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
El Adobe de Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, CA

El Adobe de Capistrano

4.7
4.7
1083 Reviews
$30 and under
Mexican

Make a reservation

2 people
11:00 PM
Booked 15 times today
  • Good for groups
  • Neighborhood 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.

Additional information

  • Phone number
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Mexican, Seafood, Grill
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Sat 11:00 am–9:00 pm Sun 10:00 am–9:00 pm
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Private parking lot behind the restaurant
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Carlos Hernandez

What 1,083 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
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 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.

1,083 Reviews
  1. OpenTable Diner

    Orange County1 review

    3.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    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?

  2. Emily

    Richmond1 review

    5.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    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?

  3. Melissa

    Los Angeles1 review

    5.0

    Dined on March 2, 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?

  4. Kathleen

    San Diego42 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on March 1, 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.

    Is this helpful?

  5. Kate

    Orange County3 reviews

    1.0

    Dined on February 28, 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!

    Is this helpful?

  6. Melinda

    Central Coast3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on February 22, 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.

    Is this helpful?

  7. Steve

    Orange County8 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on February 16, 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?

  8. Jenn VIP

    Palm Springs4 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on February 16, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Seemed like an off night for food. The shredded chicken in my tacos was dry, which is not usually the case. Everything else was great. Tried the coconut margarita which was so good!

    Is this helpful?

  9. Timothy

    Los Angeles4 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on February 15, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    A great spot with an authentic feel. The food was fresh and delicious.

    Is this helpful?

  10. Linda VIP

    Orange County84 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on February 11, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Always a great place to take out of town guests. Great food and service.

    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 4.7 stars by 1083 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people
11:00 PM
Booked 15 times today
Google Map for El Adobe de Capistrano

31891 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675

Additional information

  • Phone number
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Mexican, Seafood, Grill
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Sat 11:00 am–9:00 pm Sun 10:00 am–9:00 pm
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Private parking lot behind the restaurant
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Carlos Hernandez
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2024 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 500, San Francisco CA 94104 - 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