Over the last few years, San Juan Capistrano, once known for its centuries-old mission and returning swallows, has turned into south Orange County’s biggest food destinations — with no sign of slowing down. From Heritage Barbecue, which serves Texas- and California-style barbecue, to El Adobe, a Mexican-American stalwart located inside a state historical landmark where a former U.S. president frequently dined, San Juan Capistrano has a slew of culinary options, most of which can be found in some of Orange County’s oldest buildings, and all of which are a stone’s throw from its train station.
The city’s Mission Revival-style train station originally opened 1894 by the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway. Today it serves Amtrak and Metrolink lines: Metrolink makes a total of 15 stops on weekdays (eight running north, seven running south) and 12 stops on weekends (6 in each direction). Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner makes 20 stops daily (10 in each direction). Of all the stations in Orange County, the San Juan Capistrano location has the highest concentration of restaurants within the shortest distance.
Keep in mind that selected venues throughout the series are each within a reasonable distance of their stop, whether on foot or by wheelchair, with no major roads or freeways required to cross. This list doesn’t cover every single San Juan Capistrano bar and restaurant in the area; consider this a guide to our favorites within a reasonable walking distance from the platform, or a jumping off point for your layover.
3:16 Bakery Shop: The Biblically named bakery whips up divine treats steps away from the train platform, including gelato, cakes, iced cookies, cinnamon rolls and more. Don’t miss its Capistrano Sandwich Roll, a grab-and-go ham, cheese, lettuce and tomato sandwich on a French roll….
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