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El Adobe de Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, CA

El Adobe de Capistrano

4.6
4.6
809 Reviews
$30 and under
Mexican
Enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine in a historic setting at El Adobe de Capistrano. This landmark features a wedding chapel, stained-glass windows and additional beautiful architectural details. Its kitchen has a mesquite-burning grill where chefs prepare deliciously flavored seafood and steak dishes. Soups, salads and appetizers are also on the menu, including tasty desserts.Owners Tony Moiso and Gilbert Aguirre have kept the atmosphere and traditions of the El Adobe de Capistrano going. This establishment still prepares the dishes that President Nixon and his wife enjoyed while visiting during his administration. It has a full bar that serves various drinks, a lounge area for socializing and a patio in the front. El Adobe de Capistrano offers private rooms for banquets and other events. The Palenque features a retracting roof, making it ideal for hosting an event under the night sky. It offers brunch and has a Happy Hour.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 16 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Cuisines
    Mexican, Seafood, Grill
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Thu 12:00 pm–8:00 pm Fri, Sat 11:00 am–9:00 pm Sun 10:00 am–8:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (949) 493-1163
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive chef
    Carlos Hernandez
  • Private party facilities
    El Adobe is the perfect spot to have your private events taken care of! We offer three different room options depending on the size of your group. We have many different menu options, linens and more that come with the room! You will have your own server working specifically only for your event.
  • Private party contact
    Jannette Gonzalez: (949) 493-1163 ext. 106
  • Neighborhood
    San Juan Capistrano
  • Parking details
    Private parking lot behind the restaurant
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 809 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.6
4.6 based on recent ratings
  • 4.6Food
  • 4.6Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.5Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Orange County

    Mexican

  • South Orange County

    Mexican

809 Reviews
  1. SarahD

    Orange County

    5 reviews

    3.0

    5 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    overall3food4service2ambience4
    Our server was not personable at all. It was my daughters birthday and we choose El Adobe for most of our celebrations and have always had a great experience. Except this time the server did not even acknowledge my daughter when i pointed her out as it being her birthday. I mentioned I had a cake and he brought me a knife and didn’t offer to serve it, despite being charged for bringing in my own dessert. The server seemed annoyed when we requested variations to the menu (I have food intolerances). We sat without refills on chips and water for quite some time.

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  2. KevinF

    Orange County

    25 reviews

    4.0

    25 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall4food5service5ambience4
    Went for our anniversary dinner (we were married at El Adobe) Food was very good as always, margaritas were tastey. Only down side was an extremely loud group at the table next to us. Not a negative on the restaurant, but the smaller room made it echo more.

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  3. LorayneZ

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I love this place! Very authentic Mexican food! Today i had their Chicken Enchilada Suisas , they were so tasty! I highly recommend them. Everything is always so delicious here!! That’s why we keep on coming back!

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  4. Amber

    Orange County

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    After eating here for the their extraordinary Mother's Day brunch we decided to try it for dinner on a weeknight. We liked it. Much better than other traditional Mexican restaurants. I also liked the fact that there was more of a variety of seafood style entrees. We took my mom and she really liked the carnitas. They gave her a good size portion too that she took some home. I had a tamale with beans and rice and it was delicious. Service was superb and very friendly. All in all not as good as their Mothers Day brunch, but better than most Mexican restaurants!!

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  5. Tegan

    Las Vegas

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall4food5service4ambience5
    The place is amazing! Our waiter was a little overwhelmed by our large party. A few things never made it out to the table which was a bummer, but happens I guess. Would definitely go back as the history and the quality of food hit the marks.

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  6. Cindy

    Los Angeles

    79 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    79 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food4service5ambience4
    We had a family member come to visit from out of town so it was a large group of 11. Everyone from the hostess to the wait staff were very attentive and made the evening special. I would recommend El Adobe to everyone from a date night dinner to family celebration. We always have a great experience

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  7. MaryR

    Orange County

    19 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    19 reviews

    Dined on September 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I love this restaurant. I have been coming here since the 70’s. It is always a perfect experience. Thank you. Mary Roosevelt you

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  8. LaineD

    Los Angeles

    17 reviews

    5.0

    17 reviews

    Dined on September 17, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    This restaurant has an authentic Mexican atmosphere that puts you in the mood for good food and fun! We’ve tried so many different dishes and we’ve yet to be disappointed!!

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  9. ShariG

    Orange County

    4 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on September 17, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience3
    Great service. Limited menu and average food. Great historic site.

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  10. OpenTable Diner

    Orlando

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on September 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    El Adobe is always a great time. Always great food! We love coming here!

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  11. OpenTable Diner

    Orange County

    9 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on September 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Once again another amazing experience at this restaurant. With so many Mexican restaurants in the area to choose from we keep coming back to El Adobe because of the value and enjoyable atmosphere. Our server was outstanding, and we enjoyed the live music while dining. We look forward to coming back soon! I would highly recommend this restaurant. 

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  12. MelodyW

    Palm Springs

    49 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    49 reviews

    Dined on September 9, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    First time here but won’t be my last. The service was TOP notch. Baskets of warm chips and salsa brought to the table immediately, super attentive server who was checking in with us often but not a nuisance. Loved their table side guacamole and I had the best drink!!

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  13. Rokc

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 9, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    The food is delicious here! My Mexican family really liked the food. Some times the service can be a little slow, but always courteous and obliging, so not a big deal. The restaurant is clean and comfortable. They have a parking lot with plenty of parking!…which is very convenient and not always the case in this historic part of San Juan Capistrano. The children under 7 even approved. The ability to make reservations online was great for a party of 9. The desert was good too! I highflying recommend. The mole was so delicious!

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  14. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on September 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent food! I’ve been to this restaurant many times over the past 40 years ❤️👍🏻

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  15. OpenTable Diner

    Hawaii

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on September 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The restaurant ambiance is really cool, there is a nice Mexican place atmosphere. The staff is friendly and the food was really great specially the deserts.

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  16. THMA5

    San Diego

    2 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 4, 2023

    overall2food1service4ambience4
    We love the restaurant's history and atmosphere. Service was fine. . But the food was not good yesterday when we were there. We had a party of 6 and not one of us liked what we ordered. We didn't even like the guacamole. We hope this was just an off day.

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  17. EvelynHD

    Los Angeles

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on September 3, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    I had a large party of 18 guests, they were very accommodating and too good care of us.

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  18. OpenTable Diner

    San Antonio

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing food, service and ambiance!!! 🙌. It was my husbands Birthday and our waitress brought us a dessert as well as the harpist singing happy Birthday 🎂💕👍

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  19. DLancaster

    New York Area

    10 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on September 2, 2023

    overall3food3service5ambience5
    Food is OK, drinks not very good, ambiance and decor is great

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  20. Boomiegirl5

    Sacramento

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on September 2, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    The El Adobe is classic and timeless. The ambiance is unbeatable. Be sure to tour the 100 yr old wine cellar and read about the history. The food is pretty average and an expected menu. The service is friendly and helpful. El Adobe is such a fun, classic experience that everyone should try at least once.

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  21. OpenTable Diner

    Alabama

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on September 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our experience was fantastic. We were immediately seated at a lovely table. Our server Margarita was beyond wonderful; gracious, knowledgeable and a true professional. The food was so delicious. We opted for the Presidential plate and it did not disappoint. We have 2 more days in town and are seriously considering two more meals here.

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  22. OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Miguel was our waiter and we was the absolute best!!!!

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  23. HaliV

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 31, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always enjoy coming here! The food and drinks are delicious, and the atmosphere is perfect for a girls night out!

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  24. RubiaG

    Las Vegas

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on August 30, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We were surprised it was Taco Tuesday. and we ordered the fish tacos , they were amazing ! Crispy fish, filled the taco, it was delicious... cant wait to go back again. We both ordered the Pepita salad. I think they changed the seasoning on the carne asada, The salad was soooo green, fresh and delicious. We had a great Dinner. Weve always loved El Adobe.

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  25. Dinedaily7

    Orange County

    65 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    65 reviews

    Dined on August 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This is a fabulous restaurant! If you need a party room, this is the place! We saw one room setup for a party. Another room having a First Holy Communion party. Fun restaurant, great food, drinks, value.

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  26. OpenTable Diner

    Orange County

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on August 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This is one of our favorite places to have lunch. The Fajitas Plate is always sizzling and well prepared.

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  27. GeraldB

    Orange County

    5 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on August 14, 2023

    overall3food3service2ambience3
    Service was poor. Ordered a drink and never got it. Never refilled water glasses. After they dropped food off very little attention paid.

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  28. OpenTable Diner

    Dallas

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on August 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent value, ambience, and entertainment! Keto dinner-Seafood Stuffed Chile Relleno w/veggies and Skinny Spicy Margarita Presidential dinner - Pres Nixon’s favorite We unexpectedly got seated in the Nixon’s favorite table. Our server, Miguel, was charismatic and helpful. The entertainment was marvelous as a live harpist played classic songs. Lastly, it’s a historic restaurant with a rich past.

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  29. SarahD

    Orange County

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on August 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Just wanted to give a big shout out to the manager and Pedro for helping us celebrate our mother’s 80th birthday! They graciously let us set up early and take up space for 2-3 hours. The food was excellent as usual and Pedro gave us amazing service.

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  30. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had a wonderful meal. Food was delicious, and the service was on point!

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  31. MarjP

    Orange County

    17 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    17 reviews

    Dined on August 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    It was a great dining experience at El Adobe! Our server was excellent! He went above and beyond to please our picky nephew who wanted a Caesar Salad that wasn't on the menu. He checked with the kitchen staff right away and came back with an answer that made our nephew happy. He got his Caesar Salad! The food was really good and the price was affordable. We loved our steak fajitas, flautas, taquitos and quesadillas. There was ample parking in the back. We will definitely go back there!

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  32. Finediner

    Orange County

    15 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on August 6, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience4
    Service could have been better but overall good experience.

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  33. ElizabethD

    Los Angeles

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Our server Christian was attentive and efficient. Very good service and food

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  34. NathalieR

    Washington DC

    8 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on August 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I love this place. It’s cozy and has great decor to go along with the fabulous food. Happy hour in the bar is really special too.

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  35. MichaelB

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    El Adobe is one of our favorite restaurants. Food service atmosphere is always excellent. It was my birthday. Could have chose any restaurant, but chose El Adobe.

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  36. SteveO

    Central Coast

    26 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    26 reviews

    Dined on July 31, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Absolutely amazing food and service. My husband and I highly recommend it!

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  37. Gever

    Las Vegas

    3 reviews

    2.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on July 30, 2023

    overall2food4service2ambience5
    Receptionist took it upon herself to seat us in the back of the tables by the kitchen stairs with reservations while seating couples in front and behind us without reservations in the prime areas. The actual waiter was fantastic but it was evident we were in the “minority” section which only he paid any attention to. Thankful for his wonderful smile—Alberto is the best waiter there. Salsa with chips was really good salsa, really good. El Jeffe scramble was terrific. Mesquite Grilled Carne Asada con Huevos & Chilaquiles was very disappointing—soaking tortilla chips in hours with red sauce is not what we call chiaquiles. Inedible. Eggs? Not cooked as requested. Steak? Tough and flavorless. This restaurant came highly recommended by friends…we specifically made reservations for Sunday brunch. We did not show up late-we were on time. But to be shuttled out of sight immediately was disappointing and embarrassing. There was no demanding of a “good” table from us…even though there were many many more “desirable” tables available at that time. we try not to make a scene when being discriminated against—besides, the hostess never even asked if it was ok with us. Not nice. Will never return but will be sure to tell our friends how we were treated.

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  38. frankt

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food service was 10 had reservations right on time

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  39. SteveB

    Orange County

    41 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    41 reviews

    Dined on July 28, 2023

    overall1food1service1ambience2
    The service was not good…took 30 min to order. Food was very bland and the steak, chicken and sausage was over cooked. When we asked to speak with the manager, we were told that he was “too busy.” So I found him at the bar where he was working. He wasn’t happy to see me, but he did take my meal off of the ticket. Overall this was not a good experience…

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  40. Sammer

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 27, 2023

    overall2food1service3ambience1
    I have always loved going through this restaurant but this recent visit was really terrible. One of my friends is paralyzed on one side due to a stroke. There is no handicap parking in the front of the restaurant and it's only in the back of the restaurant and you have to walk at least a block and a half to get into the restaurant. We waited 40 minutes for our meal to be served and it was cold. The restaurant was crowded inside and the noise level was so loud that you couldn't hear yourself in conversation with your guests at the table. Unfortunately it was a terrible experience for us.

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FAQs

El Adobe de Capistrano offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (949) 493-1163.

El Adobe de Capistrano is rated 4.6 stars by 809 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 16 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for El Adobe de Capistrano

31891 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675

Additional information

  • Neighborhood
    San Juan Capistrano
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Thu 12:00 pm–8:00 pm Fri, Sat 11:00 am–9:00 pm Sun 10:00 am–8:00 pm
  • Cuisines
    Mexican, Seafood, Grill
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Private parking lot behind the restaurant
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Carlos Hernandez
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Phone number
    (949) 493-1163
  • Private party facilities
    El Adobe is the perfect spot to have your private events taken care of! We offer three different room options depending on the size of your group. We have many different menu options, linens and more that come with the room! You will have your own server working specifically only for your event.
  • Private party contact
    Jannette Gonzalez: (949) 493-1163 ext. 106
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