CRAFT HOUSE Dana Point

4.8 (1675)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

34094 Pacific Coastal Hwy, Dana Point, CA 92629

Make a booking

CRAFT HOUSE Dana Point

4.8

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Dana Point / Monarch Beach

Make a booking

2 people

25 Oct 2026

19:00

Booked 22 times today

About this restaurant

Great for happy hour
Great for creative cocktails
Neighbourhood gem

At Craft House Restaurant we focus on serving the freshest local ingredients to our guests. From working with local fishermen in the Dana Point Harbor to sourcing ingredients from the local farmer's markets.

At Craft House we pride ourselves on having one of the best American whiskey selection in South Orange County. From you daily drinking whiskey to the one's you've spend your life trying to taste (all of the Pappy van Winkle collection).

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Contemporary American, Seafood, American
Hours of Operation
Brunch Sat, Sun 10:00–14:00 Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 15:00–21:00 Fri, Sat 15:00–23:00
Phone number
(949) 481-7734
Website
https://www.eatatcrafthouse.com/
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress Code
Smart Casual
Executive Chef
Blake Mellgren
Private party facilities
We have multiple private spaces, our front patio overlooking PCH seats about 30, our dining room seats 36, while our back patio seats up to 100.

Location
34094 Pacific Coastal Hwy, Dana Point, CA 92629
Area
Dana Point / Monarch Beach
Cross Street
Pacific Coast Highway @ Del Prado
Parking Details
Limited Parking in our lot due to outdoor dining. An additional lot coming soon for parking
Additional
Dog Friendly, Gluten-free Options, Patio/Outdoor Dining

Concierge
AI Beta

Our AI assistant, Concierge, is here to answer your questions about this restaurant.

Steamed ClamsUS$20.00
littleneck clams | chorizo bilbao | garlic | shallot | white wine | herbs | grilled bread
Crispy PotatoesUS$15.00
fingerling potatoes | calabrian chili crema | parmesan
Shishito PeppersUS$14.00
ponzu | sriracha aioli | sesame seeds | maldon salt | cilantro
Roasted CauliflowerUS$14.00
sweet chili | sriracha aioli | togarashi sesame seeds | chives | wonton strips
Spicy Tuna Crispy RiceUS$20.00
ahi tuna | rice cake | avocado crema | sweet soy | sesame | cilantro
Potato Tacos (3)US$13.00
potato | queso fresco | cotija | cabbage | habanero crema | house salsa

Broth & Greens

Pozole RojoUS$16.00
pork shoulder | hominy | guajillo broth | cilantro | onion | lime | cabbage | tostada
Farmer's Market Burrata SaladUS$18.00
burrata | mixed greens | tomato | crispy quinoa | sunny cal farms seasonal fruit | sourdough
Santa Ana Chicken CaesarUS$20.00
romaine | chicken breast | pepitas | tomato | grilled lime | queso fresco | chipotle caesar dressing
Craft House WedgeUS$20.00
little gem | neuske bacon | blue cheese | marinated tomato | red onion | ranch
Fall SaladUS$18.00
mixed greens | romaine | pomegranate | butternut squash | sunny cal farms apple + asian pear | feta | candied pecans | date + balsamic vinaigrette

Larger Plates

Market Fish
see weekly features menu
Steak FritesUS$42.00
8 oz wagyu grass fed center cut steak | chimichurri | tallow fries | fry sauce
Grilled MeatloafUS$26.00
beef | pork | bacon | trinity | greens | mashed potato | tomato jam
Craft House Smash BurgerUS$24.00
2 grass fed patties | american cheese | caramelized onions | pickles | garlic + mustard aioli | fries
Craft House Fried Chicken DinnerUS$28.00
mashed potato | haricot vert | country pepper gravy
Short Rib Pot PieUS$36.00
braised short rib | carrot | peas | mushrooms | pearl onion | red wine | demiglace | puff pastry
Laguna Beach Mushroom Co PastaUS$25.00
chestnut + king oyster mushrooms | garlic | shallot | butter |cream | parmesan | sherry | herbs | bucatini
Filet Stroganoff PastaUS$29.00
filet mignon | egg noodle | garlic | shallot | dijon | crème fraiche | laguna beach mushroom co mushrooms

Add-On Proteins

Market FishUS$18.00
Grilled Chicken BreastUS$8.00
Fried Chicken ThighUS$8.00
8oz Wagyu Grass Fed SkirtUS$32.00

Reviews

OpenTable reviews from verified diners

Reviews from people who have dined at CRAFT HOUSE Dana Point.

4.8

(1675)

4.7Food
4.8Service
4.6Ambience
4.5Value

Noise • Moderate

Diners' Choice Awards

Orange County
Lively
Orange County
Contemporary American
South Orange County
Lively

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Craft House in Dana Point is celebrated for its "exceptional and consistent" food, "top-notch service," and vibrant atmosphere. Chef Blake's commitment to local ingredients shines, offering a "creative and diverse menu." The restaurant is praised for its pet-friendly patio and "amazing drinks." It's a "favorite spot" for brunch and special events.

1,675 Reviews

g
gary Gold
Los Angeles80 reviews
4.0
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 3
Food was quite good, but the noise level was high. Happy Hour prices were great and the food was good.
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G
Gabriel
Orange County1 review
3.0
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 3
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 3
I took my date for Sunday brunch, and it was not as I would have expected. The food and drinks were good and so wat the service! On the downside was an extremely small parking lot and seriously dangerous exit to the PCH when the lot was full. The restaurant was busy and lively, a fun environment. The outdoor patio was loud from street noise. also the dining room was hot, gnats were a buzz, and my date "Baby" was sat in a corner. Probably would Door Dash this next time.
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S
Stacy
Los Angeles3 reviews
3.0
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 3
2. Food 2
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Cute place; service was good, but the food was not so much. The salad was oily, the avocado toast was strange, the tacos were very much fried, the burrito was the best item ordered. The menu could be improved; the setting was lovely, and the service was good.
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R
Reggee
Orange County4 reviews
5.0
Dined on 11 October 2026
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Perfect place for great innovative food choices. Service is always on and drinks were creative and flavorful. Well done.
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W
Whitney Gold
Phoenix / Arizona35 reviews
3.0
Dined on 8 October 2026
1. Overall 3
2. Food 2
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 2
Just an okay experience. Service was good. Quality of food average. Cost was high for the quality. $25.00 for a cocktail is outrageous.
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M
Mike
San Francisco Bay Area6 reviews
5.0
Dined on 7 October 2026
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Very friendly place - great food and atmosphere and easy to get to
Is this helpful?
B
Brian Gold
Orange County7 reviews
5.0
Dined on 4 October 2026
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Always a great spot with very consistent good food and quality drinks. We love their brunch!
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K
Kevin Gold
Orange County8 reviews
5.0
Dined on 19 September 2026
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Excellent food and drink in Dana point. Service is always top notch and an extensive bourbon menu to boot.
Is this helpful?
B
Brady
Orange County1 review
4.0
Dined on 18 September 2026
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Team made quick adj to our party change of 2 to 3. We miss the birri egg roll, but the tinga was a nice surprise.
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M
Mario or Lisa Gold
Orange County2 reviews
5.0
Dined on 13 September 2026
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Food was great and drinks were good. There are a few quirks in how they deliver service. I had reservations for 6:30pm, at 6:03pm I get a text saying my table is ready and to respond if I was on my way. This made me double check to see if I had made the reservation at the wrong time, but no, I confirmed it was 6:30pm. We arrive at 6:25pm and they say it will be a wait and we end up waiting 20 minutes for our table. What is up with the text at 6:03pm? I ordered a martini and the waiter asked of if I wanted blue cheese olives and I said yes. I also asked for a side of mustard with my hamburger. When the bill came there was a 50 cent charge for the blue cheese olives and 75 cents for the mustard (it was Dijon). I thought this nickel and diming was very poor customer experience. If I asked for no onions on my burger would they have deducted 50 cents? While I appreciate the transparency none of this was disclosed and I thought reflected poorly on the restaurant. Finally, at the valet, which was $6, handed the attendant $10 and he promptly put it away with no offer of change. I always tip but also thought that was odd.
Is this helpful?

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Contemporary American, Seafood, American
Hours of Operation
Brunch Sat, Sun 10:00–14:00 Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 15:00–21:00 Fri, Sat 15:00–23:00
Phone number
(949) 481-7734
Website
https://www.eatatcrafthouse.com/
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress Code
Smart Casual
Executive Chef
Blake Mellgren
Private party facilities
We have multiple private spaces, our front patio overlooking PCH seats about 30, our dining room seats 36, while our back patio seats up to 100.

Location
34094 Pacific Coastal Hwy, Dana Point, CA 92629
Area
Dana Point / Monarch Beach
Cross Street
Pacific Coast Highway @ Del Prado
Parking Details
Limited Parking in our lot due to outdoor dining. An additional lot coming soon for parking
Additional
Dog Friendly, Gluten-free Options, Patio/Outdoor Dining

FAQs

Yes, guests report gluten-free banana bread bites, and reviewers have noted a vegetarian risotto special, so gluten-free and vegetarian options have been available.

Weekend brunch is a highlight, Saturday or Sunday (10:00 am–2:00 pm), guests call the brunch a new go-to and enjoy the patio brunch experience.

CRAFT HOUSE - Dana Point is owned by Blake and Kelly, guests frequently praise working with them on wedding receptions and events.

Yes, Craft House is frequently recommended for date night, with guests enjoying cocktails, Steak Frites, and a beautiful setting for a memorable evening.

Guests frequently describe portions as generous, several parties left with leftovers and reviewers note notably large chicken portions.

Smart casual is the guide, polished but relaxed, and many guests do dress up a touch for celebrations and special nights out.

Expect a noticeable buzz during peak visits, especially happy hour and when the bar area fills up, while the back dining area and some Sunday evenings can feel noticeably quieter and more relaxed.

The Craft House Smash Burger is a recurring favorite, it appears on both the dinner and brunch menus and is repeatedly praised by guests.

Yes, families dine here regularly: reviewers describe coming with kids, children ordering kid‑friendly plates like mac-and-cheese or burgers and fries, and the spot being suitable for a weekday family dinner.

Yes, diners often bring dogs to the outdoor seating: reviewers describe being seated near large dogs on the patio and note staff and regulars who welcome canine guests.

For a lively, social visit try Social Hour when the dedicated drinks and small-plates menu is in play; for an easier, quieter dinner many guests say Sunday evenings are pleasantly low-key.

Yes, Craft House runs a Social Hour (happy‑hour) program with its own drinks and small‑plates menu, a favorite for guests looking for bargains and a fun bar scene.

Craft House feels warm and inviting with a standout bar area, rustic wood accents and greenhouse-like windows, while the back patio or covered back room offers a quieter alternative to the lively dining room.

Dogs are commonly seen on the outdoor patio, guests describe dining beside a Great Dane and note the restaurant welcomes dogs in its outdoor spaces.

Yes, Craft House has a full bar: expect craft cocktails, bottled and sparkling wine, and local beers on the menu.

How FAQ content is generated

Make a booking

CRAFT HOUSE Dana Point

4.8

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Dana Point / Monarch Beach

Make a booking

2 people

25 Oct 2026

19:00

Booked 22 times today

CRAFT HOUSE Dana Point

Make a booking

CRAFT HOUSE Dana Point

Make a booking

About this restaurant

Dining areas

Additional information

To Share

Steamed ClamsUS$20.00

Crispy PotatoesUS$15.00

Shishito PeppersUS$14.00

Roasted CauliflowerUS$14.00

Spicy Tuna Crispy RiceUS$20.00

Potato Tacos (3)US$13.00

Broth & Greens

Pozole RojoUS$16.00

Farmer's Market Burrata SaladUS$18.00

Santa Ana Chicken CaesarUS$20.00

Craft House WedgeUS$20.00

Fall SaladUS$18.00

Larger Plates

Market Fish

Steak FritesUS$42.00

Grilled MeatloafUS$26.00

Craft House Smash BurgerUS$24.00

Craft House Fried Chicken DinnerUS$28.00

Short Rib Pot PieUS$36.00

Laguna Beach Mushroom Co PastaUS$25.00

Filet Stroganoff PastaUS$29.00

Add-On Proteins

Market FishUS$18.00

Grilled Chicken BreastUS$8.00

Fried Chicken ThighUS$8.00

8oz Wagyu Grass Fed SkirtUS$32.00

Diners' Choice Awards

Review summary

Dining areas

Additional information

FAQs

Does this restaurant have vegan/vegetarian, gluten-free or other dietary options?

What is the best day to go to CRAFT HOUSE - Dana Point?

Who owns CRAFT HOUSE - Dana Point?

Is this a good pick for date night?

What are the portion sizes like at this restaurant?

What is the dress code for CRAFT HOUSE - Dana Point?

When is this restaurant busiest and quietest?

What is this restaurant's stand-out or favorite dish?

Is this restaurant kid-friendly?

Is this restaurant dog-friendly?

When is the best time to go to CRAFT HOUSE - Dana Point?

Does this restaurant have any specials deals or experiences?

What's the ambience/atmosphere like in this restaurant?

Are pets (including service dogs and emotional support animals) allowed in this restaurant?

Does this restaurant serve alcohol?

Make a booking

CRAFT HOUSE Dana Point

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