# El Adobe de Capistrano > El Adobe de Capistrano — Seafood restaurants in San Juan Capistrano, CA. ## Key facts - **URL**: https://frankiapp.com/business/el-adobe-de-capistrano-69941 - **Type**: Restaurants - **Cuisine**: Seafood - **Location**: San Juan Capistrano, CA - **Address**: 31891 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675, US - **Phone**: 9494931163 - **Website**: https://www.opentable.com/r/el-adobe-de-capistrano-san-juan-capistrano?ref=18704 - **Coordinates**: 33.499823, -117.662922 - **Claimed**: unclaimed - **Vibes**: Casual ## About El Adobe de Capistrano is a beloved Mexican seafood restaurant set inside a registered California historic landmark in San Juan Capistrano, with roots tracing back to buildings from the 1700s and 1800s. The space carries an old-world charm, with rustic Mexican decor and live mariachi music that create a lively, casual atmosphere. Guests rave about the lobster tacos, El Adobe Burrito, and the hearty Molcajete loaded with wild-caught shrimp, chicken, carne asada, and chorizo. The restaurant is famously tied to President Richard Nixon, whose favorite table on the second level is memorialized to this day. Service is consistently praised as courteous, attentive, and fast, with a staff that adds warmth to every visit. ## Hours - Monday: 12pm - 8pm - Tuesday: 12pm - 8pm - Wednesday: 12pm - 8pm - Thursday: 12pm - 8pm - Friday: 11am - 9pm - Saturday: 11am - 9pm - Sunday: 10am - 8pm ## Highlights - **Legendary lobster tacos** — The lobster tacos are a guest favorite, praised for their bold, memorable flavor. - **Historic California landmark** — The building dates to the 1700s and 1800s and is a registered California landmark. - **Live mariachi music** — Authentic rustic decor and mariachi music give the dining room a festive energy. - **Blended strawberry margarita** — The blended strawberry margarita is a crowd favorite worth ordering on every visit. ## FAQ ### Where is El Adobe de Capistrano located? El Adobe de Capistrano is located at 31891 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675. Free parking is available in the rear of the building. ### What are El Adobe de Capistrano's hours? The restaurant is open Monday through Thursday from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Friday and Saturday from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM, and Sunday from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM. ### What type of food does El Adobe de Capistrano serve? El Adobe de Capistrano specializes in Mexican seafood, with a menu that highlights wild-caught shrimp, hearty burritos, and traditional Mexican dishes. The El Adobe Molcajete, loaded with shrimp, chicken, carne asada, and chorizo, is a standout, and the lobster tacos draw consistent praise from diners. Chips, salsa, and blended margaritas round out the experience at a reasonable price point. ### What is the atmosphere like at El Adobe de Capistrano? The restaurant has a casual, old-world charm with authentic rustic Mexican decor and live mariachi music. The space occupies a registered California historic landmark with structures dating to the 1700s and 1800s, and remnants of the building's original jail can still be seen on the ground level. ### What is Franki? Franki is a restaurant discovery app that helps you find great places to eat through real video reviews from actual diners. You can browse reviews, photos, and videos of El Adobe de Capistrano on Franki, and earn cash back when you dine there. Download Franki on the App Store or Google Play to start exploring. ### Is El Adobe de Capistrano connected to any historical figures? Yes, former President Richard Nixon was a regular guest at El Adobe de Capistrano, and his favorite table on the second level is memorialized inside the restaurant. The building itself is a registered California historic landmark with ties to structures from the 1700s and 1800s. ### Is El Adobe de Capistrano good for groups? El Adobe de Capistrano suits both solo outings and group hangouts well. The lively atmosphere, spacious layout across multiple levels, and attentive service make it a comfortable choice for larger gatherings. ### How can I contact or make a reservation at El Adobe de Capistrano? You can reach El Adobe de Capistrano by phone at (949) 493-1163. To make a reservation online, visit their listing at opentable.com. ## Reviews ### foodworthsharing — 5.0/5 · Mar 17, 2024 This is such a beautiful, charming restaurant. The building is a registered California historic landmark with a home and a jail from the 1700s and 1800s. ✧ LOBSTER TACOS (Amazing flavor) ✧ El ADOBE BURRITO ✧ EL ADOBE MOLCAJETE: mexican wild caught shrimp, chicken breast, carne asada, chorizo, carnitas, zucchini, green onion, nopales, and queso fresco served with guacamole, corn or flour tortillas. Wonderful presentation! ✧ SHREDDED BEEF TACOS ✧ CHOCOLATE CAKE with ICE CREAM ### 92657_diner — 4.3/5 · Sep 29, 2025 One of my favorite Mexican places. Authentic, rustic Mexican decor enhanced by mariachi music. Fast service from attentive waiters, all of whom speak Spanish. Good food, chips and salsa, at a reasonable price. Try the blended strawberry margarita. ### foodtaster — 5.0/5 · Dec 6, 2024 great time with friends and coworker with seafood ### 92657_diner — 4.3/5 · Sep 8, 2025 Good Mexican food in a comfortable, authentic setting. President Nixon dined here, and he had a favorite seat on the second level. Interestingly, this location once was a jail, and there are remnants of that jail on the ground level, albeit now off limits. Plenty of free parking in the rear. Charming part of San Juan Capistrano. ### user_1349fe — 4.3/5 · Dec 22, 2025 El Zarandeado offers excellent Mexican seafood, especially the wild shrimp—fresh, flavorful, and perfectly cooked. The atmosphere is lively, and once seated, the service was friendly and welcoming. However the front desk experience was disappointing, as we were repeatedly told there would be a 1.5-hour wait. Thankfully, another gentleman kindly showed us to a quiet, lovely backyard seating area. The unfriendly front desk attitude was confusing and frustrating. Aside from that, the food was great ### 92657_diner — 4.3/5 · Jan 26, 2026 An old school Mexican place that's been here forever! Apparently frequented by former president Richard Nixon. His favorite table is memorialized in the restaurant. The courteous and respectful service is furnished by an all male staff. It's comforting to know that a restaurant with good food and service can endure for many decades.