Hennessey’s

Hennessey’s – San Juan Capistrano
By Krissy V.

With locations from San Diego to the South Bay, Hennessey’s has grown from its first casual coastal location in Hermosa Beach to an expansive chain of ten taverns throughout California’s beach cities and into Las Vegas. Its successful recipe is now being served up atHennessey’s Tavern in historic San Juan Capistrano to an enthusiastic crowd of newcomers and loyal followers.

Hennessey’s take on the traditional Irish pub is the brainchild of its founder and namesake Paul Hennessey. This former stock trader has definitely enjoyed the luck o’ the Irish when it comes to the restaurant industry. Paul opened the company’s first location back in 1976 on Hermosa Beach’s Pier Avenue at a time when the beach enclave was much more sleepy and laid-back. Hennessey’s Tavern, Inc. now includes ten taverns, H.T. Grill, The Wine Bistro, Mickie Finnz, LVCS, and the legendary Lighthouse Café — located a few doors down from the original tavern’s footprint.

In August of this year, Hennessey’s Tavern San Juan Capistrano opened doors across from the Mission on Camino Capistrano. The brand’s newest restaurant has that expectedly familiar pub atmosphere along with a spacious outdoor patio — complete with full bar, flat screen TVs and plenty of cozy seating.

Having had the pleasure of sipping a pint or two at several of its properties, I’m no stranger to what keeps guests coming back. The warm and friendly staff, consistently delicious and reasonably priced fare, and flowing drinks have certainly contributed to its success, but Paul Hennessey has brilliantly managed to create an inviting gathering place where friends and families can simply relax. Hennessey’s perfect blend of ingredients that draws customers in for an unhurried breakfast, lunch, dinner or drinks have stood the test of time for close to 40 years.

One thing’s for certain, there’s always something happening at Hennessey’s. $5 freshly squeezed juice cocktails, early bird dinners for $10.95 (served all day), and $15 tasting flights are all offered daily. Monday through Friday happy hour from 4 to 7 p.m. includes too many fantastic $5 food and drink specials to list. Stop in for 2-4-1 burgers and breakfast entrées on Two Timin’ Tuesdays and 50% off bottles of wine on Wine Up Wednesdays. Visit on Saturdays and Sundays for Hennessey’s famous $4 hand-made Bloody Mary’s until 1 p.m. and $20 champagne buckets with freshly squeezed juices ‘til 5 p.m.