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New Yorkers 1st Choice
San Clemente's best

Lunch sandwiches

A lunch sandwich that feels like a real meal rather than a sad, soggy afterthought.

Based on 604 Opinions
+601
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Updated May 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.

Lunch features great coffees and fresh sandwiches served quickly. Staff like Ava provide helpful guidance on the menu.

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 staff here is so friendly and attentive."

"This Lunch Spot's Flat Whites are delicious and high quality."

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
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.

Thoughtful and delicious bites stand out for lunch here. The spot offers a perfect casual setting to enjoy meals, often taken down to the beach.

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 thought it was the perfect lunch spot to grab food."

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.

03
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.

Offers high quality lunches alongside fresh pastries and breads. Serves as a light lunch spot with good coffee in a casual cafe setting.

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 sandwiches here are outstanding, especially on their demi-baguette."

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

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.

04
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.

Kindness from Jasmine creates a welcoming vibe. Lunch offers delicious food and a pleasant atmosphere.

Pulled pork sandwich stands out with rich flavor and tender meat. Brisket sandwich features sliced flat brisket on a bun with BBQ sauce on the side, often enhanced by adding jalapeños and onions.

People are saying

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

"The lunch here is delicious, especially the brisket sandwich."

"I had possibly the best pulled pork sandwich I have ever had."

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.

05
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.

Lunch offers a cool menu with options suitable for both lunch and dinner. The spot stays quiet during late lunch hours, making it easy to have a company lunch without distractions.

Fried bologna sandwich stands out with sliced bologna piled like pastrami and layered with pickles on panini bread. It comes with potato wedges and offers an upscale adult twist on a classic.

People are saying

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

"You have to try the fried bologna sandwich; it's unlike any other."

"This lunch spot had a laid-back environment and no one was disappointed."

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
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.

Offers a French breakfast and lunch menu with a focus on fresh breads. Closes early around 3pm, making it a spot for an early afternoon meal.

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."

"This lunch spot's pastries are unreal, like buttery croissants and artwork desserts."

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.

07
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.

Hearty breakfast and lunch options are available all day, making it a solid spot for a midday meal. The menu suits both tourists and locals, with coffee served alongside.

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 service at this Lunch Spot is always quick and friendly."

"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.

08
Panera Bread image 1

Cafe space offers self-order screens and booths with power outlets for convenience. Atmosphere stays friendly, calm, and soothing with a relaxed vibe. Weekends bring a crowd of mall shoppers, creating a lively but still comfortable setting.

Offers quick, healthy, and flavorful lunch options like the Chicken Roma Asiago Bagel Stack. Coffee quality after lunch varies.

Sandwiches come with fresh ingredients and soft whole-grain bread. Options include an Italian sandwich and a veggie sandwich with fresh greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and cheese. Some sandwiches have too much lettuce and little meat.

People are saying

"I found the food here really good and delicious."

"This lunch spot's sandwiches are delicious and packed with fresh ingredients."

"I loved the sandwich, packed with fresh ingredients on soft bread."

Good to know

1

Expect higher prices compared to other fast-casual dining options.

2

The restaurant is often busy with mall shoppers on weekends.

3

Clean bathrooms and tables are available for guests.

09
Chick-fil-A image 1
Fast food restaurant

Bright, inviting space with plenty of seating and ample parking. Atmosphere feels busy but organized, with staff maintaining cleanliness. Known for fresh, well-prepared chicken sandwiches and perfectly cooked waffle fries.

Lunch rush can get busy with lines lasting about 20 minutes during menu transitions. Staff consistently provide extra care to ensure a smooth lunch experience.

Spicy chicken sandwich stands out with a strong flavor and crispy texture. The grilled chicken sandwich with cheese and the egg white grill sandwich pair well with a special sauce, creating a satisfying meal.

People are saying

"The Drive Thru food here is super good, as always."

"The waffle fries were cooked perfectly, lightly crisped."

"I found the chicken sandwich so delicious and juicy."

Good to know

1

Expect long wait times of about 30 minutes in the drive-through.

2

Pre-ordering on the app does not speed up service; food is prepared upon arrival.

3

The location is generally clean and well-organized.

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San Clemente, California

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