El Adobe de Capistrano
 | This article needs additional citations for verification. (July 2010) |
| El Adobe de Capistrano | |
|---|---|
 El Adobe's Building in 1910 | |
 | |
| Restaurant information | |
| Established | 1948 |
| Owner(s) | Richard O’Neill, Steve Nordeck, Tony Moiso, and Gilbert Aguirre |
| Food type | Mexican |
| Dress code | casual |
| Street address | 31891 Camino Capistrano |
| City | San Juan Capistrano |
| State | California |
| Postal/ZIP Code | 92675 |
| Country | United States |
| Reservations | (949) 493-1163 |
| Website | Official Website |
El Adobe de Capistrano, or simply known as El Adobe, is a restaurant located in San Juan Capistrano, California. It has been operated since 1948 and is in a building composed of two historic adobes near Mission San Juan Capistrano. It is also famous for being frequented by[1] and being a favorite of U.S. President Richard Nixon[2] who lived in nearby San Clemente.
The adobe which comprises the northern portion of the restaurant was built as the home of Miguel Yorba in 1797. The southern portion, from 1812, was the Juzgado (court and jails).[1] The Juzgado’s jail cell now serves as the restaurant's wine cellar and is rumored to harbor a ghost.[3] In addition there have been reports of a headless friar in front of the restaurant.[3]
In 1910, Georgia Mott Vander-Leck bought the two properties, combining them for use as her home and store. In 1948, Mr. Clarence Brown established the El Adobe restaurant, opening it on July 8, 1948 for the wedding and reception of the First Commandant of Camp Pendleton Marine Corps Base, General Fagan.
While in office, former President Richard Nixon whose nearby San Clemente home was known as the Western White House, visited the restaurant many times. The restaurant was originally continental cuisine, but after comments by Nixon, it gained attention for its Mexican fare and changed the menu.
References
- ^ a b Hoover, Mildred Brooke; Kyle, Douglas E. (2002). Historic Spots in California. Stanford University Press. p. 264.
- ^ Nixon's Freeze and the Mood of labor Time Magazine Sept. 6, 1971
- ^ a b Rubin, Saul (2004). Southern California Curiosities: Quirky Characters, Roadside Oddities. Pequot. p. 130.
External links
- Adobe buildings and structures in California
- California Historical Landmarks
- History of Orange County, California
- Houses completed in 1797
- Infrastructure completed in 1812
- Mexican restaurants
- Mexican-American cuisine
- Mexican-American culture in California
- Reportedly haunted locations in California
- Restaurants established in 1948
- Restaurants in Orange County, California
- San Juan Capistrano, California