Downtown San Juan Capistrano is buzzing with excitement, and the reason is clear: River Street Marketplace. This sprawling 60,000-square-foot destination has quickly become the city’s crown jewel, offering a sophisticated blend of shopping and dining experiences while perfectly capturing San Juan Capistrano’s unique Western spirit. Just a stone’s throw from the historic Los Rios Street, River Street Marketplace, developed by Almquist, opened its doors last year and has been drawing crowds ever since. Anchored by popular names like Hobie Surf Shop and Mendocino Farms, this vibrant campus is also home to a Pilates studio, a bustling food hall, and a growing collection of unique tenants that are rapidly filling in, making it the ultimate destination in Southern Orange County.
[Drone footage of the River Street Marketplace campus. Video courtesy of Almquist]
This isn’t your typical, cookie-cutter marketplace. River Street Marketplace distinguishes itself by embracing the community’s rich heritage. Forget the sleek, urban feel; here, you’ll find a welcoming, slightly rustic atmosphere that resonates with the area’s cowboy and cowgirl spirit. Think of it as Rodeo Drive, reimagined for those who appreciate a bit of country charm – much like how downtown Huntington Beach caters to the surf crowd.
The ambiance is pure “rancho days” meets modern California cool. Citrus trees dot the parking areas, the buildings evoke the charm of barns and farmhouses, and inviting green lawns and wide gravel paths create open, airy spaces. A word of advice: leave your delicate sneakers at home. Good boots are the footwear of choice here, ready to kick up some dust and explore this Western wonderland. Let’s dive into five must-visit spots within this exciting new San Juan Capistrano destination.
Capo Leisure House: Where Upscale Meets Western Hospitality
While San Juan Capistrano boasts beloved local haunts like Swallow’s Inn and Trevor’s at the Tracks, Capo Leisure House offers a fresh, upscale take on the classic Western hangout. This isn’t your dusty saloon; it’s a stylish destination with a 40-foot bar and an expansive patio decked out with comfortable lounge furniture and a cozy fire pit – perfect for settling in with a drink and soaking up the vibrant atmosphere.
Craft beer enthusiasts will rejoice in the creations of award-winning brewer Max Jones, who will soon be brewing on-site. For now, enjoy a curated selection of beers, including Mexican Lager, German Pilsner, Hefeweizen, Irish Red, Hazy IPA, West Coast IPA, and Double IPA. Wine lovers will appreciate Capo’s all-California wine list, featuring premium selections by the glass and bottle, including standouts like Neyers Chardonnay, Justin Cabernet, and Sojourn Cellars’ Rosé of Pinot Noir.
The cocktail menu ($16 each) adds a playful “Wild West” twist to classic drinks. The Mexi Cali Negroni, a blend of blanco tequila, Guajillo-Campari, and Carpano Antica vermouth, balances sweet and bitter notes beautifully. For a refreshing choice, the Mission Margarita combines plata tequila, Naranja Liqueur, lime, and a vibrant hibiscus syrup for a delightful pink hue. Whiskey drinks and the ever-popular espresso martinis also make appearances on the menu.
To complement the drinks, Capas restaurant, located within the food hall, provides delicious small bites. And adding to the fun, servers in charming cowgirl attire – faded jeans, denim shirts, and Stetsons – ensure your drinks keep flowing. Yeehaw!
Rodeo River Street: A Food Hall as Eclectic as its Name
For those who crave variety, Rodeo River Street food hall is the perfect stop within River Street Marketplace. Mirroring the eclectic vibe of its sister location, Rodeo 39 Public Market in Stanton, this food hall is a culinary adventure waiting to happen. The name itself, perfectly blending “Rodeo” and “River Street,” captures the essence of this new concept.
While not every vendor is open just yet, anticipation is building for the exciting rollouts to come. Expect a diverse mix of cuisines, including Asian-inspired concepts, and sweet treats from Hudson’s Cookies. Confirmed tenants include Nom, Parana Empanadas, Shootz Hawaiian, Bred Hot Chicken, and Kozan Teahouse. Italian flavors from Pastalia, The Sushi Stand, and Kebab Craft are also on the horizon.
During a recent media preview, a taste of Mexican cuisine from Capas offered a glimpse into the food hall’s quality. Their nachos compose – a refined take on nachos with individually constructed bites featuring smoked short rib, seafood, and other gourmet toppings on crispy tortilla chips – showcased a commitment to fresh ingredients and thoughtful presentation. This “chuck wagon” truly knows how to serve up delicious “vittles.”
Finca: Farm-to-Table Dining with a Western Flair
Finca, the latest concept from Chef David Pratt, is a welcome addition to the San Juan Capistrano dining scene, especially after the closure of Brick. Finca’s philosophy centers on supporting and celebrating small, regenerative farms, including local gems like The Ecology Center in San Juan Capistrano, Early Bird Farm and Mill in Wilseyville, and Rumiano Cheese in Crescent City.
The lunch menu is thoughtfully divided into “Greens” (salads with protein options), “Farmer” (gourmet vegetarian dishes), and “Rancher” (burgers and sandwiches). The focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients shines through in dishes like the heirloom beans, resembling pasta with yellow beans, roasted mushrooms, and cherry tomato confit in a tangy roasted garlic yogurt. The slow-roasted butternut squash, served with blue corn tortillas and almond mole, offers a comforting, home-style taco experience.
Don’t miss the generous serving of hand-cut Kennebec fries, accompanied by a trio of dipping sauces: rich ranch, pineapple salsa, and house-made ketchup. However, the star of the show is undoubtedly the dry-aged, wood-fired Three Stars Burger. Cooked to juicy perfection with a pink center, nestled in a buttery milk brioche bun, and topped with farmers’ market mushrooms, Nicasio Farm San Geronimo cheese, fig jam, porcini aioli, and onion demi sauce, this burger is craveable and satisfying. It’s sure to rival the steak, quail, and rib entrees on the dinner menu.
Complement your meal with wine or craft cocktails, and be sure to try the seasonal fruit margarita, a popular choice for lunch gatherings. And while dessert isn’t on the menu at Finca, Chef David suggests a visit to the nearby McConnell’s ice cream shop to satisfy your sweet tooth.
McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams: A Taste of Santa Barbara Luxury
McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams, a beloved Santa Barbara institution, has opened its first Orange County scoop shop at River Street Marketplace, bringing its creamy, decadent treats to Southern California. If you know McConnell’s, you understand the hype – and if you don’t, prepare to be amazed.
The texture is undeniably luxurious, thanks to an 18% milkfat content, the highest in the industry. Flavor offerings include classics like Eureka Lemon & Marionberry, Double Peanut Butter Chip, Turkish Coffee, and Chocolate Covered Strawberries. The Sea Salt Cream & Cookies is a fan favorite, but with seasonal varieties unique to this location, there’s always something new to discover.
Pricing is reasonable for the quality: single scoops (one or two flavors) are $6.95, doubles (up to four flavors) are $9.50, and a five-flavor flight is $11.50. Sundaes, shakes, ice cream cookie sandwiches, brownies, sprinkles, waffle cones, and gluten-free sugar cones are also available. For those on the go, pints are available for $12.95.
With a 70-year legacy as a Golden State tradition, McConnell’s has perfected the art of creamy, nostalgic ice cream. One spoonful will transport you back to childhood memories of summer cones and sweet delights.
Tecovas: Step into Western Style
To fully embrace the River Street vibe, a visit to Tecovas is a must. This Western wear boutique, based in Austin, Texas, offers high-quality boots, apparel, and accessories that rival established brands like Lucchese, but with more accessible pricing.
Whether you’re in the market for rugged work boots, stylish cowgirl boots, or classic ropers, Tecovas has a wide selection to match your personal style. Complete your Western look with coordinated belts, handbags, and even a goat suede fringe skirt reminiscent of Dale Evans’ iconic style. Don’t miss the custom hat bar for a personalized touch. And to enhance your shopping experience, Tecovas offers complimentary cold beer while you browse.
Who are the Other Tenants at River Street Marketplace?
River Street Marketplace is home to a diverse collection of tenants, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Here’s a list of other businesses you’ll find (as of January 2025), with descriptions provided by Almquist:
- Bred Hot Chicken: Nashville Hot Chicken
- Capas: Baja-inspired ceviche
- Shop Common Thread: locally-owned womenswear boutique
- Fermentation Farm: sauerkraut, pickles, long-fermented sourdough bread, bone broths and kombucha
- Free People: contemporary women’s apparel
- Hobie: surfwear and lifestyle products for the modern outdoor experience
- Hudson’s Cookies: O.C.-based bake shop that’s known for “medium rare” cookies in 30 flavors
- Kozan Teahouse: specialty tea beverages
- La Vaquera: Santa Barbara-based restaurant with “authentic Californio cuisine”
- May Martin: woman-owned jewelry brand and specialty boutique founded in 2014 in Costa Mesa
- The Market by Meat Cellar: an in-house butcher counter with source-verified, humanely raised meats and specialty food items
- Mendocino Farm: global twists on sandwiches and salads
- Nom: Asian-inspired, fast-casual bowls and rolls
- Parana Empanadas: San Diego-based restaurant with a dozen types of savory turnovers and dipping sauces
- Pick Me Floral Boutique: grab-and-go bouquets, custom arrangements, gifts, house plants
- Salt: premium eyewear brand designed by opticians
- Seager: San Clemente clothing brand with outdoor gear inspired by “the Old West”
- Shootz Hawaiian: fast-casual Hawaiian comfort foods
- Studio Pilates: boutique studio experience with superior Pilates reformer machines combined with state-of-the-art audio visual technology and world-class instructors
- Toes on the Nose: family-owned and operated surf apparel company based in O.C.
- Wildfire Mercantile: Western lifestyle boutique with designer brands such as Justin, Old Gringo, Howler Brothers, Johnny Was, Stetson and Double D Ranchwear
Coming Soon:
- Kebab Craft: Mediterranean and Middle Eastern combo plates with a SoCal spin
- Pastalia: Italian pasta concept with traditional as well as vegan and gluten free dishes
- Rowan, a California-based apparel brand and retailer, specializes in “elevated basics” for men and women
- The Sushi Stand: classic and contemporary rolls and nigiri
- Ubuntu: first O.C. location of a Long Beach-based all-day café
Plan Your Visit to River Street Marketplace
River Street Marketplace is more than just a shopping center; it’s a destination that captures the heart and soul of San Juan Capistrano. With its unique blend of upscale offerings and Western charm, it’s a place where everyone can feel welcome and find something to enjoy. Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor to Orange County, make sure to add River Street Marketplace to your must-visit list.
If You Go:
Where: 31856 Paseo Adelanto, San Juan Capistrano
Parking: Paid parking lot at Paseo Adelanto entrance or parking structure across the train tracks on Camino Capistrano.
