12 Best Cocktail Bars in San Clemente

Red Fox Lounge Cocktail Bar • $
220 S El Camino Real, San Clemente

Customers` Favorites

Two Shots of Jameson Irish Whiskey
Patty Melt
Jameson's

“The foxx is the best If you want a good place This is it“

4.3 Superb15 Reviews
South of Nick's San Clemente | Mexican Kitchen + Bar Mexican • $$
110 N El Camino Real, San Clemente

Customers` Favorites

Carne Nortena with Seafood Enchilada
El Jefe Burrito with Ranchero Beef
Stacked Chicken Enchiladas
Stacked Birria Enchiladas
Maine Lobster Enchiladas
Guacamole for the Table
Enchiladas Divorciadas
Filet Mignon Ranchero
Filet Mignon Taquitos
Seafood Chile Relleno

“Came for lunch with my gran about a month after my grandfather passed. It was my gran's first outing since the funeral and i was worried but our server was this adorable silver haired woman named Rebecca. She had my Gran laughing the whole time. We ordered combos and the suggested jalapeño watermelon margaritas, which were spicy and refreshing. We needed a nap afterwards because we were too stuffed! My gran won't stop asking when we can go back. Thank you South of Nicks for lovely meal, and Thank you Rebecca, for helping a family member feel normal after tragedy. You are in our prayers“

4.5 Superb509 Reviews
Franco's Famous San Clemente Bar • $$
207 S El Camino Real, San Clemente

Customers` Favorites

Happy Hour Quesadilla Trio
Shredded Beef Taquitos
Happy Hour Tacos
Chips and Salsa
Ensenada Taco

“Oh goodness. Why did it take us over a year to find out about this place??

First: you can either park along el Camino or parking is along Avenida De La Estrella located right above restaurant. There is a stairwell that brings you right down to it.

Be sure to go on Tuesday… taco Tuesday… where they have a phenomenal/affordable menu! Honestly the best shrimp taco I have ever had. I’m just sorry I filled up on chips.

They are only opened for lunch on the weekend.

The best part… PET FRIENDLY PATIO!!!!

Update: Doug and I have gotten to know our waitress amber. Bless her.. she waits on the whole outside and she hustles. Food and spirits all so good. Thanks Amber for always remembering 2 ice cubes and being an outstanding server.“

4.8 Superb63 Reviews
4

Jane

Jane New American • $$
158 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente

“Okay, full disclosure: with four kids, a date night that doesn’t involve drive-thru fries or someone asking for ketchup is already a win—but Jane in San Clemente? Total glow-up moment for us.

From the moment we walked in, the vibe was chef’s kiss. Dim lighting, gorgeous design, cozy but elevated—like Pinterest and a speakeasy had a very classy baby. It felt grown-up and cool without being pretentious (because let’s be real, I still had a Paw Patrol sticker on my shoe).

The cocktails? Don’t even get me started. These are not your average drinks—they’re the kind you sip slow, admire the garnish, and then immediately plan your next visit so you can try another. I had one with gin and lavender that was dangerously good. My husband kept raving about how smooth his bourbon cocktail was. We felt fancy. We felt alive.

And the food, though a smaller menu, is incredible. Small plates, yes, but big flavor. Everything was well thought out, beautifully presented, and packed with flavor. It’s not a place for giant portions, but it’s perfect for sharing and savoring between sips and conversation.

Bottom line: Jane is date night perfection—whether you’re escaping the chaos for a few hours or looking to impress out-of-town friends. It’s moody, delicious, and full of that “we need to do this more often” energy. We’ll be back. Probably with a babysitter already booked.“

4.7 Superb40 Reviews
Fisherman's Restaurant and Bar San Clemente Seafood • $$
611 Avenida Victoria, San Clemente

Customers` Favorites

Clam Chowder in a Bread Bowl
Oyster Bar Sunset Specials
Oysters on the Halfshell
Soft Shell Crab Sandwich
Bay Shrimp Cocktail
Clam Chowder Soup
Chicken Sandwich
Bucket of Clams
Coconut Shrimp
Fish and Chips

“I recently had the chance to go to The Fisherman’s Restaurant & Bar with my husband, and I absolutely loved it. From the start, the oceanfront atmosphere made the whole experience so special — nothing beats enjoying a good meal while listening to the waves in the background.

I ordered the Salmon BLT, and it was simply delicious. The bread was fresh with the perfect texture, the salmon was juicy and well-seasoned, and the avocado, lettuce, and tomato balanced everything beautifully. The crispy bacon added the perfect touch. The side of mushroom rice was flavorful yet light, which paired really well with the sandwich.

My husband went for the classic Fish and Chips, and he was just as impressed. The fish was perfectly golden and crispy on the outside while tender and fresh on the inside. The fries were hearty, and with a squeeze of lemon and the dipping sauce, it was spot on.

I enjoyed a chilled glass of white wine with my meal, which rounded out the experience perfectly.

Overall, it was a delicious lunch with spectacular views and very good service. I left feeling so happy to have shared such a wonderful moment with my husband. We’ll definitely be coming back soon.🙊🫨💃🏻🙌🏻“

4.4 Superb317 Reviews
Inka Mama's San Clemente Peruvian • $$
111 W Avenida Palizada #303, San Clemente

Customers` Favorites

Saltado Vainitas de Pollo
Tallarin Verde Con Pollo
Chicharron de Pollo
Chaufa De Mariscos
Ajiaco De Vegetales
Ajiaco De Mariscos
Green Sauce 12 Oz
Ribeye Anticuchos
Halibut Ceviche
Chicken Wings

“Such a great place. Nice addition to San Clemente.“

4.4 Superb66 Reviews
Rare Society Steak House
226 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente

Customers` Favorites

Caesar Salad with Pecorino Cheese
Wedge Salad with Blue Cheese
Banana Forster Cheesecake
Filet Mignon Platter
Petite Filet Mignon
Whole Maine Lobster
Potatoes Au Gratin
Fettuccine Alfredo
Grilled Artichoke
Mashed Potatoes

“This is the definition of a high end steakhouse. The service is impeccable, and the food is decadent. But….. there’s the prices. This place ain’t cheap. Nope. But it’s all about if you think an amazing dinner experience is worth the price. We do.
We ordered the Executive Board, a lazy Susan of sorts with an assortment of wonderful steaks. Each one better than the last. It fed 6 of us easily. The sides are family style. We ordered the potatoes au gratin. Probably some of the best I’ve tasted. The bacon, oh the bacon. About 1” think, and cooked in a sweet and spicy sauce. I want to go back just for that! Mac and cheese that was amazing. And you must order the Parker House rolls. For dessert, the Butter Cake was definitely the best I’ve ever tasted.
All good stuff, but nothing is perfect, including Rare Society…..
It’s noisy, if someone in your party is hearing impaired, they’re probably going to struggle with that.
IT IS EXPENSIVE. Check out the menu online.
If you’re in a hurry, this is an experience, and it is to be enjoyed slowly. And you can’t just walk in. Reservations are a MUST.“

4.3 Superb241 Reviews
8

Gema

Gema Mexican • $$$
110 S El Camino Real, San Clemente

Customers` Favorites

Flourless Chocolate Cake with Salted Carmel Ice Cream
Yellow Fin Tuna Tostadas
Hibiscus Ice Cream
Tomahawk Steak
Chile Relleno
Birria De Res
Halibut Taco
Charred Corn
Caqui Salad
Wagyu Steak

“We celebrated an early Mother’s Day Saturday evening. Outstanding👏😎flavors, presentation, dessert, cocktails/ vibes..And our waiter(Luca) was personable , fun.“

4.2 Good203 Reviews
Asada Cantina + Kitchen Mexican • $$
225 W Avenida Vista Hermosa Suite G, San Clemente

Customers` Favorites

Asada Cantina Bacon Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers
Crispy Taco Plate w Corn Tortillas
Enchiladas with Grilled Vegetables
Signature Carne Asada Med Rare
Agave Honey Chicken Sandwich
Seasonal Tres Leches Cake
Cilantro Lime Steak Salad
Blackened Halibut Tacos
Bacon Wrapped Jalapenos
Crab & Shrimp Ceviche

“Very pleasing atmosphere calm peaceful elegant great peace of mind I enjoyed my food there and drinks are great as well“

4.2 Good220 Reviews
Momoku No Usagi Bar • $$
425 N El Camino Real C, San Clemente

Customers` Favorites

Sushi

“4.5 actually. Cool decor. Great concept--a speakeasy sushi bar (actually upstairs from a Goonies inspired speakeasy). Friendly staff. Very nice cocktails. And quite good food, but I wish there were larger portions offered (my only complaint). Definitely worth a visit or revisit.“

3.9 Good52 Reviews
Goody's Tavern Bar • $
206 S El Camino Real, San Clemente

Customers` Favorites

Burger and Potato Salad

“We popped into Goody’s for a couple beers this afternoon and had such a great time! The bartender, Heather, was fabulous!!! We were visiting for the day from San Diego and because of the hospitality, we felt like locals! We got to sit at the bar with our pup too so that was a major plus! Any time we are in San Clemente, we will definitely stop back in for a couple drinks! 10/10 recommend!“

3.7 Good36 Reviews
Pure Burger Bar Burgers • $
1925 S El Camino Real, San Clemente

Customers` Favorites

Bison Burger and Seasoned Fries
Custom Beef Burger
Season Fry GF V
Supreme Burger
Loaded Fry GF
Chicken Patty
Seasoned Fry
Pure Fry GF V
Goat Burger
Pure Burger

“Pure Burger is a top notch spot, that has always focused on providing amazing service. I’ve been there countless times, and each time leave satisfied with the best quality burger around. Super grateful to have them as part of our local community!“

3.9 Good145 Reviews