The atmosphere here is so immersive. This is exactly where I'd want to spend my evenings! Perfect for a date night. The decor was thoughtfully executed and respects the original architecture of the building. Many food options on the menu. I got a virgin margarita (mango), ceviche, and enchiladas. Loved all the food but probably would skip the margarita next time. It was made from a mix and didn't really stand out. The ceviche was super flavorful! I'd probably try something else other than the enchiladas next time I'm there because I found them to be a little bland. It's worth visiting again for the pretty atmosphere. I really hope the food meets the aesthetic, I probably ordered wrong to begin with. Will be giving this place a second try! [this review was made in connection with a Toast promotion] read more

Such a unique restaurant it was quite the buzz luckily we got in before the dinner rush. Food was really good. The server was very attentive. They only had one bathroom stall since it's a historical site. Heard about it thru a friend so happy we got to checked it out. It was worth it. read more

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We have been coming to El Adobe for years and haven't been in some time. We just had an outstanding dinner. I got the President Special Chicken enchilada, taco, chile rellino, beans and rice delicious! The service was amazing! Great job El Adobe! read more

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Anytime I'm in the area, I make it a point to stop here and it never disappoints. The Mexican food is consistently delicious, and while prices are a bit higher than average, it's absolutely worth it. Located near the mission in San Juan Capistrano, this spot may look small from the outside, but it opens up into a spacious and charming restaurant. There's a cozy cantina right at the entrance, a private dining room to the left, and as you head downstairs, you'll find a larger dining area plus additional event space visible through the windows. They even have a banquet hall in the back, making it a great option for private events or gatherings. Great food, good service, and a warm, inviting ambiance every time. Definitely worth checking out if you're nearby! read more

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Beautiful restaurant, we sat on the patio which is "first come,first serve", thankfully because we were told the wait was over two hours for a Sunday night. Patio is nice, heaters make it enjoyable if it's cold. Chairs are a little beat up, but not bad. Food was good, I had short rib taquitos, I was surprised by the size for the price of them, it's definitely a little pricey for what you get but it was enough for me as I don't have a huge appetite either. My husband got beef tacos and they were a little dry, meat was bland and oily. Guacamole was good, chips and salsa as well. I'd come back, nice place to have lunch I think. read more

El Adobe - Latin American Near Me - San Juan Capistrano, California

The atmosphere was authentic and the service was great. Unfortunately, the food didn't live up to my expectations. I had high hopes, but it didn't taste like authentic Mexican food it's well made but not authentic. The salsa tasted store-bought similar to a chunky jarred salsa. The chile relleno was basically a pepper topped with what seemed like three different store-bought cheeses, and it didn't have that authentic Mexican cheese flavor. That said, the ambience and service were amazing, which made the experience pleasant overall, but the food itself missed the mark for authenticity read more

El Adobe - Latin American Near Me - San Juan Capistrano, California

Adorable authentic Mexican restaurant in downtown San Juan Capistrano. Highly recommend making a reservation as the restaurant gets busy! Staff are friendly and service is quick, but they are a busy place so they do try to move tables quickly. Their complimentary chips and salsa were delicious. We tried the tostada salad, large enough to split between two people. Highly recommend and already looking forward to my next visit! read more

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I totally enjoyed our visit. We came in for lunch and to celebrate my mother in-laws birthday. They were very accommodating. Our drinks and food were delicious. It was my second visit. I highly recommend this place. I will be back again.... read more

El Adobe - The birthday girl! - Latin American Near Me - San Juan Capistrano, California

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A Coastal Vibe, a Cinnamon Surprise, and a Harp vs. DJ Battle Royale If you're looking for the perfect date night, drive down the coast and follow it up with a stroll through the most charming little corner of San Juan Capistrano, El Adobe is the move. The date gods were shining favorably upon us as we scored a table, sans reservation, so evening out was looking good. But would highly recommend you make reservations as the place gets full quickly. Back to the review . . . . we came for dinner, but stayed because we were spiritually adopted by the Salvadoran Mezcalito, or at least, I was. The BF is always the DD. That drink? A cinnamon-kissed treat I didn't know I needed in my life. Honestly felt like my taste buds went on a wellness retreat. The chips? Fresh, crispy, and clearly made by someone who respects the sacred art of crunch. The BF went with the salmon and said it was absolutely on point--like, "tell my therapist I found happiness" good. And the short rib taquitos? Incredible. Little pockets of joy. Now let's talk ambiance. At the beginning of our dinner we had a harpist gracefully setting the mood--very "romantic telenovela." Appropriately playing, "Just the two of us" but a packed house with a variety of celebrations happening simultaneously. As our evening progressed the harpist bid us all a good night while the wedding happening just below us was getting underway. The DJ decided it was time for Club Adobe. So there we were ahppily transitioning from the harpist playing heavenly melodies followed by the DJ dropping the beats like it was 1999. Oddly? It worked. For my second drink I tried the roasted pineapple margarita but it was too sweet for me. Opted instead to wrap up the night with a Hugo Spritz, because why not end an already whimsical evening with a drink that tastes like happiness? Shout out to the server who looked up the drink to make sure I ended our evening with the right drink. 10/10. Would return for the vibes, the food, and the harpist-DJ crossover event of the century. A bonus for the history buffs, this place is a historical site and I hear it's haunted. Ooooooo. read more

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Atmosphere was really not well lit. The Cadillac Margurita was excellant. My Shrimp Fajitas were burnt to a crisp.

Got the chicken enchiladas and they were delicious. The service was great and the ambiance was charming and rustic inside read more

El Adobe - Chicken enchiladas - Latin American Near Me - San Juan Capistrano, California

I just love bringing people to this local Mexican historical, classic traditional restaurant. The service is unbelievable! I enjoyed the coconut, pineapple, margarita and believe me it did not disappoint . The short rib taquitos are delicious, but you absolutely must have the table side guacamole ... The Best... read more

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I was looking for a quick bite for lunch after shopping and saw great reviews for El Adobe. I came during the holidays so it was on the busier side and we did not have reservations. Luckily the hostess offered us seating in the bar area with a high top table right next to the cozy fireplace. The atmosphere of the restaurant is super homey and service is awesome. We got chips and salsa for the table with a side of their guac. Tbh the guac was underwhelming it tasted like one of the prepackaged ones you get. I shared the chicken flautas which were yummy! I would recommend this spot. read more

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Beautiful surroundings, it makes you feel like you were in Old California. The service was great. Our waitress was so nice to us. We felt at home. The pictures on Yelp and the reviews were impressive. We ordered Empenadas and Fajitas. Everything looked amazing. The Fajitas came out sizzling and smelling fantastic. We started to feast. The taste of the food set us back. Everything was bland. The salsa was just okay. The fajitas had no seasoning on them at all. The food tasted bland. The empenadas were room temperature on the inside but hot on the outside. That makes we wonder if they used a microwave? The food here is just okay. Everything else is five stars. read more

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Went here for the first time yesterday. Nice ambiance in an old adobe building, multiple levels. Seemed like a popular place with big banquet rooms for larger parties and lots of seating both indoors and outdoors. Had a delicious prime rib burrito that was to die for as well as a yummy coconut margarita. For my birthday, instead of the traditional flan you would get in most Mexican restaurants, they brought out a warm churro donut topped with ice cream and whipped cream. Delicious! Our server Gloria was kind and attentive. read more

El Adobe never disappoints. Food - Awesome. Service - Awesome. Ambience - Awesome. I don't get down to San Juan often, but when I do El Adobe is a must, Pro tip: Get the made table side guacamole and thank me later. Shout out to our server, Miguel. He delivered the meal perfectly, and he helped to make the evening fun. Cheers, amigos! read more

Very friendly service. We were greeted quickly with chips and salsa and food was spaced out perfectly. Live music was playing by us as well which was nice. Food was delicious but nothing out of the ordinary, some things I could see wanting more flavor. read more

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This place has a great vibe. The restaurante is beautiful and welcoming. The food was fantastic. There were 8 people in our group so we tried many entrees, drinks and starters. The margaritas are delicious. The wait staff was very attentive. We didn't wait long to be served. read more

We were in the area for my son's birthday and had to go here for lunch. We were very intrigued with the history Restaurant is beautiful Customer service was excellent Food was delicious and drinks were great We loved how fast the service was and that each person we came in contact with was so friendly and helpful They told us a few ghost stories and we got to go into the wine cellar and check it out Would highly recommend this restaurant to everyone read more

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Don't go on a weekend without a reservation! Food is good but they recently changed the menu and cut portions significantly. The hostess was so rude the last time we went sat us in the bar with kids then when we asked to move she put us at the bottom of the list after waiting for a server in the bar to even say hello 20 minutes later. I would go back but not during peak hours. read more

Amazing, historic place in SJC to enjoy a great Mexican meal or relax in the fun bar! The decor and atmosphere is authentic, old world and interesting. Food is great, good service and lots of parking. Bueno! read more

El Adobe - Bienvenido! - Latin American Near Me - San Juan Capistrano, California

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+ Wonderful place to host a banquet. We celebrated our friend's licensure. + Pleasant ambience. Elegant layout. + The private event area has an indoor and an outdoor section. Your party can host a dancefloor in either section. + Polite, helpful staff. + Multiple restrooms at this restaurants. + Aesthetic floral decorations along the perimeter of the outdoor section. . Parking was okay. Only one entrance/exit. Just about enough spots for the venue size. + Just a 5min walk from River Street Marketplace & River Street Ranch (formerly Zoomars). read more

OK, so here's the scoop, my favorite Mexican restaurant in Sa. Juan is a five minute walk from here but will it be after this meal let's find out together. Firstly, my favorite item is basically two things flan and a chili Riano. I pretend that I'm an expert on both of these especially because most of my students parents and the PTA would prepare these authentic food items for the staff! Well, the chips arrived, and I wasn't too thrilled with the taste of the salsa. Chips were warm salsa did not have chunks of fresh tomato. Please keep in mind. These are my personal Preferences / flavor, palette in regards to Mexican food. Carne Sada taco, spot on yet it was warm and not hot. The Chano aesthetically was very beautiful once again not hot, just warm. Taste was good, but you could tell it was a "safe taste". The best part of this experience was the waiter. I believe his name was Luis, charismatic made the margarita and the rest of the families margaritas perfectly not too strong, not too weak. The flan dessert was great, probably the best part of the meal with the restaurant, making the cream topping themselves from what I hear and the flan in the restaurant as well. In conclusion, taking into consideration, my two favorite items, flanand chili Reno, the charismatic waiter/bartender, cleanliness, the price/budget. In all honesty, I would have much preferred to have taken the five minute walk to go get the hot and messy, flan and chili Riano, from the place five minutes away! They get four stars. I should make it three because I don't like hearing how wonderful their food is and how they've been there 70 years multiple times. Usually I see a line outside, and I'm glad that I finally went here, because I'm fairly sure now what I like. The other place would've been at least $20 cheaper. And the food would've been super hot, steam coming off of it, and I would have to let the plate cool down, the complete opposite of this place. read more

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Today, at Happy Hour, Vicente was on top of everything as there were no bartenders present for a while. With a few requests, he missed nothing. Thank you. Our faves here are the shrimp cocktail (campechana) and the nachos. Nice to have affordable appetizers in today's market. This place has been here a long time keeps the vibe the same consistently. Also, on the fave list is the molcajete which is plenty for two and then some. A local favorite for us. read more

El Adobe - Happy hour nachos - Latin American Near Me - San Juan Capistrano, California

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We were in the mood for tacos on Tuesday! Happy our specials are so awesome! Tacos were grilled on the patio. They were super yummy. The salsa bar included with the tacos had several choices of toppings and a carrot salad. Our drink service was a bit slow, but with happy hour prices, we couldn't complain too much. read more

Met a friend here for lunch. I'd been many times previously but it had been a couple years since my last visit. I had the cheese enchiladas with salad. Service was excellent and the restaurant is always clean and organized. I love the decor and vibe of the place. It was Richard Nixon's favorite restaurant in fact his old table and chairs are still there. I sat at it once - it was a bit uncomfortable to me so I've avoided it since lol. If you in town I recommend it. read more

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Nixon used to eat here so you know it's good. I had the president's plate. Man that's a lot of food. Great friendly service and atmosphere. read more

I've been to SJC before but this was my first time eating here. Loved this place! The food was excellent! Oscar our server was so nice. He had a great attitude and was very attentive. He always had a smile on his face. He was very pleasant to talk to. He gave us a bit if history on SJC and the restaurant. I will definitely return when I'm in town. Adobe is such a great restaurant. Thank you Oscar for your excellent service. read more

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Saturday afternoon. 4 pm. Had to ask a busboy to get our waiter to take our order. We watched our waiter walk all over the restaurant. Upper level then out of sight. Forgot about us. My feeling was he took on too many tables to give attentive service. Took that many tables By his own choice of course, because he feels he can handle that many tables. Not! Nunca .... Someone needs to tell him. Guy in his 50s with a mustache. And more tips for him of course. Big payday! Yay for him. Food came out room temperature. Not hot at all. Probably the food runners aren't paying attention? Food not brought by the waiter because he was working his 8 tables. Manager's facial expression was sad and bored. A very average experience. read more

This is our third time visiting El Adobe and it will not be our last. Their brunch is delicious. I had the two item combo with a shredded beef taco and chili relleno. We also had the table side guacamole. I usually do not drink, but I opted to this time. I had the Adobe peach that is a blended drink and is fabulous. I am picky about chilis rellenos, but El Adobe's did not disappoint. I am also not a fan of flan. My bestie ordered it for dessert and she also does not like flan, but she told me she likes the one there. I decided to try it and I was shocked. I loved it!! The service is always great and they have mariachi on Sunday afternoons so that is always a bonus. If you have not visited El Adobe, what are you waiting for?? read more

El Adobe - Adobe peach and guacamole - Latin American Near Me - San Juan Capistrano, California

We had a wonderful delicious lunch at this long and lovely historic place. El Adobe Restaurant opened auspiciously on July 8, 1948. I had the Camaron Enchiladas. It was hearty and yet so flavorful! Served with Spanish rice, guacamole, charro beans and aioli sauce. My husband who is a history buff had The President Choice! It was President Nixon and Mrs Nixon's favorite entree at El Adobe. The dish was a very hearty as well served with Spanish rice, chile relleno, chicken enchilada, crispy shredded beef taco, refried beans. Both dishes were served generously with cheese just like most Mexican cuisine. Having a big appetite is recommended! Service was prompt and efficient. Will definitely come back again when another craving for a hearty Mexican meal comes along. read more

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I visited this restaurant recently. The decor both inside and outside are extremely nice. The staff was nice enough to give us a table away from the stairs so I did not have to walk up a flight of stairs with my cane. The menu has a wide selection of Mexican food such as empanadas, fajitas, Chile rellenos, and tacos. The food tasted bland however. The food seemed underseasoned. read more

El Adobe - Empnadas - Latin American Near Me - San Juan Capistrano, California

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A milestone celebration made perfect El Adobe gave us a night to remember! We hosted my in-laws' 65th wedding anniversary in the Portola Room, and from start to finish, the experience was exceptional. Our server Ricardo went above and beyond--when I realized I'd forgotten AA batteries for my strand lights, he returned with them in hand. That kind of care was unexpected and deeply appreciated. The service was flawless: food arrived with perfect timing, no guest was left waiting or wondering, and every request was anticipated before we had to ask. The food itself was outstanding--we chose the Yorba Especial menu, and our guests are still talking about how delicious everything was. While I don't know the names of the other servers who assisted Ricardo, please let them know how grateful our family is. The entire staff made this milestone celebration joyful, elegant, and stress-free. El Adobe is truly a gem for any special event. We left with full hearts, full plates, and unforgettable memories. read more

El Adobe - The Portola room with family and friends - Latin American Near Me - San Juan Capistrano, California

Good had great flavor, Service was exceptional, Ambiance was great soft music. Awesome place . I will be back. read more

Great food, service, and Mariachi ... parking can be tricky during prime time. Always delicious

I love El Adobe, a sit-down Mexican restaurant in San Juan Capistrano. I've only eaten here for private events with set menus but have thoroughly enjoyed my meals here and would happily come for a meal. The set menu began with chips, guacamole, and salsa spread on the tables and I had to slow myself down for the entree because they were so good. I also loved the salad because of the pepita and dressing. The entree was the star of the show though and each component was delicious. The Carne Asada was beautifully grilled and flavorful. I also loved their cheese enchilada as their sauce was so good. I enjoyed the tamale, and the beans and rice paired with the main course so well. I was astounded by the servings and enjoyed leftovers the following days. I've tried 2 of their desserts and preferred their Churro over the Tres Leches Cake, but both were so good. Highly recommend! read more

El Adobe - Latin American Near Me - San Juan Capistrano, California

This is a great local Mexican restaurant. Old school spot that's been here forever serving up Mexican comfort foods and no frills drinks. While this isn't my favorite spot to grab a margarita it is a great place for casual dinner and solid enchiladas. Service is always quick and friendly - love sitting out front when the weather is cooler read more

El Adobe - Shrimp - Latin American Near Me - San Juan Capistrano, California

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El Adobe is a staple in my life. My best friends and I visit at least 2-3x month. We go so often the staff has gotten to know us! Christian is the best server ever!! He sees us coming and knows to start prep the margaritas! He has all our regular orders memorized! He is like a family member to us! We love the food, ambiance and the staff! We love them all so much, we bring them Christmas treats! We love spoiling Christian and team because they are always so friendly and go above and beyond to make every meal special!! My family also eats here every Christmas Eve! Best celebration with my El Adobe family ever! Thank you Christian and team! read more

El Adobe - Best Birthday Dessert Ever! Churro with ice cream and caramel sauce! - Latin American Near Me - San Juan Capistrano, California

As always, food service ambience was excellent. Can't find a better place to eat Mexican food in Orange County. read more

El Adobe - Latin American Near Me - San Juan Capistrano, California

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Came here recently for their taco Tuesday and I loved it! The service has always been great. And the restaurant is nice and well maintained. They taco Tuesday and happy hour choices are limited but even then the choices they do offer are good. I got a couple of their crispy tacos. Their parking lot is small yet it seemed to be enough for everyone and it was a full house. I love their tamarindo margarita. Will be back for more. read more