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RJ's Cafe

4.1 (1k reviews)
Closed • 6:30 am - 3:00 pm
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RJ's Cafe Photos

Business Info

RJ'S CAFE ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Casual
Moderate noise
Outdoor seating
Good for groups

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Recommended Reviews - RJ's Cafe

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Outside
Yelp Pro D.

We've been regular customers for years and have always bragged about this place and their pancakes to our friends. This time, however, the experience was disappointing and honestly made us feel bad in front of our companions, whom we had invited. We drove 30 minutes on a Saturday morning in 90-degree summer heat to have breakfast at this restaurant, so we were really looking forward to enjoying the experience. Unfortunately, it turned into a very disappointing visit. After waiting about 45 minutes for a table which is understandable during busy weekend hours, we were seated outside in front on the sidewalk, with the sun hitting half of the table. I ended up sitting in the corner with an umbrella post directly in front of me to avoid the sun. We asked for another table inside or somewhere with complete shade, but were told it would take a while because there wasn't another table available for eight. What made the situation more concerning was that our party included a pregnant mother and young children, who by any standard needed a little extra attention and comfort in that heat. Our waiter was very polite and attentive, but one of the plates was forgotten and arrived about 20 minutes after everyone else had been served. We then ordered pancakes after meals, which took another 40 minutes to arrive after checking on them twice!!! By that time, everyone was extremely hot and uncomfortable, and we couldn't even stay to enjoy them--which was the main reason we had to come here. Unfortunately, no apology was offered for the mess up, delays or the uncomfortable seating situation. We sincerely hope management takes this feedback seriously. We still like this restaurant and have recommended it for years, but this visit fell far below our expectations. Better accommodations during extreme summer heat and more timely food service would have made a big difference.

Menu
Claudia W.

An easy, comfortable , delicious breakfast- it's all right here. RJ's Cafe offers ample outdoor seating , friendly and helpful servers, and a nice SoCal vibe without big beach crowds. Both our traditional breakfasts were tasty. Parking was easy. After lunch the general area offers some interesting little shops and several other restaurants. Give it a try.

Stefania R.

We will be coming back here for breakfast Service was amazing and very quick despite being super busy. Loved the food. Nothing was disappointing.

The giant and delicious cheeseburger!
Dennis V.

This place is a great find. The food, service, and ambiance are spot on! The indoor seating is like reliving that warm & cozy throw-back cafe. They even have a fantastic assortment of signed headshots of old-timer celebrities who have visited. The outdoor seating is very comfortable and pleasant. The Cheeseburger and Fries were one of the best & biggest, ever. The cup of clam chowder was also excellent. We actually came back the next morning and enjoyed a delicious breakfast. The pancake and sausage were so good. I had the huevos rancheros and was very pleased with the delicious flavor, mild heat, and generous portion. I would highly recommend this place for lunch or breakfast.

Breakfast Burrito
Marnie A.

It was such a beautiful Sunday that we had to go to RJ's Cafe. We love going here. Parking was tight but luckily a car was leaving as we pulled in and we were able to take their space. Brunch crowd was lined up deep that we waited a good 20-30 minutes. We sat at one of the stone benches and waited for them to call our name. Glad the sun was out and a nice breeze coming from the ocean. Finally we were called and we got sat inside in one of the booths by the large windows. Our server was nice and friendly. We placed our order and waited about 10-ish minutes for our food to come. We ordered the onion rings special last minute and that came first. - Breakfast Burrito - Half Sandwich and half soup - Taco Omelette (New Item) - Side Onion Rings (Special) - Coffee - Root Beer Soda - Water Food is always delicious. Atmosphere is always great. Restaurant clean and inviting. Servers friendly, welcoming, and attentive.

Cinnamon Roll
Zan L.

One of the best breakfast options in South OC. This area has a lot of great dining options, this being one. It can get quite busy but the line moves fast. It's in a small shopping center so there is plenty of free parking attached right out front. Our waitress was very polite and everything that we ordered came out very fast. The restaurant itself is pretty large, they have a lot of indoor and outdoor seating options. For breakfast we started off with the Cinnamon Roll which is not as good as the main breakfast, I think they should use glaze instead and have it be a little lighter and less cakey, more gooey. For breakfast those I chose the Lobster Benedict and loved it. It had great flavors and I enjoyed every bite. I would highly recommend for breakfast to anyone.

Hello Mai tai
Leslie D.

I ve been coming to Hawaii for 40 years, mostly for work but also leisure. This luau was honestly the best I ve seen in a long time. The location, show , drinks and staff are all a 10.

Chicken Fried Steak with gravy on the side, extra-crispy, home-fried potatoes and scrambled eggs.  Bread is also included.

The BEST Chicken Fried Steak in Orange County! I have tried so many different Chicken Fried Steaks in Orange County, and this is by far the best because not only is the Chicken Fried Steak crispy and delicious, but the gravy is delicious too! My waitress was Coral, and she was perfect in terms of friendliness, professionalism, being attentive and just all-around excellent! I love the old-school diner decor with some Dana Point, beachy influence. I am so happy I finally tried RJ's Cafe, and this is now my favorite breakfast place in Orange County!

Doheny omelette and breakfast potatoes
Joshua P.

Me and some friends went here for breakfast. We sat outside on the patio. The weather was perfect. The staff were extremely nice. The only reason they are getting four stars and not five is because nothing was seasoned. The omelette and the potatoes had no flavor. It was a very bland breakfast.

Cinnamon roll French toast
Mya T.

Stopped for a quick bite after walking the trail and wanted something to replenish carbs so I went for the cinnamon roll French toast and it was buttery and not too sweet which i appreciated. Lots of options and decently priced.

Rj's Little Breakfast, Upgraded with Ham Steak and Carnitas with Eggs Plate
Sasha S.

Plan to get there before 9 am on a Sunday bc it gets busy! We had the pleasure of having Monica as our server who was absolutely darling. She made the experience even sweeter. There's never an empty chair which makes the ambience feel warm and inviting. One of few places where ambience matches food quality. Only regret was not ordering more! Will definitely be back

Feta scramble with sweet potato fries and cinnamon roll french toast, sausage, bacon, eggs and a diet coke
Lucy O.

I had been looking for a good breakfast spot close to San Juan Capistrano and RJ's was perfect! They have an extensive menu with plenty of options for everyone, including healthy options. We ordered the feta scramble with sweet potato fries, cinnamon roll french toast with sausage, bacon and eggs, fruit bowl and lobster benedict with home-fried potatoes. It was all excellent but my favorite was the lobster benedict. What I liked most about RJ's was their exceptional customer service. Our server, Monica, was the nicest server and really went above and beyond to make us feel welcome. She was so sweet, explained everything well and brought out our food right away. Besides that, I like that they have a dog-friendly outside patio. It was not very busy when we went around 2 p.m. on a Sunday. I will definitely be back to try more from their menu.

Frank P.

I wanted to get some breakfast and was looking for a place I haven't tried. I decided on RJ's. I decided on the biscuits and gravy after seeing someone at another table getting some. I had a side of bacon too. These biscuits were huge, the biggest I've seen. There were delicious. The bacon was the perfect side. I think the best part of eating here was the service from Monica L. She is amazing, so cheerful and friendly. You can tell she loves her job. There may be a wait at times, but it's worth it to get on the list.

Omelet

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11 years ago

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5 years ago

Food and service was amazing! I got the Lobster Benedict. They weren't shy about putting Lobster on the plate.

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11 years ago

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3 years ago

Great spot for breakfast or lunch. We went for a late weekday breakfast & got sat down in a booth right away. Service & food was good.

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14 years ago

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8 years ago

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3 years ago

I drove 40 minutes to get here and it's always worth it. Flavorful breakfast and lunch food. Great at atmosphere and friendly staff.

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4 years ago

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3 years ago

Fantastic Service ! great food fun atmosphere

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4 years ago

Delicious food! Great service and ambiance.We had a great experience.. loved the mimosas

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5 years ago

I've been here twice now. Absolutely great. Great customer service. The food is awesome. Very reasonably priced.

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10 years ago

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4 years ago

RJs is a dependable winner for the perfect cafe or lunch when visiting Dana Point. Old school with style!

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Page 10 of 26

Ask the Community - RJ's Cafe

Do you serve gluten-free pancakes, waffles French toast or gluten-free bread/toast?

Hi Laraine, I have recently taken over the yelp page and saw that you have several unanswered… 

Do we need reservations for party of 5 and 2 furry friends for the patio on Saturday morning?

No. Just show up and they get you right in. Service is fast.

We are coming out to visit family tomorrow and wanted to know if the patio is dog friendly?

Yes, RJ's has a dog friendly patio.

What's your favorite breakfast item here?

Heavenly potatoes with over easy eggs on top

View All 9 Questions

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