The Coach House has been a staple in Orange County for as long as I can remember. I cannot count the number of shows that I have seen here over the past thirty years, but it is quite a few.
Located in San Juan Capistrano, the Coach House has a full bar and dinner menu is just about Orange County’s only independent live music venue. It seats close to 500 people, which means that whoever you see here, it will be an intimate experience. Their yearly line-up is varied and interesting and features local artists, fantastic cover and tribute bands and top-notch artists from every music genre. I have seen blues greats Buddy Guy and Albert Collins here as well as classic acts like Gordon Lightfoot, Donovan and Mick Taylor; rising stars like the Black Crowes before they were big and fantastic tribute bands like Mick Adams and the Stones, Desperado and Wild Child.
Dinner reservations are encouraged and will get you a seat closer to the stage, but be aware that the seating is “roadhouse style” and you will be sitting with strangers at long wooden tables. Drinks and food are on the overpriced side, but the service is usually very good. When the room is packed to capacity, it can get rather stuffy inside and the only reprieve from the heat is to step outside onto the patio, which is most commonly used a smoking section.
Despite the rustic, old school atmosphere, the Coach House should be lauded and patronized for its commitment to high quality acts and being able to withstand the test of time. The Coach House is located at 33157 Camino Capistrano in San Juan Capistrano. Check their website for upcoming shows and to view their dinner menu.
The Coach House is about 25 miles south of OC Motorcycle and is conveniently located near Dana Point Harbor for daytime fun like whale watching.
lvsage 