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El Adobe de Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, CA

El Adobe de Capistrano

4.8
4.8
1086 Reviews
$30 and under
Mexican

Make a booking

2 people
19:00
Booked 21 times today
  • Good for groups
  • Neighbourhood gem
  • Good for special occasions
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.

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Mexican, Seafood, Grill
  • Hours of Operation
    Mon–Sat 11:00–21:00 Sun 10:00–21:00
  • 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.
  • Area
    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, Takeaway, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 1,086 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.8
4.8 based on recent ratings
  • 4.7Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.6Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Orange County

    Mexican

  • South Orange County

    Good for groups

  • South Orange County

    Mexican

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
El Adobe de Capistrano offers an authentic Mexican dining experience with "great food and great service." Guests enjoy the "historic setting" and vibrant ambiance, featuring live music. Although occasionally loud, the restaurant is praised for its family-friendly atmosphere and accommodating staff. It's a "must-visit destination" for both locals and visitors.

1,086 Reviews
  1. Michael

    Los Angeles3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great atmosphere with live music. Really good food and good prices. Great experience.

    Is this helpful?

  2. patrick VIP

    Orange County3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Amazing as always. Harp player was on tonight. As well as a country band in the outdoor room. Drinks were great, and the kids got endless Shirley temples. Food was out fast and tasting perfect.

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  3. Cengiz R VIP

    Orange County8 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    One of the best in OC, and my favorite. My Carne Asada was perfect, super tender. Go Friday Through Tuesday, that is when the food is usually at its best…👍🏼

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  4. OpenTable Diner

    Orange County1 review

    3.0

    Dined on 9 March 2025

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 4
    Bad service. Was on a date for my girlfriend’s birthday and I needed a minute to look at the menu and felt completely rushed. When the waitress came back to ask for our order she gave complete attitude and didn’t even ask what kind of sides I wanted. Just scribbled it down and turned around and walked away.

    Is this helpful?

  5. Emily

    Richmond1 review

    5.0

    Dined on 9 March 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Tino was wonderful and attentive! Great food and great night.

    Is this helpful?

  6. Melissa

    Los Angeles1 review

    5.0

    Dined on 2 March 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great ambiance Great service. Great food. Great harp player. Fun evening.

    Is this helpful?

  7. Kathleen

    San Diego42 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 1 March 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    We had a reservation for 6:45 pm and the area around the desk was crowded. Remarkably we were seated as soon as we arrived . The service was excellent and the chips and salsa were replenished as needed without asking. My margarita was perfect and my guests enjoyed their choices too. Our entrees were perfect, hot and delicious. Who knew they had prime rib on Friday and Saturday We all were so happy we had chosen this restaurant to end our day together.

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  8. Kate

    Orange County3 reviews

    1.0

    Dined on 28 February 2025

    1. Overall 1
    2. Food 1
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 2
    I said we were celebrating a birthday when I made the reservation. I said we were celebrating a birthday to the hostess and waiter. The waiter tried to the our dinner order as soon as we sat down. We said we needed five minutes. He came back a half hour later. My entree of vegetable enchiladas was stone cold when it arrived. Not very tasty either. Then the water brought us our check. No Happy Birthday with the big sombreros. Nothing……, Not that great of a birthday celebration. Going someplace else next time!

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  9. Melinda

    Central Coast3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 22 February 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    First time in and it was a perfect setting to celebrate our anniversary. Food was amazing too and the waiter treated us to desert to top the great evening.

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  10. Steve

    Orange County8 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 16 February 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The food was great! Best chili rellano I had in years. Delicious chicken enchiladas and perfect hard tacos. Rice was right on along with refried beans. The Cadillac Margaritas were delish too!

    Is this helpful?

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 4.8 stars by 1086 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 21 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for El Adobe de Capistrano

31891 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675

Additional information

  • Area
    San Juan Capistrano
  • Hours of Operation
    Mon–Sat 11:00–21:00 Sun 10:00–21:00
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • 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, Takeaway, 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.
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