Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Orange County
  4. South Orange County
  5. San Juan Capistrano
Tavern at the Mission, San Juan Capistrano, CA

Tavern at the Mission

4.7
4.7
597 Reviews
$31 to $50
American

Make a booking

2 people
10:30 pm
Booked 23 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.

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
  • 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.
  • Area
    San Juan Capistrano
  • Cross Street
    Old Mission Road & El Camino Real, Public Lots $2 Validation w/ Ticket
  • Parking details
    Public Parking
  • 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 597 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
  • 4.3Value

NoiseModerate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Tavern at the Mission delights with its "excellent food" and "outstanding service" in a charming setting. Guests enjoy the inviting ambiance, diverse menu, and particularly the "delicious French onion soup." The patio seating is a favorite, offering a relaxed atmosphere. Consistent quality and "fabulous" dishes make it a must-visit.

597 Reviews
  1. Dorian

    Palm Springs

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    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.

    Is this helpful?

  2. Pamela

    VIP

    Orange County

    16 reviews

    5.0

    16 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    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.

    Is this helpful?

  3. Lynda

    Los Angeles

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    A group of 8 for lunch. Service was outstanding.

    Is this helpful?

  4. Dawn

    VIP

    Chicago

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    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.

    Is this helpful?

  5. Joan

    VIP

    Orange County

    17 reviews

    5.0

    17 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    To top off a great experience, we had Ruben as our server. He is such a delight. Food was perfect. I always love it here.

    Is this helpful?

  6. Ana

    San Diego

    14 reviews

    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We enjoyed our dinner and our server, John, was excellent. He was extremely attentive and knowledgeable.

    Is this helpful?

  7. Katlwen

    Hawaii

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    If the portions were smaller, so would the prices.

    Is this helpful?

  8. Heather

    Las Vegas

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great atmosphere and food was excellent. Close to the heart of San Juan so great to have dinner and then walk around San Juan.

    Is this helpful?

  9. Patrick and Mary

    VIP

    Orange County

    102 reviews

    5.0

    102 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Sat outside by the fireplace - warm and cozy. Food was great. Our party had various dishes that were very good. Prime Rib dip, flatbread, shrimp and grits. Great service. Love this place

    Is this helpful?

  10. Roman

    Orange County

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Went for Valentines Day and it couldn’t have gone any better than it did! Management is amazing along with the service and the food was a delight. The atmosphere gives off elegance with a hint of sexy, at least during the evening! Will definitely come again 10/10

    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 597 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a booking

2 people
10:30 pm
Booked 23 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
  • 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 Parking
  • 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
  • Privacy policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2024 OpenTable Australia Level 22, 357 Collins Street, Melbourne, Victoria - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
OpenTable Logo