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Tavern at the Mission, San Juan Capistrano, CA

Tavern at the Mission

4.7
4.7
627 Reviews
$31 to $50
American

Make a booking

2 people
19:00
Booked 28 times today
  • Great for outdoor dining
  • Neighbourhood 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.

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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
  • 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
  • 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 627 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
  • 4.6Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.3Value

NoiseModerate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Tavern at the Mission delights with its "beautiful ambiance," consistently "delicious food," and "wonderful service." The menu is praised for its variety, featuring standout dishes like French onion soup and shrimp and grits. The outdoor patio and fireplace offer a cozy dining experience, making it a top choice for both locals and visitors.
627 Reviews
  1. OpenTable Diner

    Palm Springs1 review

    3.0

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 3
    Dinners were good. Service not so much. Tried to get water refilled but never happened. Looking at other tables noticed lots of empty glasses as well. Maybe busier than projected so were under staffed?

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  2. Marjorie VIP

    San Diego46 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on 25 March 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Wonderful Service from Ruben. Food good. Patio wonderful ambience but I did miss the patio flowers.

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  3. Gene VIP

    Phoenix12 reviews

    3.0

    Dined on 23 March 2025

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 5
    Horrible server was her first day and expressed her frustration verbally to us - ruined the experience from the get-go. Kitchen was extremely slow. Food was solid nothing spectacular - venue was awesome if they can figure out staffing issues this place would be tremendous..

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  4. Karen

    Orange County10 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 23 March 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We had a great dining experience today, delicious food , wonderful service and the restaurant has beautiful ambiance. Highly recommend.

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  5. Sue

    Orange County11 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 22 March 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    It was a nice day to sit and dine after spending all day at the parade. The live music was great!

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  6. Debra VIP

    Orange County13 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 20 March 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The tavern has been my neighborhood favorite since it was Cedar Creek. And now it’s just as wonderful, and better!! It’s obvious much efforts have been made with such attention to detail. The service, Menu, HH (please don’t ever take away) and ambience bring such enthusiasm & enjoyment to us all. Only ONE request- Please bring back the sautéd shrimp on mash potatoes, this was my go to & it’s the only thing I Do miss☺️

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  7. OpenTable Diner

    San Diego3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 17 March 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We had a great birthday lunch and ate out in the patio. The service, food and ambiance were wonderful. Thank you for a delightful lunch.

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  8. Peter

    Raleigh153 reviews

    3.0

    Dined on 15 March 2025

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    A little disappointing. Great place, friendly efficient service. Barman was super. Duck Mousse pate was excellent. Mains were a little disappointing. Overall good value

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  9. Sharon VIP

    Dallas6 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 15 March 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Fantastic! Server Bettie was incredibly knowledgeable about the menu and was so personable and engaging. We were there for lunch. I had the Tavern lunch combo which was a petite salad, French onion soup, fries and 1/2 sandwich which I upgraded for $4 to shrimp and lobster club. There was plenty to share so my husband had the appetizer shrimp and grits. Both were delicious. I grew up in Louisiana and am incredibly suspicious about things described as Creole, but the sauce on the grits was very good. I would have added some spice, but my midwestern spouse loved it. We will definitely return.

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  10. MichelleB VIP

    San Francisco6 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 15 March 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Wonderful experience! We will be back there soon!

    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 627 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 28 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
  • 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
  • Delivery & takeout
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