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Tavern at the Mission, San Juan Capistrano, CA

Tavern at the Mission

4.7
4.7
612 Reviews
$31 to $50
American

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 p.m.
Booked 25 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 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
  • 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.
  • Neighbourhood
    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 612 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 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.

612 Reviews
  1. Jack

    VIP

    Los Angeles

    47 reviews

    5.0

    47 reviews

    Dined today

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    I had the filet of sole in lemon butter sauce with mashed potatoes and green beans. My wife had the Coconut shrimp appetizer and french onion soup. We shared a Caesar salad. It was all delicious. Our favorite local restaurant.

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  2. Michael

    Los Angeles

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    My wife had the fried chicken, mashed potatoes and green beans. It was a wonderful thyme seasoned gravy. The chicken was cooked to perfection and the green beans were very crisp and fresh. I had the Short Rib Stroganoff. It was amazing. Pearl onions, mushrooms, and a wonderfully seasoned sauce along with handmade pasta. The meat was fall apart, tender and perfectly cooked. The noise level would have been a one if it wasn't for the crying child in the other room. 😀😀 We also had the cheese bread as an appetizer. Browned nicely, very crunchy and delicious.

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  3. Sheri

    VIP

    San Diego

    47 reviews

    3.0

    47 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 3
    So very disappointed today at this luncheon at the relatively new Tavern at the Mission. I ordered the Brown Derby chopped salad that I had enjoyed numerous times at the former Cedar Creek Inn and it was not nearly as good as I remember. I don't eat blue cheese and asked our server if they could add another cheese and she was very curt as she responded NO. She said I could order it without any cheese (as I did) but the restaurant makes no substitutions. In my opinion this is not good customer service, especially the tone of her voice as she responded to my request. I greatly miss the Cedar Creek Inn.

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  4. Lucia

    Orange County

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Large varied menu, easy parking, excellent service, delicious food. There’s a nice view of the Mission lit up at night, but inside the lights, a single candle on each table, are almost too dim to read the menu, but we still recommend it highly!

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  5. FranklyPut

    Orange County

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Food was very good, very happy that there’s a happy hour as well. Love the outside patio, especially near the fireplace. Great service from John.

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  6. Jennifer

    VIP

    Las Vegas

    13 reviews

    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on February 28, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    I have been getting together with my two girlfriends once a month for over 18 years. We are always looking for a great spot to dine and talk somewhere between San Diego and Whittier—but have never been truly satisfied. After yesterday’s lunch, we have decided Tavern at the Mission is going to be our place to meet! It is BEAUTIFUL. The menu is incredible…we REALLY struggled with what to order and found it all to be spectacular! (The lobster and shrimp sandwich, the French onion soup, the Brussels sprouts….yum!) In addition, our server Bettie was engaging, friendly, helpful and SO GOOD with recommendations. We were really impressed and can’t wait to come back.

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  7. terri

    Orange County

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on February 28, 2025

    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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  8. Kimberly

    Orange County

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 24, 2025

    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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  9. Diane

    VIP

    Palm Springs

    14 reviews

    4.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on February 23, 2025

    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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  10. Christine

    Los Angeles

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on February 22, 2025

    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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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 612 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 p.m.
Booked 25 times today

Order delivery or takeout

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
  • Neighbourhood
    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
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