Community Conversations: Cali Costa Restaurant & Cantina
Welcome to our new regular series, “Community Conversations” where we have conversations with local business owners about their history, where they’re at now, and what the future looks like.
MEET JOSHUA BENSON - OWNER OF CALI COSTA RESTAURANT & CANTINA
Today I had the privilege of interviewing Joshua Benson, the owner of Cali Costa Restaurant & Cantina. I was excited to speak with Joshua as I’m a huge fan of Mexican Cantina style restaurants (aren’t we all?) and there just aren’t that many around in Dana Point. I’m a big fan of Cali Costa as they hit the nail on the head on what makes a great Mexican Cantina - great food and drinks, plenty of TVs with sports on, and an overall great atmosphere.
Tell us a little about Cali Costa and it's history.
Cali Costa was started in 2020 and set up shop in the old Taco Surf building and as some of you may know, the original Hobie Surf Shop. We bring a Mexican/American flavor to Dana Point and offer a more upscale yet casual vibe to our food and drinks. We offer you great Mexican food, but also give you a choice of putting down a burger or wings while watching your favorite sports on one of our 30+ TV’s. We are a family friendly business, owned by 2 Dana Point locals that live about a ½ mile away with our daughter Brightlee. We are 100% sure you have seen all 3 of us running around here at least once! Cali Costa was started to bring food, family and fun to Dana Point.
Tell us a little about yourself. What inspired you to open a restaurant?
Both Niamh (Neve) and I worked in the restaurant/bar/nightclub scene for many years before Cali Costa was created and we wanted to take a chance at owning our own someday. When the chance came to be able to open one in our home town, we jumped on that right away! The love for sports in both of us gave us the drive to combine awesome Mexican food with the ability to watch all the games. I grew up a Seahawks fan and Niamh a Packer fan, but we both have love for the Chicago Cubs. Our daughter Brightlee’s middle name is even Wrigley.
Why did you decide to open Cali Costa in Dana Point?
We had our daughter Brightlee in 2018 and decided that we want to have something for the future of the family, so we quit our jobs, saved our money and moved back to be with family back in Dana Point. We started to search for restaurants that were for sale, but when COVID hit in 2020, everything came to a halt! Funding, investors and partners all gone! We were screwed. Then one of the restaurant brokers we had been working with said that there was a place for sale right in Dana Point and the property owner likes our concept. So we put all our eggs in to one basket, and put all our own money into starting Cali Costa right here in the amazing Dana Point!
What dish would you say is the most popular with your customers?
Our tacos for sure as well as our massive burritos. We have the best carnitas around as we cook it in bacon so it is always juicy and never dry. Also everyone loves our Oaxacan Short Rib, either in tacos, taquitos, enchiladas or a chimichanga! Everyone loves our grilled chili relleno stuffed with bacon and 2 types of cheese, and yes they are part of our Happy Hour menu. We are a Mexican spot but we also have the best burgers and the best wings in town!
How about their favorite cocktail?
We have quite a few cocktails from all sorts of margaritas and micheladas, to Oaxaca Old Fashioned’s and champagne cocktails. We hands down have the best tasting bloody marys in town. We make our own mix and sling them all morning with brunch on weekends, both Saturday’s and Sunday’s
What's your personal favorite dish at Cali Costa?
I personally love out Dana Point Fish taco and our Cali Shrimp taco. The Dana Point fish taco comes fried or grilled with cabbage, chipotle aioli and mango salsa, where as the Cali Shrimp has cabbage, pico, chipotle aioli and cilantro lime crema. Both are great!
What is the most fun day of the week at Cali Costa?
Taco Tuesday is always one of the best days of the week.
But….. We have Burger Monday, Kids EAT FREE Wednesday, Taco Thursday, and brunch on both Saturday and Sunday until 1pm.
Sorry, every day there is something going on here!
What makes Cali Costa unique and different than other restaurants in Dana Point?
Locally owned and operated by family. Cali Costa is not just another restaurant to eat at. We try and give every guest that family friendly feeling whether it is your first time or your 50th time. We are all about good food, great family and tons of fun! We even have a dog menu for everyone with a pup!
What's the future hold for Cali Costa?
More fun! We love Dana Point and everyone that comes along for the ride. We are always changing and adapting our menu with fun and exciting plates and items to keep ya coming back for something new. More live music, and fun weekly and monthly promos in the works. So stay tuned, and as aways stay safe. Remember, eat tacos. You are harder to kidnap when you’re fat!
Thank you to Joshua Benson for chatting with us about his restaurant Cali Costa. I’m personally a big fan of this place so go check it out when you have a chance!
Cali Costa is located at 34195 CA-1, Dana Point, CA
Would you like to talk to us about your Dana Point business? Reach out to us on the Contact page!
Written by Erik Pedersen-Jauch
Founder, Dana Point Unplugged
REALTOR at Eriksen Properties | DRE #01981918
(949) 683-3221
danapointunplugged@gmail.com
