Home to the incredible swallow migration, San Juan Capistrano boasts a uniquely rich cultural history, old town charm and one of the region’s most popular eateries: Tavern at the Mission.
Situated in the heart of the city’s glittering mission district directly across from the Mission itself, Tavern at the Mission’s menu showcases signature innovative culinary creations and happy hour exclusives.
Longtime South County denizen renowned for his hand in creating scores of concept restaurants across Orange County (Kachina, Bistro 201, French 75, Chat Noir, Sorrento Grill, Savannah Chop House and Jimmy’s Famous American Tavern), David Wilhelm took over the space once occupied by the Cedar Creek Inn. He and his partner Gregg Solomon maintained its original character while infusing new life into every aspect of its design, decor and cuisine.
Dishes here draw inspiration from the region’s multicultural roots (think the flavors of Mexico, Spain and Europe) and Wilhelm’s own signature creations like French 75’s onion soup enhanced with a thyme, sherry, Gruyere glaze.
For starters, the grilled-to-perfection filet mignon skewers paired with forest mushrooms, pearl onions and Bernaise sauce are worth writing home about, as are any of the Tavern’s generous dinner salads (Santa Fe Caesar, Brown Derby Cobb and my personal favorite – the the super flavorful Buddha Bowl brimming with red basmati rice, baby vegetables, avocado and goat cheese).
Other popular entrees range from seafood specialties (a BBQ Spiced Salmon accompanied by creamed corn, sauteed baby spinach, paprika infusion and bacon dust and Tequila Shrimp Pasta enhanced with green chile pesto, garlic, parmesan and toasted pumpkin seeds) to delicious options designed to satisfy even the most discriminating of meat eaters. My husband, who falls firmly into the latter category, thoroughly enjoyed the flavorful “French Onion” filet mignon that arrived in its own cast iron skillet of signature onion soup and Guyere cheese and is looking forward to a return visit to sample the short rib stroganoff.
Our teenage kids also have their own favorite “go to” signature dishes. Our son is all about the D’s Honey Buttermilk Fried Chicken and half-pound prime Angus sirloin burger, while my daughter can’t get enough of the Coconut Crusted Shrimp with horseradish-marmalade and Dijon sauces.
Fan favorites of Cedar Creek Inn’s ridiculously decadent Coconut Cake will be thrilled to find it a menu mainstay.
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