South Coast and Catalina Island Restaurants

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The Ramos House Cafe

Fodorite Reviews

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The Ramos House Cafe Review

It may be worth hopping the Amtrak for San Juan Capistrano just for the chance to have breakfast or lunch at one of Orange County's most beloved restaurants. Here's your chance to visit one of Los Rios Historic District's simple, board and batten homes dating back to 1881. This café sits practically on the railroad tracks across from the depot—nab a table on the patio and dig into a hearty breakfast, such as the mountainous wild-mushroom scramble. The $35 weekend brunch includes champagne, memorable mac-and-cheese with smoked veggies, and huckleberry coffee cake. Every item on the menu illustrates chef-owner John Q. Humphreys' creative hand.

Contact Information

Address: 31752 Los Rios St., San Juan Capistrano, CA, 92675 | Map It
Phone: 949/443-1342
Website: www.ramoshouse.com
Location: San Juan Capistrano

Restaurant Details

Credit cards accepted.
Closed Mon. No dinner.

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Fodorite Reviews

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Service

Value

What a disappointment!

This place could not be cuter--from the seating in the shade on historical Rios Street while waiting, to our darling table in a corner with trains roaring past on one side and an herb and vegetable garden on the other. Service was warm, friendly and prompt. Consequently the food was a shock. Since we could not find anything we wanted to eat--eggs, more eggs, and macaroni--we ordered the suggested favorites. The macaroni was buttery and otherwise unexceptional. The crab cakes, which tasted like two sawdust bisquits, were covered with a greasy mix of bacon and eggs and topped with a curly something fried so hard that one couldn't tell what it might be. When I take in such a humungous load of calories, I at least want to enjoy it. Such nice people! I hope they can come up with a healthier and tastier menu.

by cathysjc, 9/6/07