Tavern at the Mission

4.7

597 Reviews

$31 to $50

American

Make a reservation

2 people

Feb 19, 2025

9:00 PM

Booked 24 times today

Great for outdoor dining
Neighborhood 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 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
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
Neighborhood
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 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

Noise • Moderate

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

D
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.
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P
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.
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L
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.
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D
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.
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J
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.
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A
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.
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K
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.
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H
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.
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P
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
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R
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
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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 597 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

Feb 19, 2025

9:00 PM

Booked 24 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
Neighborhood
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

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 reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Menu

What 597 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 reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information