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Tavern at the Mission, San Juan Capistrano, CA

Tavern at the Mission

4.7
4.7
647 Reviews
$31 to $50
American
26860 Old Mission Road, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 37 times today

About this restaurant

  • Great for outdoor dining
  • Neighborhood gem
  • Good for special occasions
Renowned Orange County restaurateur David Wilhelm, along with longtime partner Gregg Solomon, purchased this iconic location in the heart of charming downtown San Juan Capistrano overlooking the Jewel of the California missions.

The menu features many of his signature classic comfort foods such as his Famous Buttermilk Fried Chicken, French 75's Onion Soup, and Whiskey Shrimp Dijon, featured at his Tavern House Kitchen+Bar in Newport Beach.

Chef Wilhelm is a longtime South County resident, well known for the many concepts he has created over the years including Kachina, Sorrento Grille, French 75, Savannah Chophouse and Jimmy's Famous American Tavern.

Tavern at the Mission has a large, tree covered, pet friendly patio with beautiful mission views. The interiors have been beautifully renovated with a chandelier lit dining room and a warm central fireplace. Our' Tumbleweed Bar' is designed as an homage to San Juan Capistrano's Equestrian and Vaqueros history.

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    American, Comfort Food, Contemporary American
  • Hours of operation
    Brunch Sun 11:00 am–3:00 pm Lunch Mon–Sat 11:30 am–3:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 4:00 pm–8:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Happy Hour Daily 4:00 pm–5:30 pm
  • Phone number
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Executive chef
    DAVID WILHELM
  • Private party facilities
    Private dining room and patio areas available for large groups.
  • Delivery & takeout
  • Neighborhood
    San Juan Capistrano
  • Cross street
    Old Mission Road & El Camino Real, Public Lots $2 Validation w/ Ticket
  • Parking details
    Public Lot
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Dog Friendly, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Vegan, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 647 people are saying

Tavern at the Mission reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7
4.7 based on recent ratings
  • 4.7Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.3Value

NoiseModerate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Tavern at the Mission offers a delightful dining experience in a charming setting with both indoor and outdoor seating. Patrons praise the "amazing service," "excellent food," and "beautiful ambiance." The French Onion soup and squash blossom flatbread are highly recommended. Great for special occasions and gatherings, it's a "neighborhood favorite."

647 Reviews
  1. Al

    Orange County42 reviews

    4.0

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Great service, food was really good, nice surroundings

    Is this helpful?

  2. Patrick and Mary VIP

    Orange County105 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We love the menu and service here. Salads and sandwiches are delicious. Betty is an amazing server!!!

    Is this helpful?

  3. Rita Monte VIP

    Las Vegas24 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on April 17, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    I thought the prices were a little over the top. The French Onion soup was great but not for $17 . And that was the lunch price. I was wondering why this restaurant was not as busy as it was with the previous owners. Now I know why. When it was Cedar Creek it was always packed. The food was great and so were the prices. Maybe the menu prices should be under consideration. Oh how I miss Italy!! Always great food, great services and reasonably priced! Never disappoint.

    Is this helpful?

  4. Larry VIP

    Orange County18 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 13, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We had a lovely brunch on the patio...used the heater while it was overcast and then did not need it once the sun came out. Emily was a wonderful server. Our meals were excellent. The live music was not overwhelming. The whole dining experience was just great.

    Is this helpful?

  5. Debra

    Orange County37 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on April 13, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Our server Evelyn was very attentive. Music on the patio was very good and not too loud.

    Is this helpful?

  6. Mary VIP

    Orange County29 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 13, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Jennifer (although in a well deserved vacation holiday) is an excellent manager. We have been impressed o er and over with her.

    Is this helpful?

  7. Chasi

    Unspecified1 review

    5.0

    Dined on April 12, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Beautiful evening. Great company celebrating a milestone birthday. Staff is great, super friendly. Food & Happy Hr awesome. We had an amazing time. We will be back!

    Is this helpful?

  8. Barb VIP

    Orange County2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 12, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The food was great! Squash blossom flatbread is amazing and the French onion soup is also! My husband loved his fish

    Is this helpful?

  9. Lisa

    Orange County2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 11, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The Tavern at The Mission in San Juan Capistrano is a hidden gem. The inside ambience is soothing, and casually elegant. The outdoor dining is equally charming with a garden-like setting. The food is diverse and delicious with fair pricing. Our server Betti made sure we knew the specialties on the menu, and made sure we were well taken care of! Tavern has been a special location for our yearly girl’s luncheon! Thank you Betti, and thank you Tavern! We’ll be back!

    Is this helpful?

  10. Scott

    Orange County6 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 10, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Third time customer! Outstanding food and quality service! Try the pork chop dinner!! Yummm.

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

Tavern at the Mission offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (949) 240-2229.

Tavern at the Mission is rated 4.7 stars by 647 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Orange County
  4. South Orange County
  5. San Juan Capistrano

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 37 times today
Google Map for Tavern at the Mission

26860 Old Mission Road, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Cross street
    Old Mission Road & El Camino Real, Public Lots $2 Validation w/ Ticket
  • Neighborhood
    San Juan Capistrano
  • Hours of operation
    Brunch Sun 11:00 am–3:00 pm Lunch Mon–Sat 11:30 am–3:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 4:00 pm–8:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Happy Hour Daily 4:00 pm–5:30 pm
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    American, Comfort Food, Contemporary American
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Parking details
    Public Lot
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    DAVID WILHELM
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Dog Friendly, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Vegan, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Delivery & takeout
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