Over the past several weeks I’ve become enamored by the burgers that you can find in South Orange County. What I once thought was a wasteland for interesting food and decent prices is slowly becoming a food oasis for me. Dana Point has been going through a renovation these past couple of years; what once was stuffy and old is slowly becoming casually elegant. The Shwack Beach Grill is a casual restaurant that has been around for several years. I tried them a long time ago, but I haven’t been back since.
I don’t know why it took so long to go back, because The Shwack burger is Shwacking delicious. They’ve been rated the best burger in Dana Point for years and their ingredients are locally sourced.
I’ve been on an obsessive burger kick lately and what differentiates my favorites from others is usually a small detail. They all pretty much have nicely seasoned meat and fresh ingredients but what makes them special? The Schwack burger has all the facets of a great burger, but the marinated red onion gives it another level of flavor. Matching it with seasoned beef and cheese brought a briny complexity that was nicely complimented by the understated Shwack sauce. Be sure to dedicate some time to the Shwack Spuds as well, they are an interesting deviation from the traditional fries you would get at most places. They’re served with a house made jalapeno bacon ranch.
The Shwack’s menu is big, with everything from breakfast to baby back ribs. While I can’t vouch for other items on the menu, the restaurant’s reputation in the community seems to speak for itself. I can’t think of a better burger to have after a day walking the Dana Point harbor or exploring the beach.
-Vy
24502 Del Prado
Dana Point, CA 92629
(949) 218 – 2731
Open 7 Days: 8AM – 9PM