El Patio Cafe
Mexican · Capistrano Beach
Surf, tacos, and sunshine in Capistrano
El Patio Cafe Opening Hours
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
Best For
Tip: Visit on Friday for the halibut tacos or on Wednesday to enjoy live music.
What to see nearby
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 Capistrano Beach Reviews
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.
Revived Old School Capo Beach establishment with years of history. Always a great place to stop share a laugh with other locals
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.
El Patio is my favorite authentic Mexican restaurant in southern California, and I come as often as I can.
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.
Revived Old School Capo Beach establishment with years of history. Always a great place to stop share a laugh with other locals
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.
El Patio is my favorite authentic Mexican restaurant in southern California, and I come as often as I can.
Delicious Mexican food and fabulous service.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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!
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.
salmon tacos are THE BEST EVER
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!
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.
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.
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!
Delicious food and friendly staff!
Delicious Mexican food and fabulous service.
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!
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.
I am so happy that they have reopened, and I can't wait to visit.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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!
Completely the opposite of what I was expecting. The deep fried flour tortilla tacos had a very oily taste to them.
Completely the opposite of what I was expecting. The deep fried flour tortilla tacos had a very oily taste to them.
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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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