22 Best American Restaurants in San Clemente

Vine Restaurant & Bar American • $$$
211 N El Camino Real, San Clemente

Customers` Favorites

Crispy Jidori Chicken Schnitzel with Maitake Mushrooms
Signature Crispy Meyer Lemon & Honey Duck Wings
Bourbon Vanilla Bean Creme Brulee
American Kobe Wine Country Burger
Pork Belly and Brussel Sprouts
Day Aged Bone-In Ribeye Steak
Cheese

“My Cousin Kathy enjoyed a great birthday dinner. The complimentary appetizer was delicious. She said her salad was very good and my tomato soup was unique, thick, and flavorful. We both had Chilean Sea Bass. It was outstanding! The Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Crumble - apple strudel ice cream & bourbon caramel sauce was terrific! Very flavorful Her's was served with a birthday candle.The main dining room looked newly decorated. It has a very comfortable ambiance, and steps must have been taken to reduce the noise level. I am hearing impaired and have a cochlear implant, yet Kathy and I had no difficulty conversing. Our waitress, Justess was delightful - friendly, knowledgeable and efficient. As a result, our evening was very special!“

4.7 Superb353 Reviews
Nick's San Clemente American • $$
213 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente

Customers` Favorites

Pan Seared Chilean Sea Bass
Buttermilk Fried Chicken
The Local Market Salad
Crispy Chicken Sandwich
San Francisco Cioppino
Original Ribeye Melt
Bacon Deviled Eggs
The Prime Rib Dip
Warm Butter Cake
Asparagus Fries

“For a while things seemed to be not as up to par as we always remembered, but this last experience was wonderful!! The food-we ate every morsel-was perfect , service great and the lemon drop martinis and butter cake were to die for!! Keep up the good work NICKS!!“

4.5 Superb392 Reviews
Flights & Irons Urban Kitchen American • $$
376 Camino De Estrella, San Clemente

Customers` Favorites

Bourbon Bacon Meatballs
Savory Herb Chicken
French Onion Soup
Potato Wedges

“Nothing bad to say, the food was outstanding, the meatballs and potatoes wedges were excellent. Nichole, our server was kind and incredibly organized, we brought our dog and multiple employees came out to learn her name and talk to us about her. The drinks were great too! (Mai tai. The pricing was fair for the quality of food and atmosphere.“

4.5 Superb301 Reviews
BeachFire Bar & Grill American • $$
204 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente

Customers` Favorites

BeachFire Cheeseburger
BF Signature Ahi Tacos
3oz Filet Medallions
Crispy Calamari
English Fish
Pork Sliders
Sticky Ribs
Shrimp

“This place only gets better! Really good atmosphere with friendly staff and patrons. There’s usually live music and sometimesKaraoke. It’s a San Clemente staple and a must try if you’re haven’t been and looking for a casual good time.“

4.7 Superb106 Reviews
Fig@313 American • $$$
313 N El Camino Real, San Clemente

Customers` Favorites

Flourless Chocolate Cake
Goat Cheese Fondue
Braised Short Rib
Octopus Grilled
Duck Confit
Beet Salad
Fig Salad

“FIG continues to be one of the best restaurants in Orange County. High quality, interesting food choices. Carnivores and diabetics can be very happy with a wide-ranging menu offering many options. An extremely good Caesar Salad that an only be improved with the addition of anchovies (didn't get the memo?) Fish options are uniformly good. One recommendation would be to order each stage of the meal separately (i.e., finish the salad before you order the main course, etc.) You will enjoy it more, and it avoids the sometimes problem of main dishes arriving cold.“

4.5 Superb230 Reviews
H.H. Cotton's American • $$
201 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente

Customers` Favorites

Lobster Corn Dogs
Brussels Sprouts
Cuban Sandwich
Ahi Poke Bowl
Hamilton
Chicken

“This was our first time in San Clemente and at this restaurant, and we enjoyed it.The service was outstanding. Happy we decided to stop in while walking down the street.My San Clemente margarita was strong and delicious.The food was good. We had the Thai wings and coconut shrimp appetizers.We also had the salmon bowl and the Hamilton burger.The salmon bowl was a beautiful presentation. My only "thing" was that the salmon was cooked a bit too hard for me, and therefore was a teeny bit dry. I ate some of it.The burger was cooked perfectly and the garlic truffle fries were delicious.We'd definitely stop in again should our travels take us to San Clemente again.“

4.6 Superb90 Reviews
MRK Public Gastropubs • $$
1402 S El Camino Real, San Clemente

Customers` Favorites

Lemon Ricotta Beignets
Fried Chicken Sandwich
Chilli Cheese Fries
Short Rib Sandwich
Brussels Sprouts
P E I Mussels
House Burger
Sticky Wings
Steak Frites
Thai Salad

“Great service and great food! First time and im very happy! I got the sticky wings and the house burger. The wings were perfectly cooked and tasted amazing and the pickled slaw on the side, I could snack on all day. Burger was exactly what I wanted tonight and I have no complaints. Will be going back??✔️I ate the burger before I could take a photo lol“

4.8 Superb50 Reviews
Shorecliffs Bar & Grill Bar & Grill • $$
2727 Via Cascadita # I, San Clemente

“This little bar & grill has excellent food! I got the Cali-Amex bowl ($17) which was chicken, shredded cabbage, tomato, onion, cilantro, jalapeños & avocado with a Chipotle aioli sauce & cilantro lime dressing...and it was fantastic and so flavorful! And it was plenty of food. Girlfriend got the shorecliffs fish tacos ($15) with one magi & one shrimp taco which had shredded cabbage & dressing on corn tortillas and those were great too - she loved them. We always love to find the unsung little hole-in-the-wall places that have awesome food and Shorecliffs Bar & Grill is just that! Don't miss this great find if you are in the area!!“

4.7 Superb59 Reviews
Riviera Restaurant American •
2600 Avenida Del Presidente, San Clemente

Customers` Favorites

Lobster Benedict

“Parking was easy. Ambiance was very unassuming and laid back. Food exceeded expectations! The Attaboy and Riviera Sunset cocktails were outstanding and we loved the cauliflower Rivi Bites as well as the Mahi Mahi dish. Great service too, will return and most likely become a regular.“

4.4 Superb181 Reviews
S.C. Cafe Breakfast • $$
1810 S El Camino Real, San Clemente

Customers` Favorites

Quesadilla with Pico De Gallo Inside Guacamole and Sour Cream on the Side
Pancakes French Toast
Funky Chicken Melt
Biscuits and Gravy
Breakfast Burrito
Avocado Toast
Eggs Benedict
Hash Browns
Tuna Melt
Waffle

“Just amazing!! I really can't express how happy I was to revisit a San Clemente staple. If you haven't tried the breakfast here guess what, you're missing out. I brought a patient of mine here and he literally lit up with enjoyment. So thanks to all the staff for a job well done!!“

4.7 Superb55 Reviews
Knuckleheads Sports Bar & Grill Bar & Grill • $
1717 N El Camino Real, San Clemente

“Hello – I am a very good friend of Kevin Craig’s. He used to frequent knuckleheads and had lots of good times there. Is it is with the heavy heart to let the management staff and patrons know that Kevin Craig is no longer with us. God bless you, Kevin, God bless your soul. You are so kind and such a good person to everyone. XOXO Ann Murray.“

4.4 Superb127 Reviews
The Riders Club Cafe Hamburger • $$
1701 N El Camino Real, San Clemente

Customers` Favorites

Burger with Bacon and Cheddar
Burger with Cheddar Cheese
Burger with Grilled Onions
Cheeseburger and Fries
Best Burger Combo
Carnitas Sandwich
Burger and Fries
Burger and Chips
Homemade Ketchup
French Fries

“Before my burger and fries arrived, I received my chocolate malt which was sooo scrumptious! When my food came out, I first dug into the fries and told my friend, "So these fries are some of the best fries I've had, good start." The burger may have been the best burger I've ever had. I ordered a bacon-bleu burger and the Bleu cheese is definitely worth noting. It wasn't just crumbles, or dressing, but a kind of spread that was so incredibly flavorful! It was so overwhelming, I couldn't finish. The burger was juicy, made just right at medium, the bun is exactly what you want in a burger bun. They offer grilled onions, which I opted in for. The lettuce and pickles were potentially the highest quality I have come across on a burger. That goes for probably every ingredient on the burger. I have known about this place since it opened and am extremely disappointed in myself for never making an effort to stop by!I also want to address the ratings wherein people complain about the price. Show me a place with a comparable burger for the same price or less! You can't do it. The burgers here are a true experience, and worth every bit of the cost!Vegetarian options: They have a portobello mushroom burger option that I noticed.“

4.5 Superb71 Reviews

13
Jane

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

“This place was such a vibe! I love the lighting the decor the drinks are incredible. I had a goodnight Irene and it was soooo good. Food was tasty not a lot of options on the food menu but what they have is great! The service was good our server was nice and attentive. Will definitely be going again!“

4.4 Superb103 Reviews
Rancho Capistrano Winery San Clemente American • $$
124 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente

Customers` Favorites

Gourmet French Fries

“The server was great! Need more vegan options for dinners. Also, it was my birthday, and I told the server I was vegan. He brought desserts to the table that were not vegan. Thank you for the desserts though! Service was great. Wine was good. The noise level was very high.“

4.4 Superb72 Reviews
Mulligans Sports Bar 21+ Sports Bar • $$
1401 Calle Valle, San Clemente

Customers` Favorites

Basic Cheeseburger Very Outstanding Food Is Served Here
Hamburger and Fries
Pint of Guinness
Nachos and Taco
Smash Burger
Club Sandwich
Wings

“Mulligans has everything you want in a bar. 2 separate sections for pool tables, they make one pool table a pingpong table upon request, and have delicious food! Be prepared to wait a while if you're ordering on the weekend nights! They have a back patio and allow me to bring both my non service dogs in with me inside and out. The pub people are very friendly and like to mingle with every one else. Is great!“

4.4 Superb65 Reviews
Barnoa Wine Company Bistros • $$
831 Via Suerte #106, San Clemente

Customers` Favorites

Carrot Cake

“Super impressed by this place. We will definitely go to Barnoa Wine Company again. We were here on a Friday for Happy Hour. The wine was delicious and the charcuterie board very good. We sat outside and they did a great job making it feel secluded. Live music is always a plus for us. They say it’s a “hidden gem”, and we agree.“

4.7 Superb29 Reviews
JD's Kitchen & Bar Bar • $$
215 S El Camino Real, San Clemente

“I visited JD's for a private party and it was just a relaxing perfect location. The food was a Taco guy and a dessert table which was perfect for this 5pm-9pm event and was completely family friendly. Even my dog was able to attend, not sure if it was because it was a private party or if they allow them until about 9pm. When I originally asked about if he was welcome they got back to me with in about an hour off their website. I was impressed by how quickly they responded. This is a great place to hold an adults birthday party or an engagement party or even a divorce party.... OK OK I just like a reason to celebrate and get people together. Thank you for even having cornhole upstairs it was great!!!!“

4.2 Good131 Reviews
The Pier Grill & Tackle Grills • $$
615 Avenida Victoria, San Clemente

Customers` Favorites

Chili Cheese Fries
Season Fries
Burger

“The young man working there today, January 7, 2024 did an amazing job saving a little boys day... My son had seen the stuffed shark early in the morning and said he wanted it and me trying to teach a lesson about seeing all of our options before we choose something said let's see what else there is in town and if you still want the shark, we will come back... Hours went by as we explored the area waiting for our train back home and my son still wanted the shark so much that when I said let's go get it, he ran the length of the pair only to see that the shark was gone... His face dropped but he said, that's okay, I guess I can get the dolphin... The young man working said, there should be a shark and I told him it was gone, the young man working said hold on and came out of the back of the shack with a stuffed shark... This made my son's day and meant the world to him and me, because you saved our day... Thank you!“

5 Superb10 Reviews
Daily's Sports Grill Sports Bar • $$
204 S El Camino Real, San Clemente

Customers` Favorites

Cheesehead Quesadilla
Chips and Salsa
Buffalo Wings
Potato Skins
Nachos

“Sydney, the wonderful server who helped us this afternoon was amazing! She went above and beyond to make sure we had an enjoyable experience and was very friendly and attentive. The establishment was clean, nicely decorated and had a fun relaxing atmosphere. The food we ordered was delicious and the downtown location was very convenient and easy to walk to from our hotel. The other staff members working were also very friendly and helpful. We had a great time and will definitely be back in the future. Thank you!Kid-friendliness: The kids’ art gallery on the wall is very cute!“

4.3 Superb39 Reviews
Stuft Pizza Pizza • $$
91 Via Pico Plaza, San Clemente

Customers` Favorites

Chicken Wings
Stuft Special
Large Pizza

“BEST PIZZA I've had in a long time (especially in socal)!Snacked on my leftovers later and they were STILL divine without needing to be warmed up.Arcade games available and looks like they might do an open mic night or something of the like. If you're a local, check them out and essssspresssss yo'self!It's in a parking lot but def worth the visit. The girl who rang me up was really nice and helpful also.“

4 Good40 Reviews
Sunrise Cafe Cafe • $$
701 N El Camino Real, San Clemente

Customers` Favorites

Buttermilk Pancakes Breakfast
French Toast Breakfast
Breakfast Burrito
Corned Beef Hash
Breakfast Tacos
Chicken Sandwich
Biscuit & Gravy

“I want to give this place 5 stars. The food is amazing, portions are great and the staff is really nice. But $34 including tip for an oatmeal is flat out ridiculous.Tip: Sometimes they keep the doors open so wear a sweater, while munching through your wallet.“

4 Good70 Reviews
OC Tavern Sports Bar • $
2369 S El Camino Real, San Clemente

“Dude...the chicken fingers are amazing! Apparently they make 'em in house and can pair them up with their wonderful crispy shoestring fries. So damn good, period. I can't wait to go back and slam a few suds and indulge in those delicious chicken fangers. Easy parking,Great atmosphere, Great service,Clean.“

3.9 Good39 Reviews
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