Among the many reasons to ride the train, here’s one with good taste: Restaurants near San Juan Capistrano and San Clemente Metrolink stations add a pinch of deliciousness to any journey. The Orange County Register served up a sample plate of eateries located withing walking distance of the stations. Here are some of the entrees; for a full list of eateries with options and prices for all, click here.
San Juan Capistrano
3:16 Bakery Shop: The Biblically named bakery whips up divine treats steps away from the train platform, including gelato, cakes, iced cookies, cinnamon rolls and more.
Easy Breezy: A frozen yogurt/custard chain offers rotating flavors like pineapple Dole whip, berry cheesecake, vanilla bean, and vegan chocolate. Also of grave importance: the peanut butter sauce in which you can (and should) drown your frozen treat. 31761 Camino Capistrano, suite 4; easy-breezy.com
Five Vines Wine Bar: This tracks-adjacent wine bar, rated one of the top 25 wine bars in the U.S. by Travel and Leisure, offers a sundry of reds, white, roses, sparkling and even “slushy” wines.
Hidden House Coffee: Hidden House Coffee, located across the tracks along Los Rios, is located in the historic Oliveras House (circa 1890).
Tea House on Los Rios: Sip premium loose leaf teas (or a glass of Veuve Clicquot) at this tea spot inside a circa-1911 cottage.
Trevor’s at the Tracks: Located inside San Juan Capistrano’s 1894 train depot, this tracks-adjacent restaurant sources from local vendors
San Clemente Pier
Bear Coast Coffee: In addition to expertly made and deeply flavored espresso drinks and small-batch coffees, Bear Coast Coffee offers a stellar lineup of grab-and-go food, including a feta egg sandwich on a brioche bun, avocado toast that piles the avo high, a bacon breakfast burrito, and ricotta toast with seasonal jam.
Fisherman’s Restaurant and Bar: Opening in 1982 on the San Clemente Pier, this seafood joint offers some of the best outdoor dining in Orange County. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
La Galette Creperie: This French comfort food spot features titular crepes filled with sundry flavors, including mushroom and spinach; bacon, egg and cheddar; smoked salmon; berries and cream; and Nutella and banana.
San Clemente Station
Beach Hut Deli: This shop features nearly a dozen sandwiches with names honoring beach culture.
Landers: Located in a gorgeous Spanish-Mediterranean building on El Camino Real near the train tracks, Lander features classic comfort foods and an extensive cocktail list.
Moulin: Croissants, fresh baguettes and other French favorites can be found at this Parisian eatery. Located inside the circa-1937 Casino San Clemente building (reason enough to check it out), the 60-seat bistro comes with an ocean-view patio
Recipe for delightfully delicious daytrip: Combine a relaxing train ride with assorted eateries near San Juan Capistrano and San Clemente Metrolink stations. Yield: Good eats for all with the train-station dining guide