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Tavern at the Mission, San Juan Capistrano, CA

Tavern at the Mission

4.7 (654)
$31 to $50
American
26860 Old Mission Road, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675

Make a reservation

2 people
8:30 PM
Booked 27 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 654 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 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.

654 Reviews
  1. kim VIP

    Orange County32 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 1 day ago

    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.

    Is this helpful?

  2. PamellaO

    Los Angeles2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Excellent service and atmosphere

    Is this helpful?

  3. Maggie

    Orange County16 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 4 days ago

    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.

    Is this helpful?

  4. Karen VIP

    Orange County47 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 4 days ago

    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.

    Is this helpful?

  5. Lynn

    San Francisco7 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Beautiful restaurant, excellent service, delicious food that is reasonably priced.

    Is this helpful?

  6. Anita

    Los Angeles4 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 4 days ago

    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!

    Is this helpful?

  7. Jim

    Los Angeles5 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great day. The food was delicious and the service was excellent.

    Is this helpful?

  8. Al

    Orange County42 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on April 23, 2025

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

    Is this helpful?

  9. Patrick and Mary VIP

    Orange County106 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 22, 2025

    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?

  10. 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?

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 654 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
8:30 PM
Booked 27 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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