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    Nick's San Clemente

    4.4 (2.4k reviews)
    Closed 11:00 am - 10:00 pm

    Nick's San Clemente Photos

    NICK'S SAN CLEMENTE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Trendy
    Good for kids
    Good for groups

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    Recommended Reviews - Nick's San Clemente

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    Humorous piece of art on the wall
    Brent M.

    So, they say a picture is worth 1000 words? Please take a peek, aren't these worth a few thousand? I bet your mouth is watering, you can almost taste it? San Clemente, beautiful town, nice location, high style, attractive façade. It's all there. Our server AJ was as good as they get: charming, kind, warm, friendly, a real professional. The food?- off the hook! I took a chance on the Housemade veggie burger and it was the BEST that I've ever had anywhere-and the bun? Holy cow, whole wheat with some kind of seed sprinkled on top. Beautifully assembled and plated, cut in half, looking like a masterpiece with the avocado sliced in a very artistic fashion. We had the asparagus fries with a special house ranch dip to share, which were just supreme and delicately breaded for a nice crunch. My side dish was a lovely warm sautéed spinach with a little bit of garlic and sitting on a bed of chopped lettuce and maybe some raisins, tasted a bit like a dry coleslaw, but it was off the charts. An ice cold Stella Artois to wash it down. My lunchmates had the PRIME RIB DIP served on a high-quality brioche bun and an ORIGINAL RIBEYE MELT served on grilled parmesan sourdough. Spectacular throughout and scores at least a 10 for ambience, service, and food! A trip to the restroom, which was stunning and a testament to a caring restauranteur. From the moment you enter the door it smells like a high-quality frankincense, and the soap was simply divine. A well appointed clean restroom elevates a restaurant to new Heights and this one went to the heavens. Ding dong, ringing all bells! A terrific experience and we thank you.

    Ribeye melt
    Megan P.

    Stopped by on accident thinking it was a different bar but we ordered a sandwich to share anyways before going somewhere else & we were glad we did. Elliot served us and was so friendly & attentive, as well as all the other staff members. When we have a bigger appetite we'll stop by to try out more of the menu because the ribeye sandwich was delicious, so flavorful & tender.

    Jim V.

    Outstanding in many ways. San Clemente in itself has a wonderful vibrant downtown shopping core. Parking was easy and the street busseled with strollers, shoppers and merchants all enjoying one of California's best weather days. The restaurant had That feel that everything would be perfect, you know the type of place with crazy prices. Everything was perfect and the menu is ultra aproachable. I found the prices and selection to be great, the wine list is something to behold and might be the main reason to return, most bottles all from reputable wineries were well under a hundred dollars. We opted for hand-helds on this visit trying the hand made veggie burger, a French dip, and an amazing steak sandwich. Sides included a side salad exceptional fries and sautéed spinach, but the parmisian asparagus fries stole the show. Crispy and firm but perfectly cooked, served with ranch show the kitchen doesn't take itself too seriously. We enjoyed that "California Cool" style of service and got everything we desired.

    Chocolate ganache cake
    Tina O.

    Love it here. First time visit. Celebrating a birthday lunch. We made reservations on Open Table. Easy and dependable. Reservations were definitely needed on a Saturday. Nick's hostess called me an hour before to confirm which was comforting. There is street parking which can be challenging as in any coastal community. I believe there is a close by public parking lot. The hostess was very welcoming and sat us right away. A.J. was an awesome waiter. He did not rush us and checked on us regularly and kept our water glasses full. Between the four of us we ordered the spinach and artichoke dip, three fresh Mahi Mahi blackened fish sandwiches. There are many side choices. We had the very yummy crispy fries and the tomatoes with blue cheese - so good. The sandwich and side was a huge portion. I had to eat it deconstructed as it was piled high with blackened fish, coleslaw, tomato, onion rings, fresh micro greens, tartar sauce all on a fresh grilled brioche bun. The sliced prime rib French dip was a home-run. The roll was toasted yet soft. The prime rib tender and flavorful served with Au jus (good enough to eat with a spoon or sip from the bowl). AJ made sure we had plenty of ketchup and ranch for the fries and creamed horseradish for the dip sandwich. My father was given a dreamy chocolate cake and card signed by everyone to celebrate his birthday. The dreamy cake was moist filled with chocolate chips and covered it a to-die-for chocolate ganache. We had an 11:15 reservation and the large restaurant and bar was filled up by noon. There were many celebrations going on around our table. San Clemente is a great coastal town and Nick's is equally as wonderful.

    Halibut Special 7/10
    Vicki A.

    Wow! Met wo-workers for lunch and conversation at Nick's and enjoyed the entire experience. The great - The food was delicious. The drink menu looked legit (but didn't try any) The good - The glass diet coke bottle and the atmosphere was super chill The bad - na The ugly - na There were 4 of us and everyone enjoyed their food immensely. The service was good and the appropriate speed. We didn't feel rushed or forgotten about at any time.

    Burger with these delicious tomatoes, and blue cheese
    MaDonna W.

    It really pays to make a reservation at any of the Bucks locations. Extremely popular on the weekends. We were lucky to get one of the remaining tables at 4:45 on a Saturday. You can always take your chance at the bar, but that also is very crowded. The food is nice. I will say their burgers are one of my favorites. I usually get that every time I come here. And the tomatoes tonight were so fresh with a heaping mound of delicious blue cheese. Everything was so fresh and so delicious. It was very busy however the service was surprisingly quick. Parking is always a challenge. Be prepared to walk just a bit unless you get lucky and find a spot on the street. They do have lots here and there.

    Deviled Eggs
    Natalie M.

    We've been coming to Nick's since the day they opened, and it's been one of our favorite restaurants ever since. You really can't go wrong with anything on the menu. The deviled eggs are an absolute must-order they're always a favorite! Great food, excellent service, and consistently a wonderful experience every time.

    Center cut filet
    Esther D.

    The food was good but it was so loud and crowded we couldn't have a conversation at our table. I kept getting bumped by people trying to squeeze between tables. There was loud music playing, games on the TV & people talking loud trying to be heard. Our server didn't seem to enjoy her work. It was not the great experience we have at other Nick's. My husband & friend did say their cocktails were very good.

    Adele M.

    Had a wonderful lunch today at one of my most favorite restaurants. The food is off the wall awesome. Our server, Brooke took such awesome care of our party of three ladies. Love the interior of the restaurant, you feel like you are dining in the open air. I found the noise level today was a little loud, but they were very crowded. It's always a treat to go to Nick's on Delmar. Make sure you make reservations.

    Menu
    Jan J.

    First time coming here - great spot - a little noisy but sat at bar while waiting for wives- staff was great there and changed over our bill with no issues- sometimes they ask to close it out first before sitting for food. Server was great and kept our Arnold palmers coming - burger was amazing and super filling - like the vibe at the location- bathrooms were very clean and smelled actually very nice

    Blackened Fish Sandwich
    Steven H.

    Had a really solid meal at Nick's San Clemente. I went with the Prime Rib Dip and that was easily the star of the night -- super tender, melt-in-your-mouth prime rib on a soft brioche bun, with a red wine au jus and a nice kick from the horseradish cream. The fries on the side were just okay, but honestly felt like an afterthought next to the sandwich. My partner ordered the Blackened Fish Sandwich and was a big fan -- clean flavors and cooked really well. Drinks were on point too. The Cucumber Collins was crisp and refreshing, and the Espresso Martini had just the right balance. Service was great for most of the meal and our waiter was attentive, but it tapered off at the end. We waited longer than expected to close out, which was a bit of a buzzkill after such a good experience. Overall, really good food and drinks -- just a small stumble at the finish line.

    Spinach dip
    Mary Elaine C.

    Service was amazing We went for a family gathering We had a variety of entrees and they were all very good.

    Warm Butter Cake
    Melika J.

    Great service, and even better food! The staff is knowledge about the menu items and all have a pleasant and upbeat attitude. Never had to ask for a water refill or anything of the sorts cause they were already on it. We started with the tuna crunch and asparagus fries which were both fresh and delicious. Then we had the steak with salad along with the chicken sandwich and rigatoni. And my favorite part would have to be their butter cake and sundae, I remember every bite! The ambiance was great for a date night out or a family dinner, with dim lights and modern decor.

    Cioppino

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    9 days ago

    Consistently good food and service. Libations are on point. We enjoy all of their locations including South of Nicks

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    3 days ago

    The food was incredible and our server Valeria was so sweet and attentive! Great time great food great service. We will be back

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    26 days ago

    Excellent customer service, fresh food and great flavors. Glad I tried this! Will definitely be back.

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    Nick's San Clemente Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Nick's San Clemente

    Is there a breakfast menu?

    Nick's does not offer breakfast.

    Is there a kids menu?

    We happily offer a verbally featured kid's menu. Please contact us at 949-481-2200 or hello@nicksrestaurants.com for the current offerings.

    How long has Nick's been in San Clemente?

    Since January, 2010

    Can we order dinner at 3:30 or just lunch?

    Many of the same entrees and appetizers are on the lunch menu as the dinner menu. Recommend calling the restaurant to confirm.

    Are dogs allowed?

    They unfortunately do not allow dogs, unless a certified Service dog.

    Do they serve breakfast?

    No lunch and dinner only

    Do you still have chicken pot pies?

    Yes I was just there and they had it.

    Do you have a gluten-free breads? Maybe for your veggie burger or sandwiches? Thank you?

    i know you can get burgers lettuce wrapped but i don't think they have gluten free breads. you could always call

    What is the parking situation at Nicks?

    Currently it is touch and go. With outdoor seating on Del Mar, you will probably have to cruise the block a couple of times. Something usually opens up. But there is parking right out front. No seats in the street here.

    Can I bring my baby in the stroller or just bring the car seat in and set it in the booth?

    Yes. There is room for strollers in the outside area

    What's the corkage fee?

    $15

    Do the have Happy hour?

    No, they don't.

    Anyone know if they allow you to call first to put name on wait list before heading down there?

    Yes, it is better to call them first. Strongly recommend to call them first to go down there.

    How about watching any NFL games on Sundays ? I don't see any TVs in any of the postings with pictures?

    They have two TVs in bar area but they are super small. South of Nicks has two bigger TVs

    Obviously dining in is ideal.. such a gorgeous atmosphere, but do they do take out? Babysitting this weekend and hoping to bring home a delicious meal!

    Hi. From what I know, they do not do take out on weekends, however; you might be able to stop by nicks and order something to go but not sure if you can call it in beforehand.… Read more

    Are they dog friendly?

    We love our furry friends at Nick's. Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate pets in our dining areas.

    Are dogs allowed on the patio?

    We love our furry friends at Nick’s! Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate pets in our dining areas or patios.

    View All 24 Questions

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    Brussels Bistro

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    Second visit at Brussels Bistro and both times were solid. Perfect spot if you're looking for a…read moregood list of Belgian beers, both bottled and on tap. Food is also great. It's tough to find good mussels with a very of sauce options but they've got that covered for you here. First visit, I had the White Beer sauce and that was fantastic. It was just the right amount of beer to not be overpowering. Second visit, I had the Garlic and Crème and wow - if you like garlic, this is an excellent choice. Creamy, garlicky, but again not overpowering. My toddler had the chicken breast plate and luckily it was a hit for her (of course the fries more than anything else). The chicken breast was moist and tender, so that made this an easy choice. Brussels Bistro is now becoming a must visit when in San Clemente - can't wait to go back!

    Came on a weekend afternoon. Was able to find street parking a block away pretty quickly. Street…read moreparking was not metered and free on Avenida Del Mar. Place was not busy when we arrived. They had a few tables. They originally wanted to seat us inside, but we requested the open window seat. Our waiter tried to sell us wine when we sat down. We ordered the Creamy Chicken with Ratatouille for $29 and Steak Frites with red wine sauce for $34. The Creamy Chicken was really good and fun to eat with the puff pastry. The Ratatouille was alright, we were not a fan. We got the Steak Frites medium and felt like it should've tasted better. We did appreciate that we did taste the red wine. The Belgians fries were hot and crispy. They were quite generous with the salt. The decor was nice. The food was descent. The kept refilling our water without us asking which was nice. We did not like that the waiters kept rushing us to leave at the end when there were plenty of open tables. The place was packed by dinner time when we returned to the area.

    Photos
    Inside decor
    Inside decor
    Lettuce wrapped burger
    Lettuce wrapped burger
    Inside

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    Inside

    Nick's San Clemente - tradamerican - Updated July 2026

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