Run to this place. Seriously RUN! I am rarely impressed. RARELY! My friend and I are working in the area and she's been telling me about the Tri-Tip Taco, mentioning how it's melt in your mouth and how unbelievably delicious it is and she insisted that we come here for lunch. Well we are here for dinner also on the same day, that tells you how incredible this place is. We both ordered the tri-tip tacos and then shared a couple of desserts. When I tell you that's the menu is nuanced and definitely a foodies heaven. I am not exaggerating. Here is a lineup of the desserts for today. Chai spice pumpkin bread, white chocolate pecan cookie, Brown butter carrot cake, hibiscus cranberry sugar cookie, sweet potato s'mores tart, kumquat tart, German chocolate brownie, matcha lime tart, blueberry muffin. Her and I shared the kumquat tart and the the brown butter carrot cake. I was literally brought to tears. I'm not kidding. I was literally tearing up. To taste something so extraordinary and so different was an immense pleasure. It is moments like this that a real foodie lives for. The SERVICE! OMG! Everyone is SOOOOO friendly! They go above and beyond! The only travesty for me is that I live about an hour away! But anytime I'm in the area I will be definitely eating here. If you live in this area and you haven't lived in eaten here. You need to run to this place and try the entire menu! 10 out of 10, all the gold stars on the forehead and all the red stars! FYI I also purchased the guajillo salsa to take home ... Because it's THE GOAT! read more

The White Rooster - Interior - New Mexican Cuisine Near Me - Dana Point, California

We stopped by on our way to the Candlelight Quartet at the Ritz Carlton. I was pleasantly surprised by the beachy vibes and open front in a little corner strip of stores. The first thing we noticed was a weird picture of a filleted fish on the wall...see pics. The incredible server, Sterling, recommended the fish tacos, and they are probably the best fish taco I've ever put in my mouth (next to a fresh caught fish taco in Cabo I got a few years ago . Anyhow, it turns out I don't give a crap what kind of pictures you have on your walls if your tacos taste that good! Sterling AMAZING Food AMAZING Ambiance AMAZING read more

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This spot is a heavy hitter! Drinks - Saddleback Sangria Slushie 4.5/5: Good balance in flavors, and stronger than expected. Very refreshing. - The Bruce Banner 4.5/5: surprisingly good, and I have never felt so healthy, while drinking champagne. Food - Brekkie Quesadilla, with Carnitas and bacon 5/5: The proteins paired really well, making it so rich and savory. The salsas, especially the tomatillo, were nice additions of freshness. - Brunch Burrito, with Carnitas 4.5/5: The carnitas was tender and flavorful and the sweet potato made for a different profile. The taco sauce went really well with it. - Salted Date Cinnamon Roll 4/5: Not the standard softness; much more dense, with the dates being a pleasant, natural sweetner It was packed, but we were greated immediately and they were still able to sit us quickly. The staff was attentive and well trained. The runners were quick and polite. Braden was a super star, and his suggestions and pairings were spot on for us. read more

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I was spiritually rearranged. That's all I can say. The White Rooster said: "we close at 8 but also we might change your life at 7:12pm. nbd." We pull up after I just graded 80 student presentations (imagine being stuck in a room for 3 hours listening and grading simultaneously, students anxious sweat in the air, and my existence barely tethered to the moral realm as I try to focus), and I'm with The Boulder™, who apparently decided this was the night to take me somewhere (i think he likes me) we choose the White Rooster. Initially suspicious. It's empty. I'm thinking: "Is this a takeout place?" Are we about to be gently asked to leave in 15 minutes?" NO. They just said, "what if we take you on a magic school bus fieldtrip to... flavor town?" The FOOD??? FIRST the TRIP TIP BURRITO MONUMENT??! We ordered the smoked tri-tip situation, and I need you to understand this was not a plate. This was a landscape A truckload of meat -- tri-tip, bacon, carnitas -- just casually stacked like they're about to unionize, with roasted vegetables dramatically draped over the top like fainting women in a Renaissance painting. And the sauce??? I don't know her name. I don't know her origin story. But she was: * creamy * tangy * a little spicy * emotionally supportive Nothing needed elevating but she elevated anyway. Overachiever. HOT HONEY CHICKEN TACOS Delicious. No notes. They knew exactly what they were doing and did not ask for permission. The APPS??? IN *THIS* ECONOMY??? WHY is the guac served in a cereal bowl. WHY are there enough chips to feed a crowd at a Super Bowl party? Sir. Ma'am. Business owner. Are you trying to go bankrupt?? Because I will enable you. this was new on the menu, our server hadn't tried it yet, and The Boulder™ (a tall, kinda nice, geoloical entity) was like: "do you want to try some?" And suddenly we are sharing guac like it's communion. Beautiful. Human. Civic duty. Then... I am handed a slushie margarita. (I know this is quite the saga...but bear with me) I take a sip. Pause. I'm told it's wine-based I gave it *severe* side-eye. Because listen -- I am a 5ft Japanese girl but my farming lineage says alcohol is *the water of life*, and I come from a household with a whisky collection, gins, tequilas... I know my way around a drink. BUT. ...this??? Was actually kinda cute??? It tasted like: a high school girl punching her crush after he teases her too much Light. Fruity. Dangerous. You need to serve this with a THICK ASS STRAW because I wanted to inhale it like my survival depended on it. (Lowkey bc it does) The booth benches are HARD. Like... sit up straight and reflect on your life choices hard. But honestly? Character building. TLDR: Kind staff. Confusingly amazing food. Portions that challenge capitalism. A breakfast spot that said "what if we simply became iconic at night." I will be back. The Boulder™ will be back. The guac will haunt me until I return PS. If ya ever want to do a japanese izakaya fusion/blend menu, let me know :) read more

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We came here for lunch on a Saturday and had about a 25-minute wait. The restaurant has a cool vibe with a large indoor/outdoor feel. The servers were nice and the place was clean. I ordered the Pacific Pearl Chopped Salad with the dressing on the side (3/10), but it came already mixed in. I also didn't care for the hard Brussels sprouts and thought the overall flavor was a bit odd. My husband ordered the Tri-Tip Bowl and really enjoyed it (8/10). Overall, it's a nice spot and we'd come back to try some other menu items. read more

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GREAT local spot with quality ingredients and interesting combination. OBSESSED with the fact that they have such a huge selection of Gluten Free pastries (that my gluten-loving hubby also loves)! No one has a GF selection like that unless their a dedicated bakery. We will definitely be back. Service was a little slow when we went, but it is still new, and it was packed. Everyone was friendly tho and we had the time so no biggie. Just don't expect a fast experience. Get there and enjoy your time (and delish food!!). read more

The White Rooster - Pork Carnitas bowl (GF) - New Mexican Cuisine Near Me - Dana Point, California

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Great spot for breakfast and lunch. Servers are all so nice and attentive We tried the blue corn waffle with blueberry compote and marscapone cheese with a side of bacon. Very generous portion and delicious. Latte was also so good. Can't wait to try a few more things Plenty of parking and outside seating too read more

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Amazing new spot for anyone who loves Mexican food, or classic breakfast/brunch entrees. We came by around 12 and it was about a 40 minute wait. Love that the entire menu does not include any seed oils and great seafood options. The Elvis waffle was hands down the star of the show! There's great coffee/matcha and cocktail options depending on the vibe you're looking for. The short rib tacos were delicious, and all tables have 3 different sauces :green, red and tomatillo. Staff were extremely nice, prompt with service and provided good first time recommendations. Definitely looking forward to trying the tuna melt, next time! read more

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I had a strange and very interesting experience here tonight and I will definitely come back. I had the smoked yellowtail bowl with too much aïoli which was kind of disappointing however bf loved his tri tip bowl and didn't have an issue with the aioli sauce. Same as mine as far as sauce. Mine had a weird tuna salad or something next to the quinoa and slaw. I can't quite say I enjoyed mine and next time will order the fish tacos. The lime tortilla soup was the highlight for me. On the positive side, most everything is gluten free. read more

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I'd heard so much great talk around town about the new White Rooster and the amazing chef that had taken over The Doheny Cafe, I just had to come down and give it a try! Brought my son for brunch one day and we were both quite impressed. The food was very flavorful and it's no wonder the tri tip tacos are a fan favorite! The cinnamon bun is worth a return visit! Staff were very friendly and helpful with recommendations. The restaurant has an upscale beach vibe with a great open concept eating area. It never felt too loud even though the place was packed. I think The White Rooster is a great new addition to DP - welcome to the neighborhood! read more

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I ate before taking the photo because I don't often do reviews, but this food is fantastic! It's gluten-free but no compromises on taste. In fact, the meal was so well crafted and uniquely delicious I was blown away. The blue corn waffles were light, crispy, and richly flavorful -- best I've had! The avocado slaw has redefined what cole slaw is for me -- savory sweet crunchy delight! Service is friendly and responsive. Ambiance is comfy low key beach town vibe. Love it! read more

The White Rooster - A half-eaten meal of Tropical Thunder blue corn waffles and side of avocado slaw. - New Mexican Cuisine Near Me - Dana Point, California

Tried The White Rooster today and it did not disappoint! We ordered the steak breakfast burrito, cinnamon roll, and tacos in a bowl -- everything was absolutely amazing. The flavors were on point and you can tell they put a lot of care into the food. On top of that, the staff was super friendly(Cory was awesome!) and welcoming, which made the experience even better. We'll definitely be back again soon! read more

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First time visiting White Rooster Cafe and it was so delicious. I had the Birria Burger and the flavors were so robust and well balanced in the meat, and the queso added another delicious flavor. Service was fantastic, all the staff were knowledgeable and friendly. read more

The White Rooster - Birria Burger - New Mexican Cuisine Near Me - Dana Point, California

My boyfriend had come here and wanted to bring me back. I glanced at the menu and told him I wasn't feeling "Mexican" even though there were some other options. I ended up ordering huevos rancheros, even though I wasn't feeling "Mexican". It was AWESOME!! I asked for pico de gallo but they didn't have any. Instead our server Cori P. brought out pickled zucchini in lieu of pico de gallo. Who would have thought that pickled zucchini would make my meal over the top ?! GENIUS !! My boyfriend ordered the grilled yellowtail bowl and there were no leftovers. This was delicious and great for the price. The bf also ordered the horchata latte and Saddleback Sangria Slushy, made with white wine, papaya, mango, pineapple and lime. I had a Sauvignon Blanc from Valle de Guadalupe, a wine region in Ensenada that we've frequented often. I have to mention that our server Cori P went above and beyond. She was accommodating, professional and so friendly. I'm so happy that I gave this restaurant a chance because we will definitely be back! read more

The White Rooster - Mexican coke and Bodegas Henri Lurton Sauvignon Blanc from Valle de Guadalupe. Cheers !! - New Mexican Cuisine Near Me - Dana Point, California

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Dana Point, Ca. We are now regulars here for lunch. When we got an email announcing Paella for Valentines I called right away to make a res at noon. When we arrived on noon on Feb. 14, there was a beautiful display of paella at the host kiosk. Things went a bit askew when we put our order in for said paella. Our waitress was slightly caught off guard. We told her it was on display at the host kiosk and was a Valentines Day special. She checked in with the chef and was told it was for the 5:30 and 7:30 sittings, not for lunch. I was a bit disappointed but resigned myself to ordering something else, after all everything is good here. My wife, Steph, decided that the host should be made aware that the email we received said the paella was to be served up all day, and the display should be removed to avoid confusion. The host went back to the chef who decided that he would make the paella for us if we didn't mind the wait. We were stoked! To kill about 30 minutes we had a salad and tri tip barbacoa quesaditas which were awesome. The tri tip was tender and no evidence of the typical chew. In anticipation of the forthcoming paella, I avoided the rice and beans except for a taste (Which Was Awesome). Our table was cleared off to make room for the paella platter and its domed cover which held in the smokey steam. It was presented by Chef Michael Campbell himself, I was a bit awe struck, but he is a down to earth friendly guy who answered all our questions. Impressed as I was with the delivery by the Chef, the Paella was impressive on its own, a visual work of art, that was bursting with flavors that included wonderful spices and a bit of smoke. The mussels were tender and had absorbed the spices. The crab Cakes, featuring real crab, were spot on. The large Shrimp were a delight. Also hidden amongst the rice and green peas were these lamb meatballs that were absolute gems. As you may have expected, the serving size could accommodate more than two people, what we took home with us provided a dinner that evening and a lunch for me the following day. Thank you, White Rooster for a memorable Valentines Day. read more

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Yummy yummy tacos! Fresh fish and tender beef tacos with veggies were amazing. Not much changed from previous set up of the restaurant but it doesn't matter as long as food stays good. Service was very friendly. Will definitely come back again! read more

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If you haven't been to The White Rooster yet, drop everything and go. This place is doing 'Mexican food reimagined' the right way! The vibe is spot on--welcoming, comfortable, and open--and the staff is incredibly on point. A huge shoutout to our server, Payton, who was super helpful, friendly, and made the whole experience even better. The Highlight: You absolutely cannot leave without trying the Matcha Milkshake. It sounds like a wild card, but it is a total hidden gem and completely unexpected. You HAVE to get it! As for the main event, the Rooster Fish Tacos and the Famous Smoked Tri-Tip Tacos were both 10/10. I would highly recommend both. This spot is easily a new favorite! read more

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We had a delicious dinner, Mexican Food with a healthy flair. So healthy, you won't feel guilty eating dessert. I can't say enough good things about the food, everything was fresh and the flavors were on point. The best part is ordering traditional dishes only to receive the chef's amazing interpretation, absolutely wonderful flavors. The only bummer is the dinner menu is limited and doesn't quite scream "dinner". However, what is offered is amazing. The brunch menu Iooks exceptional and we'll be back to check that out. The ambiance was nice and relaxed and the service exceptional. I can't wait for my next meal at The White Rooster. read more

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I thought the food was pretty good. We ordered chilaquiles and the blue corn waffle with banana caramel and bacon and peanut butter. I thought the waffle was cooked perfectly, but I found the banana caramel to be cloyingly sweet. There was a good amount of bacon, it would have been way better with fresh sliced bananas on it and a bit more peanut butter. The chilaquiles were crunchy and could have been a bit more cheesy and saucy. The coffee was good and the service was also good. I am always happy to find a place that served gluten free waffles. A good choice for breakfast, but I wasn't overly impressed by it. The booths could use some cushions. I understand the concept is to turn and burn but the seating wasn't the most comfortable. read more

I loved my short rib quesadilla and the steak bowl was also fire. I wouldn't get the burrito again - good but kinda average. You MUST get their salsa it's SOOOO good like it's kinda roasted salsa and not too spicy, so it's great to add onto anything. Banana matcha was also good I really liked it. Restaurant overall has super casual vibes and the service was good! read more

The White Rooster - Short rib quesadilla, steak bowl, breakfast burrito - New Mexican Cuisine Near Me - Dana Point, California

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Wow. Incredible smoked carnitas brunch burrito. Very flavorful and enough for two servings at a great price point. Such friendly service also! Will be back to try other menu choices. Pic is half the burrito and it comes with potatoes. read more

The White Rooster - Smoked Carnitas Brunch Burrito - New Mexican Cuisine Near Me - Dana Point, California

San Clemente/Dana Point/SJC has a great new breakfast and lunch option in The White Rooster, which is so impressive that after the first visit I know we will be hack again and again. We came for breakfast on Saturday, Jan. 24 shortly after they opened and expected a large crowd after a newspaper article detailing the opening. It was busy but we were seated right away. The menu is the result of a surf trip the chef-owner Michael Campbell took from Santa Barbara to Ensenada where he was exposed to smoked meats, fruit juices roadside, Mexican classics and outstanding waffles and French toast. If you are a foodie you will read the menu listing the ingredients and say, "Why didn't I think of that combination?" The creativity is startling, dazzling at times and incredibly compatible. Let's look at the juices, which are so impressive (we sampled all three) that we will not visit in the future without ordering one. The OC juices as orange, carrot, lemon, tumeric and ginger. Eternal Life has lime, cucumber, apple and spirulina. I thought the cucumber would be off-putting but it worked. La Jolla Lemonade has pineapple, papaya, mango and mint. Note that those last ingredients are what make these juices so memorable. These are examples of the chef's dynamic approach to food and drink. The staff is knowledgeable about the menu, seem genuinely thrilled to be working there and can make recommendations all over the menu. We ordered the smoked carnitas brunch burrito as a bowl and the smoked tri-tip tacos as a bowl. The carnitas had a grilled small sliced sweet potato that had been grilled and was a perfect small touch. The house smoked meats were moist and superb. We will be back for the banana bread skillet, the N'reasters blue corn waffle that our personable waiter Payton loves, the shrimp and grits tamales and the smoked turkey breast Reuben. Need more info? Read the story that inspired us to visit at https://www.restaurantmagazine.com/white-rooster-dana-point-restaurant-opening/ read more

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I have actually waited for The White Rooster to open and it did not disappoint me. I have frequently been to the owner Michael's other restaurant in San Juan Capistrano, The Pacifica Pearl Cafe. The new place is located in a former favorite restaurant of mine that closed its doors. The restaurant very welcoming the only thing today, it was very cold outside and it was also cold in the restaurant. I also found that the noise level was extremely loud, but that could've been the three-year-old that kept screaming and no one at that table seemed to control the screaming child! The servers were excellent and very attentive. The food was absolutely amazing. Another problem we ordered two hot teas and two coffees and they were not brought out to our table , after many times of asking... till after our food arrived. I'm sure all these things that were negative were because it's a new place, and they will be worked out. I will be going back to try more of the menu. Congratulations to the owner on opening this new restaurant. I'm sure it will be a big hit in the Dana point area. Want to say kudos to Peyton who took care of us. And then another server was very nice to help with the wheelchair- by putting it in the trunk for us despite it raining, he went out in the rain and out of his way to be a gracious server! read more

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Best brunch in south country! If you haven't experienced this amazing culinary experience yet you should run not walk.. and dont forget the paella Fridays! read more

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First time visiting, loved the open air dining. Our server was very helpful navigating the choices on the menu and the food was excellent, will be back read more

Happy hour every day? Yes please! This place was delicious and the servers were very friendly. I also loved that it was dog friendly, even inside! We went on a Saturday afternoon and there was live music. The decor is pretty and the food tasted great. I loved the fish taco! I do wish there was a side of chips and salsa we could order. read more

The White Rooster - New Mexican Cuisine Near Me - Dana Point, California

Food is good, service is not. Went in to check out the dessert menu, the young guys working there didn't greet or acknowledge even though they saw me wanting to ask a question. But anyways we got churro dip there as a dessert. It came with about 6 mini waffle halves with dollops of whipped frosting in between, syrup and chocolate dipping sauce. It's not churro but it was tasty. read more

Food was so great and our waitress was awesome! My new favorite spot. The shrimp quesadilla, breakfast burrito and avocado slaw is delicious! Great menu too! read more

We didn't lunch here because there was no way to reserve a table and we had limited time in Dana Pt today. However we came for the gluten free pastries: we tried the lemon pound cake, carrot cake & German Black Forest cake. We all enjoyed every bite. We will find another day to come for lunch. The dining room was packed with guests and there was a musician providing live music. Looks like a good spot for lunch. read more

Food was good. Server was very friendly but took a little long in between drinks, food, and paying to checkin. Vibe is very chill and nice that it's indoor/ outdoor. Dogs welcome! read more

The White Rooster - Tri Tip tacos, tuna sandwich, huevos rancheros - New Mexican Cuisine Near Me - Dana Point, California

Food is great but they need more to choose from on the menu. There's only one or two items I would order for lunch. They need cushions on the bench. So hard and uncomfortable. read more

AMAZING brunch experience! The food is thoughtfully crafted, very creative dishes and they are clearly using really high quality ingredients. Adorable atmosphere that leans really well in the coastal location. The staff are incredible as well. Amazing experience overall, can't wait to come back! read more

The White Rooster - Carnitas bowl, croissant French toast, blueberry blue corn waffles, huevos rancheros - New Mexican Cuisine Near Me - Dana Point, California

Good food and good looking staff. The menu was kind of limited. But for sure not scam artists like the previous establishment that used to occupy the same place. read more

The menu looked great and the concepts were interesting, but the execution seemed like whomever was back in the kitchen tried too hard and had something to prove. Service was good. read more

We had the pleasure of going for today's soft opening and are SO excited - the Pacific Pearl team is at it again! The majority of the menu can be gluten-free (THANK YOU!), healthy, refreshing, and so California. Notable highlights: The shrimp + grits tamales - not something I would typically go for, these are easily the best tamales I've ever had. The grits "masa" was INCREDIBLE. smooth and moist, filling is delicious, salsa is fresh and light. 10/10, would come back just for this Churro dippers (GF) - it's been 2 hours and I can't stop thinking about these. Crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside blue corn waffles dusted with cinnamon and paired with a salted dulce de leche sauce and chocolate sauce. These taste even better than whatever you're imagining. Wow. Huevos rancheros and tri tip tacos were another table favorite. Husband got the horchata latte - smooth and not overly sweet AMAZING service - we had the pleasure of dining with Sterling and he was the very best host we could ask for!!! Ambiance is inviting, entire front wall opens so you have that fresh ocean breeze and OC sunshine. Exceptional location and walking distance to the beach We will literally be back tomorrow to try the rest of the menu, what a phenomenal addition to the OC food scene! Thank you Chef Michael + White Rooster team!!! We're hooked already! read more

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Wahoo !!!! Loved the food and staff was great. Went when we got into town and the next morning for breakfast Food was really good and did not make you feel had after eating. Love the clean food and gluten free options and the bakery items are to die for , totally going back read more

I took forever to decide what I wanted to eat and my waitress was very patient . We were NOT disappointed. Everything was amazing !!! We started with The croissant French toast which was sooo good and their Marscapone Mousse was the best topping I've ever had and I love to bake . sooo amazing ! The coffee was tasty , carnitas burrito was huge , enough to share amongst 2 people it comes with a side of smothered potatoes: I had left overs . I don't think you need potatoes on the inside and on the side . Maybe offer fruit or a different side. The breaky quesadillas was good , a little bit of everything. All the salsas were different something for everyone: , medium , hot and tangy and mild, I mixed them all for my burrito it was good . They have cinnamon rolls but we didn't get one wish we had .but they looked very moist and I think they have the same frosting as the French toast we will definitely go back to try them . read more

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Came here on a rainy day late morning brunch with my puppy. They have a dog friendly patio. The latte is large and super yummy. I ordered the chilaquiles and added tri tip. I didn't read the menu correctly and realized after it comes with short rib already. Extra protein for me! The flavor is wonderful and the chips were still crispy. I'll have to come back to try all the other tasty items. Service is quick and friendly. Highly recommend this spot. read more

Something as simple as a side of fruit impressed as much as the waffles. The fresh cut pineapple, papaya and coconut was delicious! It was a generous portion for two people to share. Also tried the potatoes- they even impressed my husband- the picky eater. Great and friendly service. Looking forward to our next visit and planning what I will order next. Can't wait to bring out of town guests here. read more

The White Rooster - Chopped salad with quinoa - New Mexican Cuisine Near Me - Dana Point, California

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Amazing! Don is the director here, great guy. Emily was our waiter. Amazing everything, food, atmosphere, people and of course the food!!!