Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Mexican Restaurant in Dana Point, CA
Carlos Mexican Restaurant & Cantina has been a cornerstone of Dana Point's community since 1972, offering authentic Mexican cuisine rooted in family tradition. Founded by Carlos Lamas, who emigrated from Peru in his twenties, our establishment began as a humble burger stand before evolving into a beloved gathering place for locals and visitors alike. Our commitment to homemade recipes, fresh ingredients, and warm hospitality reflects Carlos' vision of uniting people through food and culture. Over five decades, we've maintained rigorous standards of quality while adapting to serve modern tastes, ensuring every dish honors our heritage. Our team, led by Carlos' daughter Mercedes and her husband Neal, continues to prioritize community connection, evident in our spacious patio events, live jazz performances, and dedication to customer satisfaction.We operate with transparency, using no canned products, and guarantee every meal embodies the care of a family kitchen. With 50 years of collective experience in the restaurant industry, we've cultivated expertise in crafting dishes like our signature chile verde and menudo, alongside fresh seafood and handcrafted margaritas. Our reputation as a trusted local institution is built on decades of consistent quality, ethical practices, and a deep understanding of our patrons' needs. We remain committed to evolving while preserving the authenticity that has made us a Dana Point tradition.
Services
Breakfast
Ensaladas
Specialties
Seafood
Burritos
Dessert
Beverages
Margaritas
Catering
Live Music
Details
- Year established: 1972
Highlights and features
- We've served authentic Mexican cuisine in Dana Point since 1972.
- Our recipes use fresh ingredients with no canned products.
- We host live jazz performances every Friday night.
- Our family-owned business maintains 50+ years of culinary heritage.
- We offer catering services for private events and celebrations.
Services
Breakfast
Start your day with our traditional Mexican breakfast menu available daily until 2pm. We serve made-to-order omelets, huevos rancheros, and chilaquiles using fresh eggs, house-made tortillas, and locally sourced ingredients. Our breakfast includes coffee, juice, and bottomless refills.
Seafood
Experience authentic coastal Mexican flavors through our seafood specialties. We prepare shrimp cocktails, ceviche, and grilled fish dishes using daily deliveries from trusted suppliers. Our recipes honor traditional preparation methods while emphasizing ingredient quality and presentation.
Catering
Host memorable celebrations with our full-service catering for weddings, birthdays, and corporate events. We provide authentic Mexican cuisine, professional service staff, and event coordination for gatherings up to 150 guests. Our patio accommodates special setups with fire pit access.
Live Jazz
Enjoy live jazz performances every Friday evening from 6-9pm on our outdoor patio. Our house band, the Randall Winvick Band, delivers classic jazz interpretations in a relaxed atmosphere with full bar and dinner service available during performances.
Taco Tuesday
Participate in our popular Taco Tuesday tradition featuring specially priced tacos starting at $2. We offer both classic and gourmet taco options with various meat and topping combinations available from 2pm until closing every Tuesday.
People
Carlos Lamas
Founder
Carlos Lamas emigrated from Peru in his twenties, transforming a burger stand into Dana Point's beloved Mexican restaurant. He established the business in 1972, creating recipes that continue serving as our culinary foundation.
Mercedes
Co-Owner
Mercedes, Carlos' daughter, now co-owns the restaurant with her husband Neal. She maintains her father's vision while expanding menu offerings and ensuring every customer feels welcomed in our family atmosphere.
Neal
Co-Owner
Neal, Mercedes' husband, partners in operating the restaurant. Together they balance tradition with innovation, maintaining quality standards while introducing new dishes that respect the establishment's heritage.
Questions
What are Carlos Mexican Restaurant's operating hours?
We're open daily from 9am-9pm, serving breakfast until 2pm. We're closed only on Christmas Day.
Do you offer catering services for private events?
Yes, we provide full catering services for weddings, birthdays, and corporate events with customizable menus and venue options.
What makes your Mexican food authentic?
Our recipes use traditional preparation methods and fresh ingredients without canned products, developed from Carlos' Peruvian-Mexican heritage.
Are live music performances available?
We host the Randall Winvick Band every Friday night from 6-9pm on our outdoor patio with full dinner service.
Can I order food online?
Yes, our website offers convenient online ordering for pickup or delivery with full menu availability.
