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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of San Clemente

Cool spots

You gravitate toward places that have a distinct identity without trying too hard to prove it.

Based on 555 Opinions
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01
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Tiny coffee spot inside a surf shop offers quality brews and a relaxed vibe. Super cool baristas create a friendly atmosphere that feels genuine and welcoming. Outdoor seating with a big umbrella adds to the laid-back charm.

Super cool baristas create a friendly vibe. The shop has a cool location and a welcoming atmosphere.

People are saying

"The people working here are super cool and friendly."

Good to know

1

Sur Coffee is a grab-and-go spot with quick service.

2

Parking is available in the lot with seating under an umbrella.

3

The shop is located inside Basham’s Surf Shop.

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Art deco design creates an intimate, moody vibe with dim lighting and cozy seating. Cocktails shine with creative flavors while music stays soft for easy chat. The bar feels grown-up yet relaxed, perfect for sharing small bites in a speakeasy-style lounge.

A cool vibe fills the craft cocktail bar, making it feel grown-up without being pretentious. Even with a Paw Patrol sticker on a shoe, the atmosphere stays relaxed and inviting.

People are saying

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

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.

03
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Offers two-level patio with space heaters for comfort and a lively surf culture vibe. Serves house-made margaritas and flavorful poke bowls and tacos. Atmosphere is laid back and fresh, with dogs adding to the friendly, relaxed scene.

The atmosphere feels laid back and fresh with a friendly vibe. Dogs and their owners often add to the cool, relaxed scene on the deck.

People are saying

"The atmosphere here is so cool and laid back."

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.

04
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Modern country decor and cowgirl surf art set a laid-back, fun vibe. Bold, fresh flavors like smash burgers and fish tacos draw a busy crowd. Owners and staff bring good vibes, making the atmosphere really cool and welcoming.

Good vibes flow from the owners and staff, creating a really cool atmosphere throughout.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and delicious."

Good to know

1

On Thursday, all IPA beers are $5.

2

Expect a 30-40 minute wait during peak hours.

3

You can substitute a gluten-free bun for any sandwich or burger.

05
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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.

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.

06
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Large building with European-style architecture offers roomy indoor and outdoor seating. Air-conditioned space provides a cool beach vibe and friendly staff. Noisy, lively atmosphere suits families and kids, with convenient drive-through and diner setup.

Air-conditioned space offers a cool, comfortable spot to sit. The building has a cool beach vibe and the staff are super nice.

People are saying

"The building and beach vibe here are really cool."

Good to know

1

Expect long lines during peak hours, especially for the drive-thru.

2

Credit cards are accepted, but cash is not accepted after 10 pm.

3

The restaurant is known for its cleanliness and well-stocked restrooms.

07
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Small bar with Goonies-themed tiki decor offers a moody, immersive vibe. Cocktails feature smoky mezcal flavors served in custom tiki mugs like One-eyed Willie. Seating is tight and cozy, enhancing the speakeasy atmosphere downstairs from a sushi spot.

Atmosphere recreates an iconic scene from the Goonies with Goonies-inspired decor. Drinks come in cool tiki mugs, like the One-eyed Willie, adding to the speakeasy vibe downstairs from a sushi spot.

People are saying

"This place is so cool with its awesome Goonies-themed decor."

Good to know

1

Reservations are highly recommended to secure a spot, especially for groups over four.

2

The venue is 21+ and only serves drinks; no food is available.

3

Parking can be difficult; street parking is the best option.

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Hamburger spot with funky decor mixing pirate, western, and Aztec themes sets a cool vibe. Live reggae and a magician add entertaining energy. Outdoor patio features a party bus bar made from a delivery van, making it lively and fun.

Fun atmosphere combines with unique decor and animatronic displays to create a cool vibe. Food includes items like pork sliders served on the cool side.

People are saying

"The decorations and animatronic displays here are really cool."

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.

09
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Ice cream shop offers hand dipped soft serve and non-dairy options with a laid-back surf-town vibe. Staff are friendly and attentive, making it a great spot to rest on a warm day. Lines move quickly despite popularity, and toppings are customizable to taste.

Unique ice cream concept stands out here. Staff are friendly and attentive, making it a great spot to rest on a warm day.

People are saying

"It's a pretty cool place to relax on a warm day."

Good to know

1

Street parking can be challenging.

2

The line can be long, but it moves quickly.

3

The price of the ice cream is $7.50 before tax.

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Spacious coffee shop boasts a large outdoor patio and a unique barista bar that sparks conversation. Its dark, quiet atmosphere suits work or relaxation, while the cool bathroom adds a stylish touch.

Atmosphere feels very cool with nice finishes throughout. The bathroom stands out as a cool spot itself.

People are saying

"I found the atmosphere and finishes here to be really cool."

Good to know

1

Kuli Coffee stays open until 7 pm on Fridays and Saturdays.

2

Expect limited seating during busy times, especially on weekends.

3

Coconut cold foam is available only on cold brew, not iced lattes.

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Dive bar with a classic Irish vibe offers free pool on six tables and a lively, local hangout feel. Multiple TVs and a back patio create a sports-focused atmosphere while a jukebox app adds a modern touch. Casual energy and games like ping pong keep it interactive and fun.

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.

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San Clemente, California

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