Tavern at the Mission

4.7

605 Reviews

$31 to $50

American

Make a booking

2 people

28 Feb 2025

21:30

Booked 35 times today

Great for outdoor dining
Good for special occasions
Neighbourhood gem

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 11:00–15:00 Lunch Mon–Sat 11:30–15:00 Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 16:00–20:00 Fri, Sat 16:00–21:00 Happy Hour Daily 16:00–17:30
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.

Location
26860 Old Mission Road, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
Area
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, Takeaway, Vegan, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 605 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
4.7Service
4.6Ambience
4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Tavern at the Mission is cherished for its "always delicious" food, "outstanding service," and inviting atmosphere. Guests rave about the French onion soup and sea bass, while the patio offers a "cozy" dining experience. With a "charming" setting near San Juan Capistrano, it's a go-to spot for locals and visitors alike.

605 Reviews

t
terri
Orange County
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Menu was varied enough for 3 multigenerational to find the perfect dinner. Service was outstanding and the server, Shari, had detailed knowledge of how each of our dinners would be prepared. Her service was fantastic. Kudos to the chef! I had the Kurobuto double pork chop with maple roasted Brussel sprouts and apple slivers. So much flavor! I had not eaten a pork chop for 25 years and I was assured that this would not be dry due to the brining and slow cooking. It was worth every penny! My guests had filet mignon an Dover sole and were pleased also.
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K
Kimberly
Orange County
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The food was great! Ruben our server made our reunion and dining experience extra special!!!
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D
Diane
VIP
Palm Springs
14 reviews
4.0
14 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
First time dining at The Tavern at The Mission was wonderful. It was very busy and although our server John was very busy he took great care of us. The soufflé my husband ordered was fantastic. My favorite was the charred Brussels sprouts. My friends Tequila Shrimp was excellent as well. We will go back. A little pricy.
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C
Christine
Los Angeles
10 reviews
5.0
10 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Love the patio service was great 😊 We really enjoyed our lunch and the food value was very good
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Orange County
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 21 February 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 5
The happy hour is amazing and the ambience is great!
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D
Dee
Palm Springs
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on 20 February 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Patio was nice on a warm day. Noise came from busy street and motorcycles. Service was great menu was something for every taste. Combo was a lot of food. French onion soap great. I will return .
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D
Dorian
Palm Springs
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on 19 February 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Always a great experience at this restaurant. We’ve been coming for at least 15 years, back when it was still Cedar Creek Inn. The new Tavern didn’t miss a beat in continuing with great food, service and ambience. The chicken curry papaya salad my friend and I both ordered was delicious and our server Ruben (always a favorite) sang “happy birthday” in his usual dramatic style-always brings a laugh and a smile to our faces. Ruben was always a favorite of my mother’s for years (may she rest in peace) so now it brings back sweet memories of our good times shared at one of our favorite restaurants.
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P
Pamela
VIP
Orange County
16 reviews
5.0
16 reviews
Dined on 19 February 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Mitchell a great wait staff and the shrimp and lobster BLT is a culinary delighr.
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L
Lynda
Los Angeles
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on 19 February 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
A group of 8 for lunch. Service was outstanding.
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D
Dawn
VIP
Chicago
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on 19 February 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We had a nice table by the fire. Great entrees and desserts. Very nice outside seating too.
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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 605 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a booking

2 people

28 Feb 2025

21:30

Booked 35 times today

Order delivery or takeout

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
Area
San Juan Capistrano
Hours of Operation
Brunch Sun 11:00–15:00 Lunch Mon–Sat 11:30–15:00 Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 16:00–20:00 Fri, Sat 16:00–21:00 Happy Hour Daily 16:00–17:30
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, Takeaway, Vegan, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

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 booking

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Menu

What 605 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 bookings?

Make a booking

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information