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Past strip malls and bustling thoroughfares on the outskirts of Rancho Santa Margarita is a narrow road that winds to Trabuco Canyon. The drive from suburbia to Rose Canyon Cantina & Grill takes long enough to make you feel like you could be lost. Just as you begin to look anxiously for opportunities to make a U-turn, a little sign off to the side reassures the hungry that the cantina is just around the corner.
For those of us who reside outside the canyons, a drive to the cantina is a real trip. Nestled beneath towering oaks trees, the eatery sits at the edge of a stream where it smells like - get this - nature. There is something rather charismatic about the dirt parking lot. But the bougainvillea growing up the sides of the Spanish-style building and the twinkle lights wrapped around the trunks and branches of the old oaks are especially inviting.
As one couple from Long Beach put it – “We can get Mexican food any where. But, for us, nothing beats this old historic destination restaurant. It doesn't matter the time of year, we just love to sit in the cantina or patio, meet new friends or see some old ones and while we're there we eat great Mexican food and drink the best Margaritas.”
Rose Canyon Cantina, named after the winding road that leads to it, has a menu with a combination of Mexican and Southwest style cuisine. But before you can decide what to order you have to choose where to sit - the cantina room with bar, the dining room with comfy-looking booths or the amazing patio that, in spring and summer, can mean a two-hour wait. On the bright side, however, the cantina has a full bar with tasty margaritas and quite the selection of tequila.
20722 Rose Canyon Road, Trabuco Canyon, CA 92678 ~ (949) 766-6939
the location and setting are fabulous. a quaint unique spot amongst the live oaks. the food is great and it's hard to leave without a doggy bag.
it doesn't get any better than at the cantina. no traffic, no city noises. just margaritas!
ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS FOOD, ATMOSPHERE, AMBIANCE!! ALL 5 STARS!! have loved & enjoyed it for 24 years!
Philip & lori
best mexican food ever!
Fabulous food & amazing ambience, there's nothing quite like Rose Canyon Cantina and Grill!!! The margaritas are phenomenal too :)
Best kept secret in the OC............
Rose Canyon Cantina is one of the friendliest restaraunts that I have ever been to. I am a regular there and they have treated me like family since my first time there. The food and service are GREAT and the atmousphere is very relaxing. Eating on the patio area is a real treat with all of the trees and the seasonal creek. It is almost like you have left civilization. Cheers Melanie and John!
best patio ever/best mexican food
There's only one word that describes the food, drinks, ambience, service and the owners, John and Melanie - OUTSTANDING!
This place is awesome. The service is great, the environment is outstanding, and the food is delicious. Our family loves going to Rose Canyon Cantina, breakfast, lunch or dinner!
The food is amazing, great atmosphere!
When you arrive, you have a relaxed feeling that you have escaped the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Enjoy the views of the old oak trees from the terrace as you sip a fabulous margarita. The ambiance is fun, the service is friendly and efficient. The food is good, the salsa is excellent, but we keep going back for the location and the staff. You will always find the owner there, making sure everything is running smoothly.
My husband and I stop there almost every weekend on the way to our cabin in Holy Jim Canyon. The food is delicious, the staff are friendly and accomodating and the owners are the best. The patio atmosphere with the huge Oak trees covered in twinkle lights is magical. We love it and would highly recommend it! Sharon N.
the owners (esp Melanie) are friendly and know their regular custoers. We used to go all the time - but have had to cut back spending and don't eat out too much - BUT Rose Canyon is on or most favorite list - and they DO have the best 'rita's in town!
Friendly atmosphere and good food. And the drinks are strong!!!
Great food!!!! Great Service!!
The location is surreal, as if you are venturing into a secret hideaway. The large outside patio is gorgeous. Food is excellent, very authentic, no trendy dishes - just good quality mexican dishes. Top it off with their margaritas and you've got one perfect dining experience.
Best food, best ambiance, best bartender's and best staff. Too much fun.
First, the owners are friendly and approachable! The food is fantastic (always consistent in taste) and the prices are very, very reasonable! The margaritas can't be beat! Take a drive out to Trabuco Canyon for a change of scenery and enjoy this diamond in the rough!
A beautiful place that reminds me of old Orange County. The food is great and the staff is wonderful! An early afternoon dinner on the patio is unforgettable. Linger awhile.
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Best Mexican in Orange County
Best Mexican in Orange County
