The Shwack Beach Grill

Delicious burger and spuds. Must try with the delicious ranch dressing.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Fun, lively, & friendly. Great fish tacos, but the chowder was a bit soupy and a smidge spicy.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

Best Burger we had while in Dana Point!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: The Shwack Burger, Taco, French Fries, Shwack Burger, Shwack Sauce

I ordered the Shwack Burger, their signature item, and was disappointed to learn it only comes in one temperature. This is usually a sign of lower-quality ground beef. Unfortunately, the flavor confirmed it: the patty was bland, poorly seasoned, and tasted like low-grade meat. The restaurant itself felt dark and dated, and while the service was OK, it was the only bright spot in the experience. Honestly, I don’t understand how this place has such high reviews, other than perhaps being boosted by the heavy tourist traffic in Dana Point. In & Out makes 10× better burgers for half the price.

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 1

Service: 3

Food is always yummy at Shwach. You place you order at the counter. The servers bring you order to your table quickly. I enjoy the nachos and the veggie sandwich. We often sit on the patio

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

Moses was super helpful, keep up the good work

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Great service

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Take it from a decades long hospitality professional, hotels as well as bar restaurant concepts, you can’t go wrong with the level of service, an attentive friendly staff, delicious food, and fair prices. This combination a winning concept. As a former resident of Dana Point, lots of recent changes within the Lantern District however, the Schwack somehow retains a locals vibe. Very nice!

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

I've been a few times. Overall pretty lack luster sadly. The place has a pretty cool vibe but the service is terrible more often than not. Very difficult to customize a pretty basic order especially depending on the help you have.

I've tried a variety of items. The veggie burger is FINE if you have to, but the ground beef patty quality is downright sketchy! I'd avoid the meat here.

The one thing I really loved are the fries (or Spuds rather), very good especially with the sauce they give!

Maybe fun to try once, but I wouldn't go back sadly.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 2

Service: 1

Love their fish tacos. Not overcooked! We take out of town friends there since we live in Laguna Niguel and then go view Dana Point harbor. We have dined there for years.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Cool place. There burgers and sandwiches are good. Been here a few times but last time had tuna burger which was ok but wasn't a fan. Will go back to the burgers and fries.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

For the area, many talk about Pedro’s tacos, but in reality, Shwack is much better quality. If you really want good tacos, pass on others and come here, you won’t be disappointed.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Great chicken barbecue sandwich here. Good atmosphere and service. The food was quick too. Really recommend for a quick and easy bite.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

The food was flavorful and fresh, and I really enjoyed the simplicity of the meal. That said, I do think the sides could be a bit more generous just a small cup of beans and a side of rice felt a little too basic for the price. The drink options were also pretty limited outside of the standard fountain drinks.

Overall though, it’s a solid spot for a good lunch or a laid-back dinner. The vibe is relaxed, and the food definitely hits the spot when you’re craving something satisfying and straightforward.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 4

Been 4 years since last cam here b/c the food as super salty and poorly prepared. Tried it again today and it was even worse than I remembered it being. The spuds were inedible, cold & hard. Crazy the food is so bad b/c the location is awesome.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 1

Service: 4