⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A Hidden Gem We Almost Missed!
The first time we visited Lupe’s, we completely fell in love. The Shrimp Ceviche Bowl instantly became one of our favorites, fresh, flavorful, loaded with shrimp, and topped with perfectly ripe avocado. We also couldn’t get enough of their Spicy Shrimp Tacos, freshly made Molcajete Chips & Guacamole, and delicious cocktails. Even when we’ve ordered takeout before, the food has always been incredibly fresh and well prepared.
Because we loved it so much, we came back another day.
When we arrived, the dining room at Lupe’s was completely full. The staff kindly suggested we sit next door at The Side Bar by Lupe’s. At first, we were hesitant because I had looked it up on Yelp and noticed it had far fewer reviews than Lupe’s. I assumed it was a completely different restaurant.
To our surprise, we learned they’re actually the same restaurant! They share the same kitchen, same chefs, same recipes, and same fresh ingredients. The Side Bar is mainly designed for takeout and pickup with a small seating area, while Lupe’s is the full-service dining room next door. So no matter which side you order from, you’re getting the exact same amazing food.
We visited during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and the atmosphere was incredible. The place was decorated with jerseys from different countries, World Cup drink specials, and every TV was showing the matches. Fans were cheering, the energy was contagious, and it made the whole experience even more fun.
This visit we ordered:
🥑 Shrimp Ceviche Bowl ($17.50): Absolutely outstanding. Fresh shrimp, tomatoes, onions, cilantro, citrus, creamy avocado, and just the right amount of seasoning. Every bite tasted bright, refreshing, and incredibly fresh.
🌮 Two Spicy Shrimp Tacos ($11): Still one of my favorites. Perfectly cooked shrimp with just the right kick, packed with flavor in every bite.
🥗 Shrimp Bowl ($16): We asked them to remove the rice for a healthier option, and they happily accommodated our request. It was loaded with tender, well-seasoned shrimp and made for a delicious high-protein meal.
🥑 Molcajete Chips & Guacamole ($10): A must every single visit. Freshly made, creamy, and one of the best guacamoles around.
🍹 Jose Cuervo Classic Margarita ($14): Smooth, refreshing, and the perfect pairing with the seafood.
Our total came to $79.75 before the optional credit card surcharge, and while the prices are a little higher than some Mexican restaurants, the freshness, quality, consistency, and generous portions make every dollar worth it.
If you’re debating between Lupe’s and The Side Bar by Lupe’s, don’t overthink it. They’re the same amazing restaurant. Don’t let the number of online reviews fool you like it almost fooled us. Whether you’re dining in, grabbing takeout, or sitting next door, you’re getting some of the best Mexican seafood, tacos, guacamole, and cocktails in Orange County.
We’ll definitely keep coming back. Highly recommended! 🌮🥑🍹⚽⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
W Perry
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March 18, 2026
First visit….there is very limited seating here and there are actual 2 attached “restaurants” ( Lupes / La Barra) using a common kitchen.
We could not get seated in “the eatery”, so went next door to the “sports bar”.
The chips and salsa ($6) was good. I had the Birria burrito ($16)…very good quality meat, tasty, generous portion.
I did like the choices of 4 sauces that were brought to the table (see photo).
Service was friendly.
Michael
-
December 13, 2025
Lupe’s is super small with only about four tables.
I was lucky enough to get there when there’s only one person in front of me in line 2 others waiting, but all the tables were full. This didn’t matter to me since I was ordering takeout.
I ordered a surf and turf burrito and two different types of shrimp tacos
The food was cooked pretty quickly. I might’ve been there maybe 10 maybe 15 minutes. My look back there is probably 10 or 12 people had ordered and are waiting for their food this place got busy quick.
And I can see why the breed it was very big. All the ingredients were cooked perfectly, and there was a lot of it. The shrimp was cooked perfectly as was the rice and the beans.
Sauce bar had four, five maybe six choices. I’ll look at homemade and the two I tried are absolutely amazing.
This place has some of the best burritos and tacos in the area. The portions are big and the quality very high.
I would definitely come back.
Drea
-
September 23, 2025
We got the Stoner Fries, Shrimp Ceviche Tostada and a couple rounds of drinks. The Stoner fries came with 2 fried eggs which just made so much sense. The ceviche was cool, limey, and scratched an itch I didn’t know I had. Probably because I got tousled by the waves earlier. It was the perfect after beach spot.
The Cucumber Margarita was zesty and fresh. The Coconut Margarita tasted like a Summer’s Day. The Mango Michelada was quite large and both sweet and Tajin-y. The Cadillac Margarita was everything I love in a Cadillac (and men tbh): strong and uncomplicated, with a hint of healing Rosemary essence.
Greg Spicer
-
May 25, 2026
Ok hear me out...the food here is SO GOOD 🤤 I have had it a few times. The only reason I can't give 5 stars is the orders are regularly messed up 😅 what I ordered today is a burrito that comes with grilled chicken. Unfortunately, it was made with steak. While most people wouldn't mind that, I can't eat red meat anymore. I did customize to replace the mozzarella cheese due to mozzarella also making me very sick (which I mentioned while ordering). It was unfortunately made with mozzarella. It was also missing the guacamole it's supposed to come with, making a drier tasting burrito than normal from them...and also meaning $20 wasted this time as I didn't realize it was incorrect until I'd driven home. I've had them at least 4x, and the order has only been correct 1x (though usually still edible for me as the food was still pretty close to correct and is always delicious). This time just left me with an order I couldn't eat at all.
Again, the food is GOOD and the people working there are nice. I'll definitely go again and highly recommend them for how good the food tastes (still gave it 4 stars with wrong food for the record 🤷🏻♂️). Just be a bit more detailed in checking your order before you leave if you have allergies or sensitivities like I do - or if you just want to get your $20 worth. ☺️
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33621 Del Obispo St Suite F, Dana Point, CA 92629, USA
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⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A Hidden Gem We Almost Missed! The first time we visited Lupe’s, we completely fell in love. The Shrimp Ceviche Bowl instantly became one of our favorites, fresh, flavorful, loaded with shrimp, and topped with perfectly ripe avocado. We also couldn’t get enough of their Spicy Shrimp Tacos, freshly made Molcajete Chips & Guacamole, and delicious cocktails. Even when we’ve ordered takeout before, the food has always been incredibly fresh and well prepared. Because we loved it so much, we came back another day. When we arrived, the dining room at Lupe’s was completely full. The staff kindly suggested we sit next door at The Side Bar by Lupe’s. At first, we were hesitant because I had looked it up on Yelp and noticed it had far fewer reviews than Lupe’s. I assumed it was a completely different restaurant. To our surprise, we learned they’re actually the same restaurant! They share the same kitchen, same chefs, same recipes, and same fresh ingredients. The Side Bar is mainly designed for takeout and pickup with a small seating area, while Lupe’s is the full-service dining room next door. So no matter which side you order from, you’re getting the exact same amazing food. We visited during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and the atmosphere was incredible. The place was decorated with jerseys from different countries, World Cup drink specials, and every TV was showing the matches. Fans were cheering, the energy was contagious, and it made the whole experience even more fun. This visit we ordered: 🥑 Shrimp Ceviche Bowl ($17.50): Absolutely outstanding. Fresh shrimp, tomatoes, onions, cilantro, citrus, creamy avocado, and just the right amount of seasoning. Every bite tasted bright, refreshing, and incredibly fresh. 🌮 Two Spicy Shrimp Tacos ($11): Still one of my favorites. Perfectly cooked shrimp with just the right kick, packed with flavor in every bite. 🥗 Shrimp Bowl ($16): We asked them to remove the rice for a healthier option, and they happily accommodated our request. It was loaded with tender, well-seasoned shrimp and made for a delicious high-protein meal. 🥑 Molcajete Chips & Guacamole ($10): A must every single visit. Freshly made, creamy, and one of the best guacamoles around. 🍹 Jose Cuervo Classic Margarita ($14): Smooth, refreshing, and the perfect pairing with the seafood. Our total came to $79.75 before the optional credit card surcharge, and while the prices are a little higher than some Mexican restaurants, the freshness, quality, consistency, and generous portions make every dollar worth it. If you’re debating between Lupe’s and The Side Bar by Lupe’s, don’t overthink it. They’re the same amazing restaurant. Don’t let the number of online reviews fool you like it almost fooled us. Whether you’re dining in, grabbing takeout, or sitting next door, you’re getting some of the best Mexican seafood, tacos, guacamole, and cocktails in Orange County. We’ll definitely keep coming back. Highly recommended! 🌮🥑🍹⚽⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
First visit….there is very limited seating here and there are actual 2 attached “restaurants” ( Lupes / La Barra) using a common kitchen. We could not get seated in “the eatery”, so went next door to the “sports bar”. The chips and salsa ($6) was good. I had the Birria burrito ($16)…very good quality meat, tasty, generous portion. I did like the choices of 4 sauces that were brought to the table (see photo). Service was friendly.
Lupe’s is super small with only about four tables. I was lucky enough to get there when there’s only one person in front of me in line 2 others waiting, but all the tables were full. This didn’t matter to me since I was ordering takeout. I ordered a surf and turf burrito and two different types of shrimp tacos The food was cooked pretty quickly. I might’ve been there maybe 10 maybe 15 minutes. My look back there is probably 10 or 12 people had ordered and are waiting for their food this place got busy quick. And I can see why the breed it was very big. All the ingredients were cooked perfectly, and there was a lot of it. The shrimp was cooked perfectly as was the rice and the beans. Sauce bar had four, five maybe six choices. I’ll look at homemade and the two I tried are absolutely amazing. This place has some of the best burritos and tacos in the area. The portions are big and the quality very high. I would definitely come back.
We got the Stoner Fries, Shrimp Ceviche Tostada and a couple rounds of drinks. The Stoner fries came with 2 fried eggs which just made so much sense. The ceviche was cool, limey, and scratched an itch I didn’t know I had. Probably because I got tousled by the waves earlier. It was the perfect after beach spot. The Cucumber Margarita was zesty and fresh. The Coconut Margarita tasted like a Summer’s Day. The Mango Michelada was quite large and both sweet and Tajin-y. The Cadillac Margarita was everything I love in a Cadillac (and men tbh): strong and uncomplicated, with a hint of healing Rosemary essence.
Ok hear me out...the food here is SO GOOD 🤤 I have had it a few times. The only reason I can't give 5 stars is the orders are regularly messed up 😅 what I ordered today is a burrito that comes with grilled chicken. Unfortunately, it was made with steak. While most people wouldn't mind that, I can't eat red meat anymore. I did customize to replace the mozzarella cheese due to mozzarella also making me very sick (which I mentioned while ordering). It was unfortunately made with mozzarella. It was also missing the guacamole it's supposed to come with, making a drier tasting burrito than normal from them...and also meaning $20 wasted this time as I didn't realize it was incorrect until I'd driven home. I've had them at least 4x, and the order has only been correct 1x (though usually still edible for me as the food was still pretty close to correct and is always delicious). This time just left me with an order I couldn't eat at all. Again, the food is GOOD and the people working there are nice. I'll definitely go again and highly recommend them for how good the food tastes (still gave it 4 stars with wrong food for the record 🤷🏻♂️). Just be a bit more detailed in checking your order before you leave if you have allergies or sensitivities like I do - or if you just want to get your $20 worth. ☺️