I'm new to the area and needed dinner after many spots in Dana Point had closed. We found Lupe's and we were welcomed in, found a fun and inviting atmosphere and superior service. Then we tried the food. Excellent! Every bit I took I seriously was thinking "this is so good"! I had surf and turf tacos, hubby had a burrito (ginormous and delicious) and meals come with chips and salsa on the house (their chips and salsa are fantastic). Will definitely make this one of my favs. read more

I feel more connected to California after trying Lupe's spin on a timeless classic, the Cali Burrito. Fresh tortilla, balanced fries to guac ratio - pretty delicious. I was even more impressed when Lupe started dicing up some fresh ceviche! If I wasn't visiting I'd be good friends with Lupe. read more

Lupe's Mexican Eatery - Ceviche - Mexican Near Me - Dana Point, California

Food was amazing, we just didn't get chips with our order when we dined in. We asked for a side of chips with the burrito and were told no. Will update this review as soon as the matter is resolved. Otherwise everything was great, I was just disappointed that we payed for a burrito and were told we couldn't get the side of chips when we ate at Lupe's and i didn't feel as though it was a terribly unreasonable request. read more

Decided to explore a new restaurant before stopping into Costco so we landed here. You know what they say - don't go grocery shopping hungry! First time here and I was overwhelmed with the menu options. Thankfully, their digital menu is very colorful, vibrant and included some photos of the food. I felt rushed to place an order (not because of anyone but by my hunger alone) and got the 5 rolled taquitos with beef. The taquitos laid upon a bed of guacamole and topped with shredded lettuce, shredded cheese, tomatoes and sour cream. It pairs very well with their cilantro sauce - obsessed! Huns got the two taco plate combo with beans & rice. Your choice of beans are refried, pinto or black beans. The tacos are like street taco size topped with chopped onions, cilantro and pinto beans. Huns found it very enjoyable but small for his preference so he ate some of my taquitos. He said his tacos were better. We were pleasantly surprised by the food and may bring this into rotation when heading to Costco lol. It was a bit noisy (music was quite loud). However, we liked their sauce bar options - verde and chipotle were flavorful - and the vibe was pretty good. There seems to be limited seating inside but they do takeout too. read more

See all

The food was amazing and the service was outstanding. First time there and will be back.

Never again will I ever ever, ever ever consider getting anything from this location in Dana point. Maybe the make their money off the alcohol bar next door and sell Griselda Blanco out the back door to make Angie meet, but they definitely need a health inspector to be on site when it comes to their seafood. Now Lupe's in Lake Forest is the best location full indoor/ outdoor open seating and the food is always on point. No while the staff are cool and it's not their fault with the owner, choose to sell outdated food. I ordered three fish tacos to go visually they look great although it was mostly tortilla almost no fish beer batter fish tacos. An hour after eating the tacos, I started to feel a slight headache and a fever coming on. I figured maybe it's because I was tired. Hadn't eaten all day. Plus I was working then later my stomach started to rumble and I said it may have been the fish tacos, but because I could not prove it, I didn't think much of it. I decided the next week that I would grab some more beer, battered fish tacos. This time they had no crunch to them, tasted very old and really no fish as if they were all out and they grabbed whatever they could out of the nearest fishpond to make a long story short I got the exact same feeling, but this time gotten progressively worse as the night grew darker. I had taken some meds to alleviate the headache, but it was to no effect. And I had about 103 fever and my stomach rumble like I swallowed a whirlwind and a lightning storm. My head pounded so hard and I started to head to the hospital, so I thought to induce vomiting and had diarrhea. And because of the meds I took, I was physically to under the influence the drive so I took sleep medication to knock myself out and I waited to get enough evidence before I made this review. This is the worst I mean worst establishment and should not be able to sail hot food. I don't know how they passed health inspection, but I definitely got food poisoning. Thanks for near death experience Lupe's read more

We came in for breakfast burritos, the place was empty and they still refused to make them even though it was 20 minutes past the time breakfast ended. Definitely lost the top spot for places to go for breakfast burritos if they can't make one 20 minutes after breakfast ended when the place is empty. read more

I love this place very much because the Mexican food here is the most delicious in town, there was good service nice ambiance, and great upbeat Spanish music, too. read more

Lupe's Mexican Eatery - Food. - Mexican Near Me - Dana Point, California

See all

I have a Yelp Collection titled 'HOF Status', and Lupe's started it all. Das right. This restaurant has been a staple for me. In the ~8 years since I've tried this restaurant, I have yet to find any other place that comes close to beating it. The service staff could flip me off and call me unimaginable things while serving me and I'd still come back for the amazing food. But the staff doesn't do that and they're all pretty great. I recently ordered the Lupe's In Cali with rice and beans, and the quality has remained, as Gen Zers would say, " goated with the sauce" since I first ate there. I'm allergic to shrimp but I still ate it because DAMN IT if I'm dying I better go out eating Lupe's. Also, it's a minor allergy. But if it wasn't, I would still choose it as my last meal. I didn't have any reaction to it. Probably because my body is willing to make an exception for meals coming from the GOAT of all burrito spots. Their horchata was also pretty solid. Most of my friends don't like horchata coming from a fountain because it's "NoT GeNuiNe" but miss me with that blasphemy because Lupe's Horchata defied all odds. I'm also considering cutting those friends out of my life for an unrelated reason. If you're reading this- go to Lupe's RIGHT NOW. I don't care if you're in a meeting, at class, at your own funeral, or your wife's giving birth to your first child, every second you spend not going to Lupe's is a second of your life wasted. read more

Lupe's Mexican Eatery - My last meal if I was ever on Death Row. - Mexican Near Me - Dana Point, California

I go here often because it's convenient. I can order online when I'm working from home and rush over for pickup when I get the notification the order is ready. However, my order is only accurate ~25% the time. I order the bowl with refried beans, I get black beans. I pay extra for cheese in my burrito, there's no cheese. I used to notify the staff but it somehow was 'my fault.' Now I just take what I get. So far it hasn't been anything significant, just minor annoyances. But adding to the experience is the unfriendly service during the day. No 'hello,' no 'can I help you,' no niceties. I try to pick up my food and leave swiftly (for what it's worth, I have been a couple times at night and the guy working was friendly). The food itself is consistently descent. read more

We tried the hot Cheeto burrito along with the surf and turf taco. The burrito definitely didn't come out as pictured and looked way more appetizing in the photo! Once I got the burrito it felt like it was carne asada and hot Cheetos. It did however taste pretty good with a bunch of salsa so I can't complain. The surf and turf taco was 5.50 and had one piece of shrimp. Pretty disappointing if you as me! Wish their food was as pictured. Maybe it was just this location! But the food is definitely overpriced for what you get. read more

Lupe's Mexican Eatery - Hot Cheetos Burrito - Mexican Near Me - Dana Point, California

See all

The food is good. This place gets packed. Taste and service were good. However, I ordered the surf and turf burrito and was little disappointed only had maybe three shrimp in the burrito. read more

Solid burrito and Bradley, who helped me out is a cool dude. Would come back. Ross M. Canell, MD, Ross M. Canell, MD, PhD Public Medicine Head of Hospitality (Hospital/Resort) Systems Implementation & Chief of Digital Intelligence Soulmachine Inc. | Unyjam Incorporated @docghostmachine@gmail.com @ross.canell@gmail.com @rmc8s@med.virginiamexicine.live https://www.soulmachine.live https://www.unyjam.live https://www.instagram.com/rosscanell https://www.linkedin.com/in/rosscanell M: +1-908-963-5216 W: 1-908-787-1650 X 21218 read more

have tried just about everything on their menu and have not been disappointed once. Burritos, nachos, fries, tacos, all great. The staff is great. Nice enough and quick to bring the food out. I usually get everything to go but the bar looks sick and nice little place to grab a drink without have to be at a fully sit down restaurant. Like all the locations everything is great other than the fact that the last time I went to grab a pick up order a mistake was made. Made the pick for the wrong location. I immediately called this location as I ordered for the AV location. They were unable to refund my money since everything is done through Toast. I called Toast, they said to go to the restaurant. Restaurant said I have to call toast. Basically no one had no idea how to fix anything and I lost my $20ish. Basically I will never use Toast again since they suck. The restaurant can't figuring it out is pretty bad as well but since the food is great I won't give it any lower rating. read more

The octopus taco was interesting. It was cooked really well! Their spicy shrimp taco was also delicious. The inside has a couple of a booths. I think they have a bigger restaurant next to them, different name but still "by lupe". read more

Lupe's Mexican Eatery - Mexican Near Me - Dana Point, California

See all

Got the Lupe burrito because it was a customer favorite but it let me down because the burrito was so small. Paying 17 dollars is a lot for a small ass burrito. Trying to be like chipotle with their portions read more

This was my first and last time trying an aguachile at Lupe's. The aguachile had an awful after taste. I love aguachile but this was far from okay. As a typical male, I usually finish my plate and my wife's plate, however this was the exception. I called it quotes after 4 bites. Photo below. I don't understand why the aguachile tasted the way it did, so I cannot make any suggestions. Perhaps it was the shrimp or old lemon juice. I do not know. read more

Lupe's Mexican Eatery - Aguachile - Mexican Near Me - Dana Point, California

Unfortunately very disappointed after my meal here since the food upset my stomach... I came here with a friend, and we split the Oceanside burrito (octopus, shrimp, smoked tuna) and a surf and turf taco. The taco was really good, but the burrito was very intense... A little too fishy for both of our tastes. I wasn't sure if it was the octopus, the shrimp, or the smoked tuna, but each bite was very fishy. It would be one thing if it just wasn't to our tastes and that's how it's supposed to taste, but a couple of hours after the meal, both my friend and I had stomach aches. It's too bad because the service was really great and friendly (hence why I didn't just give it 1 star), but I won't be coming back. read more

Lupe's Mexican Eatery - Oceanside burrito - Mexican Near Me - Dana Point, California

See all

Beware. Lupes seems solid but when they forget to include half of your food in the delivery order, the manager will refuse to deliver it and your friends will go hungry. Patently horrible customer service. read more

Haven't been in years was excited to try our early to go restaurant spot before fishing.. It is just not the same as before.. breakfast burritos were quite bland.. Also we saw a maggot crawling on the floor for 10 minutes while waiting for out food. Don't know why we still decided to eat our burritos after that... read more

You know when you walk into a place and just feel that it's gonna be a good meal? That was Lupe's. No frills, no fuss--just bold flavors and honest food that speaks for itself. I grabbed a seat, ordered a few tacos (al pastor and carne asada are a must), and every bite was better than the last. There's something about the way they season everything--it's got that homemade soul without trying too hard. Even better? They've got AsomBroso Tequila behind the bar--always a good sign. I had a pour neat, and it paired perfectly with the meal. Great food, great energy, and even better people. read more

I had to grab my own bag because no one would acknowledge me and when I went to open the box for my tacos, all the meat was on the outside of the tortillas. read more

Lupe's Mexican Eatery - Second time this has happened! How hard is it to put meat INSIDE the freaking taco?! Never again... - Mexican Near Me - Dana Point, California

This place is great!! The food is always fresh and delicious. (Even the bean and cheese burritos are delicious) But even more than good food is the people. The front person (Maggie) makes all the difference in the world. Super kind and helpful even when she is rushed. The other woman at the front, she was putting rice pudding together but was helpful. Even though it's "fast food". They treat everyone like they have all the time In the world. It makes a difference to me! After a long day at work I would rather stop here than any where else read more

Lupe's Mexican Eatery - Front of the place. - Mexican Near Me - Dana Point, California

The Stoner Fries are excellent. The portion that I received could easily feed three guys. My order was for take out. It was ready when I arrived. I have no complaints. read more

Great food and drinks, amazing service, and open till 10! There's a bar with seating for those watching the game, and booths and tables. I come here regularly for dinner with my surf group, they are always so accommodating and the food is great. Some standouts: - Cali burrito (delicious and massive portion) - The bowls read more

I continue to go back here again and again for the consistency of the food, great salsas, and reasonably good service. If you go on a weekend evening it can get a bit crowded around the front door with people lining up to make or pick up orders, and it can be challenging to find a table. The wait may be a little long for picking up a take out order or placing your order. That being said, it's pretty much worth it. The food is always well-seasoned, with intense flavors and a nice variety on the menu. The only reason I would bump half a star off is that the price of things these days is just out of this world. But it's Dana Point, CA, and this just generally is not a place you are going to find bargains. My favorites here are the Al Pastor Bowls and Burritos, and the seafood cocktail-which, however, at $20 is quite pricey, but ok for two if you're just looking for a light meal. They used to be hooked up with grubhub service, which I recently discovered they have now dropped. This was a huge disappointment to me, and Uber Eats pricing is way too unreasonable as far as pricing, so forget that. So I would give this place five stars if it weren't for having dropped off grubhub and the steep prices for some of their items. Nonetheless, it's always worth going and I have yet to be disappointed. read more

Two of three orders were okay. The third was abominable. I ordered a shrimp cocktail. I didn't get a shrimp cocktail but a mixed cocktail served in a ridiculously tall glass that the provided a long handled spoon could not reach beyond the halfway level of the glass. That was problem #1. Problem #2 was that the shrimp were not the only seafood in the mix. There were at least an equal amount of pulpo. Pulpo is octopus to which I don't object but I don't want octopus in my shrimp cocktail. Problem #3 was although the apparent manager said that he would replace the mixed seafood cocktail and although his offer was refused by me, clearly stating that I did not want the order replaced so late in the meal, he left a replacement on the table along with the check. I paid the check without scrutinizing it as I trusted the manager to have been fair. Not so. Problem#4 was that I had paid for the meal and left a 20% gratuity. I would not recommend this establishment to anyone nor will I return. I am so disappointed. Furthermore, the shrimp in the ceviche had clearly been cooked with heat prior to going into the ceviche mixture to be again cooked by the marinade lending a rather tough, pulpy texture and totally missing the crispness and flavor of good ceviche. On a more positive note our server good and prompt and the ambiance was pleasing. read more

Solid Mexican not a whole in the wall. Fast with large portions. Beans were very good, that is how you tell it is a good place. read more

See all

Fun atmosphere, super fast service and a great menu. I love their Al Pastor and surf and turf tacos. Tried the octopus taco this time. It's interesting. A little chewy but well put together. Chips and Guacamole are really good. Tried the flan for dessert. Not good. They have a full bar and a great cocktail menu. read more

See all

Really bummed out by my latest visit. It was my birthday and I had been dreaming of getting their octopus taco all day. I swung by an hour before closing and at the counter I placed a to-go order of an octpopus taco and a spicy shrimp taco. The spicy shrimp was ready right away and sitting on the shelf but it was close to 10 more minutes before the octopus one was prepared. When I got home the octopus taco seemed lacking of the octopus flavor and texture. I think they must have run out of octopus because when I looked inside there was WAY less than usual and they had made up for it by filling it out with sautéed mushrooms... I guess because they might be passably fleshy feeling? That sucked. Someone could have talked to me while I was in the restaurant and asked what I would like to do, but no, they tried to pull this. Lame. Needless to say mushrooms are NOT in the listed ingredients "Octopus, Onions, Cilantro, Pesto, Sriracha Aioli & Grilled Mozzarella Cheese". Normally I would give them a 4.5/5 but today it's a 2. Still love their food, but... guess it will be a while before I give them another chance. One positive is that I was happy to see they fixed their menus to show the ingredients of all the burritos. Greatly appreciated. read more

I used to really love this place because the tacos were definitely tasty but through the years I think with the opening of the restaurant... service and the food has gone down. This review is specifically for takeout. I ordered two tacos, octopus and smoked tuna, super easy you think Right and I understand there's other orders that come in But honestly it took over 45 minutes to get my order out and I think they actually screwed up on the order and it was overlooked. While I was waiting, I can tell the kitchen was frazzled and that there is some sort of organization issue. Clearly the restaurant orders Take precedence over the takeout. The staff that handles putting the orders together you can tell that it was so unorganized. I would say this was a one off, but honestly, this happens to me every time I go in there and place an order to go, so I really have to crave for this place AND JUST DEAL. You would think that they worked out all the kinks since the restaurant had open, but for some reason, it always has issues at least for the takeout portion. On top of that, it looks as though they just threw my taco in a box because it was just put together. On top of that my husband bit into the octopus taco and there was paper! So I think I've got this place many chances, and if I have a craving, I may just go to the one in Irvine. Good luck on getting your order out on time. read more

See all

Lupe's never misses! Their breakfast burrito is the stuff of legends--perfectly cheesy, packed with eggs, crispy hash browns, and avocado for that extra magic touch. It's the kind of burrito that makes you rethink all other breakfast choices. Their salsa is Service? Always friendly, always fast. Whether you're grabbing food to-go or hanging out, they keep it solid every time. If you haven't been yet, fix that immediately. read more

Lupe's Mexican Eatery - Breakfast burrito, no meat + avo! - Mexican Near Me - Dana Point, California

The food is just like most places, but the service will definitely not make me ever come back here. The girl at the counter ignored me for a bit and didn't even say anything like what can I get for you. I think her standing by the register not even making eye contact was my sign to order. I didn't know if she was doing something so I waited....... Then looked up at my like, are you going to order?... definitely denying the tip option when I paid with card and the other guy at the counter walked up and asked her in Spanish "no tip" (I understood what you said my guy) The music is probably a little loud, but just depends on what kind of night you're wanting to have I guess. When I got my two tacos at two different times, still not one word or even eye contact from girl at counter. It was my first time and last time there. Even when places have ok food and great service I will keep coming back fyi. read more

Lupe's Mexican Eatery - Mexican Near Me - Dana Point, California

Delicious tacos to be had in this quaint Mexican eatery! Too excited to eat my tacos and missed taking photos of them. Luckily I remember taking one and just like the two tacos I had didn't disappoint! The tacos were satisfyingly delicious and substantial! I had the mush-shrimp taco and beer breaded fish taco. And finally carnitas taco (photo). The menu has many options to choose from such as burritos, burgers! The service was excellent! They were quick and helpful. read more

Lupe's Mexican Eatery - Carnitas Taco - hearty and delicious - Mexican Near Me - Dana Point, California

Always delicious I've been to lupes many times and have always enjoyed it. The stoner fries are a particular favorite. , I prefer eating in La Barra as their tamarindo margaritas are so good. Tacos are full of meat and flavor, and the salsas at the bar are very good. Guacamole comes in a large size and my friend ordered the On Dana point burrito, which is a California burrito WRAPPED IN A QUESDILLA. it looked incredible (cross section photo attached). The cinco de Mayo special was great, 15.99 for two tacos and a margarita. I'm sure I'll be back yet again! read more

See all

We are a group of 5. Half of us had been here before and were introducing it to our friends. There are several booths open at Lupe's. Two girls told us to sit at La Barra by Lupe's instead but when we went in, there was no where to sit. The guys were nice and offered to help us but we just wanted to sit at a booth that was open anyways at Lupe's. We went back to Lupe's and the two girls walked away and started whispering as if they didn't want to serve us. The gentleman on the other side even had to tell them they can make it work since there wasn't space on the other side. But the girls just kept rolling their eyes. It made us feel so uncomfortable and unwanted. I am never coming back and never recommending this place. It's sad because it is a local restaurant. Don't waste your time here. read more

Food is overrated and service is trash. I don't get the hype with this spot. I came in the other day and asked a question and one of their employees laughed like I was dumb. Ultimately, I ended up going with their burritos. Hella overpriced. Skip this place read more

Yelper's log - day 129. The breakfast burrito search continues on. I stopped by Lupe's Mexican Eatery as their burrito game seems legit, according to Yelp reviews, and it was time to find out. THE FOODS | Mexican cuisine. Burritos, tacos, quesadillas, bowls, ceviche, tostadas, etc. Of course, I narrowed in on a breakfast burrito... - Dolphins | Bacon, sausage slices, hash browns, scrambled eggs, cheddar cheese, and sour cream. Honestly, the sour cream really pulls this burrito together, lending to its rich creaminess and added tang. Good portions of bacon and sausage. The only thing I didn't love was the tortilla itself had a more crunchy/flakey texture and kept crumbling with each bite. Give me a soft, fluffy tortilla and I swear, this would've been a fantastic burrito. THE DRINKS | Craft cocktails (margaritas, michelada, mule, etc.), draft beers, bottled beverages, and orange juice. I went for... - Orange Juice | Gloriously pulpy and freshly squeezed. The cup sat in a container of ice by the cash register to ensure it was cold; seems insignificant, but I've had warm orange juice before and ew. No thank you. THE LUPE'S MEXICAN EATERY FEELS | Very casual with splashes of bright colors and geometric patterns on the tables and walls. Love the colorful digital menu with a few pictures; it helps to visualize what I'm getting. THE PARKING SITUATION | Free parking in front and near the eatery. THE ORDERING LOGISTICS | Ordered at the counter and they delivered the food to our table. WOULD I COME BACK? | Yes. There's a whole menu to explore! read more

See all

Yummy food. Limited menu but that's ok by us. Service can be good or bad depending on the server.

Lupe's is one of our favorite spots! They have so many options and everything we've tried has been so good. Some of our favorite things on the menu have been the surf and turf bowl, surf and turf burrito, and Oceanside taco. I love that they include plenty of shrimp in their bowls and burritos. Their guacamole and salsas are delicious and they have many salsas to choose from. I also love their breakfast menu. Overall, great restaurant for Mexican food that is clean and has friendly staff. read more

Lupe's Mexican Eatery - Surf & turf bowl and some salsas. - Mexican Near Me - Dana Point, California

See all