Harbor House Cafe

34157 Pacific Coast Hwy, Dana Point, CA 92629, United States
+1 949-496-9270
$$$ Cafe
(1390 Reviews)
Price Range $10–20

If you're searching for a cozy spot to relax and enjoy some classic comfort food, look no further than Harbor House Cafe, located at 34157 Pacific Coast Hwy, Dana Point, CA. This charming café embodies the essence of American diner culture with its retro decor, complete with an array of vintage movie posters and nostalgic photographs that grace the walls. You can sense the warmth and inviting atmosphere as soon as you walk through the door, making it an ideal spot for both locals and tourists alike to dine, unwind, and create lasting memories.

At Harbor House Cafe, the menu offers a diverse range of options catering to all palates, but it's especially known for its hearty breakfast selections that can be enjoyed at any time of the day. Indulge in their delectable Giant Ice Cream Sundae, featuring rich vanilla ice cream crowned with your choice of toppings like strawberry, hot fudge, or butterscotch, all topped off with whipped cream, nuts, and a cherry for just US$6.50. Or, if you’re in the mood for something savory, don’t miss the scrumptious Tuna Melt, a crowd favorite that keeps patrons coming back for more.

The café’s commitment to friendly service is evident in the reviews shared by delighted customers. Stan Dela Cruz described it as “a delightful dining experience with its cozy atmosphere and friendly service.” Meanwhile, Aaron Kantarovich expressed his affection for the vintage vibe, stating it’s like walking into a “preserved time capsule.” It’s clear that the ambiance, complemented by a stellar selection of retro music, makes for a memorable dining experience that is unmatched in the area.

While some reviews noted occasional understaffing, the genuine hospitality shines through and is complemented by the café's prompt service. Food is served hot and fast, ensuring you spend less time waiting and more time enjoying your favorite dishes. Each meal at Harbor House Cafe is a testament to comforting American cuisine—just imagine savoring their exquisite French Toast Combo with crispy bacon, perfectly golden and just the right amount of sweetness to start your day right.

If you're ever in Dana Point, make it a point to stop by Harbor House Cafe. Whether you're grabbing a quick bite after a day at the beach, enjoying breakfast for dinner, or simply looking to immerse yourself in a distinctively charming atmosphere, this café will surely satisfy your cravings and leave you eagerly planning your next visit.

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
Has outdoor seating
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
No delivery
Highlights
Has fast service
Serves great coffee
Serves great dessert
Popular for
Popular for breakfast
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves coffee
Serves comfort food
Serves late-night food
Quick bite
Serves small plates
Serves wine
Dining options
Serves breakfast
Serves brunch
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has bar on site
Has toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Historic
Trendy
Crowd
Good for groups
Popular with tourists
Popular with university students
Planning
Doesn't accept reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs available
Has kids' menu
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Plenty of parking
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

6:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Tuesday

6:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Wednesday

6:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Thursday

6:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Friday

6:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Saturday

6:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Sunday

6:00 AM - 10:00 PM

1390 Reviews
Stan Dela Cruz

12 Sep 2025

Harbor House Cafe offers a delightful dining experience with its cozy atmosphere, friendly service, and delicious food. From hearty breakfast options to tasty lunch and dinner choices, there's something for everyone. The welcoming vibe make it a must-visit spot for locals and tourists alike.

Joe A

01 Sep 2025

Our favorite place for comfort food! From the eggs to the spaghetti, you can’t go wrong with Harbor House Cafe. The portion sizes are huge(just look at that ham steak) and the menu is plentiful. The staff is very friendly, but they can be understaffed at times. Try the tuna melt the next time you’re in the area

Daniel Chimenti

27 Aug 2025

Decent service. The burgers, fries, and onion rings are good. The chicken fajitas weren’t great. The chicken was cooked well, which deserves mention, but there was too much sauce all over the meat and vegetables. I also don’t know why they include tomatoes with the other vegetables. The rice and beans were pretty bland. And there were only 2 tortillas. The huevos rancheros were fine. Their shakes are great. Thick and creamy.

Aaron Kantarovich

23 Aug 2025

The Harbor House Cafe is such a vibe! I absolutely love the atmosphere and decor. It's like walking into a vintage, preserved time capsule. Great selection of music, too. If you're looking for good ol' classic comfort food, you chose the right place. We love to order breakfast for dinner. However, there are a LOT of great selections to order. The service is fantastic and has the friendliest work staff. This is a Dana Point staple and we'll be coming back whenever we are in the area.

OC Reviews

21 Aug 2025

It was like traveling back in time. We ended up here after spending time at the beach and tried to look for a fish n chips restaurant on Google maps with low internet reception. It was 0.4 miles away so decided this was the place to go. We were pleasantly surprised by the retro style interior. The restaurant wasn’t busy and service was good. The food came out quick and it was pretty good except for the beans and rice that came with the fish taco. It wasn’t tasty enough to finish. We liked the $9.99 cheeseburger deal. This place has so much potential. Great place to take photos. Hope they renovate their ancient restrooms.

Frank Paulin

07 Jul 2025

I love the decor. All the old movie posters and pictures of actors are really cool. I came for breakfast and had the French toast combo. Food was pretty good. The bacon was a bit crispy. Service was good.

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