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Top picks in San Clemente

Mexican food with outdoor seating

Mexican food enjoyed in the fresh air without the noise and chaos of a cramped indoor dining room.

Based on 850 Opinions
+847
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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.

Breakfast burritos come with scrambled eggs, spinach, bacon, avocado, cheddar cheese, and dill mayo. The Sunshine Burritos taste fresh and pair well with americanos. Portions are small but flavorful.

Spacious patio offers plenty of outdoor seating where dogs are welcome. The area suits working outside while enjoying quality coffee in a relaxed atmosphere.

People are saying

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

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

"I loved their tasty breakfast burritos."

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
Franco's Famous San Clemente image 1

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.

Shrimp tacos and enchiladas stand out with fresh, tasty flavors. The guacamole uses all avocado with no fillers and comes in generous portions. Taco Tuesday offers a phenomenal and affordable menu, and margaritas, especially during Happy Hour, are excellent.

An airy patio offers spacious outdoor seating with a gentle afternoon breeze and sunset views. The area is pet-friendly, welcoming dogs on the patio.

People are saying

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

"You've got to try the Mexican Food; the chips and salsa are excellent."

"The staff here are so friendly and attentive."

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.

03
Taqueria Luna image 1
Restaurant

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.

Tacos stand out with fish, carne asada, and pastor options that deliver strong flavors. Burritos like the carne asada and birria come with good taste and value, paired with fresh salsa and guacamole.

A cozy patio offers a charming spot for dining with a great atmosphere. Additional seating exists in a small alley beside the restaurant, complementing the few indoor seats.

People are saying

"I thought the tacos here were the best."

"I thought this burrito might have been the best I've had."

"The tacos here are excellent, especially with the house-made sauces."

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.

04
The Sunrise Cafe image 1

Old-fashioned diner with classic decor and local art creates a laid-back beach vibe. Seating is well spaced, offering a quiet, friendly atmosphere ideal for breakfast. Outdoor seating faces two streets, adding to the small surfside town feel.

Breakfast tacos come in a set of three huge tacos with a choice of breakfast potatoes or hash browns. Burritos are very tasty and notably large in size.

Outdoor seating offers a shady, clean patio near two streets on a corner spot. You can enjoy cool beach temperatures and watch cars go by while dining outside with a dog.

People are saying

"I loved the breakfast here; the omelette and hash browns were amazing."

"The jalapeño eggs Benedict with hash browns was just right."

"You have to try the breakfast tacos; they're amazing."

Good to know

1

The cafe is located on a busy street corner with parking available in a back lot.

2

There are both counter service and tables available.

3

They are mindful of dietary restrictions.

05
Nomads Hotel image 1

Spacious rooms feature cool decor and modern amenities with wave noise machines by the bed. An upstairs bar and grill creates a lively atmosphere that can be heard from guest rooms. The location offers a peaceful, relaxing vibe within walking distance to shops, restaurants, and the beach.

Upstairs cantina offers delicious Mexican food and great tequila. Complimentary drink tickets and welcome drinks add to the experience.

Upstairs, the Nomad Cantina offers a beautiful patio with great views and a solid beer selection. The San Clemente Patio room includes a private patio that makes moving luggage and a dog crate easy.

People are saying

"The vibe here is so laid-back and full of personality."

"I loved how walkable the outdoor seating was to the beach and shops."

"I loved the Mexican food, it's steps from the waves."

Good to know

1

The rooftop restaurant and bar closes at 10:00 PM.

2

Expect the upstairs hustle to end around 11 PM.

3

Surf camp is hosted at Nomads Hotel.

06
Nomads Canteen image 1
Restaurant

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.

Menu features Tex-Mex classics like tacos, nachos, and Tortas with fresh fish and vegetarian options. Salsas and guacamole stand out, paired often with the house-made Watermelon Margarita.

Outdoor seating includes a two-level patio and a spacious deck. The area offers a nice breeze and ample room for dining and snacking on appetizers and cocktails.

People are saying

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

"The Mexican food here is delicious with great, friendly service."

"The outdoor seating here is great and has a nice breeze."

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.

07
Surfin' Chicken Grill image 1
Chicken restaurant

Family-run chicken restaurant offers a homey atmosphere with indoor and outdoor seating that welcomes dogs. The menu features fresh grilled chicken and fish, including standout burritos and tacos. Prices remain reasonable considering the quality and homemade taste.

Shrimp tacos come extremely fresh and not greasy, with fish burritos seasoned to perfection. Grilled red snapper and chicken quesadillas stand out, paired well with green spicy salsa.

Seating includes a shaded patio that welcomes dogs. Outdoor areas stay clean and offer a nice spot to enjoy meals outside.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be super delicious and fresh."

"The Mexican food here is so flavorful, especially the quesadillas."

"The outdoor seating is great for enjoying yummy, fresh food."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a good selection of dishes to choose from.

2

Prices at Surfin' Chicken Grill are reasonable and not outrageous.

3

The restaurant is clean and has seating inside and outside.

08
Seasurf Fish Co image 1
Seafood restaurant

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.

Fish and shrimp tacos stand out with Baja style flavors and fresh ingredients. Burritos come large and packed, especially the shrimp variety. Happy hour offers deals on tacos and poke nachos.

Small, mostly patio dining area offers a cozy spot. Outdoor seating is shaded from the sun, making it comfortable.

People are saying

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

"It's mostly outdoor seating, and they have heaters."

"The fish tacos are a spectacular deal on Tuesdays."

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.

09
Los Molinos Beer image 1

Brewery with shaded outdoor seating and a family and dog friendly patio offers a cozy, communal vibe reminiscent of a classic German beer hall. Live music, including cover bands, adds to the vibrant atmosphere while surf videos play on TVs. The space feels open and welcoming, attracting locals and travelers alike.

Birria tacos and breakfast burritos stand out with rich flavors and solid preparation. Taco Tuesday offers a special menu featuring birria egg rolls and fries alongside classic tacos.

Shaded outdoor seating includes a family and dog friendly patio. Comfortable spots exist inside and at the bar, blending indoor and outdoor vibes.

People are saying

"I loved the perfectly crafted beer here."

"The Mexican Food here is solid, especially the Hazy IPA."

"You'll love the great patio and vibe."

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.

10
Coastal Cowboy CA Eats image 1
American restaurant

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.

Fish tacos stand out with fresh, bold flavors and great taste. The menu also features smash burgers, breakfast burritos, and sides like fries and rodeo mac and cheese cooked to perfection.

Patio offers a nice outdoor space where dogs are welcome. People often sit outside and sometimes meet others, like a family from Portugal.

People are saying

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

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

"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.

11
Los Patios Cocina Mexicana image 1
Mexican restaurant

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.

Shrimp tacos stand out with fresh homemade tortillas and authentic flavors. Burritos like the Chile Riano and Asada and Wet Chili Verde offer large portions and rich taste. Chips and salsa come top tier, and Baja enchiladas impress with their bold flavor.

A small patio offers a comfortable and dog friendly outdoor seating area. The vibe stays relaxed and chill, making it easy to enjoy time outside.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is amazing, and Roxy is such a delight."

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

"You can bring your dog to the outdoor seating."

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.

12
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.

Breakfast features tacos, burritos, and California eggs Benedict made with care. The menu offers a solid variety including sandwiches and burgers alongside Mexican staples.

Outdoor seating sits along a busy main road and welcomes dogs with water bowls provided.

People are saying

"The food and service here were amazing."

"I found the Mexican food here to be delicious."

"The outdoor seating is dog friendly and has water for dogs."

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.

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San Clemente, California

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