Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Top picks in San Clemente

Taco spots

You know that a proper taco is defined by the quality of the tortilla and the balance of the filling.

Based on 530 Opinions
+527
User
User
User
Updated
01
Taqueria Luna image 1
Taqueria Luna image 2
Taqueria Luna image 3
View all

Tiny restaurant with limited indoor and outdoor seating offers a cozy patio and warm, relaxed vibe. Staff speak Spanish, adding to the authentic atmosphere. The place stays open late, serving fresh, well-regarded tacos and Mexican dishes at reasonable prices.

Mexican food here stands out for its delicious and exceptional flavors. Service matches the food quality with a friendly and attentive staff.

Tacos here feature flavorful al pastor and crispy, fresh fish tacos that taste homemade. The sauce adds a spicy kick without overwhelming, and sides like rice and beans complement the meal well.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be fantastic and delicious."

"I thought the tacos here were the best."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday features $2 tacos all day.

2

The restaurant is open until midnight on weekends.

3

Limited seating is available inside and in the shared walkway.

02
Seasurf Fish Co image 1
Seasurf Fish Co image 2
Seasurf Fish Co image 3
View all

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.

Fish tacos come in large portions and offer Baja style flavors. Options include grilled fish, shrimp, and salmon, all noted for being generous and flavorful.

People are saying

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

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

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.

03
Nomads Canteen image 1
Nomads Canteen image 2
Nomads Canteen image 3
View all

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.

Pink tacos feature ahi tuna and stand out among options like shrimp and fish tacos. Menus include Tex-Mex choices with fresh fish, vegetarian options, and excellent salsas and guacamole.

People are saying

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

"The tacos here have a chill, laid-back surfer vibe."

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
Franco's Famous San Clemente image 1
Franco's Famous San Clemente image 2
Franco's Famous San Clemente image 3
View all

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.

Steak, shrimp, and fish tacos offer bold flavors with a variety of options. Taco Tuesday features a phenomenal and affordable menu including smash tacos and classic sides like beans and chips.

People are saying

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

"I had the best shrimp taco I have ever tasted."

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.

05
Chelas Mexican Kitchen image 1
Chelas Mexican Kitchen image 2
Chelas Mexican Kitchen image 3
View all

Mexican restaurant with outdoor seating and a chill atmosphere featuring contemporary Mexican music and soccer on television. The vibe is comfortable and relaxing, reminiscent of a beach shop in Mexico. Generous portions and flavorful dishes like burritos and rib eye tacos define the experience.

Food features freshness and excellent flavor with generous portions. Preparation is consistent and the taste is very good.

Tacos here come with authentic flavors and a variety of fillings like rib eye, chicken, and carnitas. The rib eye tacos feature a smoky chipotle sauce that adds a spicy kick, while the chicken crispy tacos offer plenty of flavor without heat.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was great and fresh."

"The rib eye tacos are spicy and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Happy Hour runs from 3 pm to close on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

2

Taco Tuesday offers great deals on tacos and is popular among locals.

3

On Wednesdays, enjoy fresh fish tacos with chips and salsa for $6 during Happy Hour.

06
El Jefe Cafe image 1
El Jefe Cafe image 2
El Jefe Cafe image 3
View all

Family-run Mexican cafรฉ offers a casual, authentic atmosphere with street-style tacos and homemade dishes. The vibe is relaxed, welcoming both families and those who want to watch the game with a beer. Plenty of parking and bilingual staff add to the local, approachable feel.

Food features authentic Mexican cuisine made in house with care. Meals carry a special flavor that satisfies cravings for home style dishes.

Tacos come with 8-inch tortillas and fresh, authentic fillings made to order. Options include tacos de lengua, beef, shrimp, and soft taco plates with generous portions and added cheese.

People are saying

"I thought the food was super good and made fresh in-house."

"The tacos here are quick and flavorful."

Good to know

1

The prices at El Jefe Cafe are very reasonable.

2

There is plenty of parking available, which is usually hard to find.

3

Credit cards are accepted, but there is a fee for ATM use.

07
San Clemente Ranch Market image 1
San Clemente Ranch Market image 2
San Clemente Ranch Market image 3
View all

Smoke from the grill rises visibly, signaling authentic Mexican comfort food inside a low-key, unassuming exterior. The atmosphere feels down-to-earth and refreshing, with generous portions and reasonably priced produce drawing a steady local crowd.

Mexican food here is genuine and loaded with flavor. Burritos, tacos, and guacamole come fresh and tasty, with food preparation visible during service.

Al Pastor tacos stand out as consistently delicious and a favorite choice. The tacos come with good burritos and quesadillas, and the quick takeout option makes it easy to grab Mexican treats including tacos and guacamole.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is legit, fresh, and loaded with flavor."

"I loved the al pastor taco; it was so delicious."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers the best deals on tacos in the area.

2

The market features a wide selection of authentic Mexican treats.

3

Prices are very reasonable compared to other local markets.

08
Coastal Cowboy CA Eats image 1
Coastal Cowboy CA Eats image 2
Coastal Cowboy CA Eats image 3
View all

Modern country decor with cowgirl surf art creates a laid-back, fun vibe that feels warm and welcoming. Busy atmosphere fills with people drawn to bold, fresh flavors in dishes like smash burgers and fish tacos. Patio seating adds to the casual, inviting energy.

Food features top shelf quality with a menu full of amazing options. Service includes attentive servers who bring orders to the table after counter ordering.

Fish tacos stand out with bold, fresh flavors and perfect cooking. Ahi al pastor and brisket cheesesteak tacos offer great variety and taste.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, fresh, and delicious."

"The fish tacos here have super great flavor and taste fresh."

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.

09
Los Patios Cocina Mexicana image 1
Los Patios Cocina Mexicana image 2
Los Patios Cocina Mexicana image 3
View all

Mexican restaurant offers a cozy, casual atmosphere with a comfortable patio that welcomes dogs. The vibe is relaxed and inviting, featuring fresh homemade tortillas and authentic dishes. The setting feels charming and cultural, reflecting an old downtown style.

Food comes out hot, fresh, and tasty with generous portions. Service and bar complement the consistently great meals.

Shrimp tacos stand out with flavorful Mexican cheese and crunchy fresh lettuce. Fish and chicken tacos also impress, especially during Taco Tuesday with $3 deals.

People are saying

"I found the food to be authentic, fresh, and delicious."

"This taco spot is a cute, cozy gem."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required, making it easy to drop in.

2

Parking can be tight, especially during busy hours.

3

The restaurant is dog-friendly on the patio.

Discover more

San Clemente, California

Area guide