Friends Mattson Smith, Elliott Shaw and Case Anderson founded Seager in San Juan Capistrano, so it’s only fitting they bring their outdoor lifestyle gear to River Street Marketplace; PHOTO COURTESY OF RIVER STREET MARKETPLACE
San Juan Capistrano’s rich heritage and history is being celebrated and built upon at the new River Street Marketplace, a 60,000-square-foot dining and retail destination that opened in late 2024. Tucked within the Los Rios District—California’s oldest neighborhood—River Street welcomes first-to-market dining concepts, a full bar and brewery, and curated boutiques in an indoor-outdoor setting that pays homage to San Juan’s farming culture. Here, we present the ultimate guide to River Street Marketplace. See you there!
The flagship restaurant of River Street, La Vaquera, is led by executive chef Aaron Zimmer, who offers a ranchero-inspired menu of wood-fired dishes and hearty steakhouse favorites with a twist. Created by Acme Hospitality, the restaurant shines with an indoor bar and dining room that gives way to a covered outdoor patio complete with fire pits. Order the Spanish octopus, cast iron-baked cornbread and an entree from the land or sea.
Sip delicious cocktails at La Vaquera; PHOTO BY TAYLOR MOSBY
California cuisine takes on a Mexican influence at award-winning chef David Pratt’s Finca. A curated selection of mezcal and tequila pairs well with fresh salads, elevated vegetable plates, and wood-fired burgers and proteins featuring ingredients sourced from local regenerative farms. Stop by for lunch or dinner to try the signature Finca Burger stacked with tomato, lettuce, Rumiano Farm cheddar cheese, onion demi sauce and a mustard blend on a brioche milk bun.
Let the good times roll at this indoor-outdoor bar and brewery, where communal tables and fire pits offer plenty of space to gather with friends and raise a glass. California wines and craft beers are offered alongside saloon cocktails like the Mexi Cali Negroni and Mission Margarita. A Capas-curated selection of small bites—think smoked birria tacos and yellowtail ceviche—rounds out the cowboy-inspired menu.
Tucked within a barn-inspired structure, this elevated food hall features stalls boasting delicious fast-casual bites. Highlights include the decadent Hudson’s Cookies, Bred Hot Chicken, The Sushi Stand, Kozan Teahouse, Paraná Empanadas, Kebab Craft Mediterranean Grill, Nom, Capas and Pastalia. Don’t miss the kimchi butter katsu chicken at Shootz.
San Clemente-based husband-and-wife owners Sara and Anthony Villegas have created a culinary oasis at this hub that marries a curated market and fromagerie with a full-service steakhouse and cocktail bar. Discover prime dry-aged and wagyu tomahawks and bone-in ribeye paired with classic steakhouse sides before you shop elegant homewares, fine wines and even specialty knives.
Capo Leisure House is the perfect spot to gather with friends for small bites and drinks; PHOTO COURTESY OF RIVER STREET MARKETPLACE
The culinary delights continue at the health-forward Fermentation Farm and Mendocino Farms, which are perfect for grabbing a quick lunch. Breakfast, lunch and dinner await at the soon-to-open Ubuntu Cafe, a California-inspired concept offering fare made with locally sourced and organic ingredients. For a sweet treat, you can’t go wrong with frosty favorites from McConnell’s Ice Cream.
Shop Bohemian threads at Free People; PHOTO COURTESY OF RIVER STREET MARKETPLACE
Ladies and gents will find retail destinations brimming with eye-catching apparel. Embrace San Juan’s ranchero roots at Tecovas, known for its handmade Western boots, and Wildfire Mercantile, an upscale Western lifestyle boutique boasting clothing, hats, boots and gifts. The ladies will love having a local Free People store to peruse, and the nearby Shop Common Thread features more women’s apparel and gift options from brands like Z Supply, Pistola and Varley. Grab a new pair of Shades at Salt Optics, elevated basics at the forthcoming Rowan and dainty jewelry designs at May Martin. Get outfitted for the great outdoors at Seager, Hobie Surf Shop and Toes on the Nose, sweat it out at Studio Pilates and end the day by taking home a fresh bouquet from the Pick Me Floral Boutique.
Tecovas specializes in handmade Western boots; PHOTO COURTESY OF RIVER STREET MARKETPLACE
Photography by: COURTESY OF RIVER STREET MARKETPLACE
