Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to Dana Point

American outdoor seating

An American meal enjoyed in the open air that actually prioritizes comfort over just squeezing in another table.

Based on 690 Opinions
+687
User
User
User
Updated May 2026
01
Monarch Bay Beach Club image 1
Monarch Bay Beach Club image 2
Monarch Bay Beach Club image 3
View all
Seafood restaurant

Private beach club offers serene oceanfront setting with gorgeous coastal views and patio heaters for comfort. Atmosphere stays quiet and relaxed, attracting a mix of ages enjoying the peaceful vibe. Amenities include wheelchair access and shuttle service, enhancing convenience for guests.

Spicy fried chicken sandwich stands out alongside chicken wings and tuna nachos. Desserts include lemon meringue pie and cheesecake, with an espresso martini available as a drink option.

Outdoor seating includes a deck with beautiful views and patio heaters that keep it comfortable day and night. Both indoor and outdoor options exist, with lunch on the deck being a highlight.

People are saying

"The food here is unbelievable with incredible ocean views."

"I loved the American food and beachy club atmosphere."

"The outdoor seating has amazing views."

Good to know

1

Access to Monarch Bay Beach Club is restricted to members or Waldorf Astoria guests.

2

Dining is only available for guests of the Waldorf Astoria; no outside guests allowed.

3

Payment is only accepted via room charge; cash and cards are not accepted.

02
Station Craft Brewery + Kitchen image 1

Open, spacious setting with large TVs and a dog-friendly patio creates a lively atmosphere. Noise levels rise during busy times, fueled by live music and sports viewing. Craft beers and a rotating bar menu add to the energetic vibe.

Smash hamburger features a thick, juicy patty. Brisket appears in both bbq pizza and sliders. Spicy fried chicken sandwiches offer flavorful patties. Wedge salad, fried pickles, and nachos add variety.

A dog-friendly patio offers space to relax with pets. Outdoor seating feels quieter and cooler than inside, with plenty of room to enjoy the vibe.

People are saying

"I loved their beer; it was refreshing and delicious."

"The American Food here is great, and the service is outstanding."

"The Outdoor Seating has a great selection of beers and cocktails."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs on Sundays from 2 to 4 PM.

2

Half off pizza is available on Mondays.

3

The brewery offers a separate vegan menu upon request.

03
Sunsets Bar image 1
Bar & grill

Bar and grill with oceanfront deck offers a chill atmosphere and great music. Outdoor seating provides stunning Pacific views ideal for watching sunsets. TVs and pool tables add to a casual, relaxed vibe.

Big plates of nachos come loaded with lots of meat. A version called totchos swaps corn chips for tater tots. Happy hour offers $5 mai-tais alongside these fabulous nachos.

Plenty of outdoor seating with umbrellas lines the street, offering clear views of the ocean. Watching the sunset from outside creates a beautiful, relaxing atmosphere.

People are saying

"I watched the beautiful sunset from here."

"I loved the outdoor seating for watching the sunset over the ocean."

"You have to try the nachos; they're huge and loaded with meat."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4 to 7 PM with great drink specials.

2

Four large beers and a huge plate of nachos cost $30 during happy hour.

3

The bar doesn't allow kids, making it an adult-only venue.

04
RJ's Cafe image 1
Breakfast restaurant

Casual breakfast spot with pet-friendly patio and outdoor heaters creates a lively, warm atmosphere. Seating includes both indoor and covered outdoor areas, with a family-friendly vibe and positive energy. Patio overlooks harbor, adding to the inviting, nostalgic setting.

Biscuits and gravy stand out with a rich, satisfying flavor. Hash browns come out light and fluffy, far exceeding usual expectations. Chicken fried steak, eggs, and Eggs Benedict offer solid, classic American tastes.

A dog-friendly patio offers outdoor seating with a lively, heated atmosphere. The space includes thoughtful touches like a memorial day seat for veterans near the beach.

People are saying

"I had the best breakfast I've ever had here."

"The American Food here, especially the biscuits, is unbelievably soft and huge."

"The French toast here is divine, sweet, salty, and delicious."

Good to know

1

RJ's Cafe is dog friendly, allowing pets on the patio.

2

There is minimal wait time, even during busy weekends.

3

Parking is easy and available near the cafe.

05
Bonjour Cafe image 1
French restaurant

Quaint cafe with French flair and boutique tableware creates an authentic, uplifting atmosphere. Small size and charming decor offer a home away from home vibe despite a lively, noisy interior. Outdoor seating enjoys sun-filled patio enhancing the inviting experience.

Eggs Benedict stands out with its light, fresh, and tasty qualities, though the bread can sometimes be stale and burnt. French toast also features as a notable dish here.

Staff quickly provide patio tables that accommodate pets. Lunch on the patio offers a pleasant outdoor experience. Sitting outside is often recommended for a relaxed vibe.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and has excellent flavor."

"I loved having lunch on the patio; it gets sun all day."

"I've never had better French toast or eggs Benedict."

Good to know

1

The cafe's popularity means there might be a wait if arriving after 10.

2

Parking is not very accessible, especially for elderly people.

3

Bonjour Cafe is pet friendly.

06
The Point Restaurant & Sports Bar image 1

Indoor and outdoor seating surround numerous screens for sports in a lively, social atmosphere filled with live music that can be very loud. The space offers pet-friendly accommodations and a relaxed vibe with plenty of activities and views from the outdoor area.

Huge super-loaded steak nachos stand out as a signature dish. The clam chowder is smooth, not gritty or salty, and the buffalo chicken sliders and wings offer solid American bar food options.

Outdoor seating offers nice views and a well kept, clean area with both indoor and outdoor tables available. The live band can be very loud, even outside with doors closed.

People are saying

"The food and drinks here are great for watching live sports."

"The American Food clam chowder wasn't too clammy or salty."

"The outdoor seating area was nice and well kept."

Good to know

1

Parking is free and available nearby.

2

The restaurant is pet-friendly, welcoming dogs.

3

Happy hour offers great deals on drinks and appetizers.

07
180blu image 1
Fine dining restaurant

Outdoor setting offers 360-degree ocean views with a lively vibe and live music providing background ambiance. Seating is casual and first-come, first-served, with hard chairs that may affect comfort. Atmosphere suits enjoying light bites and cocktails while watching the sunset.

Surf and turf tacos stand out with a tasty mix of flavors. Kids enjoy the classic hamburger and fries. The lobster grilled cheese costs $40 and tastes okay.

All seating is outdoors with a breathtaking ocean view. The vibe stays lively and casual throughout.

People are saying

"The ocean views here are truly amazing."

"The outdoor seating offers a breathtaking ocean view."

"The American Food here, especially the tacos, tasted so fresh."

Good to know

1

Seating is first come, first serve, so arrive early for the best views.

2

Valet parking costs $10; there is no self-parking available.

3

No reservations are accepted, so expect to wait during peak times.

08
Hennessey's Tavern image 1

Large bar with indoor and outdoor seating offers a lively atmosphere featuring live music and a dog-friendly patio with fire pit seating. Crowd enjoys sports on TVs and a beachy locals vibe. Indoor space tends to be quieter while outdoor areas buzz with energy.

Hamburgers stand out with large portions and a two-for-one price option. Wings and Irish nachos appear as popular choices, while the Philly cheesesteak receives negative remarks.

A lively outdoor patio features a full bar with favorite beers and TVs showing sports. Friendly bartenders serve drinks while live music plays most weekends, and pets are welcome at the outside bar.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and reasonably priced."

"The pub has a lively atmosphere with lots of TVs showing sports."

"The outdoor seating area is lively with a full bar and TVs."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4 to 7 PM with drink specials and $8 appetizers.

2

Karaoke night is on Tuesdays with a two-drink minimum.

3

Tuesdays feature a buy one, get one free burger deal.

09
Turk's Dana Warf Restaurant image 1
Traditional American restaurant

Cozy dive bar on the harbor with real anchor chains in booths and vintage photos decorating the walls. Lively, beach-town vibe blends relaxed energy with a fun, social atmosphere. Offers amazing bay views and a full bar with good music and many TVs for sports fans.

Clam chowder stands out as a delicious and frequently praised dish here. The Thanksgiving specials include turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce for a classic American meal.

Plenty of outdoor seating lets you enjoy drinks in the sunshine. Seating options include both inside and outside areas.

People are saying

"I had the best fish and chips I've ever had."

"The American Food, especially the clam chowder, was delicious."

"The outdoor seating has a beautiful ocean view."

Good to know

1

Parking is free but can be limited; arrive early to secure a spot.

2

Prices are reasonable considering the waterfront location.

3

The restaurant charges extra for coffee refills; no free refills available.

10
The Brig Restaurant image 1
American restaurant

Old-fashioned American diner with outdated interior and a dog-friendly patio. Atmosphere feels cozy and casual, suitable for families, with a generally quiet environment. Outdoor seating stands out as a pleasant feature amid the basic setup.

Country chicken fried steak comes perfectly cooked and seasoned. Biscuits and gravy stand out as amazing. The Eggs Benedict is consistently good and flavorful.

A dog-friendly patio offers outdoor seating that welcomes four-legged friends. The area feels quite nice, though some table covers look worn and could use updating.

People are saying

"The food here is pretty good, with large portions."

"The American Food, especially the Eggs Benedict, is delicious."

"The outdoor seating is dog-friendly, perfect for your four-legged friend."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is dog friendly, making it a good option for pet owners.

2

Expect high prices, with meals often exceeding $20 per entrรฉe.

3

The menu is large and offers a variety of options for different tastes.

Discover more

Dana Point, California

Area guide
Loading Map...