Best Of

How To Spend A Perfect Night Out In San Juan Capistrano

October 1, 2017 / 5:00 AM PDT / KCAL News

Home to Mission San Juan Capistrano, this charming city offers plenty of great spots for a night out. Some of the best places are located in and around the historic train depot that's serviced daily by Amtrak and local Metrolink trains. Featuring great food and equally tasty libations, these local spots are perfect for dinner dates, pub crawls or just a kickoff to a glorious weekend. If no one wants to be the designated driver, check the rail schedules and take the train. Though the swallows return to the mission every year on St. Joseph's Day, you are welcome in San Juan Capistrano anytime.

Eat At Rick's Cafe
26762 Verdugo St.
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
(949) 661-3435
www.rickscafesanjuan.com

While many theaters now have concession stands serving beer and wine, Rick's Cafe ups the ante with decor inspired by the cinematic classic "Casablanca." Located inside the Regency San Juan Capistrano Theater, the cafe's menu includes chicken skewers, filet bites, burgers and salads. Rick's also serves wine by the glass and bottle options plus a selection of craft beers (food and libations are allowed inside the movie auditoriums). Want to impress a date? Buy tickets for the VIP screen where the staff takes your order and brings everything to your seats. If your crew wants a real dinner with their movie, drop in to Rick's Cafe.

Drink Up At Five Vines Wine Bar
31761 Camino Capistrano, Suite 11
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
(949) 800-9145
www.fivevineswinebar.com

As their website points out, the staff at Five Vines loves their happy hour, which stars at 2:00 p.m. during the summer. Located with walking distance of the train depot, this family-owned bar has a laid-back atmosphere that's perfect for hanging out with friends. Serving boutique wines and craft beer. Five Vines Wine Bar also offers light fare such as soup and hummus. If you're really hungry, go for the gourmet sausages or their fresh panini. Seating is available inside or, on a warm California night, try the patio.

After Dinner Drinks At Swallow's Inn
31786 Camino Capistrano
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
(949) 493-3188
www.swallowsinn.com

Fans of this San Juan Capistrano institution lovingly refer to it as a great dive bar. With its Mexican-inspired menu, you can start your day with huevos rancheros and swing by in the evening for tacos, burritos or quesadillas. Pub favorites such as burgers, hot dogs and hot sandwiches round out the menu. Known for its live music, Swallow's Inn posts a calendar showing the bands slated to play on their website. Located up the hill from the train depot, this San Juan Capistrano hot spot is unpretentious and fun.

Drink Brews At The BrewHouse
31896 Plaza Drive, Suite D3
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
(949) 891-2337
www.thebrewhousesjc.net

When looking for good beer in Orange County, it's a good idea to talk to Ron Bland and Andrew Reed. These craft beer aficionados founded the BrewHouse in San Juan Capistrano to share their knowledge and love of this popular beverage. Featuring thirty rotating taps, you can enjoy a flight or taster and, when you find a brew you really like, go for the full pour. Set up like tasting rooms found in breweries, you may want to start and finish your San Juan Capistrano night out in the BrewHouse.

Born in St. Louis, Missouri, Steven Bryan calls Irvine, California his home. A freelance writer for more than 20 years, he has interviewed a wide range of notable celebrities, including a variety of up-and-coming musicians and artists as well. Passionate about movies and comic books, he also makes an annual pilgrimage to the San Diego Comic-Con.

Orange County