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    The Shwack Beach Grill

    4.1 (1.6k reviews)
    ModerateAmerican
    Open 8:00 am - 9:00 pm
    Updated over 3 months ago

    Order The Shwack Beach Grill Takeout or Delivery

    The Shwack Beach Grill Photos

    Business Info

    THE SHWACK BEACH GRILL ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Dogs allowed
    Good for groups

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    Recommended Reviews - The Shwack Beach Grill

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    Fish tacos
    Jessica M.

    The Shwack grill was a cool local spot that we stumbled upon when in Dana Point. We shared an order of the fish tacos, even tho I could have eaten them all myself, they were very delicious. The fish was flavored just right! I had a mimosa (or 2!) and my husband had a beer. We then shared an order of the chicken tacos. The chicken was tasty as well, but the fish were my favorite ones. Staff was super nice! Can tell a lot of locals come here. Will be back for sure!

    Adrian G.

    I can't remember the last time I've had more delicious shrimp and fish tacos. It was perfectly delicious. I don't know what to critique about that. The place is nice, being a more chill, less formal restaurant environment. You walk up, order, then sit for your food to come. My friend and I ordered the shrimp and fish tacos, which took about 10 min to come. Service was good, straight forward and friendly. I was bummed the tacos didn't come a la cart, because I wanted to try more, but you can only order the 3 tacos entree. It's really a personal preference, so not a negative in reality. I recommend anyone in OC to try this, hands down. Wanna come back to try other stuff for sure.

    The Shwack Burger and Shwack Spuds
    Erika N.

    I love Shwack burgers in Dana Point! They are always made to perfection. This patty is grilled perfectly, softest bun, melted cheese and packed with lettuce & tomato. We always like to say when we go to shwacks "let's go get burger salads" since they are so fresh tasting. The spuds are amazing too especially with their jalapeño ranch dip. One of the best burgers in town. They have indoor and outdoor seating. Service is quick and great views just a block down from the restaurant. Sitting on the Main Street of lantern district

    Fish Tacos
    Savannah S.

    So great to see our long time spot still open and added new choices. These fish tacos were great! Next time I'll be trying the shrimp. The chickadees were good. A little on the toasted side. My young kids did not like them at first because they look different but then they tried and liked it! Always great service and good vibes. If you haven't been shwacked, add it to your bucket list.

    The Shwack Burger with Shwack Spuds
    Shirene T.

    Stumbled upon this beach grill on our California roadtrip while stopping in Dana Point and boy was it delicious! We cleaned our plates! Ordered the shwack burger and the fish tacos. The fries are separate so there isn't a combo option. The burger was delicious and perfectly cooked! The fries were potato shaped and perfectly crisp. The sauces they give are flavorful. And the fish taco melted in your mouth. Had a little kick to it! They have plenty of seating inside and outside. Service was great and a cool interior with a shack vibe!

    Big Als
    Anna C.

    Order up front before sitting, there's indoor and outdoor seating. I got the Big Al's Bacon! The bacon is thick and flavorful and the meat is cooked well and juicy. The bun is crispy on the edges but fluffy on the inside. I'm surprised by how much I liked the burger! Keep in mind that you have to order fries and other sides separately though.

    Queso Shrimp Dip
    Elizabeth E.

    Great lunch line up - I got the shrimp queso dip, garden salad, & spuds. You can pull off a light lunch with the healthy options here too. Fast and friendly staff!

    Fish Tacos
    Breanna W.

    Came by here for a quick stop during some shopping in the area. I got the fish tacos, they were not battered which was awesome. They tasted very fresh but were fairly small in size. They did not come with a side either, it was al a carte. Tacos definitely were not enough, but was a nice pricey snack.

    Darci L.

    I rarely leave one star reviews but this one is necessary. My friend and I arrived on a Friday afternoon. The guy at the counter recommended the fish tacos so that's what I ordered. Soggy fish, tortillas, and bland sauce is what I received. The tacos were also not served hot; they were room temp. $13 for three flavorless tacos with no side dish. Honestly, Del Taco is better in my opinion. Employees seem unhappy and were not very attentive. Our table was filthy. I will not return.

    Aaron V.

    Need everyone to understand one thing. If you want a ridiculously good burger after a surf/workout, this is your place. They call their fries spuds, which are FIRE. The food usually comes out fast and hot. We go here probably 1-2 times a week depending on if we're home and not traveling. One of our favorite spots. A very surf vibe inside as well. This is not your fine dining restaurant so if you're looking for that, this isn't your place. This is an order up front and they bring your food out to you. They have a great selection of burgers, sandwiches, and other things. Love Shwack. Cheers.

    Jonathan H.

    I ate here a few years ago and loved it and wondered why it took me so long to return. I ordered the Schwack Burger with cheese. It was big and delicious on a soft, slightly toasted bun with sliced tomatoes, lettuce, and red onions just the way a really well made burger is supposed to be. The service was terrific: super friendly woman at the cashier and an equally super friendly woman who brought the burger to my table. Very nice staff. The ambience was super chilled and friendly. And the price of the cheese burger was $11.50 --- which nowadays and in Dana Point is pretty amazing. Great food, great service, chilled vibes, great prices. I'll be back again soon.

    The Groundswell Ahi Tuna Burger and Shwack Spuds
    Amy M.

    The staff were knowledgeable about the menu and helpful in guiding our order. We ordered the ahi burger, vegetarian burger, Shwack spuds, and the kids chicken sandwich. The whole family loved their choices!

    Shwack Bloody - $8.00

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    Page 1 of 41

    The Shwack Beach Grill Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - The Shwack Beach Grill

    How much are the Shwack tacos now? They used to be $7?

    Is this open for outside seating and are there beach views?

    They have expanded their seating on the sidewalk but no view just the street.

    How do we send a message to the manager or owner? Tried the email on the website, but it does not work.

    Are they open for dine in?

    Not as of yesterday

    Hi the patio area looks a little small, but I was wondering if it is dog friendly?

    I've definitely seen dogs on the patio, so I'd say you're good. I think they might even keep a water bowl out there.

    Do they have happy hour?

    Yes! from 3 - 6PM Daily. Taco Tuesdays are GREAT, too!

    View All 9 Questions

    Coastal Kitchen

    Coastal Kitchen

    4.2(1.5k reviews)
    0.3 mi
    $$$

    I've been here many times and I love everything on their menu. I would recommend making a…read morereservation especially on the busy weekends. Restaurant is nice with some booth seating in the back and even some outdoor seating. Parking itself-there's a small lot next to it but it's almost always full so you can do some street parking in the surrounding neighborhoods. When I last came here, we ordered the red pepper hummus to share and I ordered the French dip! It was excellent as per usual and the service was good. One critique I would have though is that one of the people in my party was a vegetarian and had ordered a veggie burger. The people bringing out the food accidentally swapped the plates of someone else in the party who had ordered a chicken blt when placing the dishes in front of each person. Unfortunately the vegetarian did take a bite of the chicken blt before realizing it was not the veggie burger and spit it out. It is what it is and was an honest mistake. But, maybe confirming the dishes before placing it in front of the person would be good. First time it's happened but we hope it doesn't happen again because we love this place!

    To start off, parking is an absolute nightmare. Aim to get there earlier and don't be surprised if…read moreyou have to take use the side streets for parking in the neighborhoods. As for the food, it was pretty good. We got the Salmon, Rotisserie Chicken and Baby Back Ribs. The baby back ribs was definitely the best bang for your buck thing on the menu and they were delicious. The Salmon was ok and the chicken was a little dry. The fries and Cole slaw were very good and our dessert was also very rich. The service was solid and it felt like a place to dress a little nicer but no pressure to wear a suit or anything.

    Photos
    Coastal Kitchen
    Coastal Kitchen
    Coastal Kitchen

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    Craft House - Started out looking promising

    Craft House

    3.9(911 reviews)
    0.2 mi
    $$$

    Came for brunch after paddle boarding with my husband and MIL. Made a reservation through Open…read moreTable just in case they were packed. Got a table outdoor, the weather was beautiful. The only downside was it was a bit loud when cars passed by. Restaurant is beautiful, love the vibe. Our server Sean C. was very pleasant and attentive. I had the avocado tartine with tots on the side, everything was fresh and tasty. Hubbs had the smash burger which he devoured quickly. For drinks i only got a decaf, wish they had matcha - it would've been a perfect meal for me.

    I want to start this review off by saying THANK YOU to Blake, Kelly and all the Craft House staff…read morethat had a hand in our wedding reception!! It was truly such a beautiful night that went off without a hitch. Because of YOU GUYS. Beginning of Planning: My husband and I were on the hunt for the perfect "alternative" space to a traditional wedding venue due to time constraints of planning a wedding in 4 months and also budgetary constraints (not willing to sell our souls for a 40k wedding in South OC). I came across Craft House on Yelp (another beautiful couple held their wedding there) and knew the space would be perfect. I emailed for a week or two with Kelly before deciding to see the space in person. Late November/early December we met with Blake to show us the space. We knew it was the place for us when we were explaining to Blake our overall goal we were trying to accomplish: We wanted to throw a nice dinner and dance party for the people we love the most to celebrate the love we share. And we wanted to do it our way. Blake's response: We can do it all. No constraints. Basically no "rules", do it your way. We immediately put a hold on the space for our wedding date. December-March: Kelly was the perfect person to connect with and kindly answered all the questions that come along with planning a wedding. She was efficient with answering emails and following up with us (I'm type B, I love a follow up). We went to eat at Craft House a few times during these months and we able to figure out what we loved the best on the menu and each experience was fantastic. 10/10 drinks, food, and service. March: We started finalizing all the little details, food and drink menu, decorations, table arrangements, day of timeline. It was easy, efficient and there was a confidence from both Blake and Kelly that made us feel extremely confident and grateful to have our reception at Craft House. Wedding Week/Day of: Blake kindly allowed us to bring a load of decorations the day before the wedding to help the set up efforts on wedding day. We dropped off boxes of candles with a bartender (possibly a manager) the night before and he was extremely sweet and helpful by carrying boxes inside for us. The day of the wedding, our DJ and friend who was helping with set up were able to go in a few hours before. When we walked into the reception for the first time, we were blown away! I was in true awe at the space. It was exactly how we envisioned. The beautiful wood interior and 3/4 walls of windows with plants inside and outside made it feel like we were in a green house. I was met with a drink in my hand immediately from the bartenders and I was never without a drink (they would find me every time my drink was empty and give me a new one... THAT'S TOP TIER SERVICE). We ate, we drank and we partied with the people we love the most, exactly how we wanted. Things you should know: Particulars- We had about 90 guests, 4 vendor meals and had the private space from 12 PM (set up time) to 10:30PM. Price- THE BEST DEAL YOU CAN GET. Rental for the space, food and open bar(!!!) all bundled into a great price. Best bang for your buck. Price included gratuity and a small percentage for service fee. UNBEATABLE. Service- As someone who worked in the restaurant industry for many years (and close friends who are bartenders and servers)... we all agreed that the service was top tier. One of the biggest stand outs for me was the smiles on all of their faces during our reception. There is nothing better than seeing employees genuinely smile while they are working. It really makes the whole atmosphere a million times better. Some videos that we got at the end of the night, you can see the bartenders dancing while serving guests, it made my heart happy to know that there was some enjoyment while working their butts off for us. Thank you all so much!! We enjoyed ourselves and so did all of our guests. The next day people were stunned that we had been at a restaurant and not a wedding venue. This review is well deserved. *Pictures to come!

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    Craft House - Inside

    Inside

    Craft House
    Craft House - Patio seating

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    Patio seating

    Doho Cafe - Fish and chips

    Doho Cafe

    4.3(113 reviews)
    0.9 mi
    $$

    Doho Cafe is honestly one of those spots that reminds you why people love coastal California so…read moremuch. The views are absolutely immaculate, and being just steps away from the water makes the whole experience feel relaxing and refreshing without even trying. It's the kind of place where you can sit back, enjoy the ocean breeze, and lose track of time for a while. The food was genuinely amazing, fresh, flavorful, and beautifully prepared without feeling overpriced. The pricing felt very fair for both the quality and the location, which is rare for a waterfront spot. Their drinks were also a standout and paired perfectly with the whole laid-back beach atmosphere. Between the scenery, great service, delicious food, and overall vibe, this is definitely a place I'd keep coming back to anytime I'm in Dana Point.

    Hi Foodies, have I got a treat for all of you. Doheny State Beach with a pass or pay for parking…read moreis cheap and park right by the Cafe. Adian and all the people are great. Adian is the one who cooks up these delicious soups and meats for tacos and sandwiches. The patio is facing the ocean and lots of lounge chairs and tables with umbrellas for shade. The food is the best in town, take my word! Delicious burgers, tacos, poke and salads and Mexican corn fabulous. Tomato soup and potato soup deserve an award, best I've ever tasted. The brisket is beyond amazing, tasty and so tender you can cut it with Your tongue! Poke is big and full of goodies with crab and tuna. Shakes are cool and refreshing while sitting in the sun. Being there is like being on vacation..... but we live here! Enjoy and say Lenore sent you.

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    Doho Cafe
    Doho Cafe - Breakfast sando

    Breakfast sando

    Doho Cafe - Bloody Mary

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    Bloody Mary

    Wine Experience Dana Point - Chorizo stuffed dates

    Wine Experience Dana Point

    4.8(53 reviews)
    0.2 mi
    Free parking
    Casual dining

    We kicked off our evening at Wine Experience with the chorizo stuffed dates--sweet, smoky, and…read morewrapped in crisp bacon with a touch of whipped fig crema that made each bite worth while! If you can, try the warm smoked almonds and olives; they're smoked perfection with bright lemon zest and paired beautifully with whatever you're having. The food throughout was absolutely delicious, with thoughtful, elevated small plates that felt refined. The standout on the spring menu? Those beef Wellington puffs--tender filet mignon wrapped in golden, flaky pastry and served with Dijonnaise!! They were rich, elegant, and utterly irresistible; we couldn't stop reaching for more. 3rd order anyone?! What truly made the night special was the team. From the moment we walked in, the knowledgeable staff was genuinely helpful and enthusiastic, guiding us through their wine selections with thoughtful recommendations that perfectly complemented each dish. Their passion turned a lovely dinner into a memorable experience--approachable yet refined. Highly recommend for a special night out. We left smiling, a bit fuller, and already planning to come back. Five stars!

    This was truly one of the best wine bar experiences I've had in a while!…read more The staff is what made our night - owner Mike is so attentive and intelligent and kind! He took time to walk us through our tastings and sat down with us for almost an hour to chat wine and food. Everyone else working was also awesome and they make you feel so comfortable and at home. Lovely wine selection and house made pasta and flatbreads as well!! Highly recommend :)

    Photos
    Wine Experience Dana Point - Inside - Wine Experience Dana Point

    Inside - Wine Experience Dana Point

    Wine Experience Dana Point - Fig and goat cheese flatbread

    Fig and goat cheese flatbread

    Wine Experience Dana Point - Beef Wellington puffs

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    Beef Wellington puffs

    The Shwack Beach Grill - tradamerican - Updated May 2026

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