{"success":true,"data":{"id":"c36921c7-07ce-41c9-8fcc-2b9790cfe8a9","title":"Beloved SoCal restaurant serving iconic California cocktail to close after 50 years","summary":"Breaking News An iconic harbor restaurant In Orange County has promised to share the recipe for its signature mai tai before closing their doors for good after a half century.","content":"#### Breaking News\n\nAn iconic harbor restaurant In Orange County has promised to share the recipe for its signature mai tai before [closing their doors for good](https://nypost.com/2026/05/14/lifestyle/beloved-west-hollywood-seafood-restaurant-connie-teds-closing-after-13-years/) after a half century.\n\nLocated in Dana Point Harbor, the Wind & Sea restaurant has been serving guests since Bob Mardian opened the doors in 1972 at just 24 years old, according to the [Dana Point Times](https://www.picketfencemedia.com/danapointtimes/eye-on-dp/wind-sea-to-close-on-sept-15-after-54-years-in-dana-point-harbor/article_b7feea62-4b9c-45cd-b751-b951359d2de7.html).\n\nLast week, the restaurant took to social media share the sad news that its final day of service would be on September 15.\n\nAn iconic harbor restaurant In Orange County has promised to leave the recipe for its signature cocktail before they close their doors for good. Instagram/@windandsearestaurant\n\n“After more than five decades of unforgettable memories, it’s time to share some heartfelt news with our beloved community,” the [announcement](https://www.instagram.com/p/DayIrWkqma0/) read.\n\n“What began as a restaurant became a place where memories were made, celebrations were shared, and guests became family.\n\n“While our hearts are heavy, we are filled with immense gratitude for the incredible journey we’ve been fortunate to share with you. The legacy of this place lives on through the memories created within these walls, the friendships formed around our tables, and the countless stories that will continue to be told.”\n\nLocated in Dana Point Harbor-with the beautiful Pacific Ocean as the backdrop-the Wind and Sea restaurant has been serving the community since 1972. Instagram/@windandsearestaurant\n\nIn a later post, the popular spot teased that it would share the recipe to its iconic mai tai when a person asked for it.\n\n“Let’s talk about the Mai tai recipe. That’s what we all want to take home after W&S is gone forever,” the post read.\n\nIn response the shop replied: “It’s coming.”\n\nMardian estimates that his restaurant has sold around 3.5 million of the fruity cocktail since the bar opened.\n\nOn July 14, they shared the sad news that after more than fifty years they were closing up shop. Instagram/@windandsearestaurant\n\nFans of the restaurant reacted on social media to the news.\n\n“I grew up going to and working at restaurants in DP Harbor. It was always a special place to my family,” one person wrote.\n\n“We scattered both of my parents’ ashes not far from W&S over a decade ago and I always say I’m going to visit them and toast them with a Mai Tai. I’m so sad that tradition will end,” another added.\n\nIn a later post, the popular seafood spot teased it would share the recipe to the restaurant’s iconic MaiTai, when a person asked for it. Wind & Sea\n\nMardian said when he signed the lease in 1971 and opened a year later he was the first restaurant on the wharf and is the now the last original there.\n\n“I’m the lone survivor until Sept. 15,” Mardian told the Dana Point Times.\n\n“I signed the lease when I was 24, and here I am 54 years later. I’ve had a good run.”\n\n“My whole professional life, once I got out of college, has been with my own company that I started when I was 24,” he added.  I’m proud of myself that I could do that at such a young age.”\n\nMardian vowed that the restaurant will be going out in style, planning to auction off items from his space including furniture, artwork and memorabilia.\n\nMardian vowed that they are going out in style, planning to auction off items from his restaurant including furniture, artwork and memorabilia. Instagram/@windandsearestaurant\n\nThe closure comes amid a $600 million revitalization project in [Dana Point](https://nypost.com/2026/07/19/us-news/dana-point-homeowners-stunning-10m-mansion-is-hanging-off-a-cliff-now-hes-bracing-for-a-super-el-nino/) Harbor. Demolition is already underway along the waterfront buildings to “reshape the harbor into a more walkable, connected destination,” per a [press release](https://danapointharbor.com/dana-point-harbor-demolition-clears-way-for-next-phase-of-revitalization/).\n\nIt is still unclear if Wind & Sea will relocate along with other businesses in the area that are closing due to construction for the project.","source_name":"New York Post","source_url":"https://nypost.com/2026/07/25/lifestyle/beloved-dana-point-restaurant-serving-iconic-california-cocktail-to-close-after-50-years/","url":"https://nypost.com/2026/07/25/lifestyle/beloved-dana-point-restaurant-serving-iconic-california-cocktail-to-close-after-50-years/","author":"Katie Jerkovich","author_name":"Katie Jerkovich","published_at":"2026-07-25T18:08:07.000Z","publication_date":"2026-07-25T18:08:07.000Z","image_url":"https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/135480131.jpg?quality=75&strip=all&w=1200","category":"world","topic":"world","tags":[],"political_bias":null,"bias_score":null,"confidence_score":null,"credibility_score":null,"factual_quality":null,"reading_time":4,"word_count":635,"view_count":0,"breaking":false,"breaking_news":false,"ai_analysis":null,"fact_check_status":"unverified","archive_status":"hot","language":null}}