Soooo good! Reminds me of the surf shack cantinas in Central America - but even better. Open air. Surf videos on tv. Great bar. Great beer selection. Killer simple food. Island Bowls and Mainlander Bowls both rock. Baja Fish is delicious Porko Dio is next level. Pork Oh My God!!! read more

Nomads Canteen - Porko Dio delicious - Comfort Food Near Me - San Clemente, California

Nomads has always been a favorite of mine since I moved to California over 5 years ago. I hadn't been in close to 4 years, though, until last Sunday. The food and vibe is still wonderful. They had expanded the patio, which was wonderful, especially during pandemic times. The Jaco Poke bowl is my favorite and my boyfriend loved the ceviche. Their drinks are also great - and fairly priced. The waitresses are super friendly and very attentive. Our food came out super fast. Appreciate that they are consistently great even after so many years. read more

Nomads Canteen - Patio - Comfort Food Near Me - San Clemente, California

Came for an organized brunch where we had the patio reserved out for the group. We had a couple of servers dedicated to our area that were quick and friendly. I just ordered a Bloody Mary that was perfectly spicy and came with olives. The patio was great and the guacamole at another table looked amazing. Would recommend. read more

Nomads Canteen - Bloody Mary - Comfort Food Near Me - San Clemente, California

LOVE this place! It's our new San Clemente go to. The food is awesome and ambiance is great (outside.)

Felt this update is warranted, I always like to give a restaurant several tries before I give a less than stellar review. In this case, I have come back since my first visit, two more times and have been disappointed each time. The second time I ordered the low carb bowl again with the steak and I couldn't eat it, the steak was really chewy and not hot as well as not cooked very well, I did ask for it well done and it was very pink and cold in the middle. Came back today to give them another shot and was just my husband and daughter and me this time. We all ordered, my husband ordered his meal without cheese due to an allergy and also asked for sour cream on the side. We also asked for chips and salsa in addition to the pico that comes with the chips. Well, our waitress finally brought the salsa after we finished the chips, maybe 20 minutes later, annoying but not that big of a deal, we ordered and took forever to bring out food out, for some reason the table after us got their food and finished before we got ours, and when she brought ours out she realized my husbands had cheese and sour cream on top so she had to take it back to be remade. Well, my daughter and I waited a bit but then my husband had us eat our food because it was taking so long, his didn't come out until we were completely finished, I figured maybe she'd take a portion off the bill or bring him something, I don't know, maybe a side of guacamole on the house for the trouble...anything to make up for the inconvenience. Don't think we'll be back, not really worth the trouble and the food is inconsistent, husbands steak was half the portion it was the time before,and also they had cut it into small pieces when last time it was strips and had twice the amount. Sorry but from my experience I would not recommend. read more

A very cozy rustic vibe inside, a nice patio with umbrellas and palm trees on what looks like a dock to the water. One thing I would have the management consider, is the walkway from the kitchen to the bar dining area, have some type of a door put up. To block the kitchen view from the seating area. That would make it top-notch! read more

Just the vibe we were looking for this Sunday for a late lunch. I got the Pomegranate Margarita which was very refreshing, not too sweet or syrupy. We got the Porko Dio and Muther-Clucker which were both filling and tasty. Overall enjoyed our experience and the service was also good. read more

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Pretty simple... friendly beach atmosphere, excellent healthy food, good service, good drinks! This is my go to place to bring out guests visiting us to show them how cool San Clemente is. read more

Absolutely love the food here. My favorite and go to every time I want to have something light tasty and a little bit spicy. The Jaco Poke Bowl, it's light and will fill you up. read more

Ordered basic carne asada tacos with no spice, they got in wrong both times and it took ages to get my food on a Saturday afternoon around 3 when it wasn't busy. Waitress took off and we were left unattended for a long period. Tacos were cold and tasted like cardboard. Poor service and bad food 0/0 read more

Nomads Canteen - Worst tacos every - Comfort Food Near Me - San Clemente, California

What a place to sit, relax, eat and enjoy a drink. My wife and kids visit this place on weekends just to enjoy sitting out on the deck and enjoy a bite and a drink. Servers are always pleasant and friendly. The menu has been thoughtfully put together, it's fun and delicious. They have outdoor heaters to keep guests warm during cooler weather. read more

I sat on the deck with my dog, the waitress brought him ice water which was cool. EZ parking in their lot. Priced reasonably. read more

Nomads Canteen - Great Margarita. Not too sweet-cake slice, paper straw..lovely. - Comfort Food Near Me - San Clemente, California

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No good tequila bar has margaritas on tap made with soda water. If you want mediocre food and meh margaritas made with soda visit this place. The only reason for two stars is the service far outreaches the pseudo-tequila bar vibe. When I asked for a Cadillac margarita without soda they informed me that their margaritas were in a batch mix. Upon tasting the margarita I'm not sure there was more than 1/2oz of liquor in it. San Clemente has a false notion of good food. It's a tourist town with tourist town food and Nomads is not the exception. read more

The blonde female manager on duty immediately harassed me and my family when we exited our car. She assumed that we were not going to eat at Nomad's, and was immediately confrontational and rude. I will never come back, and will encourage anyone else I know to do the same. read more

Let's start with the food. I've eaten here twice and got sick both times. Not to mention my steak appetizer was cold! The service is terrible and I always feel forgotten here. This is a place for a drink and only a drink! I've only been food poisoned twice and this spot is 2 for 2 on me. Do not eat here! Ambiance is the only plus. read more

Food wasn't great and it's not very interesting atmosphere-wise. Parking can be a real pain if the lot is full. If you want atmosphere go down to the pier, and if you want food go elsewhere. read more

What a pleasant surprise! Not much to look at. Try the food and drink and you will be surprised! read more

We love Namads! Great vibe and a nice place for a Saturday or Sunday lunch! We both had the pome bowl and chips with guacamole both were delicious! read more

An absolute delight. The boys and I visited and were all very hungover but we were craving the spam bowl they have which is absolute fire. I'm talking avocado, mango, grilled spam, rice, black beans with a sauce they throw on. It's gluten free too. Anyway Christie served us and she was very attentive and everything was honestly perfect. Very nice lunch. Only thing I will say is that the steak appetizer thing absolutely has to be an even number. It came out with 5 pieces and if there was 6 it wouldn't have been awkward but Tyrus and I basically took the last 2 pieces and Christian didn't get a 2nd piece since there were 3 of us. The meat was good though and the Asian coleslaw slapped harder than that one black dude on the Grammies. read more

We tried a smorgasbord of menu items, everything was very good. The menu has a lot of items. The chickens wings were excellent (some of the best I have eaten). Our favorite drink was the watermelon margaritas The mangos margarita was not my favorite. The poke would get a recommendation also. Great patio and we had good service/server. read more

Nomads Canteen - Patio dining, Poke, watermelon margaritas, chicken wings - Comfort Food Near Me - San Clemente, California

Location is great , ambience was nice, drinks were good , price was reasonable but food ... let's just say "Chipotle," is tastier .. if you like authentic food , this is not the spot . Overall good experience, good service , would be back for drinks , chips and Guacamole ... read more

Nomads Canteen - Shrimp bowl (5) shrimp $15 - Comfort Food Near Me - San Clemente, California

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Great vibes and good location. Walking distance to the beach and the service is just awesome!!!! Delicious food and good amounts.

We stayed at the Nomads Hotel downstairs from the Canteen, and we must have ate and drank here at least 4-5 times during our stay. The carnitas bowl was the best my husband has had- he couldn't shovel it in his face fast enough! Everything was fresh and seasoned well. They're margs are soo yummy- try the Pama. The selection of tequilas is ridiculous (in a good way). Owner came and said hello and all the servers are friendly. If we're ever back in San Clemente, we'll definitely go again. read more

Nomads Canteen - Watermelon margarita - Comfort Food Near Me - San Clemente, California

From what I hear nomads is one of the staples of San Clemente. It's a nice restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating. Their cuisine seems to be mostly California coastal cuisine, as they do have a lot of fresh seafood. They do have a bar inside, and a list of cocktails they serve on the menu. I decided to start off with the Ahi ceviche. It was really tasty by the way. Definitely surpassed what I imagined. It is served with avocados, and some chips on the side. For my main course I got the half-and-half poke bowl which comes with Ahi tuna, coconut rice, avocado and mango slices. This was simple, yet very tasty and filling. I certainly enjoyed my meal and the experience here. Service is very good, and you get to have a good view of the city of San Clemente when sitting outside. read more

Nomads Canteen - Half and half Poke Bowl. - Comfort Food Near Me - San Clemente, California

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Been coming here since the beginning. The food is consistently good. Atmosphere is chill. Dog friendly. Nomads never disappoints!

I was in town on my way back up to Newport and stopped to see some friends. They recommended this place so she could bring her dog to see my dog. Unfortunately her dog was too hot in the sun so he bailed with her roommate. The six of us left enjoyed some drinks, a large quesadilla, the shrimp skewers, chips and salsa and what looked like a plate of wings the guys were devouring. Our service was incredibly slow but kind. She forgot drinks each time she was asked. The ambiance is cool with fronts of a van and a Jeep holding succulents. read more

Second time here and it doesn't disappoint. Only change since last being here was that they now have an amazing tequila selection. No shots; just good sipping tequila. Their beer selection will make you happy as well. The meals are hefty portions, so you will leave full and buzzed from their goodies. Love that the decor is very simple and casual. The poke is as good as any Hawaiian spot. Definitely one of my favorite San Clemente spots. read more

Nomads Canteen - Poke - Comfort Food Near Me - San Clemente, California

Friendly service and reasonably priced food and drinks. Casual vibes and a patron was nice and honest enough to run my phone out to me that I'd left behind. read more

Great little location. Service is great and attentive. All the food options are so delicious. Love their spam dish!

My new patio favorite sit down place. Fresh, wonderful. beef or chicken are both excellent! I got a bowl and it had good flavor- chunks of tender and juicy chicken, cheese, and tomato -- that's full of flavor. Simple and delicious! The atmosphere is delightful, the drinks menu is well done I'll come back, a lovely leisurely lunch was had read more

Ordered a "grande guacamole" supposed to be served in a "giant bowl" which would just be sort of alright for 11 dollars but what I got is a small side of guacamole for 11 dollars, no grande, no giant anything. Tiny very regular side portion of guacamole worth about $3, either they accidentally gave me a side of guacamole or they ripped me off entirely. read more

Nomads Canteen - "Grande guacamole" served in a "giant bowl". It's the size of a small side of guacamole for 11 dollars wtf - Comfort Food Near Me - San Clemente, California

Terrible service And terrible food I saw a little girl leave then brooom on the table WHO DOES THAT!? read more

Loved this hidden gem! So many yummy sounding options, I can't wait to go back. Today I had the salad with ahi and hubby had the vegetable tacos. The salad was huge and delicious. Hubby raved about the tacos. They have a large selection of beer on tap as well as cocktails. Fun, surfing decor and surfing on TV. read more

Nomads Canteen - Cool decor - Comfort Food Near Me - San Clemente, California

The food is great. Since discovering Nomads I've been working my way through the menu. Absolutely the best fish tacos I've ever had. They serve 3 and they're so loaded it's a challenge to get through 2. read more

They are supposedly a tequila bar (according to the server) but they use agave and don't have Grand Marnier for their cadillac margaritas. Nice spot, but drinks are not so great. Neither was the service. read more

Looks like a youth hostel from the streets though it's and great, unique hotel. My very picky wife used to 5 star places loved it. The restaurant is around back...kind of a dive making great food, drinks and service. Large outdoor patio...in the parking lot. Funky, fun and friggin delicious. Very affordable, big portions. read more

Food is great but the service is the WORST! The service is pretty much always bad but tonight has been the worst ever. Our waitress was rude and didn't check on us a single time. Why can't they find waitresses that at least like their job a bit? Do better! read more

I hate even giving this place a review. Not because it's bad but because it is such a gem. I grew up in a SoCal beach community and feel like this place is a slice of something that is special about growing up in a beach community. Sharing and telling everyone how amazing this place is may ruin it for those that can appreciate it for what it is. The food is amazing, the vibe, I could surf in the morning hang out here go back check the waves go out again and come back to just chill. If you didn't grow up in a beach town, you can come here just sit down order something and enjoy the experience. It is something that should be appreciated and maybe kept to yourself. read more

Great service, food, and atmosphere. I would Def return to this place when in town after surfing

Worst dining experience I've ever had hands down. Sign said to seat yourself, went and sat down. Was seen sitting down and was passed by my server 4 times without a single acknowledgement from her. Ending up just getting up and leaving to find another restaurant with servers who aren't rude. As we're walking up the stairs from the lower outdoor deck we were told "thanks" from our would be server. Came from out of town and heard nothing but good things about nomads. Unfortunately will not recommend or be going back when I'm in the area again. read more