4.3 – 133 reviews • Mexican restaurant
El Patio Cafe located in beautiful Capistrano Beach is the longest running business in Dana Point. Originally established in 1937 by our beloved founder Lucy. El Patio proudly serves rustic early California style Mexican dishes. The business is still family-owened and operated.
Longtime bar & restaurant with a surfing motif offering classic Mexican meals in comfy digs.
✔️Lunch ✔️Dinner ✔️Dine in
Hours
| Saturday | 4–8 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 4–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 4–8 PM |
| Thursday | 4–8 PM |
| Friday | 4–8 PM |
Menu Photos
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Reviews
GoLAangels
They’re back! Limited menu for the time being but same taste as always! For being two days back after a five year hiatus, everything seemed to be going pretty smoothly. Their model is now a fast casual type of place where you order at the front instead of table service. In my opinion, this loses some of the charm that the place had before, as the previous waitresses were like family to us. So I’m hoping they revert back to that style once they get going. But for now, we are so thrilled to have them back; it feels like a dream! Please go out and show them your support.
… moreEric Groos
Revived Old School Capo Beach establishment with years of history. Always a great place to stop share a laugh with other locals
… moreAshelei Niehart
I’ve been going here since I was 5 so 24 years i was so sad when they closed down for a few years. When I saw that they were open again on facebook I literally screamed the menu is a lil different no problem food is so amazing. The waitresses are amazing and just the overall feeling and nostalgia of going there again is amazing i love this place and no matter what it will always be my favorite JACK THANK YOU FOR REOPENING!
… moreJodie Goodwin
An old favorite is back! Historic staple of Capo Beach is got a shiny new interior and serving your favorites including enchiladas, tacos of many varieties, big burritos and Lucy’s special nachos and of course cold beer or Mexican coke if you prefer. Stop in.
… moreTiffany Katzmark
I highly recommend going to visit El patio again. I remember going here when I was a kid I’m so happy that they’re open again. The service is amazing, they treat you like family having dinner at home but you’re not cooking, intimate family atmosphere. My favorite are the hard chicken tacos they’re the best. Enjoy!
… morejim hamilton
Traditional Mexican Cafe with a long local, grassroots history that is still going. Flavors that are, and always have been crafted to local tastes. Serve the community, going forward with next generations attitude. Clean, quick, simple, great value. I prefer the patio rather than the popular counter and dining area. Memories still being made, thanks to family diligence.
… moreMichael Lauber
Advice:
Make sure your staff knows their jobs before expecting customers to pay for good food and service .
Maybe invest in training before you open the doors .
I know youre closed on Sunday and Monday .
Maybe bring your chefs in on Monday to practice the menu, you can always donate the food to a homeless shelter ..
You had a large private party on the patio.I know its tempting but hold off until you are prepared to handle the business .
Dont make customers that want to support you regret their decision.
We ordered 7 items and got 4 before we walked out as we watched guests that came in 30 minutes after us get served .
The food was ok , not great but not horrible .
6.50 or 7 50 for a crispy beef taco seems excessive.
I was taken back as we ordered rice and beans and they never came , this after me asking twice …I assumed both these items were sitting in a vat waiting to be served.
Maybe consider hiring an expeditor to help the food flow .
Good luck to you . I think you have a great brand and opportunity.
Fix it before it disappears.
… moreK. H
Soft opening, but They got a lot to figure out.
No one greets you at the door, so you have no idea that you have to walk up to a register and find the paper menu. Register lady also runs food so it takes forever to order when theres a couple people in line,
$7.50 for a side of chips that come out of a large bag, not even warmed up.
Disgusting yogurt style sauce on the mahi tacos def not “Baja”
Potato tacos were absolutely awful.
I don’t think I saw anyone leave satisfied
… moreMaricela Villa
Completely the opposite of what I was expecting. The deep fried flour tortilla tacos had a very oily taste to them.
… moreDeborah Lew
The food had no flavor and I waited over an hour for my food. They need to add spice to their food. The beans and rice needed salt. It was completely bland. I’ll never go back.
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