21 Best Mexican Restaurants in San Clemente

“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“

“It was fantastic! Amazing craft cocktails I've never had anything like before. Food was also fantastic. Local fish, local produce, how can you go wrong. Get the Tessie for a drink, amazing cocktail ?“

“Great place and pretty authentic food and top margaritas.“

“Amazing taco 🌮 experience“

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

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

“Awesome food!! Been visiting (I’m from Chicago) since my daughters family moved to CA and discovered in 2008. I love the Mama Avila soup, very hearty and so delicious. There’s nothing that I’ve tried that I didn’t like. Give it a try, you won’t be disappointed!!“

“Great service and great food“

“This place is a fantastic choice for a quick and worthwhile meal. They serve affordable, high-quality dishes inspired by SoCal and Latin cuisine. Even though it’s part of a chain, you can truly taste the freshness and quality of the ingredients in every bite.“

“I recently went to Baja Fresh in San Clemente after skipping it as a choice for about a year. I was impressed with the quality and flavor of the food - definitely an improvement from past experiences. I ordered the grilled fish taco combo plate and it wound up being enough food for dinner plus lunch the next day. The food was fresh and tasty. I’ll be going back soon!“

“great beach side place. Mexican treats.“

“Found ourselves in the area at dinner time and hadn’t been there before so in we went. I had two tacos, she had a salad. They ignored the “no avocado please” request? My “fuego” carnitas was not all at fuego, but it was tasty and filling. They bring the food to you and clear your table“

“Yesterday i came in For lunch Right before i started eating i notice two asian people Came in a Started changing the air conditioning filters A big no-noo specialy during bussines hours and with out covering the salsa bar or any other area I asked the manager to stop them, he came out talk to them and the continued any way Check my facebook photos and videos...“

“Our favorite go to all the time authentic Mexican resturant with the most amazing Staff/friends 💯❤️❤️❤️“

“The owner/chef is a nice dude with portions as big as his personality. For those unfamiliar- think home cooked “el pollo loco” if you will. His wife is the other chef and prep cook. I like simple food and the Half chicken with rice and beans is my go to since 2018. Local tip: this is a couple who’s been running the joint for over 40yrs, the husband is the only cook and sometimes his wife hopes over to help turn out meals. Sometimes the chicken is underdone when they’re super busy, but in almost 10 years I’ve maybe gotten 3 under cooked meats and when I bring it up, he cooks it more, sometimes throws in a free leg or wing and some extra guac or beans. This is as close to hole in the wall/family as it gets. For what this place is, I hope it stays Open until they retire or a son/daughter takes over. Think el pollo loco before it became mainstream, for a day I’m not feeling burgers, I love coming here and sitting on the. Lot of good fish on the menu too, makes me think Baja or south gulf. Very refreshing eats“

“My daily simple lunch for remote work offers many options for a pescatarian/vegetarian. Clean, organic, and delicious!!! 🙌🏾👏🏾👍🏾“

“This has turned into a locals hang out. Waitresses seem to know the clients well. The outside dining is perfect for happy hour as the sun starts to set and the afternoon breeze sweeps in. Umbrellas keep you in the shade earlier in the afternoon. I LOVE the FLAUTUS. Light and crispy on the outside with a moist protein topped with a generous portion of guacamole. The bar is a fun place to hang. Bartenders are busy but friendly enough. This place has patrons with the San Clemente friendliness.“

“I've been coming to this place for 20 years and they never disappoint. I always get the carne asada burrito and it is the best I've had anywhere. The meat is always super juicy and the tortilla is soft. I highly recommend Pedro's Tacos to anyone looking for elite Mexican food!“

“YUM! This morning I had a napilitas breakfast burrito with BACON. It was so delicious especially with guacamole and their spicy red salsa! My wonderful friend Patricia made the choices super easy and cultivated an amazing experience. Thanks Patricia and Las Golondrinas! I will be back.“

“Excellent breakfast burrito spot close to San Clemente Beach. There’s one bench in front of the order counter but no other tables or chairs to sit and dine. Looks like a to go place.

Breakfast burrito with steak, egg, and cheese (with no beans) was $14.20. House made salsa was on point.

Highly recommend.“