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✔️Breakfast ✔️Brunch ✔️Lunch ✔️Dinner ✔️Dine in ✔️Take out
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Family owned for over 50 years! Love our community. We serve good homemade Mexican favorites, from breakfast to dinner specialuzing in our many seafood dishes. Enjoy your favorite cocktail on our popular fire pit lit patio. Friday nights come and listen to the Randall Winvick Jazz Quartet
Mexican staples, including shrimp tacos, pozole & margaritas, served in a cheery space with a patio.
Hours
| Friday | 8 AM–9 PM |
| Saturday | 8 AM–9 PM |
| Sunday | 8 AM–9 PM |
| Monday | 8 AM–9 PM |
| Tuesday | 8 AM–9 PM |
| Wednesday | 8 AM–9 PM |
| Thursday | 8 AM–9 PM |
Address and Contact Information
Address: 34224 Pacific Coast Hwy, Dana Point, CA 92629
Phone: (949) 496-4470
Website: http://carloscantinadp.com/
Menu Photos
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Reviews
Scott Willingham
My bride and I trekked to Oceanside so she could browse some Facebook Marketplace finds she bullseyed. Famished on our way back, we tucked into Carlos Cantina, a staple of Dana Point since its inception in 1972.
The pulsing heartbeat of Carlos is the festive fire pit that blazes at the center of their patio. The pit is arrayed with volcanic rocks ablazed with gas fueled flame, creating for unbeatable ambiance on a cool evening.
My gorgeous girl ordered one of her stand-bys, an ice cold shrimp cocktail paired with a pineapple margarita. Yours Truly? Opted for the street tacos de birria.
The taco plate was good…my trio of tacos with spilling over with ample cuts of the succulent birria. But if I’m honest- The chain of Kalaveras/Mariposas in LA County has in all candor “ruined” all other birria recipes at dueling restaurants. And that’s on me, for hoping against hope.
My (unsolicited) tip? Consider pairing the birria tacos with a cup of steaming, unctuous beef consomme to dip the tacos into; debate the merits of pan-sizzling the tortillas in a full flavored queso-enchilada sauce before filling them with the birria.
The service was outstanding. Our server Freddy’s was “Fast Freddie on the spot” for the speed with which he swiftly kept our refills of drinks and chips/salsa coming.
Our bill was $64, incl taxes and tip, for a pair of entrees, a margarita, and a fountain drink.
Restroom was cozy bit suitably clean + provisioned.
… moreThe pulsing heartbeat of Carlos is the festive fire pit that blazes at the center of their patio. The pit is arrayed with volcanic rocks ablazed with gas fueled flame, creating for unbeatable ambiance on a cool evening.
My gorgeous girl ordered one of her stand-bys, an ice cold shrimp cocktail paired with a pineapple margarita. Yours Truly? Opted for the street tacos de birria.
The taco plate was good…my trio of tacos with spilling over with ample cuts of the succulent birria. But if I’m honest- The chain of Kalaveras/Mariposas in LA County has in all candor “ruined” all other birria recipes at dueling restaurants. And that’s on me, for hoping against hope.
My (unsolicited) tip? Consider pairing the birria tacos with a cup of steaming, unctuous beef consomme to dip the tacos into; debate the merits of pan-sizzling the tortillas in a full flavored queso-enchilada sauce before filling them with the birria.
The service was outstanding. Our server Freddy’s was “Fast Freddie on the spot” for the speed with which he swiftly kept our refills of drinks and chips/salsa coming.
Our bill was $64, incl taxes and tip, for a pair of entrees, a margarita, and a fountain drink.
Restroom was cozy bit suitably clean + provisioned.
Chiara Rizza
This place was absolutely lovely: spacious, welcoming, and it genuinely felt like being at home. We stopped here by chance, and it turned out to be a great find. The Mexican cuisine was delicious, with good food quality, friendly staff, and a well-kept, inviting atmosphere. A truly pleasant surprise!
… moreMina Taheri
Had a really nice experience at Carlos Mexican Restaurant in Dana Point. The place has a relaxed, welcoming vibe, and the staff was friendly and attentive. The food came out hot and fresh — everything tasted homemade and full of flavor.
I tried the fajita , and it was delicious. The portions were generous, and the chips and salsa were a great start. Drinks were also good and reasonably priced.
… moreI tried the fajita , and it was delicious. The portions were generous, and the chips and salsa were a great start. Drinks were also good and reasonably priced.
Maeden Jewell
What a lovely place! The patio is beautiful. Our server was kind and attentive. The food was average, but my cucumber jalapeño margarita was fabulous!
… moreLawrence Rowe
Very good chips and salsa great atmosphere. If you’re in the neighborhood, give it a try.
… moreKarolina Condor
Had a tequila sunrise w/ my Chipotle Cream Enchiladas filled with/ shredded juicy beef – like pot roast. Food was so DELICIOUS! Flan tasted like water
… moreD G
Waiter was very good. Food was excellent and came out fast. Drinks were also good. Was a Friday night and they had live entertainment that was very fun. Had a good time, definitely recommend.
… moreRicardo Gallegos
Really great price and good tasting food. Its really a place to dress up for more of a everyday causal dinning place. Good price for the food. They have plenty of parking.
… morePhillip Skye
This is only the second time eating here, and I Absolutely LOVE IT!!
The servers are all very friendly and attentive, and really know how to take care of their guests.
The food is outstanding, and the chips and salsa are both fresh, delicious and Satisfying to the Palate and the Prices are very reasonable and budget friendly.
I will be back at least every other week, and will keep Carlos Mexican a staple in my Dana Point Lifestyle.
… moreThe servers are all very friendly and attentive, and really know how to take care of their guests.
The food is outstanding, and the chips and salsa are both fresh, delicious and Satisfying to the Palate and the Prices are very reasonable and budget friendly.
I will be back at least every other week, and will keep Carlos Mexican a staple in my Dana Point Lifestyle.
Dusty Lloyd
Haven’t been to Carlos for a while. We used to come for the breakfast special but we will be back for dinner.
The food is good Authentic Mexican food and doesn’t disappoint
Good chips and guacamole.
My wife had the shrimp fajitas and she said the shrimp we plump and yummy, though the veggies were on the less done side.
I had the Albondigas soup, it was perfect, like I remember it should be with rich broth, light veggies and the star of the show, the Meatballs.
My boys had enchiladas and the plates were clean when we were done.
… moreThe food is good Authentic Mexican food and doesn’t disappoint
Good chips and guacamole.
My wife had the shrimp fajitas and she said the shrimp we plump and yummy, though the veggies were on the less done side.
I had the Albondigas soup, it was perfect, like I remember it should be with rich broth, light veggies and the star of the show, the Meatballs.
My boys had enchiladas and the plates were clean when we were done.