Great location, high hopes, but missing the mark on execution. Living just down the street, we really wanted to love El Patio Café. As a rule, I want every local business in our community to thrive, which is why it pains me a bit to write a review that isn't a glowing five stars. Unfortunately, our recent lunch here left us wishing the execution matched the potential. Walking in, the welcome was a bit frosty; the staff wasn't particularly warm or eager to orient us through the menu. Once the food arrived, the kitchen choices left us scratching our heads. I ordered the mahi fish taco, which was inexplicably blanketed in shredded cheddar cheese--a culinary pairing that raises some serious eyebrows. We also tried two crunchy beef tacos, which lacked flavor and, at $6.50 a pop, felt significantly overpriced for what was delivered. The ambiance added to the overall confusion. Instead of leaning into a classic Mexican vibe, the soundtrack for our meal was reggae music. I love reggae, but it felt out of sync with the experience. We love having options right down the street, and there is a foundation here for a great neighborhood hangout. But right now, from the hospitality to the menu pairing and pricing, the execution just isn't quite there. We genuinely hope they can tighten up the details, because we'd love nothing more than to see them crush it. read more

I love this place. I used to come here often before the pandemic. Great then. Even better now. We celebrated my nephew's girlfriend! She just graduated college. Unbeknownst to me she and her family own the restaurant. Mind you I came here before she was even born. Omg. I'm old. The food is fresh and delicious. It's what I remember! The service is perfect like I'm at home serving family. The servers were attending to all tables quickly and efficiently! Never needed to ask for a thing. The place is so quaint and clean. The dining area is on the smaller side but we sat in the patio which is pretty big. Chips and salsa are delicious and the margaritas were amazing. Can't wait to go and celebrate their 90th year anniversary! If you've never gone here it's a must. Plenty of parking. read more

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Small hole in the wall Mexican food popular with the locals. Order and pay before sitting down. They give you a number to bring your food. Chips (not good) and salsa are not free. Don't eat in on a warm day because they do not have A/C and it is not comfortable. The food does not come out all at once but it taste good. Not a place for a date night. read more

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! read more

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I was super excited for this restaurant to open up again. So much potential. The food just isn't good. Lower quality, greasy, lack of flavor. Good service though. read more

Updated menus! Added a few things come give it a try! Calamari tacos are soo good and the soup always hits read more

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This was one of the absolute worst experiences I've ever had at a small Mexican restaurant. I cannot believe how low quality the food was, I got a calamari taco, and I mean this was unreal, it had American cheese on top of a undercooked lightly fried octopus tentacle that they called calamari. OMG, I got chips and salsa and it only took about 20 minutes to get an order of chips and salsa and we were the only people in the restaurant at that time. And guess what, even the tortilla chips are overcooked and dry with no salt on them at all. I can't believe there are cooks in this world that are OK with serving such disgusting and soulless food, there is absolutely no seasoning on any of the meat my friend got Carnitas taco El, Pastor, and Carne Asada taco and this all had actually no seasoning and it was bland, shredded American cheese just disgusting. I mean I can't even get past the fact that I just disrespected my stomach with this absolutely horrible food. I feel like I might get sick and I am just ughhhh.... We have been working so hard today and just wanted some classic simple, good Mexican food and this was disgusting and reminded me of the lowest quality prison food, this is what I imagine the food being like in jail absolutely bland and cold. I never, I mean, would never write a bad review for a restaurant if it wasn't that good but this was absolutely disgusting and I really hope that no one ever goes there because it is a complete waste of money, I feel like I just got robbed and disrespected, and I will tell everyone that I ever run into to please never go there. It is absolute trash. read more

We went for the second time last night 2/14/26 and it was just like old times. I suggested it and my daughter was not exactly thrilled at the suggestion. But boy, tonight is exactly why restaurants deserve more than one visit. Especially if you go right after they opened. Or reopened in this case. We were in heaven eating our dinner and talked about it the whole way home. We went not long after they reopened and the Crispy chicken tacos in a flour tortilla are just like we remembered them. Crunchy tortilla, juicy hot chicken, a little lettuce and a generous helping of grated cheddar cheese. It's the perfect taco. But the salsas were not the same. Thankfully, that problem has been solved and the hot salsa is exactly how I remembered it...delicious. It is the perfect topper to a crispy taco. And even when your mouth is on fire, it is addicting. My daughter had the soup and my son-in-law had a few Baja shrimp tacos and both were delicious. The crew seems to work well together and it's nice to see their friendly smiles. Can't wait to return. read more

food is barley cooked takes too long they allow creeps here an make us un safe to eat a normal dinner read more

Service was quite friendly. Storied and delightful ambiance. Rice was nice and fluffy, beans were solid - tho both sold separately. Most importantly, I think we finally found the enchilada sauce we've been looking for since we moved down here; rich, smooth reddish brown sauce, reminiscent of my childhood haunt in HB. That alone will get us back; (10 min walk from our home in Capo Beach). Offer it in combo form and we'll be golden. read more

So happy about the reopening! Chile rellenos not on the menu but they have them! Crispy flour tortilla taco my favorite. Rice and beans can be shared. Truly one of the classic Capistrano establishments! Original family ownership too. read more

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!! read more

El Patio Cafe - El Patio happy customers!! - Mexican Near Me - Capistrano Beach, California

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

El Patio Cafe - Still great food - Mexican Near Me - Capistrano Beach, California

We used to come here all the time back in the Day on the way home from Surfing San O' and have not seen the place open in a very long time so much to our surprise on the way home from watching a Capo Beach Sunset we saw it open and ducked in. Not sure of much has changed cause it's easily been 20yrs since I've been there but.... It was a Tuesday night and there was ZERO Taco Tuesday offerings.... We each had (2) Tacos and we ordered (2) Draft Modelo's and the bill was $46.... Ok so whatever I guess. We sat out back and asked for chips/salsa and was told they are extra.... I went back around and thru the door and ordered (2) baskets plus Salsa and it was $12.95....WTF?? Tacos arrived and I ordered Carnitas. Carnitas is a whole vibe and there is a region in Mexico that is world famous for making Carnitas.....my tacos were HORRIBLE!!! Dry, no flavor and ZERO Carnitas flavor or preparation effort. My suggestion is just take it off the menu as their carnitas is literally just dry shredded pork. Needless to say we went out of Nostalgia but will not return purely based on how low effort the Tacos were.....1/10 is how I rate it. Sorry Lucy's El Patio but y'all need to try waaaaay harder read more

I am so glad Lucy's reopened. This is a Capo Beach gem loved by locals and tourists alike. With an authentic charm and old family recipes, you can never go wrong with anything you order here. Delicious and nostalgic- what more can you ask for? Please don't ever leave us again! We love you! read more

Food was so bad no love shredded American cheese cold on top of tacos. Made me feel sick to my stomach. This place really went downhill since re opening after Covid. Calamari tacos were horrible. 3 for 9 taco Tuesday deal was garbage I have never left a yelp review before but this is the first one because that experience sucked so much. The food took soooooo long to come out and the bartender was honestly really annoying with how much she talked about it being "her bar" when it took 20 minutes to take our food order and another 30 minutes for us to get the food only 3 tacos. Mid as it gets felt like eating at a roller rink hotdog snack bars gave us water at the very end of the meal. No love they just don't care I would give zero stars if it was a possibility and I will definitely never be coming back to my once every Tuesday tradition. I don't have strong enough words for how poor that experience was read more

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 read more

El Patio Cafe - 1 Mahi Fish Taco and 1 Fish Taco - Mexican Near Me - Capistrano Beach, California

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Maybe it was an off night. I ordered crispy tacos and the shells were almost burnt. I will try again as I like to give family business a chance; hoping the next time it is better. read more

Food was great just like before, service was great, thank you Grace. And nice to see Jack, after the long absence. I should have known better, the crispy flour tacos are great but they don't travel well which is why I generally don't do take-out. They are for your dine-in pleasure only!! read more

I've been coming here since I was a kid. I almost cried when I found out that they shut down. And then what I saw online that they were opening up i screamed so loud. I scared my boyfriend who was on video chat with me. I went in and I got to see the owner. He's very nice. I've known him since I was like 5. They have new waitresses and I do miss the old ones, but the new ones are still very nice especially want to give a shout out to Grace who has taken her time ticket to know me and my mom? She knows that my mom does not like the lemon in the water in the back and she knows exactly what day every week we comes so she makes sure to not put any in the waterand she's just taking the time to get to know us, and I feel like that is amazing of her to get to know her regular customers The food is just as good as I remember it. Especially their rice, which is one of my favorites. I've always loved going there every week when I was a kid and I'm back to doing it every week and it is amazing. read more

It's my first time visiting and I love the vibe here. The service and attention to the customers are excellent. It's a family owned business and the owner came over to our table to talk to us. You feel very welcomed. The food is also good. Have enough tacos to take to my mom. Highly recommend the enchiladas and the carne asada tacos. read more

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.

Visited for the first time last evening. Delicious crispy flour beef tacos. Very large and loaded with shredded beef, cheese, & lettuce. Salsa just the right "kick". Could only finish one and a half with my wife enjoying the same. Loved that they had Corona NA to wash it down. Will be back...maybe on Tuesday! read more

Definitely not your old "Lucy's". Long gone are the old weathered and comfy booths, long shareable tables, jukebox with great tunes on vinyl, pinafeal, free chips and fire salsa, halibut tacos, huge hot combo plates, great personable table service from gals that have been there for decades and loved it and you. I had high unrealistic hopes. Price hike to be expected with inflation and location.... but im pretty sure chips and salsa are straight from las golandrinas 100 yards up the street. Hot salsa is served in the same plastic container they bought it in with the "H" on it. Order at Register and prepare for large bill with next to zero service. No salty locals bellied up to bar that you recognize and chat with. They do still have dos equip on draft. Still some of the old times decor. Still the great building, location and dirt lot parking.... just not the old El Patio most loved. Not terrible... but not Lucy's. She's gone. read more

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

This is the spot. The only thing this place is missing is a Stand up Comedy nite! Hillbilly aka Kevin Nicks come on! Y'all read more

El Patio Cafe - Comedian Kevin Nicks on the Fuse Television Network - Mexican Near Me - Capistrano Beach, California

First time here tonight and definitely ny last time here. The waitress thought it was more important to socialize with the table next to us while using inappropriate language while on the clock than it was to serve us. Food is over priced, not 'authentic" as my Google search stated it was and after she walked away with my credit card, it took her 6 minutes to get my card back to me!! Just bad all around. read more

I really hate giving a bad review, but I was so incredibly disappointed by nearly EVERY aspect of this place. I ate at El Patio maybe 15 years ago and it was excellent. The vibe, the food, the staff. Such a fun place, when I moved back down to Dana Point, I couldn't wait to visit. We walked in looking to have a good taco Tuesday and every server INSIDE was rude and unhelpful. The server outside was sweet and funny. It was EMPTY for a 5 taco for $5 deal on taco Tuesday. That should have been our first clue. We were told they had carne asada taxis and carnitas tacos on the deal or $3 ground beef. Great. Then she came back... and at 7pm on taco Tuesday, they were out of carne asada AND ground beef. Wow, ok. We got 5 carnitas tacos and a side of beans. The salsa tasted like tomato paste. The carnitas tasted like they were boiled in a pot of water and had ZERO flavor. The beans? Left me wanting for a can of beans so they at least had a little flavor. The food was awful. I took a peak at the menu and it was SO overpriced, I can't even imagine. A two taco combo was $16. WHAT? Does this include shrimp enchiladas? No. I am disappointed to say, we will never be back. read more

Known by the locals as 'Lucy's', Lucy began serving her Mexican style dishes in the late 1930's. She passed on a few years back, but you'll still find her family in the kitchen preparing her authentic Mexican cuisine. Share a table, make yourself comfortable and order up a cold beer. El Patio has the charm of a small eatery in a small Mexican village. The tourists seem to pass on by because of the funky colors and the small size of the front of the building. The patio is where it's at (ergo the name El Patio')'. Enter thru the gate in the back and put your name on the list. Don't fret if they seat you `family style' the people are friendly and might even share their pitcher of beer. I like their famous flour taco and the enchiladas. The chile rellenos are very popular too. read more

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Oh Lucy's El Patio Cafe, I had high expectations for us. You brim with old school authenticity, with your old pictures of Dana Point, knickknacks on the walls, and old booths and counter. Even the waitress looked like she could have been there since the place opened. For atmosphere, you're a great gal, gracefully aging but still well maintained. I hoped your comestible offerings would be so attractive, but alas, they were not. While you were fairly gentle on the pocketbook, your food was not so kind on the palate, nor the stomach. You tempted me at first with home style chips and quite decent salsa. Your Tuesday talks were fair, with heaps of cilantro, warm tortillas, and soft chicken, but did not go beyond average fare. Your fish tacos smelled of oil that has known too many fish and other items. Your vittles stayed with me quite longer than necessary, reminding me through inner messages that you had not been so kind to me, nor to my partner in dining. While I wish you the best as you age on, I will not be visiting again soon. read more

Went here twice in 25 years of living here. It was mediocre at best 25 years ago and has gotten worse. Filthy with a surly old waitress they serve ground burger tacos (2 for $6) and baby (street ) tacos (5 for $5). When I asked if you could order less than 5 she quipped " come' on it's only 5 bucks. " The $3.50 soda makes for a $15 "taco Tuesday " without tip which is what this wise cracking, lack luster waitress deserves. A "cash only" establishment...spelled tax dodge says it all. I can see why it was empty at 7:30 on taco Tuesday while everywhere else is humming. 25 years from now I'll think about the past and pass on this crumb bum blight. read more

Great Service, down to earth, consistent, excellent food, local. Been coming here for years, and enjoy the whole dinning experience. Thumbs Up! read more

El Patio Cafe - Mexican Near Me - Capistrano Beach, California

We thought we were being pranked, it was seriously that insane. I used to come here when I was growing up, the food was excellent, and now that's not the case. The food was very bland, like no flavor. The prices were like we were at Montage, $18 for nachos!!!! Insane. The number one worst part was the service. The older brunette short hair gal was hands down the rudest server I've ever had the displeasure of meeting. She got our orders wrong, argued with us, she was beyond condescending, kept making remarks about us, and rolling her eyes. Btw we're probably the most easy going people, we just wanted a couple tacos. Insane. I have no idea how or why this place is in business. Def the last time we'll be here. read more

Service is phenomenal. Food is totally awesome. Best Mexican food ever. A must stop..!! read more

I've been going to El Patio since I was in elementary school, it's always a pleasure and a great time at el patio. We especially love Andy and his wonderful family. We will continue to support local businesses. Thanks for the bomb food, awesome drinks and great service! Cheers! read more

What Happened to the El Patio Cafe?? A recent lunch visit with a friend proved to be a very odd dining experience at our be-loved El Patio Cafe. The Chile Rellenos that I had bragged about appeared to be merely canned chiles smothered with cheese - pizza style and not of the large crusty egg battered poblano chilies of the past. . . . . and with soup no longer included in the dinner portions? For shame!!! . . . . Two chile relleno combo dinners (all with a flour taco substituted for one of the relleno's) + two cups of soup (now extra) + two extra salsa's + two cups of water = $58. read more

I've been going to El Patio (Ms.Lucy's) for over 20yrs. The staff is 5 star and the chips and salsa is hands down the best.Taco specials are always very good. Est. In 1937 . Great restaurant to go to after a day of surf. I would highly recommend this restaurant , Cheers. read more

Best food ever. Chips could be thinner and salsa could be less like taco sauce more Pico, but otherwise literally the best tasting Mexican food I have ever had...from a self proclaimed Mexican food snob who grew up on it. read more

Simple. Friendly. Fun. Have been coming here for years, nothing really changes. Food is great, staff is friendly, love coming here. read more

Decided to go based on a good Yelp rating, VERY glad that I did. The salsa is flavorful and has just enough kick, the staff is friendly and fun (I spilled my ice and they offered me a lid), and the service is quick. Then there is the food, which was simply fabulous. I got the carnitas dinner plate which was more than enough and reasonably priced, and my wife got (and loved) the chicken enchilada. No complaints about the portions at all; we have leftovers to enjoy tomorrow. Just remember to bring cash, they don't take credit cards. read more

El Patio Cafe - El Patio Cafe (Google Street View) - Mexican Near Me - Capistrano Beach, California