The Ramos House Cafe in San Juan Capistrano, CA

Rustic wooden host stand in front of The Ramos House Cafe

The Ramos House Cafe is an iconic dining establishment in the Los Rios Historic District of San Juan Capistrano, one of the oldest neighborhoods in California.

The structure of the restaurant was a former residence that was converted into a small kitchen and dining space by the original proprietor, John Q. Humphreys, in the 1990s.

The restaurant is now owned and operated by Michelle and Kris Winrich and serves a variety of delicious farm-to-table dishes.

Key Info

Address: 31752 Los Rios St, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675

Walk-ins only, no reservations.

On the Menu

We highly recommend the weekend brunch special here, which entitles you to one small plate and one large plate. Offerings rotate seasonally, but there are a few staples on the menu, such as the crowd-favorite apple cinnamon beignets.

Beignets (small plate)

Huevos Rancheros (large plate)

Lox (small plate)

Crab Hash with Smoked Bacon Scrambled Eggs (large plate)

Bloody Mary & Irish Coffee from the “Hair of the Cat” Bar

It’s easy to understand why their bloody mary is world-famous! You can even add a scotch quail egg.

Bloody mary and Irish coffee sitting on a table with the train in the background — *Bloody Mary & Irish Coffee from the “Hair of the Cat” Bar*

The ambiance of the Ramos House Cafe beautifully captures the spirit of the Los Rios Historic District—it’s an al fresco dining experience with plenty of plant life adorning the aged wooden structure of the property.

Empty round wooden table in the middle of a restaurant patio

Additionally, it’s located right alongside the train tracks, so you can observe the Pacific Surfliner coming to a halt as it arrives at the station.

The Ramos House Cafe is the perfect place to dine before or after a trip to Mission San Juan Capistrano. The surrounding neighborhood is also a great place to take a stroll after a satisfying meal. As you stroll around, keep an eye out for the historic adobe structures—some are still open to the public!

Frequently Asked Questions

Are dogs allowed?

Yes, dogs are allowed on the outside patio.

Where do you park?

We recommend parking in the lot by Los Rios Park.

Can you walk to the Mission San Juan Capistrano from the Ramos House Cafe?

Yes, the Mission is a short 5-10 minute walk from the restaurant.

Meet Michelle Winrich

Tell us about your journey to becoming a restaurateur.

I started working at the Ramos House Cafe for John Q. Humphrey’s in 2009. I began as a server and then became the manager and eventually had the rare opportunity to buy the establishment when it was time for John to retire. I believe it was important for John to pass it along to someone who cared and loved the Ramos House for what it is. I have deep compassion for this place. It is really so special and quaint, and so it is hard not to fall in love with every inch of the space. So of course, it was a complete honor to accept the offer and to promise to keep the legacy going.

What is your favorite dish on the menu and why?

My favorite dish on the menu changes all the time. Our current chef, Leo, (who has also worked here since 2008) is wonderful. He is so talented and everything he makes is incredible. His love for the cafe is very obvious in every dish he makes. We wouldn't be here without him!

When a new restaurant owner takes over, it’s not uncommon for them to completely revamp the concept or menu. Why was it important to you to keep tradition going and preserve the integrity of the original restaurant?

Although we purchased the restaurant in 2020, Leo and I have worked here for the past 15 years so we had already fallen in love with the concept. It is a truly special and unique place so there wasn’t much that needed changing!

However, we have added quite a few new dishes to the menu; Chipotle Bourbon Oysters, Chicken and Dumpling Soup, Dungeness Crab Avocado Toast, etc..

It is also very important to us, and our regulars, that we continue on with some of our staples; Apple Cinnamon Beignets, Basil Cured Salmon Lox, the Smoked Bacon Scramble, and of course the Crab Hash.

What do you hope visitors will take away from a visit to the Ramos House Cafe?

We hope that everyone who enters the cafe can feel the passion behind every detail; the ambiance, the service, especially the food. We want people to feel like they are family coming over to our home to enjoy sharing a meal with the ones they love!

Are there any specific design elements or historical aspects of the building that you have focused on preserving?

The Ramos House dates back to 1881 so we want to preserve the home as perfectly as we can. There is so much history on this street and in San Juan Capistrano as a whole, so keeping that as a focal point is very important to us.