San Juan Capistrano in Orange County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Building of Distinction
Nick's Caf้ aka Mexico Lindo/San Juan Saloon/Vaquero West
Photographed by Liam Williams, August 7, 2026
1. Nick's Caf้ Marker
This building fa็ade was built in 1938 by Nick and Canuta Arbonies as a home and restaurant which replaced an earlier building that was the first train stationmaster's house and office. The Arbonies were both born in the Basque Navarra region of Spain and immigrated to the United States between 1917 and 1922.
Many of San Juan Capistrano's Basques were sheepherders, but another important part of local Basque history was about cultural and social gatherings and the hospitality of the restaurants, homes, and boardinghouses also known as "ostatuak." The simple two-story building was originally called "Nick's Caf้" and it was an important social gathering place for the community.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Hispanic Americans • Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1938.
Location. 33° 30.082′ N, 117° 39.81′ W. Marker is in San Juan Capistrano, California, in Orange County. It is on Verdugo Street 0.1 miles west of Camino Capistrano, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Greater Los Angeles and in the Peninsular Ranges. It is also on the American Pacific Coast. Globally, it is in North America, on the Ring of Fire, in the Pacific Rim, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain and also Mexicos Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Capistrano Depot (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named The Capistrano Depot (within shouting distance of this marker); Franciscan Plaza (within shouting distance of this marker); Site of the Valenzuela Adobe (within shouting distance of this marker); Combs House (within shouting distance of this marker); Welcome to the Los Rios Historic District (within shouting distance of this marker); Rios Adobe (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Welcome to Our Petting Zoo (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers
Photographed by Liam Williams, August 7, 2026
2. Nick's Caf้ Marker
Photographed by Liam Williams, August 7, 2026
3. Former site of Nick's Cafe
Photographed by Adam Margolis, June 5, 2016
4. Original Nick's Caf้ Marker
Photographed by Adam Margolis, June 5, 2016
5. Original Nick's Caf้ Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on August 14, 2026. It was originally submitted on December 21, 2021, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. This page has been viewed 738 times since then and 37 times this year. Last updated on August 8, 2026, by Liam Williams of Irvine, California. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 8, 2026, by Liam Williams of Irvine, California. 4, 5. submitted on December 21, 2021, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
