Cafe Capistrano Mexican

So my wife and I live locally. We hadn’t been here before but the reviews were decent, and we like supporting local places in lieu of big chains whenever possible. First we walk in, and a younger guy greets us, seats us and hands us a menu. 10-12 minutes later, we get someone to come by and take a drink order and we ask about a kid menu. He tells us the kids options and then walks away to get drinks and chips. Returning we order and we ask for kids chicken tenders that he offered not 6 minutes earlier and they were out…. Not a great start but not the biggest deal. Next they have Lipton tea, not sweet tea, a bigger deal to my wife than myself. But in NC, don’t list that on a menu if it’s not real sweet tea. Know your market people… Finally we get food, not all of it. I ordered cup of pozole, that never made it to the bill, or my table. The food was ok, but basically very bland. A Chimichanga, Enchildas Verde, and a kids hot dog meal at a CaliMex Joint shouldn’t leave me wishing for the hot dog. Lastly after the worst Margarita I’ve probably ever ordered, and our standard beverages sitting dry on table for at least 10 minutes. I held mine up to let the waiter know what to do since he obviously had no idea what was going on anywhere but on his instagram feed. If it had been psycho busy, or he had more than 2 tables with a total of 6 people I’d have let it slide. But you F’d up the food, offered some you didn’t have, and let me run out of beverage. Not a sitting tipping performer I’d wager. Guys best of luck keeping the doors open if this is how the place runs day to day. I get it said California Style Mexican on the door, but I’d bet that neither culture would claim you…

So much better than your run-of-the-mill Mexican restaurant! They only use fresh ingredients which makes their food tastier than you'd expect. The soups are delicious, and the torta sandwich on house-baked French baguettes is a must-try. ? The food combined with relaxing atmosphere and chill music makes me want to return soon!

This place is a must try. The food service is amazing. My waitress Zoey was great. Complimentary salsa says a lot about a Mexican restaurant. The salsa here is tasty and fresh. Closed on Sundays but open every other day. I am the only customer here right now so I have the entire place to myself. Hidden Gem if you ask me. Cali burrito with no fries add grilled shrimp for $3 up charge and chicken posole soup

An integral part of my childhood, I have been going to Cafe Capistrano since elementary school. Since new management has taken over, there has been an increase in staff turnover, a decrease in food quality, and inconsistencies in service. Today we came in around 1:50, with the closing time for lunch being 2:30. We ordered quickly and were even eating fast. In the middle of us eating around 2:13, the lights were being turned off and the check was ran without asking if we wanted boxes or dessert or anything. We were then informed that they decided to close 15 minutes early because it was slow, as we were the only patrons in the restaurant. If we had been aware that it was closing 15 minutes early upon arrival, we would have been aware and perhaps moved faster. The waiter who is there during lunch hours is unkind and didn’t apologize for rushing us out of the restaurant.

2017 4 star review: Great food. Great service. Great atmosphere. I have been coming here for years and am never disappointed. Actually, I don't think a person should live their entire life without ever having a Cafe Capistrano Shrimp Chimichanga. I have literally searched the world for the same. Literally no one makes it like them. Check it out. 2024 1 star review: I just left lunch at what used to be one of my favorite places to eat. Rather than having a relaxed joyful time we arrived as the only patrons to a freezing cold room and were seated. We were served. Then immediately given the check which was completely off-putting especially since we were interested in dessert. We heard people in the kitchen yelling goodbye over loud music and shutting the kitchen lights and music off. I asked the waiter if they were closed and he said they decided to close early since it was slow. I let him know how inappropriate it was to make a patron feel so unwanted in the restaurant. Every customer should feel welcome no matter what. We packed up quickly feeling like we were being kicked out. I realized that the incredible food meant nothing when paired with horrible customer service and unprofessionalism. I have been a consistent faithful patron for the last 10 years. When meeting clients and meeting with coworkers and friends I always recommended Cafe Capistrano. It's the end of an Era. I hope they realize the absence of patrons at lunch time as well as their choice to freeze us out is sealing their own fate.