El Adobe de Capistrano

El Adobe de Capistrano, or simply known as El Adobe, is a restaurant located in San Juan Capistrano, California. It has been operated since 1948 and is in a building composed of two historic adobes near Mission San Juan Capistrano. It is also famous for being a favorite of U.S. President Richard Nixon who lived in nearby San Clemente.

The adobe which comprises the northern portion of the restaurant was built as the home of Miguel Yorba in 1797. The southern portion, from 1812, was the Juzgado (court and jails). The Juzgado’s jail cell now serves as the restaurant's wine cellar and is rumored to harbor a ghost.

In 1910, Georgia Mott Vander-Leck bought the two properties, combining them for use as her home and store. In 1948, Mr. Clarence Brown established the El Adobe restaurant, opening it on July 8, 1948 for the wedding and reception of the First Commandant of Camp Pendleton Marine Corp Base, General Fagan.

While in office, former President Richard Nixon whose nearby San Clemente home was known as the Western White House, visited the restaurant many times. The restaurant was originally continental cuisine, but after comments by Nixon, it gained attention for its Mexican fare and changed the menu.

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Nick
12 September 2013
Sit out front when the weather is nice. The President's Choice is excellent (excellent chili relleno).
Kristen Adam
14 January 2015
Taco Tuesday is a good deal but if you're going for authentic, try the soft tacos at the bar (carnitas!) instead of the crunchy... Those are a little bland. Do yourself a favor and get a margarita.
Angel Martinez
26 September 2013
Very lovely place. I went there for lunch with business associates and enjoyed the atmosphere very much. I had the Enchiladas Suizas and it was very good.
Sara
6 May 2014
Nachos de la hora with shredded beef during happy hour are such a good deal (half off normal price of $11).
Priscilla Gonzales
5 September 2014
Dinner is good. Taco Tusday is good. It gets busy though. Get there early
Lisa Meszaros
8 June 2011
Enchiladas Suizas are delish. Also, I usually don't eat my rice at Mex food, but their rice is so good and buttery.
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32,721 people have been here
Map
31959-31975 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675, USA Get directions
Mon-Thu 11:00 AM–9:00 PM
Fri-Sat 11:00 AM–10:00 PM
Sun 10:00 AM–9:00 PM

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