Harbor House Cafe

Harbor House Cafe

34157 Pacific Coast Hwy, Dana Point, CA 92629, United States

+1 949-496-9270

Cafe, American restaurant, Breakfast restaurant, Diner
(1443)
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About This Place

Located right on the iconic Pacific Coast Highway in Dana Point, Harbor House Cafe is a cherished American diner-style restaurant that goes beyond just serving classic breakfast fare—it creates an experience steeped in nostalgia and heartfelt comfort. Step inside, and you’re immediately transported to a vintage, retro-inspired space where every detail, from the carefully curated decor to the handpicked playlist, wraps you in a timeless, cozy vibe that feels like home.

Harbor House Cafe shines brightest with its extensive menu, offering an inviting range of hearty American favorites that satisfy any craving. Breakfast lovers will find themselves torn between the chili & cheese omelette’s rich, melty goodness, the fresh and vibrant California Omelette, and the wholesome Vegetarian Omelette. For a touch of daring, their breakfast burrito and stir fry deliver bold flavors, while comforting options like biscuits and country gravy speak to slow mornings at grandma’s.

When hunger strikes any time of day, their handcrafted malts and shakes are nothing short of sinful indulgences—especially the peanut butter chocolate malt, a perfect balance of creamy nostalgia and rich decadence. The savory side kicks like bacon wrapped onion rings and chicken wings add a playful punch to your meal, while fish tacos and nachos bring a seaside flair that reflects the coastal location.

Don’t miss out on the Golden Crisp French Toast or the Harbor House Hotcakes—imagine biting into crisp-edged, buttery golden wedges or fluffy, syrupy stacks, some adorned with fresh blueberries, bananas, nuts, or chocolate chips for a burst of sweet delight. For lunch, the express options like the BLT or grilled cheese paired with a cup of clam chowder or salad offer a quick, satisfying escape without compromising on flavor.

What truly elevates Harbor House Cafe, beyond its delectable menu, is the experience itself. Guests often rave about the warm, attentive service and the friendly environment that invites regulars and visitors alike to linger over their plates. Whether you’re craving a huge ham steak breakfast platter, classic patty melt with crisp onion rings, or eggs & ham steak, this place serves up big portions and big smiles in equal measure.

From the moment you pull up to 34157 Pacific Coast Hwy to the last sip of your perfectly crafted Bloody Mary, Harbor House Cafe feels like a soothing, spirited getaway—a place where comfort food meets genuine hospitality. It’s no surprise that locals and tourists alike return time and again, drawn by the feeling of stepping into a time capsule that serves up the familiar with a sprinkle of something special.

Service options
Outdoor seating Takeaway Dine-in Delivery
Highlights
Fast service Great coffee Great dessert Serves local specialty
Popular for
Breakfast Lunch Dinner Solo dining Good for working on laptop
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park Wheelchair-accessible entrance Wheelchair-accessible seating Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
Alcohol Beer Coffee Comfort food Late-night food Quick bite Small plates Wine
Dining options
Breakfast Brunch Lunch Dinner Dessert Seating Table service
Amenities
Bar on site Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual Cosy Historic Quiet Trendy
Crowd
Groups Locals Tourists University students
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards Debit cards NFC mobile payments Credit cards
Children
Good for kids High chairs Kids' menu
Parking
Free of charge street parking Free parking lot Parking

Opening Hours

  • Monday
    06:00 AM - 10:00 PM
  • Tuesday
    06:00 AM - 10:00 PM
  • Wednesday
    06:00 AM - 10:00 PM
  • Thursday
    06:00 AM - 10:00 PM
  • Friday
    06:00 AM - 10:00 PM
  • Saturday
    06:00 AM - 10:00 PM
  • Sunday
    06:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Map & Directions

Visitor Reviews

  • Aaron Kantarovich
    3 week ago

    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
    1 month ago

    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.

  • Daniel Chimenti
    1 month ago

    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.

  • Stan Dela Cruz
    2 month ago

    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
    3 month ago

    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

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