Another restaurant tenant departs River Street Marketplace
Two months after The Market by the Meat Cellar closed, another major tenant at the nascent River Street Marketplace in San Juan Capistrano is saying good bye.
Vaquera, the rachero-style steakhouse led by executive chef Aaron Zimmer, will shutter on Sunday, May 3.
When asked about the decision to close after less than two years, Sherry Villanueva, founder and managing partner of Acme Hospitality, explained, “We've decided to sell the restaurant to a local Orange County operator so we can focus our energy closer to home." Villanueva added, “We're incredibly grateful to have been part of River Street Marketplace and to help it take shape as a meaningful gathering place for the San Juan Capistrano community.”
“For the past year and a half, Vaquera has been honored to be part of the opening lineup at River Street Marketplace and a member of the warm San Juan Capistrano community,” read a message posted to the restaurant’s Instagram. “We’re so proud of our incredible team and all they’ve accomplished, and deeply grateful for the many friendships and memories we’ve made along the way.”
The statement thanked the community and for “this unforgettable chapter,” adding that “there are many exciting things ahead.” The restaurant owners did not give an explicit reason as to why it will close.
ALSO READ:3 Orange County restaurant closures, from legacy chains to a coastal spot
Vaquera (née La Vaquera), part of Santa Barbara-based restaurant group Acme Hospitality (the group behind Paloma Cafe, Lucky Penny and Loquita), served as one of River Street Marketplace’s culinary anchors alongside Finca, Capo Leisure House and the now-closed Market by the Meat Cellar.
The eatery was known for such dishes as Oaxacan cheese cornbread, oak-grilled Wagyu bavette and steak tartare with grilled blue corn sourdough, as well as sourcing from The Ecology Center and other nearby makers. More recently, pizzas were added to the menu.
A replacement tenant has not yet been announced.
In brighter news elsewhere in the complex, chef Michael Campbell (chef-owner of The White Rooster) will rework his old Capas Tacos space inside the dedicated food hall into a new concept: Capo Comidas Californios. The reimagined spot will feature broader menu and closer alignment with neighboring Capo Leisure House.
“This concept is about honoring where we are: the history, the culture and most importantly the food native to this region, which we feel is best described as ‘Comida Californios,’ or indigenous California cuisine," said Campbell, in a written release.
River Street Marketplace opened in December 2024 after a lengthy development process. The roughly 60,000-square foot indoor-outdoor complex features farm-inspired architecture surrounding a central green area with walkways tying the space together.
Other food spots at the San Juan Capistrano space include Pastalia, Shootz, Finca, Fermentation Farm and McConnell’s Fine Ice Cream, to name a few.
Copyright 2026 Tribune Content Agency. All Rights Reserved.
This story was originally published May 1, 2026 at 12:52 PM.