A tray of grilled favorites from Heritage Barbecue PHOTO: BY JOHN TROXELL
Founded by the Spanish in 1776, this historic O.C. city is full of cultural landmarks, top-notch restaurants and bars, and scenic hotel destinations.
Heritage Barbecue
Originally started in chef and owner Daniel Castillo’s backyard, this hot spot is a summertime favorite for traditional Texas barbecue. Recognized with a Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand award, Heritage serves authentic staples such as pulled pork, smoked half chicken and spare ribs by the pound—with decadent sides like brisket beans, classic mac and cheese, and Texas chili. This summer will see the addition of new seating, a bar menu with new bites, and a beer garden with a natural wine program and craft beers from California breweries. Heritage will also be celebrating its two-year anniversary with a Craft Barbecue Invitational Aug. 13 at Reata Park. Tickets score meat lovers access to mouthwatering barbecue by 50 legendary pitmasters from across the country. heritagecraftbbq.com
Mayfield puts a modern California spin on classic Levant region flavors. BY PIXELLAB PHOTOGRAPHY & DESIGN
Mayfield
This modern California take on classic flavors from the Levant region—encompassing the Middle East, Mediterranean and North Africa—offers menus for all times of day, with plenty of vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free and nut-free options. Sit in the contemporary indoor-outdoor dining room or garden patio, and enjoy shareable a la carte dishes or a family-style supper club prix fixe menu on Friday and Saturday. Begin with spreads of hummus, muhammara or baba ganoush, then move on to mains like mussels with apricot harissa or za’atar fried chicken. In addition to cocktail, beer and wine lists, Mayfield offers an extensive selection of coffee and soft drinks, and a market featuring pantry items, natural wines, homeware, cookbooks and more. 949.218.5140, mayfielddoc.com
The Rooftop Kitchen Bar’s tempura salmon sandwich and pan-seared salmon FOOD PHOTO BY ARCHIE HAMI
Ramen Shack
Ramen enthusiasts, look no further. With eye-catching wall murals and a casual-cool vibe, this authentic spot serves handcrafted ramen from acclaimed Japanese American chef Keizo Shimamoto—who honed his craft in Japan before opening Ramen Shack in Queens, but moved back home to California during the pandemic. His San Juan Capistrano restaurant features his greatest ramen hits made with his own noodles. Don’t miss house favorites like the signature shoyu, with classic chicken and dashi broth, or The Triple Threat, featuring triple-blend broth, pork chashu, spinach, menma, kikurage, scallions, shiso and nigori. 949.373.5218, ramenshack.com
The Rooftop Kitchen Bar’s tempura salmon sandwich and pan-seared salmon FOOD PHOTO BY ARCHIE HAMI
Rancho Capistrano Winery
Wine lovers, venture to Orange County’s largest winery—which boasts San Juan Capistrano, San Clemente and Ladera Ranch branches. The beautiful, beloved destinations with California-cool interior design feature over 30 housemade wines from Paso Robles, Napa Valley and Walla Walla wine regions along with decadent menu options for brunch, lunch or dinner. Request a spot on the outdoor patio—complete with a focal-point fireplace for when the temps dip—and pair delicious wines with flatbreads, soups, salads, pizzas and entrees including ribeye, surf and turf, and chicken rollatini. Hourlong weekend wine experiences led by sommeliers are also available. 949.481.6682, ranchocapwinery.com
Trevor’s at The Tracks hosts live music on its popular patio. TREVOR’S AT THE TRACKS PHOTO COURTESY OF WALES COMMUNICATIONS
The Rooftop Kitchen + Bar
Socialize while sipping on fine wine and creative cocktails, like the La Isla Bonita or Good Vibrations, at this scenic new rooftop restaurant and bar from owners Archie Hami and Marc Resnick. A little slice of San Juan Capistrano paradise, the venue honors its surroundings with local artwork and walls of reclaimed wood. The private event space and music venue also affords sweeping views of the historic area—which you can look out on as you sample chef James Caveness’ modern twists on classic American comfort food dishes. Try the double smash burger, tempura salmon sandwich, pan-seared salmon with farro and spring vegetables, or the newest addition, seared scallops with crab risotto. 949.503.3358, rooftopoc.com
Trevor’s at The Tracks
With live music seven days a week—and all day on Saturday and Sunday—Trevor’s popular patio is the perfect place to sip a cocktail while enjoying entertainment from over 50 local monthly performers. In addition to stellar tunes, this historic Mission Revival-style landmark, built in 1894, offers delicious cuisine celebrating flavors from around the world. New for summer is a fresh menu featuring light fare made with local produce, as well as a new summer drink menu of garden-to-glass cocktails. End your meal on a sweet note with a vegan banana split or other desserts designed to accommodate all dietary needs. 949.493.9593, trevorsatthetracks.com
Ysidora at Inn at the Mission San Juan Capistrano INN AT THE MISSION SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO PHOTO COURTESY OF BRAND
Inn at the Mission San Juan Capistrano
Experience the rich history of San Juan Capistrano from a hacienda-style guest room or luxury villa at this transporting escape. Take a tour of the nearby Mission San Juan Capistrano, view the ruins of the Great Stone Church or rejuvenate at the hotel’s stunning pool or on-site spa. For an authentic culinary experience, Ysidora Restaurant and Lounge pays homage to the Mission’s matriarch, Ysidora Forster, with Spanish flavors served in a modern setting. Pair Spanish wines and cocktails with grilled seafood and hot and cold tapas. Highlights from the summer menu include chilled tomato gazpacho, carpaccio de res, tomahawk steak with pistachio gremolata and cinnamon apple churros—as well as a San Juan G&T cocktail with grapefruit and rosemary. 949.503.5700, innatthemissionsjc.com
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