El Adobe de Capistrano Restaurant

This storied restaurant is an official California State Historical Landmark and is just two blocks away from Mission San Juan Capistrano and the train depot.  

It was initially two separate structures -- the northern section was the home of Miguel Yorba Adobe, built in 1797. The southern half housed the Juzgado (court and jails) and was established in 1812. 

The walls forming El Adobe’s cocktail lounge were part of the original Miguel Yorba Adobe, and the wine cellar is now housed in the Juzgado’s dungeon-like cell.  

The property was united in 1910 but sold three decades later to Mr. Clarence Brown, who built the El Adobe restaurant, which opened on July 8, 1948, with the wedding and reception of the first commander of Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton (today, hundreds of couples continue this tradition and get married in the garden-nestled Wedding Chapel each year!). 

Former President Richard Nixon was said to enjoy the Mexican dishes prepared exclusively for him by El Adobe’s chef – which inspired the restaurant to shift to serving a menu exclusively of Mexican cuisine.  

In 2003, the property was remodeled to reflect the history of the building and location, featuring authentic antiques, furnishings, and décor and overhauling its kitchen to feature a new grill for cooking fresh steaks and seafood.  

Today, diners will enjoy classic Mexican dishes in this historic building ranging from classics like enchiladas and fajitas to chef specialties such as steak and burgers.  

Fun fact from Metrolink employee Sheri Candler: Locals say spirits lurk in the hallways of El Adobe de Capistrano. Some swear they've heard the voices of criminals who were locked in the cellar jail. The ghosts of Old San Juan Capistrano are part of El Adobe’s appeal. Book the Cárcel room if you want the chance to experience the spirits for yourself.