Tavern at the Mission

Name: Tavern at the Mission
Address: 26860 Old Mission Road, San Juan Capistrano, CA, United States, 92675
Telephone: (949) 240-2229
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4.7

4.7 (658)

$31 to $50

American

26860 Old Mission Road, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675

Make a reservation

2 people

May 10, 2025

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
(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.
Delivery & takeout
Order direct

Location
26860 Old Mission Road, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
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 658 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

4.6Food
4.6Service
4.6Ambience
4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Tavern at the Mission is a "hidden gem" with a "soothing and casually elegant" ambiance. The menu offers diverse, delicious dishes, including the "squash blossom flatbread" and "French onion soup." The outdoor patio provides a "charming garden-like setting," and the "excellent service" from staff like Betti and Ruben enhances the dining experience.

658 Reviews

B
Barbara
Los Angeles30 reviews
2.0
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 2
2. Food 2
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 4
The atmosphere is charming and noise level even when crowded is tolerable so that a party of two can have a conversation. But we experienced the worst service we've had in a restaurant for years. A salad was brought to our table by one server (not ours) minus dressing. We asked for some bread on the side, even for extra money, but it never came. We had to search someone out to bring dressing as our own server never came to check. Our fish and chips dinner must have required a long trip to a fish store a it took forever to come out. The fish was dry, batter was tasteless, and the "chips" not anything out of the ordinary. Server never returned to see if we wanted anything, e.g., some extra lemon. Overall, a lot of money for a very disappointing experience. We won't be returning.
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T
Tracy
Orange County7 reviews
3.0
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 3
It took more than 10 minutes until we received any wait staffs attention. Service was slow, with many wait staff standing there chatting it up with one another. Not a good look for a well established business. I'd say poor management here.
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V
Vicki
Orange County20 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Fantastic service and good food even on a chilly day when we sat inside vs outside on their fabulous patio!
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k
kim VIP
Orange County32 reviews
5.0
Dined on April 30, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Food was very good and the price was reasonable . Service was very good.
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PO
PamellaO
Los Angeles2 reviews
5.0
Dined on April 29, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Excellent service and atmosphere
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M
Maggie
Orange County16 reviews
5.0
Dined on April 27, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Took our guests for Sunday brunch. Hubby had fish and chips, one friend had the Cobb salad, the other the avocado toast and I had the prime rib dip sandwich. All so delicious, but our friend raved about her avocado toast covered with the hollandaise as “the best. “ Service was impeccable from the reception to our server. The inside is gorgeous! I had not seen the renovation and I was really impressed with the restaurant! Will definitely come back.
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K
Karen VIP
Orange County48 reviews
5.0
Dined on April 27, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The outdoor patio is lovely with a fireplace and heaters to take the chill off, there was live music which was mellow to fill in and break up the conversations around you (and he even sang happy birthday to me and other birthday guests), the brunch items are unique and delicious and the service was perfect. The overall experience was exactly what we were hoping for to celebrate my birthday and we will be back again and again.
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L
Lynn
San Francisco7 reviews
5.0
Dined on April 27, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Beautiful restaurant, excellent service, delicious food that is reasonably priced.
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A
Anita
Los Angeles4 reviews
5.0
Dined on April 27, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
They had a great Happy Hour on the Patio. Great food & drinks at a great price. Staff was Fantastic! Emma gave us wonderful service!
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J
Jim
Los Angeles5 reviews
5.0
Dined on April 26, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great day. The food was delicious and the service was excellent.
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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 658 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

May 10, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 37 times today

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
Order direct

Website
https://www.tavernatthemission.com/
Phone number
(949) 240-2229
Private party facilities
Private dining room and patio areas available for large groups.

Tavern at the Mission

Make a reservation

About this restaurant

Dining areas

Additional information

Menu

What 658 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Review summary

FAQs

Does Tavern at the Mission offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Tavern at the Mission restaurant rated?

Is Tavern at the Mission currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Dining areas

Additional information