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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Dana Point's best

Mexican food with outdoor seating

Made for those who believe Mexican food is best enjoyed in the open air.

Based on 825 Opinions
+822
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Updated May 2026
01
Le Saint Honore image 1
Le Saint Honore image 2
Le Saint Honore image 3
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Authentic French bakery with quaint, serene atmosphere and cozy indoor and outdoor seating. Pastry display showcases high-quality, fresh products including standout croissants and eclairs. Background music and clean, charming decor create a traditional Parisian vibe.

Breakfast burritos stand out with delicious flavor and solid preparation. Omelets also appear frequently as a strong choice alongside the burritos.

Outdoor seating offers a casual patio with a chabi chic vibe. It resembles a French cafe setting, creating a relaxed and stylish atmosphere.

People are saying

"The croissants here are flaky, airy, and incredibly delicious."

"The croissants here are buttery, soft, and flaky."

"The breakfast burritos here are outstanding."

Good to know

1

Arrive early for the best quality pastries.

2

Expect a wide variety of pastries available.

3

Tables are small; best for groups of 2-4 people.

02
Doho Cafe image 1
American restaurant

Beachfront setting offers stunning ocean views and live music with a classic Southern California vibe. Outdoor seating includes propane fire pits and a draft beer station, creating a relaxed atmosphere with ocean breezes. The crowd enjoys casual dining and drinks while watching sunsets and surfers.

Battered fish tacos stand out with homemade salsa and fresh ingredients. Breakfast burritos come fresh and not greasy, while chilaquiles lack scrambled eggs and taste bland.

Outdoor seating offers excellent views near the sand with a patio reserved for guests. The space includes a draft beer station, welcomes dogs, and features live music.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be really good and fresh."

"You have to try the battered fish tacos; they're excellent."

"The outdoor seating offers beautiful ocean breezes and scenic views."

Good to know

1

Happy hour at Doho Cafe runs from 4pm-6pm daily.

2

Doho Cafe is the only food option at Doheny State Beach.

3

Dogs are allowed at Doho Cafe, with shaded areas available.

03
Whitestone Restaurant & Bar image 1

Restaurant offers an elegant coastal theme with upscale decor and a stunning fireplace visible through full windows. Atmosphere stays low key but classy, suitable for celebrations and intimate dining. Bar serves quality cocktails and wine, complementing a menu praised for seafood and unique dishes.

Fish tacos come with a light, thin flour tortilla and crispy, moist fish. They get a drizzle of chipotle aioli for added flavor.

The patio features warm heaters that make outdoor dining comfortable. Hosts often seat guests outside even when indoor tables are open, creating a welcoming outdoor dining area.

People are saying

"The fish tacos and appetizers at Happy Hour are delicious."

"The outdoor seating here is amazing, I had a great time."

"The fish tacos here are the best Mexican food I've ever had."

Good to know

1

Parking is easy to find near the restaurant.

2

Reservations are accepted and recommended for larger groups.

3

Happy hour lasts until 7:30 pm with discounted appetizers.

04
Cali Costa Restaurant & Cantina image 1

Restaurant combines indoor-outdoor bar and patio with big screen TVs everywhere, creating a loud, lively sports bar atmosphere. Patio features dog-friendly space with fire pits, enhancing the casual, social vibe. Nostalgic coastal feel blends with energetic crowd focused on sports and music.

Tacos stand out with quality beef and a large selection, especially on Tuesdays when they cost $3.99 each. Burritos come huge, and chips with guacamole pair well with refreshing margaritas like watermelon mint.

Outdoor seating includes a dog friendly patio and bar area. The space suits warm weather well and hosts private parties.

People are saying

"The tacos and margaritas here are really tasty."

"It's a great spot for live sports with tons of TVs."

"The outdoor seating is dog friendly, perfect for warm weather."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesdays feature tacos for only $3.99 each.

2

Happy hour includes discounted drinks and appetizers.

3

The restaurant is dog-friendly and has a patio for warm weather.

05
Monarch Bay Beach Club image 1
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.

Blackened shrimp tacos stand out with their bold flavor and come with a fab salsa that complements them well.

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."

"The Mexican food here is great with gorgeous ocean views."

"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.

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.

Fish tacos appear frequently, often paired with grilled or fresh ingredients like diced mango in Cole slaw. Other Mexican-inspired items include loaded slaw and dishes featuring seafood with bold flavors.

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 Mexican Food here is incredible, with a wide variety to choose from."

"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
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.

Breakfast tacos stand out with spicy fish tacos and pork tacos offering solid flavor. Coconut shrimp adds a tasty twist alongside classic Mexican dishes.

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."

"The Mexican food here is amazing, thanks to Scotty's welcoming vibe."

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

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.

08
Carlos Mexican Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Spacious Mexican restaurant with a large patio featuring a huge fire pit and live music that stays at a comfortable volume. The atmosphere is laid-back and festive, enhanced by cozy indoor seating with a fireplace and abundant plants. Patrons enjoy authentic dishes and a variety of margaritas in a welcoming, fun setting.

Carnitas fajitas stand out with juicy shredded beef like pot roast. Fresh, delicious chips and salsa start the meal, and free Horchata refills come with generous servings to go.

Outdoor seating offers a great patio with a Palapa firepit that enhances the vibe. The area combines a 70's Tarantino Tiki feel with cozy banquettes, creating a relaxed atmosphere.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and reasonably priced."

"The street tacos de birria were amazing with the consommรฉ."

"The Mexican food here is delicious, especially the chips and salsa."

Good to know

1

Parking is available right on PCH, but it can be limited.

2

The restaurant is pet-friendly and allows dogs on the patio.

3

Prices are reasonable and portions are generous.

09
Nikki's Cafe image 1

Small, comfortable cafe with a small patio next to a busy road and a small bar inside. Atmosphere feels blue collar and fun, popular with trade and construction workers early in the morning. Portions are huge, making it a good spot for a quick, satisfying grab-and-go breakfast.

Machaca burritos stand out with fresh, solid ingredients and generous size. Breakfast options like huevos rancheros and breakfast burritos come with well-balanced flavors and some of the best salsa around.

A small patio sits next to a busy road with a few tables outside. Inside, a small bar offers additional seating but the outdoor space is limited.

People are saying

"I thought the breakfast burrito was perfect."

"The food here was amazing and excellent."

"I thought the breakfast burrito was perfect."

Good to know

1

The cafe opens before dawn, making it ideal for early risers.

2

Expect a busy atmosphere, especially during morning rush hours.

3

Nikki's Cafe is primarily a grab-and-go spot, but dine-in is available.

10
Proud Mary's Restaurant image 1
Breakfast restaurant

Waterfront setting offers beautiful harbor views and a comfortable outdoor area with space heaters. Atmosphere feels lively and homey, with friendly people and playful energy from teenagers. Music plays softly, and pets receive water bowls, adding to the welcoming vibe.

Chips and salsa start the meal with a classic touch. Fish tacos and burritos show up as key dishes, though some burritos have dry chicken or soggy sour cream, and the steak breakfast burrito uses hamburger meat.

Outdoor seating offers great views of the harbor and boats. The patio has glass enclosures and space heaters for comfort, and a walkway option helps avoid wait times.

People are saying

"I experienced the food here as absolutely the best I had ever had."

"I loved the outdoor seating with its beautiful harbor views."

"The Mexican Food here, especially the burritos, is fire."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required, and seating is usually available.

2

The restaurant allows pets in the outdoor boat area.

3

Expect a relaxed atmosphere with no rush during meals.

11
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.

Tacos feature fresh ingredients and well-cooked meat, with some charred edges and shrimp pieces. Strawberry churros come out fluffy and fresh, adding a sweet touch to the meal.

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."

"I enjoyed the food and the views."

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.

12
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.

Breakfast includes chilaquiles, pancakes, and burritos with some items like cinnamon buns and French toast. Ground beef tacos come with sweet potato fries. Burritos vary in size and flavor, with some lacking taste and others smaller than expected.

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

"I found the Mexican food here to be 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.

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Dana Point, California

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