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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks in San Clemente

Food and bar spots

A place that serves a proper meal alongside a drink at the bar is where the evening should start.

Based on 715 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Riviera Restaurant & Bar image 1
Riviera Restaurant & Bar image 2
Riviera Restaurant & Bar image 3
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American restaurant

Modern design and comfy seating create a chill but elegant atmosphere with awesome music enhancing the vibe. The space suits gatherings of any size and feels like a hidden gem among hotel restaurants. The mood stays pleasant and relaxed, making it a great spot to meet and unwind.

Food here reaches a high quality level similar to restaurants in Europe or Australia. Dishes like the chicken roulade with risotto stand out as delicious and beautifully prepared.

A hidden gem bar with excellent signature cocktails and impeccable service. It feels like a local's secret spot for drinks and bites.

People are saying

"I loved the homemade breakfast burrito and chips."

"The food here is delicious and homemade."

"I found this bar to be a total hidden gem."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs daily from 4-6pm with discounted drinks and appetizers.

2

Reservations are recommended during peak hours to avoid long wait times.

3

The restaurant offers a bottomless mimosa deal during brunch hours.

02
Los Molinos Beer image 1

Brewery with shaded outdoor seating and a family and dog friendly patio offers a cozy, communal vibe reminiscent of a classic German beer hall. Live music, including cover bands, adds to the vibrant atmosphere while surf videos play on TVs. The space feels open and welcoming, attracting locals and travelers alike.

Food arrives quickly even for large groups and pairs well with a variety of craft beers. The menu offers consistently great flavors that complement the lively atmosphere.

Nitro pub ale pours very smooth. Friendly bartenders greet with big smiles. Plenty of shaded outdoor seating and cozy indoor spots near the bar.

People are saying

"I loved the perfectly crafted beer here."

"I thought the food here was great."

"The bar staff is knowledgeable and the beer selection is solid."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday features a special menu that shouldn't be missed.

2

Live music happens every Saturday, creating a lively atmosphere.

3

The brewery is dog-friendly, making it a great spot for pet owners.

03
Mulligans image 1
Sports bar

Dive bar with a classic Irish vibe and free pool on six tables creates a lively, local hangout. Multiple televisions and a back patio support a sports-focused atmosphere with good music and casual energy. Board games, ping pong options, and a jukebox app add interactive fun.

Food here stands out with delicious bar dishes served alongside friendly service. The menu offers great flavors that exceed typical dive bar expectations.

Classic dive bar vibe with live bands and good taps sets the scene. Food includes burgers and other solid bar fare, paired with friendly service at the bar.

People are saying

"This dive bar has unexpectedly great food and drinks."

"They had a wide selection of beer, served nice and cold."

"The food here is delicious and served with friendly service."

Good to know

1

Expect longer wait times on weekend nights due to crowding.

2

Dogs are allowed inside and outside the venue.

3

Taco Tuesday offers great deals on food.

04
Nomads Canteen image 1
Restaurant

Restaurant offers indoor and outdoor seating with a two-level patio and space heaters for comfort. Atmosphere reflects surf culture with loud music and a lively vibe, especially on the patio. Bar features include house-made margaritas and a focus on flavorful dishes like poke bowls and tacos.

Food features great taste and friendly service at an affordable price. Seating includes both indoor and outdoor options for a spacious dining experience.

A full bar offers a vast selection of beers, including local and regional choices and monthly specials. The crowd is diverse, with locals, surfers, contractors, and vacationers creating a fun and engaging atmosphere.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be really yummy and enjoyable."

"I enjoyed the great beer selection."

"The outdoor seating here is great, especially the two-level patio."

Good to know

1

Parking on the premises is limited, but municipal parking is available nearby.

2

Nomads Canteen offers both indoor and outdoor seating options.

3

The hotel is located in the heart of downtown San Clemente.

05
Franco's Famous San Clemente image 1

Spacious Mexican restaurant with an airy patio and pet-friendly courtyard offers a comfortable setting and lively bar area. The atmosphere blends friendly local energy with good music and a relaxed vibe. Cocktails, especially margaritas, stand out as a highlight alongside fresh chips and house-made salsa.

Mexican food offers great taste paired with tasty cocktails. Outdoor seating enhances the experience during happy hour with a pleasant breeze.

Friendly bartenders like Hugo, Brandon, and Ali create a fun atmosphere at the bar. It serves as a lively spot to hang out and chat.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and very well priced."

"The airy patio is a delightful spot for tasty Mexican food."

"The bar staff here makes you feel so welcome."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 3 to 6pm and all evening on Tuesdays.

2

Taco Tuesday offers an affordable menu with great options.

3

Expect a small wait for seating during popular happy hour times.

06
Jane image 1
Cocktail bar

Art deco inspired space offers an intimate, moody atmosphere with dim lighting and cozy, elevated design. Music stays at a comfortable volume, supporting conversation without strain. Cocktails impress with creative flavors, while small bites encourage sharing in a relaxed, speakeasy-style lounge.

Small plates pack big flavor with a smaller menu focused on quality. Bao sliders stand out as a delicious hit, paired with top notch drinks.

Craft cocktails shape the bar's vibe with a lounge feel. Frequent bar manager turnover affects consistency. It closes earlier than typical bars.

People are saying

"The drinks here are dangerously good and sippable."

"It's a cool vibe with dim lighting and a cozy, elevated atmosphere."

"The cocktails here are fantastic and handcrafted with care."

Good to know

1

Reservations can be made via Google Assist, but it's often unreliable.

2

Cocktail specials are available on certain days of the week.

3

Prices are on the higher side, so budget accordingly.

07
Krazy Kooters image 1
Hamburger restaurant

Hamburger restaurant with funky decor blending pirate, western, and Aztec temple themes creates a unique atmosphere. Live reggae music and a magician performing card tricks add entertaining energy. Outdoor patio features a party bus bar made from an old delivery van, enhancing the lively vibe.

Food here is consistently fresh and high quality. Every dish tastes excellent and pairs well with fun cocktails.

A full bar serves drinks with fantastic service and a friendly crowd. The patio features a party bus bar made from an old delivery van, adding a unique vibe.

People are saying

"I thought the burgers here were amazing."

"I thought the food here was delicious."

"The food at this bar is delicious and outstanding."

Good to know

1

Parking can be a bit of a hassle, so plan accordingly.

2

Brunch features live magic shows that entertain guests at their tables.

3

Reservations are recommended for weekend brunch due to popularity.

08
RลŒM Beer Co. image 1

Brewery taproom offers a cozy atmosphere with a chill vibe and community feel. Live guitar music and available games create a relaxed, engaging environment. Award-winning beers, especially lagers and West Coast IPAs, complement the inviting space.

Tacos stand out with amazing flavor and the overall food quality is excellent. Service can lag, with long waits before orders are taken.

Bar resembles an Australian pub with a good vibe. Bartender is very nice.

People are saying

"The beer here is delicious and refreshing."

"The staff at this brewery are super friendly."

"The beer selection here is diverse and delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm on weekdays, attracting local business folks and families.

2

The brewery hosts events like car shows and live music every few weeks.

3

Parking is available in the private lot out front, especially busy around 6pm.

09
Flights & Irons Urban Kitchen image 1

Speakeasy-style restaurant with cozy, intimate atmosphere and live jazz music creates a relaxing vibe. Comfortable seating and a wood fire oven add warmth to the space. Guests enjoy a thoughtful dining experience paired with a good selection of beers, wines, and crafted cocktails.

Food comes cooked in iron over a wood fire, delivering well done and amazing flavors. The menu offers thoughtful dishes with excellent service guiding choices.

Bar service features friendly staff like Lisa and offers a pleasant seating area with a country cottage pub style. Happy hour includes $2 off select menu items and drinks, enhancing the experience.

People are saying

"I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this hidden gem."

"The food here is delicious, especially the fresh bread and tomato soup."

"The bartender was friendly and had great drink knowledge."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended as the restaurant can sell out quickly.

2

Happy hour offers $2 off select menu items and drinks at the bar.

3

Parking is limited; consider using the shopping center across the street.

10
Seasurf Fish Co image 1
Seafood restaurant

Small seafood restaurant with mostly outdoor seating and a laid-back vibe. Atmosphere is relaxing and cool, with enough noise to feel lively but still allow conversation. Features include a patio with heaters, a small indoor bar with TV, and quick table turnover.

Food impresses with excellent quality and unforgettable flavors. Prices stay surprisingly affordable even with drinks included.

A small indoor bar offers seating with table service and a TV showing college football and NFL games. Other areas require ordering at the counter and picking up drinks yourself.

People are saying

"I thought the fish tacos were the best anywhere."

"The food here is fresh, delicious, and always excellent."

"The fish here is super fresh and delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 3 to 6 PM with many items priced just a few dollars.

2

Enjoy $1 oysters and $3 battered fish tacos during happy hour on Tuesdays.

3

Parking is available behind the restaurant for easy access.

11
Daily's Sports Grill image 1

Sports bar filled with numerous TVs and team jerseys creates a lively, crowded atmosphere. Bright lighting from the beer cooler contrasts with the otherwise fun, welcoming vibe. Sound issues with audio delay are noticeable but common here.

Food features tasty bar dishes with friendly, attentive servers. The menu offers good variety and the meals look and taste satisfying.

Lots of TV screens make it easy to catch games. The bar gets very loud and crowded with only a couple of spots available. Bar food is decent but chairs aren't comfy for long sitting.

People are saying

"This bar has tons of TV screens for watching the game."

"It's a great place to watch a game with a great atmosphere."

"I thought the food, especially the wings, was delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers discounted prices on select items.

2

The restaurant has a known audio delay issue during games.

3

Seating at the bar may not be comfortable for long periods.

12
Pronto Cucina Italiana image 1
Italian restaurant

Small Italian restaurant offers a cozy atmosphere with dimmed lights that shift to a lounge vibe after dinner. Sunny patio provides a pleasant outdoor dining option, while a full bar complements authentic Italian flavors. Tables fill quickly, creating an intimate and lively setting.

Food features 100% fresh ingredients and authentic Italian flavors. Dishes like focaccia and short rib ravioli stand out for their quality and taste.

People are saying

"The Italian food, especially the pasta, was excellent and seasoned perfectly."

"I thought the Italian food here was authentic and delicious."

"The entrees were seasoned perfectly, generous, and delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for weekday evenings due to limited seating.

2

Parking can be challenging, especially on weekends.

3

Happy Hour runs daily from 2 to 5 pm, including weekends.

13
Hapa J's image 1
Hawaiian restaurant

Open windows and surfer theme create an airy, chill atmosphere with a down-to-earth vibe. Busy areas feel lively and noisy, while smaller rooms offer a quieter experience. The setting evokes a strong sense of Hawaiian vacation.

Food offers great variety and consistently delicious flavors. Every dish tried delivers incredible taste and satisfying quality.

Outstanding service stands out at the bar. The spot leans more toward a bar vibe than a restaurant, with seating at the bar preferred during visits.

People are saying

"The food here is really delicious and fresh."

"These pig nachos are the best I have ever tasted."

"The service at the bar was outstanding and friendly."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday features special menu items focused on tacos and quesadillas.

2

Happy hour runs from 3 to 6 PM with $2 off drinks.

3

Parking is available in the lot across the street with plenty of open spots.

14
Rockwell's Bakery image 1

Boston-themed cafe with cozy atmosphere and comfortable seating offers a full bar serving strong cocktails. Concrete floors and large glass windows create a loud environment where ocean air adds a chill vibe. Food includes delicious pastries and hearty meals, blending bakery and bar experiences.

Food offers delicious and plentiful options with a great selection. Sandwiches like turkey and bacon stand out for their amazing taste and satisfying portions.

A full bar serves a mix of drinks alongside an all-day breakfast menu. Staff at the bar are consistently friendly, creating a welcoming atmosphere.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and delicious."

"The coffee here is fresh and has very good flavor."

"I loved their sandwiches, especially the Reuben on rye."

Good to know

1

They didn't accept Apple Pay or Android Pay.

2

The wait time ranged from 5 minutes to 50 minutes.

3

There is a Cars n Coffee gathering on Saturdays from 9 to 11.

15
Drift Distillery & Smokehouse image 1

Distillery combines live blues and rock music with a beautifully crafted design and lovely outdoor space. The atmosphere feels inviting and intimate, with a quiet vibe that supports privacy despite close tables. Craft cocktails and local beers complement the setting, creating a relaxed yet engaging experience.

Food arrives quickly, hot, and well presented with a family atmosphere enhancing the experience. Cocktails and dishes are consistently excellent and delicious.

People are saying

"The American Food here, especially the brisket, is fantastic."

"I found the food here to be absolutely delicious."

"The food here is amazing, especially the octopus and tri-tip."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for Friday and Saturday nights.

2

Parking is ample and convenient at the location.

3

The menu features unique offerings that differ from typical appetizer selections.

16
New OC Tavern image 1
Sports bar

Circular bar with an outdoor patio and plentiful TVs creates a lively sports-watching environment. Brand new pool tables and an onsite live music venue add to the energetic vibe. The atmosphere feels fun and welcoming, with patrons enjoying drinks and games.

Food features excellent menu options with dishes like Ciopino standing out. The quality is consistently amazing, prompting multiple entrees in one sitting.

Amazing drinks and friendly customers create a welcoming bar atmosphere. The new layout works well for watching games and enjoying live music with dimmed lights around the dance floor.

People are saying

"The bar staff here is so friendly and professional."

"The food here is amazing, truly unbelievable."

"The beer here is amazing, especially the IPA."

Good to know

1

The venue has limited seating, primarily on the outside patio.

2

The taps are currently out of order, affecting drink options.

3

The bar is clean and well-maintained.

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San Clemente, California

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