I am so sad to see the direction this restaurant is going in. We used to love this place. We walked in on Taco Tuesday at 7:30 and the place was empty. That was the first red flag. No one greeted us and after standing awkwardly by the door for a while we just sat ourselves in one of the booths. We waited 10 minutes to get menus and noticed that the prices had been raised by a lot. One potato taco was around $5!! We waited another 10 minutes for chips and our drink order to be taken and then 10 more to place our food order. The waitress was short with us and after taking our order she went to talk to her friend at the bar without giving our order to the kitchen. 20 - 30 minutes go by with no food. We order some guacamole that never came. When the fish taco came it had pumpkin seeds on it which I am allergic to. It did not state that it would have seeds on it on the menu and I have never before received a fish taco or any taco with seeds on it. I nicely asked the waitress if I could get it without the seeds and she grabbed my plate away before I could finish my sentence. She then yelled across the restaurant three times "Can you make this without seeds. SHE IS ALLERGIC AND DIDN'T TELL ME". She then came back to the table and lectured me for five minutes about telling people about your allergies when ordering, which I do if it is something that would likely have seeds on it. Tacos are one thing I can pretty safely assume don't have seeds! She then dumped the plate in front of me with a pile of cabbage on top of the taco. It was ridiculous. She then came back to the table when we had finished and said something along the lines of "You liked the food. You thought it was good!" as a statement and not a question. The food was very average and super pricey. Then she brought us the bill and again lectured me on my allergies. We will not be back. I really don't think this place will survive if it continues in this direction and with this waitress. read more

I tried this place about 5 times and I'm done. Each time my meal was gross I would try to rationalize that I maybe ordered the wrong item on the menu. But nope...everything is gross. The meat has no flavor and the beans taste like canned beans. I cannot believe this place is still in business. I would be very surprised if any Mexicans (like myself) ever gave this place more than a 2 star. This place serves food to white people that have never tasted good Mexican food so they don't know any better. Bummer. And service is not great. Servers shouldn't be grumpy if they work for tips. read more

El Patio, or Lucy's is one of my favorite places, in fact, I am a 3rd generation diner there, and my son is a 4th... The Taco dinner, is my favorite thing. Shredded beef, rolled in crispy corn tortillas, shredded lettuce and cheese, and topped with their unique mild salsa, which is lemon-tomato-mild chili perfection. This place is family, and group friendly - and feels like home. Definately check it out, bring cash, and a couple extra bucks for the juke box! read more

Me and my husband thought we'd give this place a try after driving by for 20 years. First impression wasn't bad thought it had silly charm, but then we were brought to our booth which had duct tape on the seat. My husband ordered the chicken burrito and asked "other than chicken what else is inside?" She said "what do you want in it?' We were both annoyed with the attitude. He asked for beans and rice on the side and make the burrito wet. Well that ended up costing $18!! The food tasted fine but not special. Felt ripped off. read more

Not many places get a one star, they deserve one. I still remember the date of our worst service on 12/14/17. First of all the corner booth seats were taped with duct tape or something so that was a sign for us to run. But we stayed I ordered a burrito easy on the beans. It came with a massive amount of beans and without the sour cream so I asked for it and the waitress was clearly annoyed I asked. She later came back and asked How was it, was it good? and I said it was ok. She replied with "Well, if you didn't like it I wouldn't come back here and waste my money again." She literally said that. I couldn't believe it. read more

I also grew up in Capo Beach have eaten at El Patio since before I could walk. I've been eating there for 35 years now. I would eat there as often as once a week at times and never get tired of it. I have never had a meal there that wasn't excellent. The food is flavorful, hearty, always served piping hot, and incredibly consistent. The service is totally friendly, professional, reliable, and down to earth. read more

Service is always poor. Often waiting a long time for refills if any are offered. Food is good. Nothing special, but good Mexican food overall. read more

Ok, I have passed this place for 15 years and never thought to try it out. A friend suggested we meet there for lunch so my first experience may not be normal for them, but.... Let me first say that I like hole in the wall restaurants so the old school diner like setting is good with me. My friend likes the fried tacos. Ok, I get it, a fried flour shell filled with beef, chicken, etc. The obligitory salsa was interesting, kind of like a pink tomato puree? I ordered a Sope which was absolutely horrible. The masa was like rubber and rather than fried it looked boiled with a couple of black grill marks on the bottom. The people were nice and I don't mind paying cash, but I know of many better mexican joints nearby. read more

We have been going to El Patio for 35 years. Joyce and Theresa are the best! This is a place that really does make you feel like family. Love the Friday halibut tacos and the cheese enchiladas are great. read more

I wish this place was better. I wanted to love it. It's right around the corner from me, it's been there forever, I know the locals love it and it looks great, but the food is just BAD. Overly salty or completely bland. I'm not a picky eater, but this place needs a new chef. Don't waste your money. Might be a cool place to get drinks, but that's it. Oh, and don't expect AC. read more

Love El Patio! The Fish tacos and Potato tacos are to die for! El Patio is a Dana Point landmark and a must for any surfer/waterman. Jack and the rest of the EP staff treat you like family. read more

El Patio, or "The Pink House", as my daughter calls it, is a landmark. I first went there in a stroller 42 years ago. It has not changed much, and the food that is uniquely theirs has never changed. You know you are in El Patio from the smell and the sounds emanating from the kitchen, when you park in the dirt parking lot. The first thing I can remember and am still in awe of is their taco's. Unlike any other Mexican restaurant, they uniquely roll them, either flour or corn. The flavor is a one of a kind treat. The shredded beef is outta sight. The tostadas are great served flat with tons of my favorite shredded lettuce that I drown in their delicious spicy red salsa. The place is funky. Everything about it, from the old beer signs on the walls, to the dishes and glassware that were quin essential of the late 50's early 60's. It all reminds my of how most restaurants were when I was a kid. There is bar seating, small booth seating and large "shared" tables where you might dine with people not from your party. It's the way it is, and the way it always has been, and the locals don't seem to mind. They do not have a full bar, which is a shame, because a margarita sure would go good with their delicious food. The friendly servers are either family or friends who have worked there forever. read more

I"ve stopped at this spot several times on trips up and down the coast on the 5 freeway. The food is good, but the cool SoCal local style atmosphere is fun. read more

There are many old regulars whom frequent the El Patio Cafe, and my personal gastronomic history with this quaint Mexican restaurant dates back to 1966. Throughout the 1970's and 80's, this popular locals restaurant of quality and value, had a guaranteed Friday / Saturday night crowd complete with a line of waiting patrons usually out the front door. . . . Recently however, I have noted that such crowds are not nearly so anymore. . . . Could it be that 3 simple Mexican dinners, complete with two extra orders of salsa and a pitcher of beer now costs about $65 (15% tip inclusive) for a party of three? read more

We dropped in on the advice of a friend in Dana Point. Great mexican food!!! Small, steady stream of mostly regulars...says much when the folks keep coming back! The Salsa that night had just enough zip to make it flavorful. Portions are large, so if you don't eat much, take home awaits. There is a patio (hence the name) in the back and they can host a party comfortably for about 30-40. Tacos are great for a break from the regular chain stores. Great "hole in the wall" place to kick back, enjoy some camaraderie and good cookin'. read more

Worse place ever!!! The chip and salsa suck. They charge $6 for chips and salsa. The soup was terrible and had a burnt taste. The beef in the burrito was over cooked. This place is over priced. Gringo salsa. We wanted to like this place because it's local,but it was the worst Mexican food I have ever eaten. You are better off going to a chain food place. read more

Worst attempt at Mexican food...ever. Not worth even getting a beer with chips and salsa....the beer is good cause its not made by this place. Keep moving. We've lived in Seattle and Atlanta, both of which have better Mexican food and they're thousands of miles away from mexico! read more

Ugh - overcooked dark brown too-thick tortilla chips, salsa more like ketchup w/ a little chilli powder, took forever to get edible but very blah food. I would have given it one star except the place has a certain cute charm. Seriously though - work on your food! read more

Great food, amazing service! Wouldn't have stopped by based on the exterior condition ... except that it was recommended. Glad we did.

I went there once and the enchiladas were cold in the middle and no salsa only a spicy sauce, I tried to give them another chance but they have strange hours, says they are open and its not, worth a try but call first to see if they are even open. one more thing I doubt she still works there but the waitress had a filthy mouth and its a family restaurant ! read more

Always a great experience, we love El Patio! Theresa is the best, and always so welcoming. Chips and salsa is awesome, just don't have too much because the Mexican food is soooooo good!!! read more

Had the worst customer service ever. The waitress didn't greet us with a hello just told us to "wait just a minute" when we asked if we could sit at a booth she got upset that she already put our chips down at the bar. I offered to help bring the utensils over to the booth and with a sarcastic voice she said "I don't need help, that's what I'm here for". When the other waitress said that the booth was dirty she loudly told her "they don't care they still want to sit there" and then told us to figure it out. Never have I had such an awkward upsetting experience at a restaurant. Thank goodness the food was descent. read more

Service was great. Margarite (sp?) was so incredibly sweet with my kids and made sure to ask their names. The place is so chill and old school. A great place to slow down and enjoy. Loved the juke box. Guacamole was great...food was fine...but service, attitude and ambience makes this place an instant favorite. It's not Javier's ... It's retro and way better. read more

This is the equivilant of home cooking to me - Been going to El Patio since I was an infant, and love it!.. I always get the taco dinner, which is 2 shredded beef tacos in a fried corn shell, beans, rice, and a nice cup of soup - which varies on a daily basis. Great atmosphere, very old school beach vibe - with a touch of brightly colored mexican theme. The wait staff is like family, and it always feels like home! Try it, you'll like it!! read more

Pretty gross and the waitress doesn't even know the items. I asked if the fish tacos were fried and she said no. Then they forgot my order of tacos. Will not be coming back read more

Very pink! Quite good, excellent portions. We had mahi mahi tacos, quesadilla for the picky child who really just ate the chips n salsa w guacamole. Cash or debit "local" checks accepted. Waitress was sweet- gave our kiddo dum dums at the end which made the drive up north all the more pleasant. read more

For a hole in the wall Mexican restaurant, I was expecting more authentic tasting food. We tried grilled fish tacos and chicken burrito. The chicken and sauce in the burrito was bland and had no distinguishable flavors. The fish taco was made typical of a baja fish taco except they also topped it with sunflower seeds, weird. I don't get it. The sauce on the taco was also bland. The only thing decent were he chips and salsa. Although, the salsa was extremely mild. read more

Best chicken tacos ever. Kinda expensive but totally worth it. You gotta ask for a Smiley face for dessert, amazing!

Very good Mexican food in a casual environment with friendly service. Flour tacos have deep fried tortillas and are delicious. Tomato soup was a tasty surprise. Bean and cheese burrito was not bad, probably would have been better if I ordered it wet. Not a light version of Mexican food. Definitely will come back. read more

Not recommended. Just had the worst fish tacos ever- bone dry, greasy crispy shell and zero flavor. I was hoping for something authentic, but it wasn't at all. On top of the unsatisfactory food, the service is ridiculous. We were given half glasses of water and we're told they ration water (not jokingly). They only take checks and cash (so obviously their books are totally above board and accurate). They didn't have several items on their menu. Also just in general, they weren't very nice. I have no idea why this place has so many stars on average. read more

One of the best Mexican restaurants in south OC. Family/ friendly atmosphere w/ great service and the same consistent tasty food every time u go. Well worth a visit. *Closed on Mondays. read more

In this little town, no one tries to charge $7 for one taco or tamale except this place. Everywhere else is $3 or less. And, the wait staff is grumpy, and the restaurant bordering on dirty. Pass it up read more

The halibut taco was good sized, but overpriced at $5. So was the fountain soda at $3. The chips seemed to be a bit stale. The spice level could be kicked up. The servers were very friendly. A bit over priced for a dive Mexican restaurant. Maybe the dinners are better value? read more

Fairly disappointed. Beware...cash only! My wife grew up in the area and went here frequently as a kid. She has fond memories so we were excited about trying it since we recently moved into the area. After a 5 minute wait at the front entrance where we were completely ignored, I flagged down a server who bluntly told us to sit anywhere. We navigated our way to the back patio (of course!). There was only one open table but it hadn't been cleaned from the previous group. We waited over 10 MINUTES for someone to finally clean it! There was no where else to sit and my wife is pregnant. Again, we were ignored and I had to flag down a server. They were not particularly busy so I'm assuming this is normal speed for a Friday night. When we got the menu, a small note at the top read that they only accept cash...shocking for a place with a $14-a-plate average. The chips and salsa were great. I had the halibut tacos and my wife had the chicken tacos. The halibut was cooked well but the chicken taco had little flavor. The beer seemed like a decent price ($4+) until they brought it out in one of those mini glasses that Denny's uses for a small OJ. My wife pointed out a margarita at the table next to us. I couldn't stop laughing after seeing it in the smallest wine glass I've ever seen. It was about the size of three shots. Needless to say, we won't be going back. I can only think that this place used to be much better since it seems to enjoy such a long history. read more

Their flour tortilla tacos are pretty bomb, delish really, however, they charge up the booty for everything else, aka a side of sour cream etc. And I'm pretty sure they take card now, so I wouldn't trip on what every one else is saying about cash only read more

Our first time at this restaurant and I was looking forward to a delicious meal.We order pork tacos and nachos. The pork was fried and nothing special about it. The nachos were ok but the salsa mediocre. The chips were cold and tasteless. We won't be going back. Go to El Torito, at least they have good chips and salsa and a really good Taco Tuesday. The server was condescending. read more

My family and I have been eating here for the last 23 years we love everything and we love Theresa and Joyce and it's our go to place for Mexican food we use to live in dana point but moved out to dove canyon but we still drive there almost every week love love love the place read more

We give five stars because since the 1980s, we've gotten our favorite foods (flour chicken taco!) served with smiles and affection from the very same staff. This is not a fancy place, it's simple, family style seating, perfect for a patio birthday party or family gathering. We are faithful patrons, with good memories. read more

Orange County staple. Every time we surf San Clem, DP, or Capo we come here to grub after. Amazing!

Our family's favorite. The staff is fantastic and the food hits the spot every time. It feels like you're visiting family. Chicken flour tacos are key! read more