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Welcome to Swallows Inn

Swallows Inn, located in San Juan Capistrano, is a lively dive bar with a Mexican flair. Offering a range of amenities like live music, pool tables, and gender-neutral restrooms, it's a popular spot for locals and visitors alike. With a friendly atmosphere and enthusiastic dancers, Swallows Inn is known for its vibrant energy and welcoming staff, especially bartender Stacie. While the food may not be the main attraction, the drinks and entertainment more than make up for it. Whether you're looking to enjoy some music, dance the night away, or just soak in the lively atmosphere, Swallows Inn is the place to be.

LOCATIONS

Welcome to Swallows Inn, a dive bar in San Juan Capistrano that offers a unique Mexican twist to its menu. With a casual and divey atmosphere, Swallows Inn is known for its vibrant energy and lively crowd. The restaurant is not just a place to grab a bite to eat; it's an experience that immerses you in the local culture.

Located across from the mission, Swallows Inn is a hotspot for locals and visitors alike. The bar offers a range of amenities, including live music, pool tables, and a full bar that serves up creative cocktails. The outdoor seating area provides a great spot to relax and enjoy the bustling atmosphere of downtown San Juan Capistrano.

Customer reviews rave about the friendly staff, especially bartender Stacie, who goes above and beyond to make guests feel welcome. The diverse crowd at Swallows Inn adds to the eclectic vibe of the restaurant, making it a great place to meet new people and have a good time.

While the focus at Swallows Inn is more on the drinks and entertainment, they also offer many vegetarian options for food. Whether you're looking for a quick bite or a full meal, Swallows Inn has something for everyone.

Overall, Swallows Inn is more than just a dive bar—it's a community hub where people come together to dance, socialize, and create lasting memories. If you're in the mood for a lively night out with great music and friendly faces, Swallows Inn is the place to be.

START YOUR REVIEW OF Swallows Inn
Jim R.
Jim R.

Everything. Regretfully Steve Nordeck, one of the San Juan Partners and owner of and Dave "Two Dogs" Reza (bartender and head of security and Cheryl, general manager, all passed away a few years ago, but you can still feel their presence. Never pass up a chance to drop in.

Danielle O.
Danielle O.

One of my all time favorite dive bars. Slightly upscale one in both ambiance and people so I like that. The people are friendly, mostly locals and the Sunday afternoons are through the roof! All ages, which is nice too. For women, it looks like the men outweigh the number of women at this place so that could be good if you're single. Happy people, down to earth. I don't drink and barely eat so I'm just good for ambiance reviews lol

Heather A.
Heather A.

This dive bar located in the heart of fancy San Juan Capistranos downtown, right across from the mission, it is wild. The live band was so talented! It just made me laugh as everyone here dancing were doing two steps and line dances making it more of a local vibe. There are sooo many nice people who will offer to show you the moves but if you intend to show up and break a leg with your significant other or friends, it seems like you might be getting in their way, not that they mind! Everyone here is smiling and nice! I did not see food (not sure if this happens anymore), but def drinks & you can get quickly served at either bar. Since it's one of those "dingy" bras hanging from the ceiling type bars, it's understandable but it was pretty hot inside & we didn't even go on a super hot day. They have scattered fans plugged in all over the place, but I enjoyed leaving and going to a place with a proper ac unit after. This made that place feel worse than what it was. I truly did had fun & will go back.

Jocelyn L.
Jocelyn L.

Stacie is the best bartender in town !!! She made us feel so welcomed and d answered all of our questions

MaDonna W.
MaDonna W.

Is it a dive bar? Yes... Is there a dive bar smell? Yes... This isn't the type of place in my opinion that you would want to come all the time but once in a great while step inside .. Just for the kitschy ness of all We popped in for a hot minute I recommend you go straight for a shot of your favorite libation . Ours was patron. However, we got a little crazy and had a Jell-O shot. Not good my friends , not good... The band was fun and entertaining . We sort of hung around by the front door and listen to the music, drank our shots and slowly spilled out the door back onto the great smelling streets of San Juan Capistrano . " if you're not careful, you could lose a bra in there!"

Stephanie M.
Stephanie M.

Not your average biker bar. This bar is awesome. Great drinks, live music, dancing, casual party vibe...and bras hanging from the ceiling. This place has it all. Indoor and outdoor seating. Decent alcohol selection and friendly bartenders keep us coming back for more fun. We've created many happy memories here.

Cory G.
Cory G.

This is a no BS dive bar that pours proper with friendly service. Located across the way from mission. Shout to Frank the Bartender: we had a great time and you make great conversation. Franks a real gem and we were glad we stopped in. Anytime we visit SJC we stop into the swallows Inn!

Lydia S.
Lydia S.

And a fun time was had by ALL! no trip to San Juan Capistrano is probably complete without at least popping in to the Swallows! My sister and I took the train down to celebrate our birthdays, and we're fortunate enough to get a seat at the bar at 2ish. Fun in full swing on the dance floor, very experienced dancing in country regalia, and plenty of folks just having.a schmooze. Bartenders were fast, music was loud.We didn't stay to eat but then again, I'm not sure if everyone goes there for food on the weekends. Fun!

Kristi H.
Kristi H.

This place was the life of the party! Two bar areas and a full room for everyone to dance, and let me tell you everyone danced hard!!! They have live music usually and everyone of all ages was there. Everyone was friendly and wanted to have a good time. Going to come back to drink and dance the nights away.