El Adobe de Capistrano

31891 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675, United States
+1 949-493-1163
$$$ Mexican restaurant
(1940 Reviews)
Price Range $20–30

If you're searching for a vibrant taste of Mexico nestled in the heart of San Juan Capistrano, look no further than El Adobe de Capistrano. This charming Mexican restaurant, steeped in history and culinary authenticity, offers guests a blend of traditional flavors and a welcoming atmosphere that keeps patrons coming back for more.

Located at 31891 Camino Capistrano, El Adobe is more than just a restaurant; it’s a destination for those who appreciate the art of Mexican cuisine. Famous for its unique dishes, the restaurant's menu offers something for everyone, from delectable Blackened Shrimp Tacos drizzled with a tree chiles aioli sauce to hearty Prime Rib Burritos crowned with habanero cream sauce. Each dish is crafted with care, bursting with vibrant flavors that transport you straight to Mexico.

The ambiance of El Adobe reflects its rich heritage, housed in a beautifully maintained historic building. Patrons can enjoy their meals on the inviting street-side covered patio, perfect for those sunny California days or cozy evenings. For dog lovers, the restaurant's pet-friendly policy allows you to indulge in your favorite cuisine without leaving your furry friend behind. Guests have raved about the friendly service, with attentive staff ready to cater to your needs while offering recommendations—making every dining experience feel personalized.

Sipping on a Watermelon Margarita while savoring the freshly made table-side guacamole is a must, as customers like Mercie Lopez express their delight over the flavorful dishes. And for those planning special celebrations, El Adobe boasts several private dining rooms, making it an ideal venue for weddings and gatherings, as highlighted by the beautiful experience shared by customers like Julie Greenspan.

With a beloved place in the community and a reputation for incredible Mexican fare, El Adobe de Capistrano isn't just a meal; it's an experience steeped in tradition and flavor. Whether you're enjoying Taco Tuesdays or a happy hour special, be ready to create new memories with every visit.

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
Has outdoor seating
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
No delivery
Highlights
Has fast service
Has fireplace
Has great beer selection
Serves great cocktails
Serves great dessert
Has great wine list
Has live music
Popular for
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves cocktails
Serves coffee
Serves comfort food
Serves food
Serves happy-hour drinks
Serves happy-hour food
Serves healthy options
Serves late-night food
Serves small plates
Serves spirits
Serves vegan dishes
Serves vegetarian dishes
Serves wine
Dining options
Serves breakfast
Serves brunch
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Has catering
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has bar on site
Has toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Historic
Romantic
Trendy
Crowd
Good for groups
Popular with tourists
Planning
Brunch reservations recommended
Dinner reservations recommended
Accepts reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs available
Has kids' menu
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Plenty of parking
Pets
Dogs allowed outside
Openings Hours
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Monday

11:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Tuesday

11:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Wednesday

11:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Thursday

11:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Friday

11:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Saturday

11:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Sunday

9:00 AM - 9:00 PM

1940 Reviews
J. Brocc

21 Sep 2025

Been a staple in south Orange County for decades. Food is amazing if you can make it i. For happy hour or taco Tuesday it’s a must. Servers are all friendly. They also have ado up pleat private dinning rooms and a great facility for big events like weddings and special celebrations.

Valerie

15 Sep 2025

Fantastic setting in an historic building, with good food and friendly service. We especially happy we could eat outside on the street side, covered patio with our dog. A + for being DOG -friendly.

Alcabreraphoto

14 Aug 2025

I do remember how tasty the food was here during a reception from a wedding that I was photographing. I loved how this venue had an outdoor and indoor area with the roof retracting!

marissa van groningen

10 Aug 2025

I had my rehearsal dinner here for my wedding and it was amazing! Loved the room we rented and loved the food and service. I would highly recommend for a special event.

Mercie Lopez

28 Jun 2025

This was a nice Mexican Restaurant. Great Margaritas, tasty Watermelon Margaritas. Table side Guacamole was delicious it was made to order mild or hot whatever is your preference. The Shrimp Cocktail was delicious! Lobster tacos were also very filling and a good size if you are looking for a nice filling lunch meal. This was great place can’t wait to go back and try more dishes!

Julie Greenspan

25 Jun 2025

We had the great pleasure of hosting our daughter’s wedding at the El Adobe this year! From the very first meeting with our event coordinator, Daniel, I knew we were in the right place. In addition to delicious food, experienced and efficient servers and bartenders, the attitude was always positive, always “yes” to making our dream for this wedding coming true. I couldn’t be more grateful and recommend the El Adobe highly for any event, thank you to everyone and especially our family favorite Daniel!

Zeynep K.

18 Jun 2025

I attended to a wedding here and this is a wonderful place to celebrate any special day here especially if you want to enhance the experience with classic Mexican food. The staff was amazing too. I can still taste their incredible tortillas and guacamole

George

07 Jun 2025

I recently had the pleasure of dining at El Adobe and I can't recommend it highly enough! (Side note: This was Richard Nixon's favorite restaurant, they even have a photo over his favorite seat and offer his favorite meal) From the moment we walked in, the server was friendly, attentive, and made great recommendations. The food itself was absolutely excellent; every dish was bursting with authentic flavor and made with fresh ingredients. What's even better is that the prices were very reasonable, making it a fantastic value for the quality of food and service. Finally, the atmosphere was just perfect – lively and welcoming, with beautiful decor that really made it feel like a special occasion. If you're looking for delicious Mexican food, outstanding service, and a great overall experience without breaking the bank, this is the place to go!

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