Olamendi&#x27;s

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3 years ago

Great spot! A former Nixon favorite as they have lots of photos. Probably the best salsa I've ever had. Real thick and chunky. I had a chile relleno and taco combo. The chile relleno was great. The taco was ok. Real good service. Look forward to returning! read more

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Phil N.

529

1303

4 years ago

I get the three stars here but... This place has been around forty plus years. It is located right across the PCH from the beach. No view to speak of. It has the notable history as being Richard Nixons favorite spot. There are lots of pictures of him in the place. It's also a beloved place for generations. They have done a nice job of brightening it up but still is a order at the counter kind of place. The servers are very friendly and helpful. So, the food has its highs and lows. I am not sure i picked right with the combo plate. It was huge, temperature perfect, just a bit bland. That was the verdict around the table. Now, this is not to say that it's not for you. They also have some award winning cocktails and i did not partake. read more

Olamendi's - Sitting at The Presidential Table! - Mexican Near Me - Dana Point, California

Olamendi's - Vegan Vegan Potato Enchiladas Pipian Verde - Mexican Near Me - Dana Point, California

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

Olamendi's - 8. Taco and Enchilada Combination Plate - Mexican Near Me - Dana Point, California

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Parisa H.

10 months ago

Went to dinner last night and had some visitors from out of town the worst food chips, salsa service I've ever had to experience at a Mexican restaurant overlooking the ocean. It's a shame wouldn't recommend it.. I had their enchilada with the shrimp which was overcooked and the sauce was kind of like their catchup with water down tomato . Definitely not authentic. read more

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Lisa G.

1 year ago

The only flavor the food had was the salsa. You had to pour the salsa into your food to get flavor because there was NONE, it was tasteless. If you order more salsa, you'll be charged for it. Not authentic at all. Very disappointed for a high priced Mexican restaurant. read more

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Mz H.

1 year ago

We stopped to eat here a couple of times while vacationing next door at the hilton. It has a perfect view of the ocean across the street. The staff is amazing and welcoming! The ambiance was great! The decor was very authentic and real. My daughter enjoyed her albondigas soup and birria and rice and beans. I really liked my birria empanadas with rice and beans. The salsa and chips were delicious! Definitely recommend the is place. read more

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

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Chris D.

1 year ago

Delicious old school Mexican food with great vibe, been eating here for 20+ years! Always recommend to anyone who asks.

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Eric G.

1 year ago

Horrible service. Seems like they prey on out of towners. Had to ask for water.. they charge for "chips and salsa". Super ride about every thing. I live right down the street, will never be back again. read more

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Therese D.

1 year ago

Heartbreaking! We used to be regular customers of Rosa's Olamendi's Restaurant in Laguna Beach, many years ago. My daughter was even the flower girl for Gena Olamendi's son's wedding. We celebrated every special occasion at Olamendi's and it was the first restaurant our daughter had gone to as a baby. She was very close to Rosa and in many ways Rosa felt like a member of our family. So when it came time to pick a spot for her wedding shower, though Laguna Beach location had closed, I thought of this location. I read the reviews and thought it couldn't possibly have changed that much. So my hubby and I decided to have lunch to explore the possibility of having our daughter's shower here. But what we found was so disappointing. The margaritas were great. But everything else tasted like it was fried in rancid oil. Maybe money is tight and they thought no one would notice that they didn't change the oil. Was it seed oil? Or was it that they just didn't think it would make a difference? I really believe these reviews would improve if only they would use high quality oil to fry chips & food and change it often. Just when we were trying to convince ourselves that it still had enough of the Old Olamendi's charm to hold our daughter's shower, we both went home and experienced the worst tummy aches. I'd brought part of my meal home, but ended up throwing it away. Unfortunately, this is the end of an era for us. read more

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Jaimie M.

1 year ago

We were excited to come here today to enjoy some great food and we walked into a very rude older lady that seems to be the manager and she told us we had to wait outside for shift change to happen. So we did. When we sat down we asked for waters and it's been 20 minutes and still no waters. There is 5 of us and we got one chips and salsa. When we asked for more we were charged for them. The service here was super rude and extra charge for everything. The prices are crazy as well for such horrible service. It's sad because we wanted to have a good experience read more

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Denise J.

11 months ago

I have bought Olamendis for years. Great food. Today I ordered a combo plate side of taco and chili rellano. Buyer beware. Dont order the chili rellano a la carte. It was 11.95 for one. Are there other a la cartes were 5 to 6 dollars. I was told next time buy a combo plate. I did have a combo plate and if i knew it was going to be so expensive i would have included the rellano in the combo plate and then order the enchilda which was in the combo plate a la carte and save $6. I was told prices have gone up but all the other prices remain the same. Not a happy camper. The rellano is good but not 11.95 good. read more

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Shawna H.

Elite 26 All-Star

118

451

8480

5 years ago

A bit of a disappointment. Great location on PCH with a nice view even though right on PCH. Lots of flowers on the patio and fresh air galore along the coast. Service is average with not-so-friendly order takers (you order inside, take a number, and seat yourself); they seem very rushed and impatient. The bartender was very friendly, however! Food was nothing special either. And served with wrapped plasticware and napkin. No plans to return. read more

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Rita W.

2 years ago

Olamendi's in Dana Point used to be good food years back. Now not only is the food not good,but the service is terrible. My daughter was visiting from Arizona and I took her there because it used to be one of her favorite, but no longer. The burritos were dry and tasteless and the tacos burnt. Also, they now give you a very small basket of chips, and charge $3 for a refill. I seriously don't know of any Mexican restaurants that do this. And lastly, I was sick in bed and my thoughtful daughter decided to send me albondigas soup. They now give you longer offer the bowl so she ordered 3 cups. Two cups had one meatball and a few pieces of zucchini, the other cup had a very small carrot added. At $7 a cup, she ended up paying $21 for 3 meatballs a few pieces of zucchini and one carrot. Not to mention the taste was terrible. Needless to say we will not eat there ever again. If you want a great atmosphere, amazing food, and reasonable pricing.... try Franco's Famous!! read more

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Cyndy C.

103

2 years ago

I love this place so authentic and yummy food! Service so personal and accommodating! You have to go there! Sunsets a plus! Wow

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Venessa V.

2 years ago

Maybe for a margarita servers were friendly minus one Mexican lady (older) we had two service dogs and she seemed put out.. I refused to order due to her attitude margaritas are worth it ! food looked average we were a party of 6 the comments were the same it was ok.. plus kids running around our dogs were well behaved you wouldn't even have known the were there .. here's the kicker upon leaving I went to the restaurant and they had a space for people with dogs.. why didn't she offer that to us instead of making an issue we had dogs.. not dog friendly.. service dogs or otherwise Ambiance was nice you could see the ocean... read more

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Rebecca C.

202

148

2 years ago

Definitely a yes loved the vibes here enjoyed Mexican beer and had a good meal with my mom while cruising down to San Diego read more

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Sierra P.

105

2 years ago

Operating with illegal /shady practices, NO WHERE on the menu does it state any party size pays a certain tip. Which is ILLEGAL in California. The tip was hand written in by our server and then tried to pass it off as this was the norm. Know your rights-- If a restaurant is charging a certain tip for a party size it MUST be stated on the menu. Less illegal but lame. Chips were very stale. Also for a party of 1 or a party of 8, only one serving of chips and salsa is complementary (used to be bottomless). Olemendis has gone downhill and is now a shady operation, avoid at all costs. read more

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Maggie S.

853

3 years ago

The hospitality's, food and view, perfect combination.Quesadilla Thank you for your service. read more

Olamendi's - the outside of the restaurant - Mexican Near Me - Dana Point, California

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Linde M.

2 years ago

Terrible food & service. Very small portions. Food did not have much flavor. Server was not welcoming, more on the side of rude. Made to feel, she was doing us a favor. Suggest not wasting your money here. Interesting decor. read more

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Eddie L.

1 year ago

I would not recommend this place. All I wanted was a carne asada burrito and when I got it, it was meat and bell peppers with beans. My husband got the fajitas with shrimp and it only had 3 shrimps. Plate was $30!. The food is not that good and way overpriced. read more

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Keenan A.

1 year ago

Didn't get to try the food, the first lady to greet us was extremely rude to us the second we walked in, and then again soon after. We decided to spend our money elsewhere. read more

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Shirley K.

2 years ago

This is the worst so called "Mexican restaurant" ever!! Margaritas were terrible, service was worse and food was awful. Tamales were dry and had fillers of potatoes in them..they charge for everything..I'm surprised the didn't charge for sitting in their uncomfortable chairs..this place has really gone down hill..we will never go back and if you haven't tried it don't you will be so disappointed read more

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Marla F.

116

2 years ago

Every President has there Picture There . The Family loves America! Such a fun place ! Love the food ! Beef Tacos

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Nijole T.

4037

10114

19340

4 years ago

What's stands out here is clearly the decor! There is so much to see in every corner, it is vibrant and lively! Of course the oceanfront dining is what most people come for, great food and excellent service! You instantly feel welcome and are well taken care of throughout your stay. The tacos were tasty, the salsa for the chips absolutely delicious! Food is ready quickly and they have their own private parking lot which is hard to find by the beach. Great option in the area! read more

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V B.

1 year ago

ordered the Carne Asada burrito and it was 1/10 meat. all rice and beans. Stick to the Carnitas plate.

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Steffanie B.

3 years ago

Beware Olemendie's DO NOT BE FOOLED! I've lived near San Clemente most of my life & Olemendies USED TO BE great service & food but no longer! The server "Pam" was so rude and other staff seemed to be afraid of her. Food was over cooked and soooo dry. They seemed to be skimping on enchilada sauce on all of our 5 dishes. We had to pour salsa on our food but then they didnt want to give us refills on salsa. Watched cars in tiny parking lot hit each other and just ate quickly so we could get out of there. If you're visiting Dana Point or San Clemente, DO NOT GO HERE. We have so many other great restaurants in town that you will love. read more

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Pharaoh P.

2 years ago

Dont know where to start, from walking in and the decor. The friendly faces and servers. The authentic food and flavors of all the dishes we tried. This place is legit authentic and DELICIOUS!!! We started with the appetizer sampler beef taquitos, quesadillas, carnita empanadas and Nachos like grandmas house on a sunday! Wifee ordered the margarita also strong and tasty. read more

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Daphne M.

260

182

394

6 years ago

I thought this place seemed a bit pricey... until I saw the portion sizes. You definitely get your money's worth. Salsa is a 6/10. It's yummy but the chunks are huge and hard to keep on a chip. Also not as spicy as I would like but I get they have to cater to the masses. Guacamole 8/10 - it was good, again really big chunks of onion and tomato in it. Slightly lacking on seasoning. $9 but you get a huge serving of it. Having recently gone vegetarian and hoping to be vegan, I was so happy that they had a vegan menu! I ended up going with a potato taco and a vegetable taco with rice and beans. I was only able to finish the potato taco and will have my veg taco at breakfast! It was good. The potatoes were mushy, I wish they would grill them quickly before putting in the taco so that there'd be a little crunch to them. My Partner got the Chile relleno burrito. She really enjoyed it. The cheese inside the relleno wasn't melty like I would want but she was happy. Churros coated well with cinnamon and sugar, could have been cooked for maybe 1 more minute. They weren't raw but they were still very pale in color. Comes with whipped cream. Which isn't really necessary. If they want to doll them up, maybe some Mexican chocolate or dulce de leche dipping sauce would be yummy. read more

Olamendi's - Vegan Vegetarian Taco - Mexican Near Me - Dana Point, California

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

Olamendi's - Chile Relleno Burrito - Mexican Near Me - Dana Point, California

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Samantha L.

2 years ago

Okay we tried again, we wanted so much to love this place. HUGE NOPE the food tasted like chemical cleaner, the tequila had a new flavor every time we got a new drink (tequila on ice, not mixed), I wanted to be here with a new happier review, but this place should be avoided AT ALL COSTS!!! read more

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Kat D.

1 year ago

This is my first ever yelp review and I feel I must write it because it was such a horrible experience. I have been going here since the 80s when I was a child. I was very disappointed the last time I went on April 27th. This lady was extremely rude and I can tell the staff was stressed. The vibe was horrible due to this lady's aggressive attitude. Luckily she didn't end up being our waitress a really lovely woman was but the lady who was older then her was RUDE. Such a shame because I went there on my birthday and every single person was uncomfortable. read more

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Cindy M.

3 years ago

The Baja fish tacos and the shrimp tacos are bomb! The service is friendly and welcoming, the ambiance feels like home! Totally coming back. 5 stars all the way! The view is good too. read more

Olamendi's - The view of Doheny state beach - Mexican Near Me - Dana Point, California

Olamendi's - Baja fish tacos and shrimp tacos! - Mexican Near Me - Dana Point, California

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Blake W.

1 year ago

The place was empty. The food was mediocreat Best we ask for sliced avocados and instead of guacamole which they did. However, the avocado was not ripe and hard as a rock. We did not get any additional chips or salsa nor did they ask or did they ask if we wanted refills on our sodas, not impressed read more

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Robert G.

285

286

5 years ago

Went to this spot during a beach day. Very friendly staff. They packed up lunch really well for us. Margaritas were only so-so, and most of the food was pretty good. The fish tacos were delicious though, as were the chicken. I don't recommend the Shredded beef, it was overseasoned and overcooked. Chimichanga was a bit soggy, seemed more like a burrito honestly. My kids loved their kids meals. The chips and salsa was really good, salsa had a great kick to it. read more

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Bruce H.

236

3 years ago

Don't do it. By So California standards this place is bleh. The food was under seasoned, watery sauces, the cream Sauce on one dish was "broken", and the proteins inconsistently cooked. Our party tried tacos, fajitas, enchiladas, and a burrito. Three of the four of us didn't even try to finish our plates. Just bleh. The only pro to the place is the location. read more

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Jacquelyn M.

2 years ago

They charge a split plate charge even if you ask them not to split a plate. Pure ripoff. And the soda comes in a can so they can charge for refills. I am imagining that sometimes people come and sit all day - but we were there for dinner. read more

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Adam B.

Elite 13

2367

2 years ago

Had the shredded chicken burrito. It was ok. Was a bit spicy and had peppers in it? Chips were delicious though.

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Cha C.

2 years ago

Customer service , everyone had a sad smug face and it took 30 min to get water we asked for. Salad was just greens with a container of dressing for $9 ... really Food was aweful and when host asked if we wanted a box ..so I can throw it in the trash... will never go there again, it ruined our night in read more

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Greg N.

2 years ago

Mom lives in Laguna Niguel and our normal haunts are Javiers, Coyote Grill, Las Brisas, Red O, South of Nicks and El Torito. Red O and South of Nicks are our faves and we have been talking about Olamendis for the longest time and we finally stopped in to celebrate a special occasion on a beautiful afternoon. The location is great (on PCH right across from the beach in Dana Point but that is where its charm stops. The first thing they do is bring you a basket of chips that are so thick and bland that they defy description. Somehow they also managed to get their guacamole to taste just as absent of any culinary quality. There was no salt...no lime...no chili, garlic or seasoning. Then they brought margaritas that tasted so artificial, it took all my courage to finish it. I asked if they could make a more upscale drink with premium tequila and better orange liqueur like Combier or Cointreau. She assured me that they made their own and it was the best. They "salted" the rim with some slimy goo that reminded me of a melted starburst that fell into a Tajin shaker. Olamendis is now my benchmark for the worst margarita I have ever had. HOW DO YOU MESS UP THE TABLE STAKES OF A MEXICAN RESTAURANT SO BADLY? They did...and I had to try and choke them down while looking at their sign claiming they are "world famous". I wont bother telling you any more than the Chile Relleno burrito was a tiny pile of indistiguishable melted things that I could thankfully smother in hot sauce. Finally, flavor! Don't waster your time...there are so many good places. read more

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Sarah H.

119

1 year ago

The restaurant is dirty and the quality of the food has gone down hill. Service was bad. No refills on drinks

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Page 3 of 26

34660 Pacific Coast Hwy
Dana Point, CA 92624
Directions
(949) 661-1005
Call Now

Full menu

Hours

What time does Olamendi's open?

Olamendi's opens at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.Olamendi's opens at 10:30 AM on Saturday and Sunday.

What time does Olamendi's close?

Olamendi's is closed on Monday.Olamendi's closes at 8:00 PM on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday.Olamendi's closes at 9:00 PM on Friday and Saturday.

Mon ClosedTue-Thu 11:00 AM - 8:00 PMFri 11:00 AM - 9:00 PMSat 10:30 AM - 9:00 PMSun 10:30 AM - 8:00 PM

Payment methods

Does Olamendi's take Bitcoin?

No, Olamendi's does not take Bitcoin.

Does Olamendi's take credit cards?

Yes, Olamendi's takes credit cards.

Food & Alcohol

Does Olamendi's have catering options?

Yes, Olamendi's does have catering options.

Does Olamendi's have a drive thru?

No, Olamendi's does not have a drive thru.

Does Olamendi's have a happy hour?

Yes, Olamendi's has a happy hour.

Does Olamendi's serve alcohol?

Yes, Olamendi's serves alcohol. Full Bar

Indoor Amenities

Does Olamendi's allow dogs?

No, Olamendi's does not allow dogs.

Does Olamendi's have TVs?

Yes, Olamendi's has TVs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does Olamendi's have bike parking?

Yes, Olamendi's has bike parking.

Does Olamendi's have outdoor seating?

Yes, Olamendi's has outdoor seating options.

Does Olamendi's have parking?

Yes, Olamendi's has parking options. Private Lot Parking, Street Parking

Other Amenities

Is Olamendi's wheelchair accessible?

Yes, Olamendi's is wheelchair accessible.

Does Olamendi's allow outdoor smoking?

No, Olamendi's does not allow outdoor smoking.

Does Olamendi's have free WiFi?

Yes, Olamendi's has free WiFi.

More Info

Health Score

Olamendi's Reviews in Other Languages

Spanish
1 Review

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My favorite Mexican restaurant!

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Pork Chile Verde, $28

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PV'S Prime Grill & Tequila

Family-owned & operated

Luxury

We were provided with great service and excellent food. Everything was amazing! The servers were…read morevery attentive and supported us w any questions or needs we had.

Mike was our waiter he was awesome, great customer service, the food was amazing, the environment…read morefelt welcoming !

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Gabbi's Mexican Kitchen

Overall a great experience…read more The pros: Came in on a Saturday afternoon and was sat down to be greeted by a lovely server. Had red and white sangria. Both were good but we both preferred the white. Queso fundido was good but didn't come with chips so we ordered chips and salsa. Mole tostadidas were delightful, full of flavor. Esquites: the bomb. Super flavorful and we cleaned the plate. Churrosnwere good, but the dipping sauces left something to be desired. A little runny and preferred the hot churro on its own. The cons: the only thing that was a little disappointing was the fact that they served us the end of a bag of chips. While the chips were fine, it was surprising that at a michelin star restaurant they didn't serve homemade chips. Worse still, we got the tail end of the bag of chips. The top of the bowl had regular sized chips but they were just hiding the smaller broken odds and ends that you find at the bottom of the bag.

I'd like to start by saying the service was not the issue. The staff were kind and happily offered…read morerecommendations when asked. In my opinion, the restaurant should just be called "Gabbi's Kitchen," because that would be more appropriate. This is the type of "Mexican" restaurant that Mexicans don't actually go to. Basic concepts and dishes that are either done incorrectly or have way too much going on. We ordered the Al Pastor Gordita, and it was easily the worst gordita I've ever had. The meat wasn't traditionally seasoned the way you'd expect al pastor to be, which could be fine, except it was overwhelmed by the taste of either cinnamon, allspice, or some other seasoning I couldn't identify. It was distracting and unpleasant. Then there was an overwhelming amount of pineapple. There shouldn't even be pineapple in a gordita, but if there is, it shouldn't be the main ingredient. Instead of lettuce, there were one or two spinach leaves, and no beans. We also ordered the Arrachera, which was basically carne asada on corn and nopal. This was the most expensive dish, yet while the cheaper dishes came with sides, this was mainly just a piece of meat on a small mountain of corn. No beans, rice, or salsa. I asked for salsa and received an overly sweet, somehow-not-spicy habanero salsa that they charged $4 for. And if you're used to going to literally any authentic Mexican restaurant and getting complimentary chips and salsa, don't expect that here. They offer it to you like it's free, but it's not. I wanted to try something new, and the hostess at the front said the food was "really good" (not her fault), but unfortunately, it's just another Americanized Mexican restaurant that makes you regret not going to a place you already know and trust.

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Las Golindrinas

Los Golondrinas has consistently great food, and it's one of our favorite places to stop when we're…read morein San Clemente. The quality and flavor never disappoint. The only thing that has always seemed a little odd is the salsa policy. No matter how large the order is, the number of salsas included feels pretty limited, especially for takeout. It would be great if management reconsidered that policy for larger orders. That said, what really stood out during our most recent visit was the customer service. Johno, who took our order, was friendly, professional, and genuinely cared about making sure we had a great experience. He listened, communicated well, and made us feel like valued customers. It's rare to come across someone who provides that level of service, and he absolutely deserves recognition. Great food, outstanding customer service from Johno, and if the salsa policy ever becomes a little more customer-friendly, this place would be just about perfect.

Close to closing, but ordered a chili relleno plate but got home to discover a pile of pork In a…read morelot of salsa. Called about the discrepancy but got no reason why. oh and we are closed now. It's like they didn't want to bother with the relleno and just gave me what was easy for them. They did not charge for the relleno I will say and it was okay, but not what I ordered or wanted. I won't be back any time soon.

Also my enchilada plate wen I get home for not using the proper bag

Menu 7/2024

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Menu 7/2024

Truly Pizza

Women-owned & operated

Free parking

Everything was delicious…read more I will say the Smoky Vodka was very good but we will get something different.

I was so happy to make it back to Truly after my first visit back in December! This time there was…read moresix of us and it was the perfect excuse to order a lot of food We got the garlic bread and harissa wings to start. The garlic bread was very garlicky and I loved how there were real chunks of garlic in it. The wings were super crispy and the perfect amount of spice. For the pizzas, we got three round and three square to share. Round: champion cheese, dante, skinny margherita. Square: pepperoni, spinach and artichoke, mamma mia. I honestly have zero notes for any of the pizzas. The dough for both was just as good as I remembered, they really are the stars of the show. If I had to pick my favorites of the night, it would be the champion cheese and skinny margarita. Though they are so simple, Truly makes them so well. I also got their house made yuzu lemonade to start and it was super refreshing. The yuzu really shines and it's a great option for a non alcoholic drink. And obviously for dessert we shared the olive oil ice cream, a must try when there and the perfect way to end the meal.

Smoky Vodka (subbed out pepperoni with meatball!)

Restroom

Sweet and Spicy

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Apizza Doho

We love aPizza Doho! We really enjoyed the salad and every one of the pies! Every pie that I have…read moreordered from here is a perfect mix of flavor with delicious crust! Service is good and dining on the patio is a nice vibe! It does get a bit loud though and can be congested if you're sitting in the way back and the patio is full I will always recommend dining here or maybe even better, ordering pies to go to enjoy at Heritage Park or the beach!!

This was a top 3 pizza spot for us. We ordered a large pizza (15 inches) half bee sting, half hwy…read more1. We were full after and had around 3 slices leftover! We definetly could've gone with the lunch special which was 11 inches and a side salad. We chose to do the large so we could do the half half pizza. The half bee sting was so delicious. Just the right amount of hot honey so it wasn't drowning the other flavors. The crust was delightfully crisp throughout the whole meal. Parking wasn't too bad. There's street parking and a small lot on the side. Great and timely service throughout! Would highly recommend. There's a reason it's rated so high on yelp

Photo of wood-fire pizza at aPizza Doho

Photo of specialty salad at aPizza Doho

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Photo of wood-fire pizza at aPizza Doho

Station Craft

Finally made it to Station Craft. We have been eyeing this place for years but it always seems…read morepacked, so we just drive past. Today, on a Saturday at 12-ish, as a family of 4 we were able to get seated right away. Our server was attentive and offered/brought waters right away. We were seated inside which was open and spacious but loud enough to make it family friendly. The tables were far enough a part that you did not feel like you were on top of each other. Next time, we might ask to sit outside so our young boys can watch the cars drive by. We learned that the kitchen is nut free (always double check as this could change), which was amazing since our son has a severe nut allergy. He was so excited to learn this as he can be limited at other places due to cross contamination or the wrong oils. Then when the food came out and it was delicious - it sealed the deal. It is now in the top of our list of places to go. The kids cheeseburger is good size and not a smaller version as some places do. The chicken tenders were panko crusted which was so crunchy. My husband and I shared the smoked carrot and chicken tacos and we enjoyed them both. The beer was also very good with my husband and I each trying a different kind - an IPA and a Pale Ale. We are so glad we finally stopped in and so should you!

Station Craft is so wholly inoffensive from top to bottom - decor, layout, food selection, beer…read moreselection, everything. Nothing particularly terrible and nothing notable either. Which is why it's getting 3 stars from me. The food is fine. It didn't make me sick, and I could eat it. That's about all I can say. The service did what it was supposed to but neither warm nor necessarily speedy. If I were a local, this would be a safe place to bring friends. I don't think it's worth the time to go out of my way to come here.

Partial interior before it packed out.

Fish and chips and a Smash Burger.. Yummy

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GoldennStout

Hook & Anchor

4.3

(235 reviews)

1.6 mi

Great food great place to watch the games met the owner Jon and he brought out their infamous clam…read morechowder. Absolutely wonderful. Very friendly staff excellent food all around. We had the poke extremely fresh and satiating. Kind people all around Best lobster roll in Dana point highly recommend if you're craving seafood and warm vibes.

Came to Dana Point to spoil my family, looking forward to going to Jon's fish market, only to find…read morethat it closed 3 months ago :( was looking for fresh grilled fish that was similar, and this restaurant popped up. Let me tell you- the unplanned is always the best! I had been wanting to try it but knowing the other locations had hard parking, and man oh man, one of my favorite meals and so well priced! 1. Red snapper with veggies and mushrooms. Wow! The fish was so full of flavor even before the sauce, well portioned, well priced. And the veggies were filling and cooked to perfection! 2. Fish and chips - have been on a mission to find good fish and chips- the fish was huge, tasty and meaty! Just a bit oily, but still YUMMY! Service: Corrina seriously is the reason I am writing this review! As I was frustrated with the parking situation by the harbor and just tired, she turned around my mood! She was so passionate and joyful about what she does and the food she serves! And she gave us the lowdown on the whole construction situation in Dana point! Thank you for your amazing service!!! Lastly: the inside is so pretty, inviting, and spread out and clean! Def will be back!! Thank you!

6oz Lobster Roll with grilled veggies

Booth interior seating

Lobster Deviled Eggs

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180blu

Excellent food Excellent service…read moreDecent pricing The view is spectacular Would love to dine here again

I'm confused as to why this place has such high ratings. The only redeeming quality is the view…read more Came here for lunch during the week and it took 15 minutes before our server took our order. Once the food came, it wasn't until it was almost time to pay the bill did he check in on us. Food wise I was not impressed. The scallop was bland and flavorless. While our food was room temperature. Considering the slow service our meal probably sat for some time in the kitchen vs being served right to us once made. The value paid for what was offered on food and service was sub par. I expected more from the Ritz Carlton

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Beautiful Christmas tree

Craft House

I made reservations here last night for 20, having never been there before but needing a semi…read moreprivate area for a group to gather. The venue was perfect for our size. They could have had more servers there for sure. That said, the guy serving us worked his butt off, gracefully, friendly, and attentively. Any gaps were filled by the bartender delivering drinks and (I think) the manager here and there. We were well taken care of. Food was great, bacon old fashioned my buddy had looked (and reportedly) was incredible, beers were great, staff were awesome (despite being low in numbers). Highly recommend.!

I came here for dinner on a Sunday night, and it was a very good experience…read more This restaurant has loud, trendy bar vibes for a family dinner, a date night, or even a girls night out. The parking is definitely limited, as I saw from other reviews on Yelp. On a Sunday evening it was very easy, however. The menu is fairly limited, and I wish they had a few more fish options, though the salmon I saw looked absolutely incredible. I had the chicken caesar salad. The chicken was a large portion, and so tasty. The dressing was SO good. They did forget dressing on both of our salads which was kind of annoying for a simple caesar (so we had to get a side of it). That being said, once we did get dressing, I seriously could've drank the stuff it was so yummy. They also scorch their tomatoes in the salad to perfection. I also tried the crispy tuna appetizer, which was surprisingly different from similar versions I have had at sushi restaurants (not in a bad way). The fish was very fresh and I would order this appetizer again. I think it came with five fairly small pieces (just so you know how many to order for a crowd). If you are feeling dessert, they have an incredible (and massive) butter cake!

Inside

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Patio seating

AVEO Table + Bar

Our room wasn't ready, so we came in for a cocktail and it turned into a few as it took way longer…read morethan expected for our room to be ready. Drinks were really good and service from Jorge was great. Since Bourbon Steak was closed (why, at a resort??), we ended up coming back here for dinner. Nice evening and got a good spot to watch sunset Opted for Hamachi Crudo to start and it was fantastic. Then, we both got their French aonion Smash Burger, one with fries and one salad. The Burger was crazy good! Honestly one of the best I've ever had. Salad was fine, and fries were cold, so they redid them. Wife was happier than I was with second batch, but it was nice of them. Glazed Mushrooms were awaste of my time and money. Zero flavor and lazy side. Wine was good. We went with the suggested Malbec. Overpriced, but good. Service from Esthefani was great.

We had our Breakfast at the Aveo during our recent visit to Waldorf Astoria at Monarch Beach. My…read morewife got the breakfast buffet while I ordered the Chicken Burrito. Breakfast buffet was good with lot of selections but my Chicken Burrito stole the show. It was so good, that she wished she also ordered the burrito instead of the breakfast. The ambience is great with good views of the resort and far away ocean. Service here is always great. Overall , a very good breakfast experience here !

Chilean sea bass on forbidden rice.

Inside seating

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Indoor seating and bar

Monarch Bay Beach Club

the food isn't anything I'd consider amazing but the service and view make up for it…read moreMiranda was the sweetest and super attentive! She made us feel extra special celebrating my little guy's birthday - we were far too full from dinner, appetizers, and a comped calamari to celebrate a birthday that we said we would pass on the complimentary birthday dessert but Miranda brought out a candle in whip cream for my little guy to blow out a candle (his favorite part of birthdays) We always make it a point to eat her during our stay and Miranda definitely reminded us why

The beach club was busy on a nice April day and the only table available for my husband and I was…read moreon the side of the restaurant, so make reservations if you want a table directly facing the beach! We had also tried sitting at the bar, but the bar area was full with people watching March madness. For dinner, I ordered the fish and chips and my husband ordered a fish sandwich. We both enjoyed our meals, and really liked the French fries and sweet potato fries we ordered. Service was attentive. The cocktails looked good, but at $30+ dollars that price was too steep for us. Although if they were like the cocktails served at the Waldorf pool, then they would be very strong. After our early dinner, we were able to watch the sunset from the beach chairs. Plenty of people and families were still enjoying the beach at sunset. When we were ready to leave, we were concerned about the line of around 20 people waiting for a tram. Luckily after 10 minutes of waiting two trams showed up instead of one and everyone that was waiting was able to get on a tram.

MONARCH BAY BEACH CLUB, Dana Point, California! (12/10/25 Menu Visit)

Fish and Chips

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Happy summer!!

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66 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

Lupz D.

2 years ago

We stopped by Olamendi's for drinks, and my Olamendi's Mexican Restaurant Review We stopped by Olamendi's for drinks, and my daughter-in-law ordered a quesadilla with a side of rice. The restaurant itself was fantastic--great atmosphere and a fun vibe. The food was delicious and well-prepared, and we enjoyed the overall experience. However, the service could use improvement. Our waitress, an older lady, seemed to lack patience, which made us feel a bit uncomfortable during our visit. While it didn't ruin the experience, a little more warmth and attentiveness would have made it even better. Overall, it's a great spot with tasty food and a lively ambiance, but the service left room for improvement. We'll likely give it another try! daughter-in-law ordered a quesadilla with a side of rice. The restaurant itself was fantastic--great atmosphere and a fun vibe. The food was delicious and well-prepared, and we enjoyed the overall experience. However, the service could use improvement. Our waitress, an older lady, seemed to lack patience, which made us feel a bit rushed during our visit. While it didn't ruin the experience, a little more warmth and attentiveness would have made it even better. Overall, it's a great spot with tasty food and a lively ambiance, but the service left room for improvement. We'll likely give it another try! read more

Christina B.

137

3 years ago

I recently visited Olamendis restaurant and had a terrible experience with a waitress named Claudia. From the moment we sat down, it was clear that the service was going to be subpar. There were six guests in our party, but was only given two menus, forcing us to share and pass them around the table. To make matters worse, my dad's silverware was missing and it took a long time to bring him a replacement. By the time he received his utensils, his food had gotten cold. The tortilla chips served at our table had a strange black substance on them, which was very concerning. When my dad asked for a refill on his ice tea, They never brought it back, leaving him without a drink for the remainder of the meal. The food itself was dry and bland, completely lacking in flavor. It was clear that little care had been put into the preparation of the dishes. This was especially disappointing as we used to love coming to this restaurant and had high hopes for our visit. Overall, our experience at Olamendis was extremely disappointing. The poor service from Claudia, the strange substance on the tortilla chips, and the dry, flavorless food left us with a negative impression of the restaurant. We will not be returning and would caution others against dining here. read more

Avelino C.

Elite 20

515

1050

3411

10 years ago

I have been coming to this restaurant for over 25 years. Most of the staff is still there from when I first started coming to this yummy Mexican restaurant. They remember you by name and are always so polite and sweet. I have tried everything on the menu and it is very good Mexican American food. The Carnitas plate and the albondiga soup are what I get. The chips and salsa are addicting. Yelp Now that I have been yelping for a while, I realize what a cool application this really is. Yelp has become my "go to" site whenever I go to a new city around the world. I've also been able to communicate with yelp friends from around the world whenever I travel to a new city in order to get advice of where to eat and also for business information. Yelp is also a great way to keep track of your past experiences and it has become a digital record of where I have been and how much I enjoyed those locations. Yelp is also a really great place to connect with people in your own town to see what is going on and what is fun and which restaurants are new and exciting. Try it, you may very well enjoy becoming a yelper also. read more

Jenny E.

1 year ago

We went last Wednesday to celebrate my friends birthday we were a big party. First we asked the server if we can bottle for the table and he said yes, then he came and he said no. When we asked why he didn't have an answer for us, to what u think the other younger waiter saw he was struggling and came to tell us the reason they couldn't sell us a bottle which we understood. After that our waiter took our drink order, it took him approx 20 to 30 min to bring them out have mind we are just 8 people and the restaurant looked pretty empty. We have been there before and the other waiter always takes care of us and never have complained but this time our experience was different and next I'll probably ask for the waiter I know will take better care of us. Food was great but the service should improve read more

Paul H.

134

9 years ago

I want to have a good experience because the food can be good, but, they now charge $22 for fajitas and cater to the "tourists" and not locals. The staff gets easily overwhelmed if there are to many guests during rush and we waited 10 minutes at our table for water and chips. Finally walked out and went to La Siesta in San Clemente (Fajitas $17). Note to staff: please keep some good waiters and waitresses who know this business and serve professionally. Do not rely on 19 year olds friends and cousins on summer vacation to do a good job. Please install some benches outside so we can wait during the crowd! I will be back in 3 months for a new review. Food is good. Lower those prices and get better service. You can do it! read more

Martha V.

11 years ago

This is a wonderful family restaurant with a beautiful ocean view. We sipped excellent organic (!) Margaritas and watched the sunset - what a great start to a promising evening. For appetizer, me and my husband shared one of their really large shrimp cocktails. It was fresh and light and just perfect! Afterwards, I had one of their many specialty dishes "Pescado a la Veracruzana" (yes, more fish after the appetizer, I'm a great fan). The sauce was everything but an ordinary tomato-herb sauce. The flavors of all these different Mexican herbs blended perfectly and the olives gave this dish a surprising touch. My husband loved his carne asada tacos! We will be back for sure! read more

Claudine M.

1 year ago

I feel awful leaving a one star review having known the family of this restaurant for years. The issue here is the female manager that is rude and not customer friendly, we had a large group reservation and we were told we could not be seated in the empty interior part of the restaurant. And the cook? Food maintenance? There was a rock the size of a blueberry in the meal one of our group was eating. The food was not good. The offer of water is non existent, you must ask for water and hope it comes before the check comes, no offer of drink refills. Not sure what's going on here, they may want to fix things before the Health department shuts them down for good read more

Dulce C.

11 years ago

Used to be a great place. Now it reminds me of Taco Bell. Ordered the (Rib Eye Carne Asada) very fatty and absolutely no flavor. My husband ordered the (Camarones Al mojo de Ajo) which looked great as it had big chunks of garlic, alas we were disappointed since there was no flavor. No seasoning whatsoever in the food. Now my biggest pet peeve the tortillas were HALF COOKED!! What mexican restaurant sends out cold hard corn tortillas! The pozole that came out as my soup with entree had no flavor! Like Taco Bell they no longer have Menudo! 2 stars were for friendliness of server and for the hibiscus margarita! Will not be going back!! read more

Deb H.

5 years ago

We have enjoyed this place over the years as nice Mexican food, not spectacular. Our meal last night was a total game changer. Zero flavor, bland, boring, watery tasteless cocktails...we had to out salt, lime and salsa on our food just to finish our meal. And holy cow, the prices...2 shrimp tacos, two fish tacos, two margaritas and tasteless guacamole for $95. Really? COVID aside, there is not excuse for flavorless food. Sorry Olamendis, you have lost our biz permanently. I suggest a new chef. read more

Jaime S.

4 months ago

The service was excellent and the sunset views are absolutely beautiful, which made for a great atmosphere. Unfortunately, the food and drinks didn't quite live up to the setting. The margarita had an unusual, almost plastic taste and wasn't enjoyable. The dishes overall were pretty bland, if you're expecting bold, traditional western Mexican flavors, this might be a letdown. The enchiladas were ok, but the birria tacos and rice lacked flavor. On a positive note, the refried beans were good. read more

Raynika R.

268

11 years ago

We are staying nearby and went there for dinner since its walking distance only to discover that they were closing (with plenty of people in the restaurant). The rude waitress didn't use her words, she swiped her hand across her neck to indicate that they were closed. This MIGHT have been ok if we were speaking through a closed door but we weren't. We were less than 10ft away from her with nothing between us. So extremely rude! read more

Lucy G.

3 years ago

Worst Mexican food I have ever eaten. Cooks really need to learn how to season their food. Do not order the carne asada... it's not carne asada! No flavor what's so ever and beans and rice are flavorless and dry. Service was just as bad. Sad because they used to be so attentive. The only thing they have going for them is the view and the horchata. Save your time and money. Discrimination at its finest. If you know you know. read more

Natalie R.

362

6 years ago

The service here it TERRIBLE. Staff is very rude. I understand times are rough during covid, but we waited 40 minutes for a simple order. Several people that ordered after us received their food before us. Part of the order was incorrect and the waitress had the audacity to show us the receipt to show us they were right. Not our fault they wrote the order wrong. Will NEVER eat here again. Food isn't that great either. read more

Marisa G.

12 years ago

Food was okay but wait was forever. Went in on Sunday night not sure if that is their busiest night but food took over 45 minutes and all I ordered was a Quesadilla. Didn't get a chance to try their tequila but I had a Michelada and it was delicious! Seems like it might be a better place for Apps and Drinks then for a sit-down dinner! Will have to give it another try. Be sure to check in on yelp for free nachitos! read more

Todd B.

8 years ago

Despite the heatwave, the fact that there's no A/C in the restaurant and the service was kinda slow, the food was awesome. Had to come back two days in a row. Sign in they said, 20 minute wait. It only took less than 10 minutes to be seated. The salsa made things even hotter. I'm not difficult to please.. Shredded beef taco, rice and beans, Coors Light, really hit the spot 5 Stars.. Thanks again Carlos read more

Gail W.

15 years ago

Great family owned place by the beach! Parking can be a pia, but no complaints other than that. Seriously good ceviche style fish tacos, shrimp salad is delicious and ginormous, tasty guacamole. If you like spicy, ask for the hot salsa. So good! The greatest thing about this place is the service. Often times we are served by the owners and we can really tell that we our business is appreciated. read more

Joseph L.

14 years ago

Talk about a fun and quwirky atmosphere! But thats about as great as it gets. The menu is what you would expect from a Mexican Cantina Restuarant, entree wise, but they lack a little something in their dishes. The food isn't bad, it's not that it's not fresh it could just use more flavor to everything or perhaps better presentation. I'll come back on a taco tuesday after the real taco tuesday read more

Bear F.

10 years ago

A very casual come as you are beachside location. Full bar, great beer selection. The food is basic combos and entrees. When it's crowded it can be a wait, but when you see available parking spaces the service and seating is instant, including at the bar. Been coming here for years with the fam and the food is consistent, as is the service, which is friendly and attentive. read more

Nick G.

103

4 years ago

Yelpers strike again. This restaurant has been here since before time began. Then come Yelpers and millennials to destroy what has always been a good thing. These people make one of the best hard shell tacos on the planet. I have absolutely nothing to complain about when it comes to olimendi's Carlos busted his ass to build this company and he deserves respect. read more

Jackie C.

8 years ago

Super good restaurant - atmosphere, friendliness of staff, and the food is amazing! The only thing better is their signature margaritas...the best ever. I've been here 3 times with guests and everyone has always been happy with their food choice and drink choice. So glad to have this place nearby in Dana Point/Capo Beach. read more

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Olamendi's - mexican - Updated August 2026

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The fancy name is definitely misleading. La Barra has is so dive-y and definitely a local hangout…read morefor 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.

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I had a great meal at Carlos! I had a table to sit at immediately, a soda water shortly thereafter,…read moreand was extremely satisfied with the Calamari Fajitas. These portions were very generous. What a jewel of a restaurant to find in Dana Point!

We came to Carlos's Mexican Restaurant for Mother's Day. It was just a party of 6. The restaurant…read morewas very cute and clean. It's on the smaller side but has done great outdoors seating. The service was great and the table was tended to often. We ordered our food had done chips and salsa while we waited. The chips were just ok. The salsa was tasty and chunky. The food came quick. The temperature could have been hotter. It was just ok. My sister had talked about the place so much and how they love it. I just didn't see the hype. The food was inconsistent. My beans had cheese but no one else's did. Portions varied on the plates and food should've been hotter.

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(67 reviews)

Located in the heart of San Juan! Parking structure is available right next to the restaurant which…read moredefinitely helps given how busy this area gets. Menu offers lots of good options for food and drinks! We all tried different margaritas and enjoyed them. For our appetizer we tried the chicken flautas and they were really good! Unfortunately, I wasn't a fan of my main. I tried the enchiladas (2 mole and 1 red) and they were different than I would've expected when ordering enchiladas. They had peas and carrots mixed inside and the overall flavor was very unique but not for me. Also barely any cheese which I feel is a big component of an enchilada. I've had mole sauce many times and I know it's a tricky sauce to perfect. Was not a fan of the mole here, didn't feel balanced. Very overpowering nutty and sweet flavor but it didn't have anything balancing it. I didn't care for the sauce or the filling, so if your go to is enchiladas I would not recommend getting them from here. Presentation was nice and our server was sweet.

Cute ambiance with enclosed out door patio that provides shade, also furnishings with fans. Several…read moreTV's at the bar for sports watching. The bar was out of several drink option when we visited on a Sunday, that was a damper on the visit. We ordered 3 dishes, the taquitos, sliders and al pastor plate. The taquitos were lite on the protein, sliders were flavorful and the Al pastor was decent, definitely not authentic Mexican flavors but worth $22 especially for the area. Service team was average. Property appeared to be ADA accessible. Restrooms were a bit messy and out of toilet paper during our visit.

El Jefe Cafe

3.3

(155 reviews)

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I need to go again! I lost track of it but remember the burgers were delicious!…read more I'm happy it's still going! It's set back so I haven't thought about it for a very long time.

It's ok - easy place to visit on a weeknight with few expectations…read more Happy we sat outside even with the evening sun as was a little warm inside. A few weeks later, I cannot recall so much what we ate, it was decent, but not memorable.

El Coyotito Mexican & Seafood Restaurant

4.3

(254 reviews)

Decided to have breakfast here and was not disappointed. The service was good, we were acknowledged…read moreright away. We decide to order in, they have a large selection on their menu. I ended up going with a chicken plate for my son, the plate was big enough for both of us. My son is 10, we ended up having leftovers for him to take home. My other son is also 10. He also had leftovers. He ordered the pancakes with egg. Both platters are a good size portion. The staff is friendly and the establishment is clean. Total for both plates with only water was $42. I did feel like this Mexican restaurant was a little pricier than others I've been into, but again you do get good size portions. I'm not from this area, but if I was, I would probably pick up from here again. Just because I like the way the food taste and the portion size is good for the value.

Omg- yum. Best chips... best salsa.. best margaritas... and whoa the handmade tortillas for tacos…read moreare so delish. The fish ones- the carnitas - really you have to go. Small and casual - I can't recommend it enough - the service was excellent.

Chelas Mexican Kitchen

4.2

(43 reviews)

Plenty of parking. Ok for groups…read more They do have one tv for watching sports. Staff is always friendly. Typical fast food Mexican menu. Something for everyone. Can call ahead and order food to go.

Yummy and delicious! They have a pretty fantastic menu daily for happy hour with plenty of filling…read moreoptions. I had crispy chicken tacos, which were excellent. Service staff are friendly and welcoming. This place can get busy so grab a table outside before you order it's casual and a "come as you are" vibe.

Cancun Authentic Mexican Food

3.4

(85 reviews)

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Secretly.. The Best Restaurant in South O.C. That Chef is…read moreamazing! I have been there several times now and always order something different. Bistek Ranchero ( Ranch Style Steak) is my favorite! Tonight i had incredible chicken taquitos ! the best of all time! I used the green fresh jalapeño salsa and i am still just in awe! Beans and Rice were perfectly seasoned. This shopping center might seem a little sketchy.. and after dark I can confirm it is pretty sketchy.. so go for lunch or early dinner ;)

Secret locals spot hidden in an unassuming strip mall with a laundromat, a Chinese buffet and a…read more7-11 store. The service is excellent and the food is authentic and exceptional. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!

Asada Cantina + Kitchen

4.2

(1.4k reviews)

This was my first visit, and I will definitely return! I ordered the Asada Grilled Baja Bowl with…read moresteak, which was delicious. The steak was tender and full of flavor, and the bowl featured a great combination of fresh ingredients. I also tried the Mexican Candy cocktail, perfectly blending sweet, spicy, and refreshing flavors. The vibe was lively, the restaurant was spotless, and the staff were friendly and quick. It's an excellent choice for lunch or dinner with family and friends. I can't wait to explore more of their menu on my next visit!

This review for Asada is long overdue. I really love their food and cocktails here (especially the…read moreMexican Candy!) and while I've had some things that weren't my favorite, everything I've tried has been delicious. One of my favorite appetizers here are their bacon wrapped jalapeno poppers served with a blackberry jam and pickled onions...I get this pretty much every time. Lately I've been coming on Tuesdays to take advantage of their all-day Happy Hour, which is one of the best in town. Crispy carnitas tacos and the hibiscus margaritas are my go-to's, and the fresh chips and salsa served gratis are always delicious and hot. I wanted to take a moment to shout out their fantastic team of servers and bussers especially. Luna, Lindsay and Cesar have all been exceptional servers; their knowledge of the menu and their genuine kindness makes our visits that much more memorable. I don't often catch the name of the bussers, but they are extremely good at what they do. There's a few restaurants in town that hire staff and don't seem to train them well, so they struggle and it's apparent... but that's not the case here at Asada, where everyone is professional and really go above and beyond. It's easy to see how well their service flows (although the host stand could benefit from having people who are more outgoing; they seem to have timid people up there a lot, and it can be awkward when they're too timid to properly greet guests--just something I've noticed, having worked in restaurants before I tend to be hyper-aware of such things). My favorite section to get seated is the booths near the back which tend to be quieter, and also offer a nice view of the sky during the sunset and evening hours especially.

El Patio Cafe

3.5

(168 reviews)