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Tavern at the Mission, San Juan Capistrano, CA

Tavern at the Mission

4.7
4.7
501 Reviews
$31 to $50
American

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 23 times today
  • Great for outdoor dining
  • Neighborhood 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
  • 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.
  • 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 501 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
  • 4.8Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.3Value

NoiseModerate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Tavern at the Mission offers a delightful dining experience with "great food" and "excellent service." Patrons rave about the "cozy" atmosphere, particularly the beautiful patio setting. The diverse menu, including standout items like the "French Onion Soup," garners praise. Betty and other attentive staff enhance the overall experience, making it a must-visit.

501 Reviews
  1. Sandi

    Orange County

    48 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    48 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Very nice experience! Food was good and wait staff super!

    Is this helpful?

  2. Traci

    Los Angeles

    12 reviews

    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Our food was exceptional, as was our server, Emma. My filet was cooked to perfection and my husband’s pork chop was enormous. The charred Brussels sprouts are always a must, as is the garlic toast. So happy that Tavern opened in my neighborhood.

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  3. Jeanne

    Orange County

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 3
    Our server Rubin was delightful and the food (curry chicken with papaya) was outstanding. The garlic bread was delicious! I highly recommend. BTW we sat outside in front of the outdoor fireplace.

    Is this helpful?

  4. Trish

    Orange County

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    Very enjoyable dinner. The chicken picatta and the Tavern combo were delicious. Nice ambiance - perhaps a tad too dark though as we all had to use our phone flashlight to read the menu.

    Is this helpful?

  5. Jan

    Orange County

    53 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    53 reviews

    Dined on November 20, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    I had the Sole and my hubby had the lamp everything was so good. I love the Tavern.

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  6. Elinor

    Greater Boston

    53 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    53 reviews

    Dined on November 20, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The food and service were excellent and value outstanding.

    Is this helpful?

  7. Helen

    Orange County

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 19, 2024

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 3
    Great Happy Hour in the bar area...lots of food selections, really good prices.

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  8. Christina

    Orange County

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 18, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We are inside because it’s getting so cold. You must have the French onion soup.

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  9. Sydrah

    San Antonio

    37 reviews

    5.0

    37 reviews

    Dined on November 17, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    One of our favorite restaurants! We always have a great experience!

    Is this helpful?

  10. Debbie

    Orange County

    12 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on November 17, 2024

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Celebrated my husband’s birthday lunch with his Mom. He ordered hamburger medium rare, but it was way too rare and had to send it back. We ordered the Eggs Benedict which was so delish! Waitress was super nice. Nice restaurant with decent food.

    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 501 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 23 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
  • 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 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
    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
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