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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 542 Opinions
+539
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Updated May 2026
01
South Swell Hand Dipped Ice Cream image 1
South Swell Hand Dipped Ice Cream image 2
South Swell Hand Dipped Ice Cream image 3
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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

"The ice cream staff is super friendly and genuinely helpful."

"I love getting soft serve dipped in chocolate with toppings."

"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.

02
Los Molinos Beer image 1

Brewery offers a cozy beer hall vibe with live music and surf videos on TVs. Shaded outdoor seating and a family-friendly patio create a welcoming spot for locals and travelers. Cool breeze adds to the fun atmosphere and lively energy.

Fun atmosphere meets a cool breeze that shapes the vibe. The space feels lively and has a great vibe that stands out.

People are saying

"I loved the perfectly crafted beer here."

"You have to try the birria egg rolls; they're a standout."

"The vibes here are cool and it's a chill spot."

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
Sur Coffee image 1
Coffee shop

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

"I thought the coffee here was simple, solid, and just really good."

"I thought the caramel latte was the best I ever had."

"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 Bashamโ€™s Surf Shop.

04
Jane image 1
Cocktail bar

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

"The drinks here are dangerously good and sippable."

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

"I found the best Old Fashioned drink here."

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.

05
Krazy Kooters image 1
Hamburger restaurant

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

"I thought the burgers here were amazing."

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

"The outdoor seating here is great, especially the rooftop deck."

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.

06
The lost Inferno image 1

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 tiki bar's moody, immersive vibe feels like another world."

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

"The Japanese food here, especially the sushi, was fantastic."

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.

07
Coastal Cowboy CA Eats image 1
American restaurant

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, fresh, and delicious."

"The staff at Outdoor Seating were so sweet and attentive."

"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.

08
Nomads Canteen image 1
Restaurant

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

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

"I enjoyed the great beer selection."

"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.

09
Kuli Coffee image 1
Coffee shop

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 loved the coffee and the gorgeous atmosphere here."

"The bathroom here feels like LA, with a surprising level of security."

"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.

10
Big Helyn's Saloon image 1

Dive bar with a laid back atmosphere and coastal vibe draws colorful locals. Cold beer and standout Bloody Marys keep the crowd happy. Views of the western skyline add to the relaxed, easygoing energy.

Cold beer flows with no-nonsense drinks served by a super cool waitress. The crowd brings a laid-back vibe that fits the easygoing atmosphere.

People are saying

"It's a great little local bar."

"The staff and regulars here are super cool and friendly."

"This is a nice local spot."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm on weekdays with discounted drinks.

2

Karaoke night is every Wednesday at 9pm with no cover charge.

3

Cash only for bar tabs; ATMs are available on-site.

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San Clemente, California

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