Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    El Patio Cafe

    3.5 (167 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
    Good for groups
    Dogs allowed

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - El Patio Cafe

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Patio
    Tracy E.

    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.

    Menu

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

    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!

    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!!

    Still great food

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

    1 Mahi Fish Taco and 1 Fish Taco

    See all

    Photo of K G.
    0
    4
    0

    15 years ago

    If you didn't grow up eating here, you probably won't get it. As real as it gets. Go somewhere else to be happy.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    14 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Pam B.
    0
    29
    16

    11 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    13 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 5 of 5

    Ask the Community - El Patio Cafe

    You might also consider

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Mexican 68,048 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    Las Golindrinas

    Las Golindrinas

    2.8
    (296 reviews)
    1.3 mi
    $

    Los Golondrinas has consistently great food, and it's one of our favorite places to stop when we're…read morein San Clemente. The quality and flavor never disappoint. The only thing that has always seemed a little odd is the salsa policy. No matter how large the order is, the number of salsas included feels pretty limited, especially for takeout. It would be great if management reconsidered that policy for larger orders. That said, what really stood out during our most recent visit was the customer service. Johno, who took our order, was friendly, professional, and genuinely cared about making sure we had a great experience. He listened, communicated well, and made us feel like valued customers. It's rare to come across someone who provides that level of service, and he absolutely deserves recognition. Great food, outstanding customer service from Johno, and if the salsa policy ever becomes a little more customer-friendly, this place would be just about perfect.

    decent food but very rude staff. the egar that works there is about as smart as a box of rocks and…read more9 times out of 10 he'll screw up your order. your rude staff is losing you business. we are locals and multiple people have boycotted you. our school use to order large takout orders but your awful service foeced us take our business elsewhere... you lost 500+ customers in 1 rude encounter. figure it out.

    Photos
    Menu 7/2024
    Menu 7/2024
    Also my enchilada plate wen I get home for not using the proper bag
    Also my enchilada plate wen I get home for not using the proper bag
    Menu 7/2024

    See all

    Menu 7/2024
    Olamendi's

    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.

    The service was good, and the margaritas were decent, which is why I'm giving it more than one…read morestar. Unfortunately, the food was a letdown. It had all the right ingredients, but somehow none of the flavor. Everything tasted very bland and lacked the bold, authentic seasoning you'd expect from good Mexican food. To make matters worse, I became sick with diarrhea after eating there. I can't say with absolute certainty what caused it, but the timing was concerning enough that I felt it was worth mentioning. The best way I can describe the food is that it was missing its most important ingredient--love. It looked the part, but it just didn't have the heart or flavor to make me want to come back.

    Photos
    Inside is colorful.
    Inside is colorful.
    Complimentary chips with spicy dipping sauce
    Complimentary chips with spicy dipping sauce
    Welcome Sign...

    See all

    Welcome Sign...
    Chelas Mexican Kitchen

    Chelas Mexican Kitchen

    4.2
    (42 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
    Counter service
    Counter service
    Nice flowers on every table.
    Nice flowers on every table.
    Chelas Mexican Kitchen

    See all

    Chelas Mexican Kitchen

    Chelas Mexican Kitchen

    4.4
    (243 reviews)
    4.5 mi
    $$

    A++++ I stumbled on…read morethis place toward the end of the afternoon and I'm glad I did. It's a cute little bistro in the industrial area of Saint Clemente around some other restaurants, including a Starbucks around the corner. The staff was super friendly when I walked in, need to use the restroom and the restrooms were super clean, and then I ordered a burrito the way I like it made made a couple of adjustments extra meat less cheese and I ordered the ribeye burrito and it was fantastic. Great amount of flavor. Didn't require any salsa or anything to help enhance it. Juicy and just well-made. Their chips were fresh out of the oven or at least tasted like it still warm. Very impressed. This little place. I'll definitely be coming back. Deserves five stars plus

    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!

    Photos
    One year Anniversary celebration!
    One year Anniversary celebration!
    Beer Battered Fish Burrito
    Beer Battered Fish Burrito
    Breakfast Burrito

    See all

    Breakfast Burrito
    Taqueria Luna

    Taqueria Luna

    4.6
    (106 reviews)
    4.6 mi
    $$

    Great tacos ! We enjoy Luna's!! We stop in often. The tacos a good sized. Staff always friendly.read more

    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.

    Photos
    Inside.  It's small!
    Inside. It's small!
    1/2 of a large breakfast burrito and salsas.
    1/2 of a large breakfast burrito and salsas.
    A breakfast burrito.

    See all

    A breakfast burrito.
    Rico’s Mexican Food

    Rico’s Mexican Food

    4.4
    (140 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
    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!!
    Check out our NEW menu!
    Check out our NEW menu!
    Chorizo breakfast burrito

    See all

    Chorizo breakfast burrito

    El Patio Cafe - mexican - Updated July 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...