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Tavern at the Mission, San Juan Capistrano, CA

Tavern at the Mission

4.7
4.7
531 Reviews
$31 to $50
American

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2 people
19:00
Booked 41 times today
  • Great for outdoor dining
  • Neighbourhood gem
  • Charming
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.

Order delivery or takeout

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 Mon 4:00 pm–8:00 pm Tue–Sun 4:00 pm–6:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (949) 240-2229
  • Website
    https://www.tavernatthemission.com/
  • 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.

Menu

View menu on restaurant's website

What 531 people are saying

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

Noise • Moderate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Tavern at the Mission offers a delightful dining experience with "excellent food and service." The ambiance features cozy indoor spaces and a "lovely outdoor patio." Guests rave about the "amazing happy hour," diverse menu, and standout dishes like the French onion soup and coconut cake. Perfect for special occasions!

531 Reviews

  1. Nancy

    VIP

    Los Angeles

    24 reviews

    3.0

    24 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 1
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 4
    So many of food items were extremely sweet! (Brussels sprouts, fig pear prosciutto flat bread, fried chicken sandwich). I like sweet savory item but these felt like candy! Calamari were not crispy at all. Waitress was very pushy to get orders before group was all seated let alone had time to read drink menu.

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  2. Mark

    VIP

    Orange County

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Fantastic Christmas Eve dinner experience for our family!

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  3. Liz

    Orange County

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Excellent choice for Christmas Eve dinner. Everything was perfect!

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  4. M

    Orange County

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 4
    The restaurant was beautiful and the ambiance was perfect. It did get loud at times but we were able to hold a conversation. Our service was subpar at best and I felt we were neglected because we were a two top and didn't order alcohol. My food was cold but I would never send it back. Overall I would try this restaurant again as I am hoping it was just a holiday menu issue.

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  5. David

    Orange County

    41 reviews

    4.0

    41 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 3
    We were there for Xmas Eve dinner (price fixed). I thought it was a bit overpriced ($75 + $10 extra for prime rib)+ tax + tip + alcohol + coffee which ended up being around $300. The French Onion Soup and the Lobster bisque for appetizers were great. We were served our Prime Rib before we were done with our soup which always makes you feel rushed. The Prime Rib was being served all medium rare (I prefer medium) so part in the middle went to waste. The sides were good. We had the Bananageddon for dessert which was interesting. I think all "fine" dining restaurants should serve bread, rolls, crackers or breadsticks while enjoying one's cocktail... none were available. Also, eating on a bare table lacks the feel of a fine restaurant... either table cloths or at least placemats would be a nice touch. After unrolling one's napkin, no one likes putting their clean silverware on a bare table that was wiped with a rag that wipes many tables, etc. The restaurant was busy and quite noisy as expected with many children there. We still enjoyed ourselves but probably would not come back for this price fixed meal.

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  6. Jason

    Palm Springs

    6 reviews

    3.0

    6 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 3
    Overall good meal. No flexibility on the temp for Filet, only cooked Med Rare. Only option for kids was Fried Chicken on set menu. Service was at a good pace, just not super friendly. Manager expressed good empathy when we tried to get accommodations. Food: soups, cream corn, duck, sea bass and carrot cake all good.

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  7. Maureen

    Los Angeles

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 4
    Food was great, drinks good but bit pricey. Everyone is very friendly. However, would recommend that the hostess or anyone at front desk at very least acknowledge the customer standing in front of them before they walk away. It was at least 10 mins after being seated that anyone came to our table and asked if we wanted water or drinks. Then 15 mins before drinks came. (Need more help at the bar). Had to go find server for the check. Short staffed? Maybe. But that reason is getting old. Our server however was very friendly. We will come back, most likely eat in bar.

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  8. Heather

    Las Vegas

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great food, atmosphere, and customer service!! We really enjoyed it.

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  9. TIM

    VIP

    Orange County

    59 reviews

    4.0

    59 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 3
    Schnitzel on special, a bit pricey, but everything is these days. That said, we liked it and would order again. Everything else was good too!

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  10. Kurt

    VIP

    Orange County

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We really enjoyed eating there. French onion soup was especially good.

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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 531 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a booking

2 people
19:00
Booked 41 times today

Order delivery or takeout

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
  • Area
    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 Mon 4:00 pm–8:00 pm Tue–Sun 4:00 pm–6:00 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
    Dog Friendly, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Vegan
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