Location: San Juan Capistrano
Top Restaurants in San Juan Capistrano
Top Things to do in San Juan Capistrano
Where to eat American food in San Juan Capistrano: The Best Restaurants and Bars
Best American restaurants nearby. Discover the best American food in San Juan Capistrano. View Menus, Photos and Reviews for American restaurants near you.. San Juan Capistrano is an easy day trip from Los Angeles and Orange County, by Amtrak train or freeway. Tours of the Mission buildings and gardens include the ruins of the 1797 Great Stone Church, destination for the legendary swallows of Capistrano. The Los Rios Historic District has buildings open to the public, such as the 1881 Ramos House Café and the1794 Montanez Adobe. Zoomars Petting Zoo is a kid-friendly attraction in the district adjacent to the train depot. The attractive town center has interesting galleries, antique stores, shops and restaurants.
Things to do in San Juan Capistrano
10. Docent Brewing
Overall Ratings
5 based on 20 reviews
Reviewed By Emily T
My husband and I went here on a Saturday afternoon and it was fairly crowded but we were able to find a couch in the lounge area (also have barstools at the bar, tables around the corner, and an upstairs. This place is dog friendly which is great and we were able to bring our dog and enjoy some good beer and food. I had the belgian beer which was good and brewed with chamomile, coriander, and Orange peel and my husband had a pale ale. The food seemed like a hit and my husband love his Korean Ruben. This place is off the beaten path but definitely worth checking out!
9. Hennessey Tavern
Overall Ratings
4 based on 70 reviews
Reviewed By 243ChrisA
The back outdoor patio is the best place to be. Very nice umbrella covering nice outdubar and the food menu is also very good and tasty
8. Ruby's San Juan
Overall Ratings
4 based on 113 reviews
Reviewed By PaulakLagunaBeach
Ruby's is a mainstay in Orange County. I love the San Juan Ruby's as their menu is different than the typical menu. Full bar service, outside rooftop with fireplace and an overall western theme. My husband and granddaughter always order the Ruby Burger which is perfection while I order the western chili or Tortilla Soup. Our granddaughter has riding lessons on Friday and we will be found up on the roof at Ruby's afterward. Something for everyone. Great Service. Omar is our waiter.....usually. Victor is excellent as well. Our Friday Night date with our baby girl.
7. Bad To The Bone BBQ
Overall Ratings
4 based on 163 reviews
Reviewed By cap10paul
Went in to this dark and relatively empty place for lunch. The country western inspired motif with scratched table tops and torn seat pads the country music blaring in an empty 3 room venue. A convoluted menu you that the cashier said he canât figure out after three months working there. Itâs Mc Donaldâs style counter ordering with a number issued for table delivery. Then the $31 lunch arrived. Real barbecue. Long and slow cooked it was tasty food. 2 pieces of chicken, 4 ribs and some of the best brisket Iâve ever had. Fair potato salad and nasty macaroni salad. The onion rings (4) are huge and seemed pre made. Good not great. Pricey bordering on too high. Ambiance for those that miss dark Smokey bars I couldnât muster a must go to.
6. Mollies Famous Cafe
Overall Ratings
4 based on 129 reviews
Reviewed By kpatters
We had breakfast here and were pleased with the very good service and breakfast menu selections. I had bacon and eggs while hubby had eggs and toast. Our orders arrived in good time and were tasty. Friendly wait staff made for a pleasant visit. The place was packed on a a Wednesday morning.
5. Trevor's at the Tracks
Overall Ratings
4 based on 153 reviews
Reviewed By Surveyor47
On holiday in California, took the Amtrak with friends to San Juan Capistrano. We were going out for dinner, so only needed a light lunch. The stting is a dream, you can see the trains up close and personal as they roll through the station that is just a few feet away.Shown to our table by polite, well trained, professional staff, and we chose what we were going to eat. We decided o a couple of plates to share, as we knew we were going out later. The chimichurri steak fries, and avocado toast was ordered, and arrived at the table reasonably quickly.The fries had nice chunks of avocado, was well seasoned and enjoyable to eat, the avocado toast looked oh so good (I did not try that as I dont do eggs) and everyone enjoyed what they had eaten.To call this a lunch just does not do it justice, the atmosphere, the live music, the trains rolling by, it is an experience I will fondly remember for a very long time.
4. Sundried Tomato
Overall Ratings
4 based on 242 reviews
Upbeat California cuisine, served in a smart casual environment. The restaurant has a long and creative wine list at reasonable pricing, happy hour, brunch, and lovely patio seating. We hope to see you soon!
Reviewed By Wanda204
Met our son and his family here for dinner and everyone really had a great time. The mussels and artichokes starters were delicious. We had lamb chops, chicken pesto sandwich, half roasted chicken, soup and more. The little ones had pasta. We loved the Bianchi cabernet too. Our waiter was attentive and patient with the kids making their choices. Angie the manager checked with us to make sure we were having a good time. We love the food and the service, and look forward to coming back soon.
3. Cedar Creek Inn
Overall Ratings
4 based on 431 reviews
WE were rated top 100 Outdoor Dining Patios in the US in Forbes Magazine 2016 and 2017 and San Juan Capistrano's People's Choice Award for Best Overall Restaurant, best Lunch and best Dinner
Reviewed By marlitt c
Nice restaurant, atmosphere was welcoming. Unfortunately, food was overpriced . I ordered prime rib with mash potatoes and Ceasar salad. Salad was tasty. I brought a cake and without even asking for it, they informed me that to cut the cake they charge 1.50 p/p. They charge for bread, unless you order salad. Specially for the price of the dinner, no offering complementary bread, was the thing the disappointed me the most . Offering something when you sit down for dinner, it is a welcoming gesture.
2. Ramos House Cafe
Overall Ratings
4 based on 315 reviews
Reviewed By Dave M
Found on line while travelling from Escondido to LA, sounded interesting so went.Parking difficult in a park on the next street over, after we scoped it out.It was definitely worth it, great service, funky and interesting eating area, limited but fascinating brunch menu, and wounderful food and drinks.Would definitely go again when somewhere in the are
10 Things to Do in San Juan Capistrano That You Shouldn't Miss
1. Bad To The Bone BBQ
Overall Ratings
4 based on 163 reviews
Reviewed By cap10paul
Went in to this dark and relatively empty place for lunch. The country western inspired motif with scratched table tops and torn seat pads the country music blaring in an empty 3 room venue. A convoluted menu you that the cashier said he canât figure out after three months working there. Itâs Mc Donaldâs style counter ordering with a number issued for table delivery. Then the $31 lunch arrived. Real barbecue. Long and slow cooked it was tasty food. 2 pieces of chicken, 4 ribs and some of the best brisket Iâve ever had. Fair potato salad and nasty macaroni salad. The onion rings (4) are huge and seemed pre made. Good not great. Pricey bordering on too high. Ambiance for those that miss dark Smokey bars I couldnât muster a must go to.
Where to Eat in San Juan Capistrano: The Best Restaurants and Bars
