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Guide to San Clemente

Coffee and sandwich spots

A quick lunch shouldn't mean settling for mediocre food. You want a substantial sandwich and a quality cup of coffee without the fuss.

Based on 727 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
Bluestone Lane San Clemente Café image 1
Bluestone Lane San Clemente Café image 2
Bluestone Lane San Clemente Café image 3
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Coffee shop offers charming outdoor seating with open windows creating an indoor/outdoor feel. Atmosphere stays quiet and inviting, ideal for studying or working with accessible outlets at every seat. Space feels cool and lively, attracting a relaxed crowd throughout the day.

Espressos stand out with rich flavor and smooth finish. Coffee pairs well with fresh food, creating a solid coffee shop experience.

Soft, pillowy, freshly baked ciabattas make the sandwiches stand out. Options like the egg and cheese croissant and avocado sandwich offer tasty choices with great flavor.

People are saying

"The coffee here is amazing and authentic Australian brew."

"The charming outdoor seating area is great for enjoying the morning."

"The staff here is so friendly and attentive."

Good to know

1

There is free parking available near the café.

2

The café offers both indoor and outdoor seating options.

3

The coffee menu is extensive, featuring Australian-style drinks.

02
Rose Cafe & Donuts image 1

Donut shop offers fresh, high-quality donuts and delicious breakfast burritos in a clean, chill atmosphere with limited outdoor seating visible to the kitchen. It closes early, stopping grilled food service by mid-afternoon, and attracts locals with reasonable prices and a relaxed vibe.

Coffee here stands out for its amazing drinks and consistently great quality. A large iced chai tea latte pairs well with a warmed croissant for a solid combo.

Breakfast sandwiches use fresh ingredients and come in hearty options like the croissant breakfast sandwich. They serve proper sandwiches, not just donuts, with flavors that stand out as delicious.

People are saying

"The donuts here are so delicious and fresh."

"The breakfast sandwiches here are the best I've ever had."

"I thought the coffee was wonderful."

Good to know

1

They stop grilling food at 2pm, even though they are open until 3pm.

2

The prices are very reasonable, with sandwiches costing around $12.

3

They have leftover donuts after they stop serving grilled food.

03
Kelly's Donuts image 1
Donut shop

Donut shop offers breakfast sandwiches, croissants, and a larger diner menu beyond donuts. Atmosphere is clean with options for indoor, outdoor, or takeout dining. Prices are higher than typical, reflecting a focus on comfort food and quality breakfast items.

Coffee here stands out with excellent bean quality and a flavor that beats most donut shops. Black coffee pairs well with savory items like the cream cheese and bacon bagel.

Breakfast sandwiches come on toasted croissants or bagels with fresh ingredients. Prices run high, around $14 each, and some sandwiches have dry bread and hard bacon.

People are saying

"The donuts here are large and really fresh."

"These breakfast sandwiches are ridiculously good."

"I thought the coffee here was better than most other donut shops."

Good to know

1

Prices for a dozen donuts are around $19.

2

Breakfast sandwiches and two glazed twists cost $28.

3

The menu includes breakfast plates, sandwiches, and donuts.

04
The Bagel Shack image 1
Bagel shop

Small shop with indoor and outdoor seating offers a low-key surfer vibe and classic SoCal surf-town energy. Atmosphere feels homey and chill, often crowded with limited seating and tight parking. Bagels stand out as fresh, crispy outside and moist inside, paired with a variety of cream cheeses.

Coffee here stands out with solid quality and an amazing iced coffee that exceeds expectations. The shop pairs these with a good selection of cream cheese and fresh bagels.

Bagel sandwiches come with eggs cooked to perfection and a good amount of avocado. Prices stay around 5 to 8 dollars, offering hearty, packed sandwiches served quickly even during busy times.

People are saying

"I found the best bagels I have ever tried in SoCal."

"I thought the coffee was solid and had great variety."

"I loved the bagel sandwich with egg, cheese, and avocado."

Good to know

1

Seating is limited, especially on weekends and holidays, so be prepared to wait.

2

Parking can be tough; consider street parking as the back lot is often full.

3

Prices for bagel sandwiches start around $10, with some items exceeding $20.

05
Surfin' Donuts Coffee House image 1

Donut shop offers a family-friendly atmosphere with a tree-shaded patio for outdoor seating. Early mornings bring a crowd of colorful, youthful adults and a steady flow of customers, especially on weekends. Donuts are fresh and highly regarded, often selling out by midday.

A variety of warm, tasty, serve-yourself coffees are always available, including a notable Colombian coffee. Coffees are fresh and made daily, served alongside fresh pastries like donuts.

Breakfast sandwiches feature bacon and egg baked into a croissant, served warm and fresh. Croissant sandwiches and apple fritters stand out as homemade baked goods available early in the morning.

People are saying

"I thought these donuts were the best I ever had."

"I thought the breakfast sandwiches were the best."

"I enjoyed the great coffee and doughnuts."

Good to know

1

Expect long lines on weekends, especially around 9am.

2

Parking can be difficult on weekends due to nearby restaurant overflow.

3

Arrive early in the morning for fresh breakfast sandwiches.

06
Chaupain Bakery image 1

Small cafe with charming, cozy atmosphere and French-style pastries draws people to its outdoor seating area where neighborhood ambiance is strong. Inside space feels compact and busy, creating a lively, authentic vibe. Pastries stand out as a key attraction, often described as exceptional.

Coffee comes with excellent quality and flavor. The latte with orange rind adds a unique twist, and the cappuccino pairs well with pastries that hold together perfectly.

Breakfast sandwiches come on croissants with avocado or focaccia bread. Club and vegetable sandwiches use high-quality bread. Nutella cronuts and quiche also complement the sandwich options.

People are saying

"The pastries here are fresh, flavorful, and crafted with care."

"The demi-baguette sandwich had a crisp crust and chewy inside."

"The coffee here is delicious and tasty."

Good to know

1

On Sundays, they have a stand at the Farmer's Market across the street.

2

Parking at Chaupain Bakery can be competitive.

3

The kitchen closes early, so plan your visit accordingly.

07
The Picnic Cafe image 1
Coffee shop

Coffee shop with chic interior and flower bar creates a relaxed, cheerful vibe. Outdoor seating offers a pleasant atmosphere for casual gatherings. The space feels thoughtfully curated and visually inviting.

Coffee here stands out with unique latte flavors like tiramisu, honey salted, and raspberry chocolate. The combination of great taste and a flower bar creates a memorable coffee experience.

Italian summer sandwich stands out with rich flavors. Turkey apple brie and other sandwiches offer delicious, scrumptious tastes that guests often praise.

People are saying

"This coffee spot has such a charming and inviting interior."

"The food, especially the grazing board, was beautifully set up and delicious."

"I found the Italian Summer Sandwich to be one of the best ever."

Good to know

1

The cafe has public parking available for 3 hours.

2

The menu offers a wide variety of options.

3

They offer charcuterie packages to-go.

08
Moulin image 1
French restaurant

Small French cafe offers authentic Parisian vibe with quaint outdoor patio overlooking the ocean. Atmosphere feels light and upbeat, lively with families and celebrations during busy times. Patio welcomes dogs and invites guests to enjoy sunny Southern California weather.

Coffee here stands out for its freshness and pairs well with croissants and pastry options like coffee eclairs. The coffee consistently delivers a fantastic flavor that complements breakfast or a relaxing break.

Sandwiches come on crusty baguette and feature fresh, flavorful fillings like salmon, tuna, and brie-walnut-apple. Options include croissant sandwiches and classic French styles like croque-madame.

People are saying

"I found the pastries here irresistible and beautiful."

"The vibe here feels like a charming European getaway."

"The coffee here is rich, smooth, and a perfect pick-me-up."

Good to know

1

The cafe closes at 3pm, so plan your visit accordingly.

2

Parking can be challenging, especially on summer weekends; free parking may be limited.

3

Expect a busy atmosphere, particularly on weekends and holidays.

09
Antoine's Cafe image 1

Small, intimate cafe with a classic diner style and surfboards on walls and ceiling creates a cozy, warm atmosphere with soft lighting. Outdoor seating offers a dog-friendly space with shaded areas. Weekends bring a busy, lively vibe while weekdays feel more relaxed.

Espresso quality rivals Paris with rich, delicious flavor. Coffee comes in large porcelain bowls without disposable cups. Mocha lattes serve in big mugs that hold plenty.

French-style sandwiches and burgers offer a tasty twist on usual American fare. Croissant breakfast sandwiches come very rich, while the tuna sandwich costs $18.00 and tastes good but feels pricey.

People are saying

"The food and service here were amazing."

"The coffee here is great and served in spotless cups."

"Their croissant breakfast sandwiches were very rich."

Good to know

1

Expect a 30-minute wait for a table during peak breakfast hours.

2

Parking is limited, so arrive early to secure a spot.

3

The cafe opens at 6:30 am, perfect for early risers.

10
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.

Drip coffee serves as the only option but offers very good flavor and stays fresh. It pairs well with baked goods like pain au chocolat and lemon squares.

Sandwiches come with plentiful portions and strong flavors. Options include a turkey and bacon sandwich and a meatball sandwich with fries.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and delicious."

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

"I really enjoyed their amazing turkey and bacon sandwich."

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.

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San Clemente, California

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