The Point Restaurant and Bar

Marking the spot atop Blue Lantern Plaza on PCH in Dana Point, The Point Restaurant and Bar is destined to be a crowd-pleaser. Open for only three months at the former site of Caliente Coastal Cantina, The Point is on target to give South OC a little something for everyone.

Offering classic American cuisine at affordable prices is what co-owners Peter Andriet and Brett Cassel set their sights on when opening in July. Fresh, locally grown ingredients contribute to an unpretentious menu that spans from classic burgers, pastas, soups and salads to seafood and pizzas from the wood-fired brick oven.

I recommend starting with the Seared Ahi appetizer, served with ginger soy sauce and a cucumber and avocado salad. The BBQ Chicken Salad is another delicious option, featuring grilled chicken and crisp vegetables, tossed in a tangy BBQ ranch dressing. For heartier fare, give the Chicken Fried Chicken entrée a shot. It’s crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and smothered in country gravy. For a lighter, but just as fulfilling meal, the perfectly glazed Miso Salmon fits the bill.

The Point delivers on both tasty food and a relaxed atmosphere. Both inside and outside dining are available with plenty of vantage points for watching the big game. Want to magically transform your family dinner into date night? Then steer the youngsters toward The Point’s ingenious Kids’ Cave complete with chalk wall and community seating for 12.

Catch live entertainment at Tuesday’s “Open Mic” night or check out the Mike Dena Band performing Saturday nights from 9 p.m. to 12 a.m. Visit ThePointRestaurantandBar.com for a list of events.

The Point opens Monday afternoons starting at 3:00 p.m. and Tuesday through Sunday from 11:30 a.m. until late night, with Happy Hour from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. daily. Enjoy 20% off food all day long on “Local” Wednesdays and bring the kids in for a free meal with the purchase of an adult entrée every Monday thru Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The Point is a great place to watch sports and is a known hotspot for Monday Night Football!