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. Here's our guide to San Juan Capistrano.
Ysidora at Inn at the Mission San Juan Capistrano, PHOTO COURTESY OF BRAND
Where To Eat
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31721 Camino Capistrano, heritagecraftbbq.com
Why it’s Essential To The Neighborhood: 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.
31761 Camino Capistrano Suite 5-6, mayfielddoc.com
Why it’s Essential To The Neighborhood: 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.
31761 Camino Capistrano Suite 4, ramenshack.com
Why it’s Essential To The Neighborhood: 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.
31892 Camino Capistrano, elliestable.com
Why it’s Essential To The Neighborhood: Founded in honor of the beloved cooking and baking of Eleanor Mastroianni, Ellie’s Table is a community staple. With a menu that focuses on made-from-scratch and fresh meals, it’s easy to see why this restaurant is known to live up to its motto: “Where happiness truly is homemade.”
31891 Camino Capistrano, eladobedecapistrano.com
Why it’s Essential To The Neighborhood: Treat yourself to a meal that is equal parts delicious and historic. With a restaurant site that has been designated a California state historical landmark and a menu specializing in classic Mexican cuisine, El Adobe de Capistrano is a neighborhood must.
Where To Stay
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31692 El Camino Real, innatthemissionsjc.com
Why it’s Essential To The Neighborhood: 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.
Where To Relax
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29458 Trabuco Creek Road, goodsandgoatsmarket.com
Why it’s Essential To The Neighborhood: Looking for a unique way to relax and have fun? Enjoy a day of goat yoga at the premiere goat yoga farm of San Juan Capistrano. Other possible activities include date nights and baby goat yoga.
31692 El Camino Real, innatthemissionsjc.com/spa
Why it’s Essential To The Neighborhood: Give yourself the gift of relaxation with treatments and therapies designed to enhance your physical, emotional and spiritual health. Services include but are not limited to salt stone massages, radiance facials, and olive oil and lavender body treatments.
Where To Shop
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26850 Ortega Highway, Suite J, atmosphereatelier.com
Why it’s Essential To The Neighborhood: Founded in 2002 by interior designer Collette Kaplan, this chic boutique frequently tops “Best of San Juan” lists. With everything from lifestyle goods to clothing, this is the can’t-miss shopping destination of the historic district.
For Pre-Dinner Drinks
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26701 Verdugo Street, trevorsatthetracks.com
Why it’s Essential To The Neighborhood: 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.
26755 Verdugo Street, ranchocapwinery.com
Why it’s Essential To The Neighborhood: 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.
31781 Camino Capistrano #301, rooftopoc.com
Why it’s Essential To The Neighborhood: 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.
Where To Hit The Town
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31761 Camino Capistrano #11, fivevineswinebar. com
Why it’s Essential To The Neighborhood: Enjoy your night out while feeling right at home at this family-run wine bar. Five Vines (a reference to the founding family of five) emphasizes comfort over pretention while still offering some of the best drinks and food in the city.
31761 Camino Capistrano, hennesseystavern.com/locations-san-juan-capistrano
Why it’s Essential To The Neighborhood: Enjoy a bit of Irish hospitality in Southern California! This Irish-style pub offers food, drink and community, in a cozy and charming space.
Cultural Experience
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26801 Ortega Highway, missionsjc.com
Why it’s Essential To The Neighborhood: Take a stroll through history and enjoy the beautiful grounds and remarkable history of the “Jewel of the California Missions.” Visitors can expect to discover over 200 years’ worth of history no matter the day, but be sure to keep an eye out for special events like the Capistrano Lights and the Battle of the Mariachis.
Hidden Gem
31791 Los Rios Street, hiddenhousecoffee.com
Cross the train tracks and get breakfast at this super cute and charming veteran-run café. With every step of the coffee-making process—from sourcing the beans to roasting them in-house— being handled by the dedicated Hidden House team, it’s easy to see how they have been able to serve over 3,637,891 cups of coffee in the last 11 years.
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