The decor is loud and interesting. Clean establishment as well. read more

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It used to be that going to dinner meant that on some level it's better cooking than at home or so different and yummy that you just need to have it. For this place I nearly gagged with my first spoonful of albondigas soup. Not because I don't like the idea of meatballs in soup (ok maybe it's weird now that I think about it), but because it was Off. Off in such a way that if I took one more spoonful I'd chance being up all night with something. Oh shit now I'm worried the night is young! After sending that disgusting putrid sorry ( I can't mince words here) soup I ordered a quesadilla. Bland bland and felt even George Forman'd, panini maker pressed. Another words it felt manufactured, I shoved it down. But the BEST PART of all was the black guacamole! Yeh!! Cherry on a Sunday. Blech time to pray I don't throw up tonight. Sadly I am abandoning this joint. Just because it's the Only restaurant on PCH doesn't mean you shouldn't drive a little farther down to SJC or San Clemente.. you'll thank me. read more

My first time here and I'd have to say it was amazing food! My only complaint is our bartender. He was beyond rude & stuck up. Our waitress was wonderful I wish I could've got her name to put it on here. Clean restaurant read more

Olamendi's - Mexican Near Me - Dana Point, California

This is my favorite lunch spot! I have been to Olamendi's at least 8 times and just love everything about it. The service is exceptional, the staff is friendly, the decor is festive and the food is to-die-for. Normally I get the Potato taco for $4.50 but today I tried the ceviche taco and it was just as delicious. This is my go-to spot when I'm craving a taco or authentic chips and salsa. I promise you will love this little place! I know I do! read more

Olamendi's - Mexican Near Me - Dana Point, California

Took my family to breakfast this morning at this joint, which is right next door to the resort we stayed in. I had the brunch menus Machaca de Carnitas and I highly recommend it. The Carnitas were very tender with a perfect mix of egg n veggies. Came with rice & beans and fresh flower tortillas. Will come here again when we stay at Riviera beach resort read more

I love this restaurant but the Service wasn't the best they forgot my order Bad attitude Wasn't my best time here

I highly recommend not eating here! There is absolutely no passion or love put into the food or service! The 2 stars are just some encouragement to find some meaning behind what you are doing. There is one life to live and if making and serving food with love isn't it then try something else! read more

Very good authentic Mexican food. Extremely cute inside with fun decorations and excellent view of the ocean! Food is definitely overpriced tjough read more

I come to Dana a lot and this was my first time coming to Olamendi's, it has excellent food. my new favorite mexican place here. margaritas are delicious and strong. the service was amazing. read more

Casual place and the best Mexican food I ever had so far, if you are in Dana point, then this is a must.

Very traditional and crazy decor. Informal and good for families. Too bad Pozoli is only on the weekend. Good food

Three stars for the friendly staff, and the large servings. While this kitschy landmark wowed the Nixon era, things have changed. Back in the day, the food was authentic and tasty, good quality, the portions big and satisfying. Photographs were all over the walls of celebrities, President Nixon and famous visitors. Management was present and hopping. Today the interesting pictures and antiques have been replaced with schmarmy and scary skeletons everywhere, cheap piñatas and low budget "decor". The bar area, Even though it underwent renovations is cheaply done and not great. The restrooms are ridiculous. The food is just ok, I think most people go hoping it is what is once was when they visited long ago. You can get some ok food, but I always leaving feeling too full and wishing I had made a better more satisfying choice. read more

So it could have been the company I had with me when I went to this place, but my experience was just OK. Nice location... It's across the street (literally) from the beach, pretty hard to find via google maps, but if you stay on the street near the coast, you'll find it. The inside is very oddly decorated... There are Christmas ornaments hanging from the ceiling! Really?! Haha... Other than that, the food was good, I would say slightly past average. The staff seemed really nice... There's a bartender there who looks like the girl from LA Ink, SHE IS HILARIOUS! If you get the chance, sit near her at the bar... The things that come out of her mouth are epic! My last note: Make sure to go hungry, they serve large portions =) read more

I arrived on a weekday with 4 friends and I must say we were all disappointed. The chips and salsa were promptly brought to our table and drink orders taken but that's the extent of what good I can say about our experience. Draft beer? Think again - not working today but we weren't told till they brought us our beers in bottles. The chips were just OK but the salsa tasted like watered down tomato sauce with some ingredients added. Poor. Three different servers kept trying to "sell" us their supposedly fresh made guacamole even though none of us wanted any. It was obvious they were trying to push it. I ordered the 2 taco plate and chose soft carne asada tacos. What I got was shredded beef soft tacos with grisly beef covered with lettuce and cheese. Again poor. Lastly was this - horribly overpriced. 2 Pacificos, 2 tacos with small side of rice and beans were $24. No thanks. read more

Absolutely worth the drive... To go somewhere... Anywhere else! Poor service. I felt like they we doing me a favor to serve me. Sat at the bar waiting on our table and not one offer for a drink. Once we were served. Or rather had food delivered... It was bland, boring and a waste of money. Had to go to the front counter to even ask for hot sauce - it's a Mexican Restraunt for crying out loud! Btw - sauce was so bad we all scraped it of our food. Will never come back! read more

Worst EVER! Horrible service, horrible food, horrible margarita! We USED to love this place! Has there been a change in ownership? We will NOT be back! The Maragarita was served in a water glass! Not a hint of tequila! Chip were stale. Tostada made with microwaved chicken and frozen lettuce was horrid. And when we finally got the attention of waitress she still forgot we were here. This place really deserves zero out of 10 if it were possible. Two years ago we would've given it a 10. Whoever owns it should open an auto parts store!!! read more

Olamendi's - HORRIBLE experience! - Mexican Near Me - Dana Point, California

We are visiting from Washington state, and our CA family had decided to get together at this restaurant. First, when she set up the reservation they didn't tell her the back room was already booked when she said she had a party of 24, so we were all squished onto the main eaton area right next to the bar. Second, the tortilla chips were absolutely dreadful. They were so stale. The only good thing was the salsa which was flavorful and spicy. Third, for our group of 24, we got one, 1, server. That is insane. Finally, and really most importantly, the food was awful!!! The beans were a cream color and had no flavor, my chicken chimichanga tasted like they had not seasoned the meat at all and possibly had boiled it. I dumped 2 little bowls of the salsa on it to give it any sort of flavor. My husband, my daughters, my mother and father-in-law all said the same thing. And for all this terrible food, no alcohol, we spent $100 for just 5 of us. I would not recommend this place at all. There are good Mexican restaurants in S CA and this is definitely NOT one of them. read more

Okay, the place has a fun decor and somewhat of an ocean view (on the non-beach side of coast highway). However: 1. Waitress had no personality... basically just took our order. Bus staff were much better with customers. 2. EXPENSIVE!!! This is not a gourmet Mexican restaurant, although they charge as they are. 3. Food quality and taste are okay to weak. Drinks are weak and expensive. 4. Parking is tight and also dangerous on the highway side of the building. There are better restaurants in Dana Point, San Juan Capistrano, San Clemente... some gourmet, some typical (but better food at better pricing). Examples: El Adobe, Ricardos, South of Nicks, El Campeon for great take-out, Pedro's at Swallows Inn... (check out more on Yelp... the reviews tell the story) read more

Waitress was not very friendly and had attitude of I wish I didn't have to be here. She was very disappointing. So we did enjoy the salsa which was very fresh tasting and chips were very good. Food was just ok. Not the best food but could have had a worst meal. It was a bit bland and a bit expensive for what we got but they are right across the street from ocean. The best thing I can say was it has a great view of the ocean. read more

We were recommended this place by hotel staff, but realize it was a BIG mistake we went here. Out of the five things we ordered, only two were good. My salad, which would have been hard to mess up and my husband's bean and cheese burrito, again ~ would have been hard to mess up. For starters, the chips are really thick and the salsa was really hot. My son's nachos were these thick chips, slopped with refried beans, some cheese and then seemed to have been placed under a broiler as the cheese was mostly all brown, not just melted. Other son's quesadilla was average and small. But here's the real kicker. Drinks ~ which are no name brand coke and root beer and Sprite, were, get this $3.00 a can. Yes, you read that right ~ each can with a glass of ice $3 bucks. Chips and salsa which are normally refilled for free at most mexican restaurants were $3.00 also. Luckily they told us about the refill charge after the second one, and nicely didn't charge us for the second one since we didn't know. But come on, really? Chips and salsa $3.00 refill for a small basket? The tortilla soup I ordered was also tasteless and bland, tasted more like tomato broth vegetable soup with a few tortilla strips thrown in. I cannot with good conscience recommend this place to anyone at all. The only plus was a halfway decent view across the street of the ocean through their fish net decor covering basically the whole window. read more

I took my mom here to celebrate and we got margaritas and tostadas. First off, when someone FINALLY helped us after asking for help twice(mind you, no customers were there except us ), we got a regular and large margarita and they were VERY expensive and had absolutely NO alcohol in them. Then come the tostadas about 30 minutes later. Why am I paying $14 for a plastic plate of lettuce with some meat after 30 minutes even??!!? Ridiculous. Very disappointing. I could have had a real steak dinner for this price. DO NOT recommend. read more

Is there such a thing as No Stars? After an incredibly disappointing visit, we decided to read Yelp reviews. We are not alone! absolutely one of the worst dining experiences, Not to be out done by the Worst Value. I have experienced. The first Warning came when we attempted to Order their Fresh Juice Margaritas, At $12.50 Each! "Sorry No Limes", But we have Lemons? We ordered the Standard, While watching our Waitress pour the Drinks, She used the Lemons anyway! including some kind of Piss Poor Mix. Threw in a couple of chips of ice and Delivered it, With an attitude of, Hurry I'm leaving soon. The worst excuse for a Margarita I have ever tasted! We figured we were in trouble when the drinks were horrible and over priced, so we didn't order anything fancy off the menu, a couple of tacos and their Tostada. The first thing we noticed was the lettuce was machine shredded Green leaf not iceberg, My Tostada was horrible, the Meat had been in the steam table too long and had been double salted, the combo of green leaf, paltry guacamole and sour creme, were after two bites, UN edible! After being ignored the entire time, our miserable excuse for a waitress arrived with the check. Never asking about the untouched food on the table? I finally looked for the manager, none to be had. asked to have the Tostada removed from our bill, the Idiot simply gave the bill to another waitress, and ignored my request, The Bill came to a better Part of a hundred dollars! Gotta love the logic? we stink so raise prices? We now have a winner for the Worst Dining Experience in California!!! read more

This used to be the Gem of Capistrano Beach, across the street from the beach great margaritas, the Carnitas was the best in town. Growing up in San Juan Olamendis was a staple stop after a day at the beach. I've moved away and tried it a couple more times hoping it was as good as it what I remembered and each time disappointed. This place needs a visit from Gordon Ramsey "Kitchen Nightmares" cause this place is definitely a nightmare. Way way over priced. Disgusting food. No more not until they change. read more

Worse Food I have ever had!! When I was a kid this place was good, but now its horrible. The Spanish rice had a metallic taste and was inedible. No one at my table took more then 4 bites of food. I asked a question about the food and the women didn't speak english. Nothing about our meal there was good, I can not recommend this place to anyone for any reason. YOU'VE BEEN WARNED!!! read more

No good at all!. I tried nachos were bad. Then Chile relleno the worse ever. It was chewy too much cheese. The tacos, the meet was dry with no taste. The rice was dry seemed old. It is not even 5% authentic Mexican food. read more

OKAY. At first I was excited when I saw all the options on the menu, the chips and salsa were alright, the service was great for how busy it was, and I ended up ordering the $10 vegan bean and quinoa burrito with red sauce. The burrito was a good size, but unfortunately the tortilla was way undercooked to the point where every bite was a soggy mess and I couldn't continue eating it; they covered the clearly undercooked part with lots of what looks like watered down pico de gallo... not red sauce. The flavor was not there at all and to top it off I found an avocado peel inside the burrito. Kinda gross, man. I took it home to see if my boyfriend would eat it and after one bite he said it was "undercooked and not very good" without me saying anything to him about it. Im disappointed I had to throw $10 in the trash, maybe I just came at a bad time, I don't know. 4 stars for the service, 2 for the actual food and prices read more

Olamendi's - Vegan bean and quinoa burrito with red sauce $10 - Mexican Near Me - Dana Point, California