I came in here today to check it out and it was so cool and dive-y (in a great way) and awesome and the band was playing some old classics and they're actually really impressive! I love the local community support. It's a really fun hang out when you're in San Juan Capistrano. read more

USED to be great Saturday & Sunday Afternoon Now they are messing with the formula and bringing in non-country bands Sat/Sun Afternoons BRING back COUNTRY MUSIC on WEEKEND AFTERNOONS ! are the owners aware that competing bars can take this business from them ?? read more

Great live music!! We saw Bunch O' Guys and they were really talented. Acoustic guitar, electric guitar, violinist and drums. 3 of the 4 guys sang and they were terrific. They played everything, lots of crowd pleasers. There are definitely some regulars here and they are out on the dance floor having a good time. Even though you may think a few of them are snobby rich women, once they've had a few drinks we're all pals. Lots of people just dance with whoever and have fun. I absolutely loved our bartender, I wish I'd caught her name. She was working the dance floor bar. I don't drink anymore and just read that Club Soda is sugarfree and Tonic Water has sugar. So I ordered a Club Soda with lime and she was like, "that's my drink too!" and did you know that O blood type should drink club soda? No, I did not know that. I came back for many during the evening. We were with a big group celebrating our friend's birthday and it was a lot of fun. At one point I asked the band (and tipped $20) if our friend Mark could sing Purple Rain. They obliged, he killed it, it was a fantastic time. When we used to live in San Juan, we didn't come here nearly enough which I regret. We will definitely be back to enjoy the live music on the weekends! read more

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Super fun dive country bar in SjC. Always a great time. Good crowd, lively, and decent prices. Came for the Tuesday free line dancing class once. Great time, teachers, crowd with spunk and spirit! read more

Cool bar with music all year long great bar service very nostalgic with all the items on the ceiling and walls . Great people, locals and newbies. Very welcoming and fun. Goodtimes I will be back read more

Swallow's Inn - Inside Bras everywhere haaa - Dive Bars Near Me - San Juan Capistrano, California

Swallow's Inn is a fun spot to listen to live music, dance, meet up with friends. It can get very crowded, so you'll have to make the decision on how much you want to hear a favorite band versus how much you feel like being in a crowd - since it's probably many others favorite band too! read more

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Fun and boozy atmosphere. Good drinks, no food, sometimes good bands. And you can't beat the location. read more

Swallow's Inn - Outside sign - Dive Bars Near Me - San Juan Capistrano, California

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Swallow's Inn in San Juan Capistrano is a famous, historic, and often-packed dive bar known for its lively country-western atmosphere, live music, and dancing. It features a rustic, kitschy, and "bric-a-brac" decorated interior, often featuring a crowded dance floor and a mix of locals, bikers, and tourists. It is described as a "dive bar" that embraces its identity, with a high-energy, friendly, and often loud, party-like atmosphere. Known for having a "heavy hand" with drinks, offering strong cocktails at reasonable prices. Food is limited, but they are known for their burgers and tacos. read more

Swallow's Inn - Special Indian - Dive Bars Near Me - San Juan Capistrano, California

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Swallows Inn has a great night life environment. From karaoke night, line dancing or live band performances. Swallow's Inn is a must visit if you are in the area. I always bring family here when they come visit me to experience Swallows Inn. They have a good taco catering company that takes your order and tacos are yummy. read more

Swallow's Inn - Huckleberry Seltzer & Coors Light Beer - Dive Bars Near Me - San Juan Capistrano, California

Swallows Inn is an experience that everyone must try out! For starters, the ambiance is so cool. There is fun decor that can transport you immediately into a fun, free spirited environment. The drinks are made with a heavy hand, which is just right if you ask me. The service is incredible and they're amazing at checking ID which is flattering and I absolutely love. Swallows Inn also usually has super fun live music and it is amazing to see everyone just have an amazing time. Everyone is super friendly and it's hard to find places like this in Orange County! read more

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Went to listen to Family Affair on a Saturday. Great music and vibe. Managed to score a seat at the bar in the music room. Crowded as always. Excellent and mindful service from a female bartender whose name we did not get. Not sure I would have been able to hear it if she told me. Cadillac Margaritas turn out to be the deal of the day. read more

We went to swallows on a Saturday around 5:00 p.m. as they had a local band playet that we really liked. The place was jumping packed to the gills with a bunch of people there to have fun. The age range runs the gamut from the oldesters who are still getting with it as well as some young groups that came in as well. Very good vibe. No issues. Great! Powerful drinks and the bartenders were very nice. Best dive bar in South County next to Turks. read more

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I've been coming to this establishment since I was a little girl and that is saying many years, but I walked in haven't been here in a while, noticed the new construction and there was an attractive woman at the bar a couple and another older lady hanging out it's Friday night 6 o'clock and Clayton the bartender was a complete fluffing Asswhole. Rude short, not engaging no eye contact just not what I was expecting from a place that I've been coming to for decades. The dayshift ladies are amazing. Let me know when you need a bartender for the night shift read more

First off the bar is old and historic, must visit. Clayton the bartender is so sweet and a really right on guy. If you're lucky enough to have him you scored. read more

GASPAR is cooking up some Michelin star Tacos, steaks, specials. Easily the best food in San Juan Capistrano period... the only thing is, you'll have to do some dancing across the bar to make it to the small window in the back where GASPAR is working that magic. Genuinely Phenomenal tacos, fresh seafood sourced locally, and someone you will meet promptly after becoming a customer because he oversees that your experience is 10/10 despite being in the middle of a pretty iconic Bar. Enter from the back on a busy night would probably be easier for food access. read more

Swallow's Inn - Shrimp taco - Dive Bars Near Me - San Juan Capistrano, California

We stopped in hoping to enjoy a couple of drinks -- and to be fair, the drink prices were solid and the bartender was great. But we were quickly interrupted by a very persistent guy who, I guess, wrote a book and decided the bar was his personal book club. He kept shoving an iPad into our faces like we were late for homework. "Read this chapter!" "Wait, you missed this character!" "You didn't really get it unless you read this part!" It was like trying to have a quiet happy hour while being cornered by a one-man pop quiz. We ended up just leaving. What really made us laugh (and cringe) was hearing from a couple of friends who had the exact same experience weeks later -- same guy, same relentless book pitch, same result: they left. It's a shame, because the vibe and service were otherwise great. But it's hard to settle in for another round when someone thinks you came for a live reading and won't take no for an answer. read more

This bar not only has a jam packed dance floor with some of the most positive patrons and exceptional live music, but they also love and support our veterans. I felt like home here. Any place that has great music, great drinks, and brings in my friends from the the base is always a recommendation. read more

Swallow's Inn - Dive Bars Near Me - San Juan Capistrano, California

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Swallows is always a great place to hang out, great entertainment, beer and drinks but tonight when I found the little window to the right of the bar had a chef waiting to take my order I had to check it out. El Zarandeado, high end, fresh, and made to order Mexican food. I had the most amazing chef's special, flavorful with just the right spices and heat that didn't detract but enhanced the whole dish. I haven't had Mexican cuisine this wonderful in years. I'll be eating there Everytime we visit, it's become a dinner destination and better prices than fast food. Bring cash and tip big, you'll be glad you did!!! read more

Very nice staff, went Tuesday for line dancing. Bartenders very nice and friendly. I ordered two tacos and they were Amazing!!!! I'm picky about tacos and the pork tacos were tasty and cheap!! Went early at 6. Mixed crowd doing the line dancing. Fun, I was in town for a day. read more

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!" read more

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It's the best kind of surprise: you walk into a rowdy dive bar expecting to soak up your whiskey with something greasy, but instead you get tacos that could stand up to any top-shelf taqueria in Orange County. Pair them with an ice-cold beer or a shot of tequila from the Swallows bar--served up by the hot bartenders who keep the drinks strong and the vibe fun--and suddenly Taco Tuesday feels like the smartest decision you've made all week. Bottom line: Dive bar energy, restaurant-quality tacos, and bartenders that make sticking around an easy choice. San Juan's Swallows Inn has nailed the balance. read more

I researched this place as it does claim on thier website "socal best place for live music, cold beer and great cocktails" Bartender was nasty as he greeted me and said I could not bring in my unopened water. Utterly shocking greeting. I would never recommend this establishment to anyone. read more

I would give a rating of 0 if I could. Be very careful starting a tab or using your credit card here. You might not get your deposit refunded. It happened to me a few times. There is also a bartender that should not be working there she doesn't know what she is doing half the time and will double charge you and put other people's drinks on your tap. I don't know if she's on drugs or just dumb. Just want to let you know use your credit card at your own risk. Shady ass place. read more

If you're debating coming here, this is your sign to pick another place. Some people might enjoy it, but the way this bar treats certain customers is honestly disappointing. We came for a friend's birthday and everything was fine at first. But one employee -- a guy in a cowboy hat who acted like the "sheriff" -- was rude from the start and seemed to single out our group. Things escalated when one of the restrooms was broken and my friend (who has a medical condition) urgently needed to use the bathroom. Another employee told us she could use the men's restroom since no one was waiting. Two minutes later, the cowboy-hat guy stormed in, aggressively accused us of lying, and acted like we were breaking some major rule. Even after the other employee confirmed he gave us permission, he stood there angry, watching the door until my friend came out. Then a couple of regulars joined in, threatened to kick us out, and told us to use a porta-potty instead -- all while we stayed completely calm. To top it off, one of these same people had earlier made a weird homophobic comment toward my boyfriend over his normal red sweatpants. Not sure how that even makes sense. Completely unprovoked and unnecessary. We're not dramatic people, and we weren't looking for problems. But this experience felt hostile, targeted, and way out of line. If this is the vibe this bar wants to be known for, then future customers deserve the warning. Not friendly, not welcoming, and definitely not a place we'll return to. read more

Best dive bar in town! cheap drinks, stiff drinks, fun western vibe. Swallow's Inn is one of those legendary dive bars that just hits different. Sticky floors, cold drinks, loud country music, and a crowd that's somehow both chaotic and welcoming -- it's the perfect recipe. The bartenders pour heavy, the dancing gets wild, and you'll walk out with at least one new friend (or a story you can't tell your mom). It's unapologetically old-school SJC, and thank God for that. If you're looking for a polished, fancy night out... keep driving. If you want a rootin' tootin', boots-scuffin', whiskey-sippin' good time, Swallow's Inn is the spot. read more

Fantastic old San Juan vibe and great service! You cannot visit San Juan without a trip here! read more

Swallow's Inn - Mike and Rob - Dive Bars Near Me - San Juan Capistrano, California

First I need to say, this was a drive to get to. I was looking forward to visit SJC historial Mission. But first wanted to visit this business "Swallows Inn" described as an Old-school country-western bar with a variety of drinks & quirky decor. This all sounded great!! Until my Husband & I entered. It felt like the very few patrons & bar tenders were confused why we would want to discover their lil Cowboy Heaven. Starting with the older lady (maybe the owner or Mgr) who passed us as we walked in. No smile, No Welcome.. just an annoyed look to see us there. We ignored the unwelcome feeling & looked at their quirky & funny decor. That was the only highlight because no one acknowledged our presence. I smiled to all but received not one smile back. I feel this place is only for "White" people. Sadly, we'll never return nor recommend this business to any of our friends & especially not to our family. FYI: My 1star is only for the funny decor. read more

Took the choo choo into San Juan Capi for the day & dipped into this bar coz we heard live music Day drinking activated! Lol The gentleman behind the bar today was handling all drink orders like a chAmp! The band was great & the roaming cowboy in the red shirt kept popping up every now & then and I would not mess w/ em. Def would return to try out those jello shots I kept my on. Haha read more

I definitely would recommend this place. It is very charming and nice. Definitely coming back again.

This is definitely a dive bar. If you want cheap drinks but can deal with the smell of vomit and cigarettes then this place is for you.

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! read more

Swallow's Inn - Bar - Dive Bars Near Me - San Juan Capistrano, California

Great drinks and food, nice people and live music. All wins. Really cool atmosphere and good vibes

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. read more

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. read more

Swallow's Inn - Bras everywhere, even brand new ones - Dive Bars Near Me - San Juan Capistrano, California

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do NOT get the huckleberry seltzer. dangerously delicious. great bar and interesting crowd though. will definitely return if i'm ever in the area again. decent music, lots of line dancing. read more

I was there for a few drinks on a Sunday afternoon and to watch the NFL playoffs. Here is my observation of the place. It is dark. It is loud due to the band. The drinks are expensive. It is swimming with 45-70 year olds, dressed as cowboys/cowgirls. There is a lot of plastic surgery walking around. The only tv for football watching is out on the smoker's patio. The staff is anything but friendly. The security guards are stalking around looking for an altercation (I'm retired law enforcement, I know a guy looking for a fight when I see one). The restrooms are impractical (I can't elaborate, you'd have to see them to believe they are in a public place....and a bar where people are drinking at that !). These are my observations, you decide for yourself if it is your type of place. read more

Great vibe in this place. Feels like a mix of cowboy, military and biker without the "Bro" BS. The bartender Clayton kills it and drinks are super reasonable. I love this place. read more

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

Swallow's Inn - Dive Bars Near Me - San Juan Capistrano, California

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! read more

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. read more

Swallow's Inn - The band setting up - Dive Bars Near Me - San Juan Capistrano, California

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