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    El Patio Cafe

    3.6 (164 reviews)
    Closed 4:00 pm - 8:00 PM

    El Patio Cafe Photos

    Business Info

    EL PATIO CAFE ATMOSPHERE

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

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    Recommended Reviews - El Patio Cafe

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    Mahi fish taco
    Jus E.

    We came here for a quick taco Tuesday dinner! The food was good! The service was great! Very friendly! It is a place where you buy your food at the counter and eat at their tables... The prices are great and would totally recommend it! Please support this small business as this mexican place have been here for the longest time! Since 1930's and their recipes are all Authentic family recipe!!! Don't miss the taco tuesday!

    Still great food

    Food was great, just like we remember it. Very friendly service and food came out quick. We will be back!

    El Patio happy customers!!

    Walk in order great tacos: beef, chicken and potatoe!!Great hot sauce too. So glad El Patio is back open; great service a local GEM! Thanks much Jackie and crew!!

    Menu

    Come check it out! Menu is slowly expanding so don't forget to ask about the specials or any new items when you come in!!!

    1 Mahi Fish Taco and 1 Fish Taco

    Visited for first time food and service and ambiance was really good... family run restaurant very friendly and food was great not too heavy... filling but on a healthy level with good flavor I got the Mahi Fish soft taco and Shrimp taco with a Pineapple soda. Hubby had a carnitas taco and chicken taco and a Mexican coke he said both tacos were great and we shared a plate of Beans and Rice... prices were decent not to outrageous and if ever in the area again we will for sure go there again. We highly recommend this place

    Comedian Kevin Nicks on the Fuse Television Network

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    9 months ago

    We love this place, but unfortunately, their prices have gone through the roof. The food is good, but be prepared to spend $100 on tacos.

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    10 months ago

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    10 months ago

    Yasss it is so good the tacos are so yummy yall should tryyy and the chips and salsa are incredible

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    Olamendi's - ##5 Two Tacos

    Olamendi's

    3.1(1k reviews)
    0.5 mi
    $$

    Olamendi's in Dana Point is one of those places that feels like a local secret once you're sitting…read moredown with a plate of great food in front of you. I had the Pollo Tomatillo, which was absolutely delicious - tender, flavorful, and nicely balanced for such a simple recipe. My friend ordered the 2-taco combo plate, and it did not disappoint. Everything tasted fresh and well prepared. The salsa had a great flavor with a nice little kick at the end that sneaks up on you in the best way. The location is a bit wonky and the parking lot is tight, but once you're there, it's worth it. The patio is surprisingly comfortable, and inside is the most eclectic collection of tchotchkes you've ever seen - it's like dining inside a little museum or a shop on Calle 16 de Septiembre in Cabo. Even if you eat on the patio, be sure to go in and take a look around. Service was friendly and attentive, and our meals were complemented perfectly with ranch waters - tequila, mineral water, and fresh lime juice. Simple, crisp, and refreshing. We'll definitely be back.

    A group of nine of us decided to visit Olamendi's in Dana Point. The patio's view is beautiful and…read morewe asked to be seated there. Although there were two large tables that could be joined, they refused. We were seated inside. Our server, Claudia, approached our table with a sour attitude. She never greeted us and coldly asked for our drink order. She brought our drinks, and proceeded to take our order. I politely asked if she would break down the bill individually, she said no. Our food was mediocre at best. I ordered a shredded beef Chimichanga which completely tasteless (and to my surprise was charged $4.00 extra for Birria which I did not order). I later discovered the Birria was the shredded beef I ordered). Everyone at the table was disappointed with the taste of the food. We visit many restaurants, especially Mexican Food; we had never encountered the added charges for the basics, i.e. chips and salsa (refills were $3.50 for each item). The carnitas were dry, the Guacamole ordinary, and the tacos were served without salsa. My friend ordered Pico de Gallo and was charged $4.00 for it. We do not recommend Olamendi's.

    Photos
    Olamendi's - Inside is colorful.

    Inside is colorful.

    Olamendi's - Complimentary chips with spicy dipping sauce

    Complimentary chips with spicy dipping sauce

    Olamendi's - Welcome Sign...

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    Welcome Sign...

    El Zarandeado  - Aguachile negro

    El Zarandeado

    4.8(388 reviews)
    2.5 mi

    If you're looking for authentic, fantastic Mexican food in San Juan Capistrano, El Zabandeja is…read moreabsolutely worth your time. This is the kind of place where the food speaks for itself. As a local gringo, sure--I wouldn't mind a few pictures on the menu--but honestly, it doesn't matter. Just pick something and go for it. Everything I've tried has been excellent, and you really can't go wrong. What makes it even better is that it's truly family-owned and operated. And I mean that literally--you'll see them in the front, in the back, and serving tables. There's something special about that level of care and pride in what they're doing. It's incredibly important to support places like this, especially in South Orange County and particularly in San Juan Capistrano. Restaurants like this are what give the area its character. Take your time when you go--make it a date night or bring family when they're in town. If you want real, authentic, fantastic food, this is the spot.

    The seafood was fresh and full of flavor, and everything tasted very well prepared. I highly…read morerecommend trying the agua chile con salsa negro -- it had great flavor and was one of my favorite dishes. The camarones a la diabla and camarones al ajillo were also both delicious, well seasoned, and cooked perfectly. If you enjoy seafood, this is definitely a place worth trying. I would gladly come back again.

    Photos
    El Zarandeado  - Inside

    Inside

    El Zarandeado  - Camarones Playa de Melaque

    Camarones Playa de Melaque

    El Zarandeado  - Tiquio the mixologist special drink

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    Tiquio the mixologist special drink

    Chelas Mexican Kitchen

    Chelas Mexican Kitchen

    4.2(41 reviews)
    1.6 mi

    First-time visit and I was pleasantly impressed…read more I was greeted by Jose at the counter and asked him about the machaca burrito. He confidently told me it was the best around if you're looking for a breakfast burrito, so naturally, I put him to the test. I grew up and worked in Los Angeles for over 40 years and have had my fair share of great burritos. The burrito came out quickly (I was the third customer), and the presentation was very nice, cut in half and served with chips and salsa. It was hot and clearly made fresh to order. The shredded beef had a slight crisp to it without being dry or overcooked, and there was a generous amount inside. The bell peppers were cooked perfectly, well-seasoned, and still had a nice crunch. The Colby Jack cheese paired with the refried beans, eggs and really rounded everything out and took the flavor to another level. This was easily one of the best machaca burritos I've had. Jose was absolutely right, and I appreciate the recommendation. Afterward, I had the chance to chat with Jose and learned that this is a family-owned restaurant. He truly exemplifies great customer service, and I enjoyed the conversation just as much as the meal. I will definitely be returning and recommending this place to others. Looks like they also have a solid weekday happy hour. Highly recommended.

    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.

    Photos
    Chelas Mexican Kitchen - Counter service

    Counter service

    Chelas Mexican Kitchen - Nice flowers on every table.

    Nice flowers on every table.

    Chelas Mexican Kitchen

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    Chelas Mexican Kitchen - Chile Verde Burrito Wet

    Chelas Mexican Kitchen

    4.4(240 reviews)
    4.5 mi
    $$

    We were in the Laguna beach area during optimal brunch time so a lot of breakfast-y restaurants…read morewere PACKED. Little unassuming Chelas was the perfect little spot for some brunch. They had a nice dog friendly ground level area so we could bring our pup. We ordered their chicken tortilla soup, 1/2 pint of guac, and burrho de alambre! 10/10 for everything. The chicken tortilla soup as hearty and toasty, perfect for the cooler weather. The guac was exactly my style, not too salty, not too tart, and demolished in no time. My husband really enjoyed his burrito from the speiclas menu as well!

    Got my hair cut today and after that difficult task was done I was hungry. Luckily nearby was…read moreChelas. Been here before so it was an easy choice to slide on in. I have been jonesing for a good bean and cheese burrito for some time now. Over that time I have been very disappointed in the B&C burritos I have come upon. Some even from my trustworthy B&C places. This was my first B&C burrito from Chela's and was looking forward to their version. At the last minute, without warning, planning or any notice I ordered my bean and cheese burrito wet. I was feeling kinda wild! Also, I asked for some chips and salsa in the side. When it was rung up, the cost was quite high and it made me step back. So I did question the charge. I didn't realize that when I ordered chips and salsa the guy thought I meant another full order of large bag of chips and a pint of salsa, not the little bag and little cup you get with your order. A nice gal helped fix that and the order cost looked much more reasonable. Whew! Financial crisis averted. I sat down after getting my Diet Pepsi (won't hold it against them that they don't have Diet Coke). Soon after, I was brought a small bag of chips and some salsas. Get the chipotle and you will not be disappointed. Shortly after that my plate with a HUGE bean and cheese burrito with lots of sauce, cheese and a drizzle of sour cream. Check the pic out, it's a beauty. The taste did not disappoint. Great beans, ooey, gooey cheese inside and out. The wet sauce was great. I thought it would be a verde sauce, but it was red. Next time I will see if they have a verde version for me to try. Just a really great B&C wet burrito. Delicious. With the chips, I only ate half the massive burrito and am already looking forward to lunch tomorrow to eat the other half. I don't give out 5 stars to many places. They have to blow me away with food, service, consistency, on and on. Chelas is an order at the counter and they bring it to you kind of place. The people taking orders and bringing food are quite nice and always willing to see if you need anything. The food has been consistently very good. All wrapped up, it's one of my favorite places around. Great job.

    Photos
    Chelas Mexican Kitchen - One year Anniversary celebration!

    One year Anniversary celebration!

    Chelas Mexican Kitchen - Beer Battered Fish Burrito

    Beer Battered Fish Burrito

    Chelas Mexican Kitchen - Breakfast Burrito

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    Breakfast Burrito

    South of Nick's - Birria tacos

    South of Nick's

    4.4(3k reviews)
    4.6 mi
    $$

    One of my favorite spots for delicious Mexican food in South OC! They have plenty of great options,…read moreyou really can't go wrong with anything! I tried the stacked birria enchiladas for the first time and they were phenomenal, the red sauce was amazing! Plenty of drink options as well, I got a blood orange margarita and it's definitely one of the best margaritas I've ever had. Definitely recommend giving that one a try! Service was excellent and staff were all very friendly and professional. Can't wait to come back again to try more yummy things!

    It's been years since I've been here. Ambience inside is very sort of sports bar around the bar…read morearea and masculine with a Mexican touch booths and seating. Our young waiter was very peppy and friendly in what I consider an overly familiar kind of way. Not my style but I can't fault them for it. Chips and salsa were brought to the table, good as before. Plates-beautiful presentation, some items better than others. Pork Mole Enchilada-meh, the mole was on the sweet side, not very punchy, not memorable. Shrimp Taquito-amazing, tasty shrimp with nice spices and garnish, pinto beans well pureed and good. Mexican street corn-pretty good, a little heavy on the mayo. Food was good and solid, but not a WOW! There is better Mexican out there around here for the same or lesser prices, so don't go here for the value, go for the ambience and if you like drinks and/or expensive tequilas, they've got plenty of those too. Desserts were very generous, flan with caramel and candied pecans was delicious, creamy, firm, not flabby like some flans can be. Churros-rolled into a circle and fried, served with vanilla ice cream, caramel, candied pecans too. Desserts were the best part of the meal. I enjoyed eating here, once. Twice, I won't.

    Photos
    South of Nick's - Check In Here Reservations Highly Recommended

    Check In Here Reservations Highly Recommended

    South of Nick's - Filet salad

    Filet salad

    South of Nick's - Get the mezcal with smoked pineapple cocktail. It's so drinkable

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    Get the mezcal with smoked pineapple cocktail. It's so drinkable

    Taqueria Luna - What'a behind the silver curtains? A large breakfast burrito.

    Taqueria Luna

    4.7(101 reviews)
    4.6 mi
    $$

    I work literally down the street and this place has the best food and fastest way to order and pick…read moreup on DoorDash. The portion is huge, fresh and delicious and I've been ordering at least once a week sometimes even two. Every time I order something I always have to get the 3 X Chiles Toreados (Fried, Salted & Blistered Green Pepper) and coke to wash it all down. They really give a lot of meat and I'm full by eating half of the Carnitas Plate Combination or even the shrimp burrito. I've been ordering Taqueria Luna at least two or three times a week ,since I work down the street and their pickup with Doordash is super efficient for me because I can pre order a certain time before my lunch time start, and when I clocked out the food is ready. Services is amazing, and I know I can just cut the line to grab my food but I rather not be that doordash guest so I just wait in the line I'm not in the rush anyways. Keep in mind, no many what days it is, this place is pack and the seating area is limited but they do have outdoor seating, I just normally pick up my food and eat at my work place, we have a backyard patio too. I haven't got sick of eating here yet, I've been eating here almost every week since it's right there and they always have something for me. Their chilies toreadors are my favorite thing to get along with all my meals, its the perfect amount of spicy and sometimes I bring my own habenro hot sauce from hot if I really want to burn. Huge portion five big gigantic shrimp was delicious. Shrimp is not overcooked. Has that crunch ,super fresh and lovethe three jalapeño tornado with my dishes.10 out of 10 this is my second day in a row ordering from this place. Sorry I couldn't name every picture, It was a collection of all the lunch meals I have from them.

    Overall decent food. Nothing to complain about; it it wasn't the best we've ever had either…read more Limited vegetarian options, but everyone enjoyed it

    Photos
    Taqueria Luna - Inside.  It's small!

    Inside. It's small!

    Taqueria Luna - 1/2 of a large breakfast burrito and salsas.

    1/2 of a large breakfast burrito and salsas.

    Taqueria Luna - A breakfast burrito.

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    A breakfast burrito.

    Rico’s Mexican Food - Drink station

    Rico’s Mexican Food

    4.4(138 reviews)
    3.6 mi
    $$
    Free parking
    Outdoor seating

    Excellent Mexican food and an even better experience thanks to David Arizmendi. From the moment we…read morewalked in, he was welcoming, attentive, and genuinely made us feel valued as guests. The food was fresh, flavorful, and came out quickly. Every dish was packed with authentic flavor, and you can tell the team takes pride in what they serve. What really stood out, though, was David's hospitality. He checked in on us throughout the meal, made sure everything was perfect, and went above and beyond to create a great dining experience. If management sees this, David deserves some recognition. Employees like him are a big reason guests keep coming back. Looking forward to my next visit!

    Update from last review and this is based on the bean and cheese burrito and chips. My buddy kept…read morementioning that he loved the carnitas burrito here, so we linked up for lunch. First of all, killer deal for a large B&C burrito for $7.75. For 2026, post biden-flation era food, that's pretty damn good. Super friendly order person and staff. Ordered the bean and cheese burrito, Diet Coke and chips/salsa. Total about $13. Decent pricing. Chips were fresh, a little warm and nicely crispy. Good start. I asked for green salsa and it was delicious. Nice. The burrito was of good length and girth and it was a heavy one. At first it was still too hot to handle, so I let it cool down before chowing on it. At the first bite I knew it was good with soft tortillas and just a hint of beans/cheese. After the second bite with a bit more delish refried beans and oooey, gooey cheese I knew it was a great B&C burrito. Usually I eat 1/2 of good size burrito, but could not stop eating this one. This is one of the best B&C burritos in the San Clemente Tri-State Metropolitan Area. I will be coming back. I always try a bean and cheese burrito as my first choice when trying a new (for me) Mexican restaurant for lunch or dinner. This was actually my second time, but last time was for the breakfast burrito only. I highly recommend Rico's for a bean and cheese burrito. While I should try another burrito next time, it will be hard to stray away from their B&C!! My buddy loved his carnitas burrito, again. Go! Eat Well!! HAVE FUN!!!

    Photos
    Rico’s Mexican Food - This is our popular shrimp burrito and we recommend you to stop by and try it!!

    This is our popular shrimp burrito and we recommend you to stop by and try it!!

    Rico’s Mexican Food - Check out our NEW menu!

    Check out our NEW menu!

    Rico’s Mexican Food - Chorizo breakfast burrito

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    Chorizo breakfast burrito

    El Patio Cafe - mexican - Updated June 2026

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