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El Patio Cafe
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El Patio Cafe
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El Patio Cafe

Mexican · Capistrano Beach

Surf, tacos, and sunshine in Capistrano

4.3 · 127 reviews Google

El Patio Cafe Opening Hours

Monday 12:00–23:00
Tuesday 12:00–23:00
Wednesday 12:00–23:00
Thursday 12:00–23:00
Friday 12:00–23:30
Saturday 12:00–23:30
Sunday 12:00–22:00
elpatiocafe.com

About El Patio Cafe

Longtime bar & restaurant with a surfing motif offering classic Mexican meals in comfy digs.

What Customers Say About El Patio Cafe

El Patio Cafe is a family-owned Mexican restaurant with a long history and a local favorite. Customers rave about the authentic food, friendly service, and nostalgic atmosphere. Some mention the halibut tacos on Fridays and the music on Wednesdays.

Popular Dishes

halibut tacos tacos (3) soups enchiladas burritos Lucy's special nachos hard chicken tacos

Best For

Families Locals Casual

Tip: Visit on Friday for the halibut tacos or on Wednesday to enjoy live music.

What to see nearby

Louise Leydon Park
A 432m

Louise Leydon Park

parque

View details
Del Obispo Community Park
A 581m

Del Obispo Community Park

parque

View details
Doheny Marine Life Refuge
A 687m

Doheny Marine Life Refuge

parque

View details

Data from Wikidata

Explore the area around El Patio Cafe

El Patio Cafe is located in Capistrano Beach, surrounded by cultural and historical points of interest. Here are some of the most notable places nearby.

Parks & Gardens

  • Louise Leydon Park (A 432m) — park in the United States of America
  • Del Obispo Community Park (A 581m) — park in Orange County, California, United States of America
  • Doheny Marine Life Refuge (A 687m) — park in Orange County, California, United States of America

Data from Wikidata

Frequently asked questions about El Patio Cafe

El Patio Cafe is located at 34226 Doheny Park Rd, Capistrano Beach.
Near El Patio Cafe you can find points of interest such as Louise Leydon Park, Del Obispo Community Park, Doheny Marine Life Refuge.
El Patio Cafe offers mexican cuisine.
El Patio Cafe has regular opening hours. Check their profile for updated schedules.
The most recommended dishes at El Patio Cafe based on customer reviews are: halibut tacos, tacos, soups, enchiladas, burritos.
El Patio Cafe is ideal for families, locals, casual dining.
El Patio Cafe is a family-owned Mexican restaurant with a long history and a local favorite. Customers rave about the authentic food, friendly service, and nostalgic atmosphere. Some mention the halibut tacos on Fridays and the music on Wednesdays.
Visit on Friday for the halibut tacos or on Wednesday to enjoy live music.
127
Reviews

El Patio Cafe Capistrano Beach Reviews

4.3
20
5★
80%
4★
0%
3★
0%
2★
10%
1★
10%
Reviews (40)
G
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.

E
Eric Groos

Revived Old School Capo Beach establishment with years of history. Always a great place to stop share a laugh with other locals

J
Jim McDonald

This place showed up as a wifi hotspot. Found out it also has outside seating, friendly service, great food. And the WiFi is good too.

J
John Duggan

El Patio is my favorite authentic Mexican restaurant in southern California, and I come as often as I can.

GoLAangels
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.

Eric Groos
Eric Groos

Revived Old School Capo Beach establishment with years of history. Always a great place to stop share a laugh with other locals

Jim McDonald
Jim McDonald

This place showed up as a wifi hotspot. Found out it also has outside seating, friendly service, great food. And the WiFi is good too.

John Duggan
John Duggan

El Patio is my favorite authentic Mexican restaurant in southern California, and I come as often as I can.

G
Gregory Mathes

Delicious Mexican food and fabulous service.

B
Billy Gaines

This place absolutely rocks! A family restaurant that opened in the 1930s owned by a local surfing guru named Jack. Generous portions, fast and friendly service and the best Mexican food on the planet! If you want to know anything about surfing or just enjoy local flavor, Jack is the man! I can't wait for my next visit. Try the margaritas!

B
Blake Smuin

I love authentic Mexican food. When I walked in to el patio, I thought it would just be another Americanized Mexican restaurant, but I was pleasantly surprised by the food. It was all delicious and the plate i got was not Americanized at all. Also, the staff was wonderful. Will definitely come here again.

J
Jan Thuney

Family owed and operated for many many years. If you want authentic, healthy, scrumptious Mexican food, go here. I took friends from England there rather than to a chain restaurant. They loved it and the server.

9
949 Local

5 Stars. Yeah, so it doesn't have a exotic cuisine. Ambiance is circa 1960 diner. But this is "Lucy's", a landmark among locals and their visiting friends since forever. The food is truly authentic Mexican. Some may think it is "plain", but it's real.

A
Ashelei 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!

J
Jodie 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.

T
Tiffany 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!

j
jim 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.

B
Butch Welke

salmon tacos are THE BEST EVER

C
Clarke Boyer

One of the greatest old standby business in the area worth supporting. It's family owned and completely authentic. Great spot to have some beers, enjoy grandma's cooking (tacos and soups are my faves) and meet some nice people. Great place to have a party too!

C
Christopher Long

Love this place. Waitresses are super nice, almost like getting food at your mom or grandma's. Friday night halibut tacos are fantastic. On Wednesdays, old doc Peterson is there playing guitar there so you can listen to some music and maybe get your eyes checked. Super local. Kinda like Turks. 10/10, would do again.

Jodie Goodwin
Jodie 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.

Ashelei Niehart
Ashelei 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!

Brandon law
Brandon law

Delicious food and friendly staff!

Gregory Mathes
Gregory Mathes

Delicious Mexican food and fabulous service.

Tiffany Katzmark
Tiffany 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!

jim hamilton
jim 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.

Scott Hurlbut
Scott Hurlbut

I am so happy that they have reopened, and I can't wait to visit.

Clarke Boyer
Clarke Boyer

One of the greatest old standby business in the area worth supporting. It's family owned and completely authentic. Great spot to have some beers, enjoy grandma's cooking (tacos and soups are my faves) and meet some nice people. Great place to have a party too!

Christopher Long
Christopher Long

Love this place. Waitresses are super nice, almost like getting food at your mom or grandma's. Friday night halibut tacos are fantastic. On Wednesdays, old doc Peterson is there playing guitar there so you can listen to some music and maybe get your eyes checked. Super local. Kinda like Turks. 10/10, would do again.

Jan Thuney
Jan Thuney

Family owed and operated for many many years. If you want authentic, healthy, scrumptious Mexican food, go here. I took friends from England there rather than to a chain restaurant. They loved it and the server.

Blake Smuin
Blake Smuin

I love authentic Mexican food. When I walked in to el patio, I thought it would just be another Americanized Mexican restaurant, but I was pleasantly surprised by the food. It was all delicious and the plate i got was not Americanized at all. Also, the staff was wonderful. Will definitely come here again.

Billy Gaines
Billy Gaines

This place absolutely rocks! A family restaurant that opened in the 1930s owned by a local surfing guru named Jack. Generous portions, fast and friendly service and the best Mexican food on the planet! If you want to know anything about surfing or just enjoy local flavor, Jack is the man! I can't wait for my next visit. Try the margaritas!

M
Maricela Villa

Completely the opposite of what I was expecting. The deep fried flour tortilla tacos had a very oily taste to them.

Maricela Villa
Maricela Villa

Completely the opposite of what I was expecting. The deep fried flour tortilla tacos had a very oily taste to them.

M
Michael 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.

Michael Lauber
Michael 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.

K
K. 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

D
Deborah 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.

K. H
K. 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

Deborah Lew
Deborah 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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About El Patio Cafe

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34226 Doheny Park Rd

Capistrano Beach, CA 92624

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Highlights

Good Rating
4.3/5 stars
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Many Reviews
127 reviews
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mexican
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Restaurant Info

🕐 Hours Today
12:00, 23:00
Rating
4.3/5
💬 Reviews
127

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Location

34226 Doheny Park Rd

Capistrano Beach, CA 92624

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Louise Leydon Park

park in the United States of America

A 432m
Del Obispo Community Park

park in Orange County, California, United States of America

A 581m
Doheny Marine Life Refuge

park in Orange County, California, United States of America

A 687m
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