Attended Happy Hour Tuesday which starts @ 4pm with a group of 21 ( had made reservations few days before) and promptly seated by our hostess and server Terri who did not disappoint! She was very professional, energetic and with a sense of humor. She quickly took everyone's drink orders explained the menu. Few minutes later dinner orders placed, drinks refilled as necessary, few minutes later dinner plates started being served with everyone checking out each other's meals and agreeing that we made the right choice for dinner! Each meal served had a beautiful presentation and was delicious in taste agreed by all. Compliments to the Chef and to Terri who received a loud applause by all in attendance for a wonderful dinner experience! A BIG THANK YOU TO THE 501 RESTAURANT & BAR DON R. read more

My wife and I are locals. Yelp's photos focus on weddings and events but we like the pleasant atmosphere and space. The clientele and food options are focused on a slightly mature crowd, as expected being located adjacent to the senior living home. But it creates a relaxing, uncrowded, and spacious area. Food: We only came for drinks but the menu options seem proper Drinks: Unexpectedly but welcomely strong for the both of our cocktails. Full bar. Service: Garrett was attentive and a good source of information Interior: Upscale decor, large bar with many stools, several tables on the inside portion Exterior: Large patio that wraps around the corner, lots of seating options including high seats right on the rail, great view of the course and fountain Location: Nicely tucked into a small valley, close to the 5 but no freeway noise Parking: Plenty of parking plus an overflow lot read more

The 501 Restaurant & Bar - Patio - Bars Near Me - San Clemente, California

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Our high school reunion was a blast . Alex went above and beyond helping us make sure everything went smooth. Executive Chef Aron, Tucker, Garrett, Annie, Erica, and Alexandra, F&B Manager) truly all Were amazing. If you're looking to just have happy hour, such a great spot to come too. If you're looking to host an event , even a wedding. I highly recommend this restaurant. The food was amazing . We brought a lot of decor and they helped us make it look beautiful . You need to check it out read more

The 501 Restaurant & Bar - Bars Near Me - San Clemente, California

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Had a wonderful prime rib dinner prepared with the right amount of seasoning. Tucker knew what his mission was and he did a great job.

I had been searching for a quieter place, (with maybe a view), to celebrate our mom's 102nd birthday! About 10 of us gathered outside on the patio for breakfast/lunch selections, AND a view! What a wonderful experience! Not only did we have a beautiful view, but our menu selections? All of our choices were VERY generous servings and all were delicious! Erika was so accommodating from originally reserving our table, heating up the lamps, and being so friendly in serving us! Their pricing for meals and bar drinks were extremely affordable! This is going to be our "go-to" place at any time and so glad I found it right here in San Clemente at our ShoreCliffs golf course! P.S. They also reserve for events and they're serving a Mother's Day Brunch on May 10, 2026 from 10:00-2:00 for $39 per person! Hope you enjoy this place as much as we did! read more

My friend and I ate breakfast after golf at 501 Restaurant. The choice of our 3-ingredient omelet was delicious as were the accompanying tater tots! Laura, our server, is an outstanding server with a personable approach , positive recommendation when we requested, sincere check in to see how everything was and that extra service so rare !!! The ambiance of the golf course view from the patio added to a beautiful day! read more

Great food and drinks. The space is large and great for events. It's also very kid friendly. Kevin the man and has great recommendations and truly cares about his customers. I'll be back frequently. read more

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Chef Aron put together an amazing lunch for our end of a very successful year in saving dogs. Promise4paws dog rescue Charity was thanking all of it's volunteers and friends who have worked tirelessly throughout the year. Food, Service and Location was brilliant, I would highly recommend. It will be the perfect venue to have our Fundraising event in 2026. Kevin, Board member read more

The 501 Restaurant & Bar - Bars Near Me - San Clemente, California

Best hidden gem in San Clemente. Beautiful golf course views from anywhere you sit. Friendliest service and staff. The biggest plus is the excellent food. I have been here for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Anywhere from the eggs Benedict, smash burgers or the amazing fish and chips. They have a great happy hour menu. The only thing I would comment on is on my first Sunday live music experience is the blues band that played indoors was over powering. They kind needed to keep it down because as soon as we walked in we had to search for a seat that didn't face the band. We sat outdoors to enjoy the weather and food but still we could barely hear ourselves talk. So for that point, just have them keep the volume down a bit. I would love to hear softer acoustics while dining. Otherwise I highly highly recommend for a great casual dining experience. read more

The 501 Restaurant & Bar - Fish and chips and green salad. - Bars Near Me - San Clemente, California

All I can say is manager Evan and waiter Tucker made our evening and dinner a very enjoyable experience. 4 of us went to enjoy prime rib night. There was a slight issue when they tried to uncooked the bottle of wine we brought. No big deal and the wine was able to be saved. But both went above and beyond as a result. On top of that the meal was great. If you haven't been there yet I highly suggest it. The food is reasonable and very good. read more

Nice place for breakfast or lunch. I have not eaten dinner there yet. Good food at a good price. Very relaxing scenery with a view of the fountain pond and green. read more

Shot a 108, lost 6 balls, and emotionally retired from golf twice--but Evan and Ronald at 501 brought me back to life. Evan greeted me like I just shot a course record, and Ronald kept the drinks flowing like he had stock in therapy. Place has that perfect post-round energy--laid-back but dialed in. The food was elite, the beer was cold, and the patio view almost made me forget I three-putted every green. Honestly, if my short game was as good as their service, I'd be signing autographs right now. Big shoutout to the 501 guys. Y'all turned a tragic round into a top-tier day. I might keep golfing just for the excuse to come back. read more

I've been to 501 Restaurant several times since I live on the property -- it's part of the golf course community and I live in the 55+ apartment complex here. Unfortunately, every visit seems to come with some issue, whether it's inconsistent service, constant menu changes, or inattentive staff. Most recently, I stopped in for happy hour. The hostess was more focused on cleaning than greeting me -- she asked "what can I get for you?" without offering a menu or even saying hello. When I asked to see the wine list, she snapped, "We don't have any glasses on the happy hour, only bottles," and continued cleaning. I had to repeat myself just to get basic information. She seemed far more concerned with her side work than actually helping a customer. I ended up leaving because I was so frustrated and disgusted with the lack of service. It was the final straw. This place has no clear direction, poor food, and terrible service. It's really disappointing, especially given the location and community it serves. I truly wish it was better, but it continues to fall short. read more

We just held an event there for 35 people. The staff is exceptional, food by Chef Aron over the top. We had a barbecue buffet and ribs so tender practically fell off the bone. The staff made sure any of our request were done with a smile on their faces. The group works really well together. We look forward to celebrating our Christmas event with 501 Restaurant & Bar. read more

I wish they put as much effort into golf course as they did restaurant food and service here is very good.

I normally don't make bad reviews on bars and restaurants, I've been here multiple times for golf and drinks after a round and have never experienced such dysfunction in an establishment, whether it's not getting your order right or on time or not having a single damn beer on tap and calling yourself a bar! Whoever is running this place needs to figure it out because they're pushing people away! read more

I have been there twice now where they turned us away-- it was before closing time but they stopped early than the actual time and then on Easter the place is fairly empty and they won't take anyone without a reservation period-- even though it says open to 6 for service. It's like they don't want to maximize sales... and their times seem to be so inconsistent that it makes it too inconvenient to continue to trial and error being able to eat. read more

Just had a great time here. Played the golfing simulator without any golfing experience. Pretty easy to learn for beginners. Since it is like playing angry birds, it made it a lot more fun. Worked up an appetite and had dinner here. The food was DELICIOUS! Had a steak with scallop potatoes and spinach. Everything seemed to melt in your mouth. Loved how creamy it was. Loved their dessert!!!! I normally am not into chocolate but it wasn't too sweet. This was the perfecting ending to the meal. The browny was nice and goey on the inside and had a crunch at the top. Ambience was cozy. Friendly staff and great service. Beautiful view of the golf course making it an open view. Felt like a nice get away. Would definitely come back to try other things on their menu. read more

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We had a large Halloween Costume Party (75) renting out the whole venue. The appetizers were good, upbeat staff, budget friendly. Chef Aron and organizer Alex were great to work with. Had positive feedback from attendees on the food and drinks. The new facility is lovely. We even used the golf bays for a simulated "closest to the pin" game. Very happy. read more

The 501 Restaurant & Bar - Bars Near Me - San Clemente, California

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This place is a hidden gem. They have done a fabulous job with the new clubhouse. I have eaten there several times over the last few months, and have enjoyed myself immensely each time. Recently, I took my family down there for Friday night dinner. It was outstanding. I had the Chicken Marsala, which was one of the best I've ever had. Highly recommend. My son had the short ribs and said they were delicious. Service was good, with very friendly staff. The chef even came by to say hi. Nice touch. Do yourself a favor and try it out. Breakfast, lunch, and I think they only do dinner on a Friday nights. I was told they do Prime Rib night every second Thursday as well. That's going to be my next stop. read more

Last week my family held a large party for my grandmothers birthday at 501 restaurant and it was SPECTACULAR. 40-50 people for a nice lunch, the food was amazing (thank you chef!) the meatballs and bruschetta were tray passed and absolutely a must. The staff was so kind and helpful and the whole atmosphere was welcoming and pristine. We will definitely be coming back! For large gatherings and normal service! Thank you for making my grandmothers day so special! read more

We absolutely love this restaurant. Chef Aron and the staff are always so friendly and welcoming. The food is always consistently delicious. Highly recommend. read more

Beautifil view. Great price on happy hour drinks, but only until 5 PM. Will have to come earlier.

We went for breakfast. The restaurant is beautiful, the view is amazing. But the service was non existent. We had to complain to the bartender but we still sat there for 25 minutes without getting Waters or any service. It's unfortunate because we just bought a house very close by and it would've been a great place to go. I wonder how many clients they lose this way...? read more

Great wings! Nice porch area with sunshade, warmers for colder weather, great views of ththe golf course. read more

The 501 Restaurant & Bar - Food, ambiance - Bars Near Me - San Clemente, California

If you're not eating at The 501, what are you even doing with your life? I came in hungry and left in a state of blissful food-induced euphoria. I'm not saying the food changed my life, but I did consider writing it into my will. Now, let's talk about the real MVPs--Ronny and Evan. Ronny greeted us like we were long-lost royalty, and Evan somehow knew exactly when we needed refills like some kind of drink ninja. These guys are not just employees; they're hospitality superheroes. If there were a customer service Olympics, they'd be bringing home gold. The vibe? Immaculate. The drinks? Dangerously good. The food? Let's just say I contemplated proposing to the chef. Do yourself a favor: go to The 501, request Ronny and Evan, and prepare to have your evening upgraded. 10/10, would eat here again until they have to roll me out read more

Food is very good, scenery excellent, close to beach and home. Indoor driving range too!

There was only a few people in restaurant service very poor.Food was decent.Tried the bar another time not busy bar tenders talking to each other .I flagged one down after waiting 10 minutes got a drink and he asked me if I wanted to cash out when he brought my drink Jerk off. I wasn't rude in any way. There service sucks will not go there again. read more

We hosted a party at 501 and it was spectacular! Alexandra and her team did an amazing job and made it so easy. The food was fantastic and their attitude was to never say no. Will host there again for sure! read more

Just celebrated my surprise wedding at the 501 restaurant and it was everything I could have imagined and more! The team was so great! Chef Aron helped us seal the deal with picking them as our venue! Alex was there for all my questions and Evan from the Waite staff went ABOVE and BEYOND to help the event go smoothly. I truly couldn't have imagined a better wedding. Also the food is amazing! The meatball appetizers are so delicious and my guest couldn't stop raving about the dessert cake shooters. Thank you to the entire 501 staff for making mine and my husband's day run so smoothly! read more

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This venue is amazing! Last night we hosted a 70th birthday party for my boyfriend. We had 40 people there so we were able to have the restaurant to ourselves! It was like having a private party in the comfort of our own home. Chef Aron prepared an amazing gourmet dinner with awesome appetizers. The entire service staff and our managing coordinator Alexandria made the night go so smoothly. Many of our guests commented how wonderful the food was and the service. The location is also incredible. We are so grateful that we chose this venue for his special location. We highly recommend it to everyone! read more

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Had the quesadilla especial: the flour tortilla was toasted perfectly with butter and the filling with rosemary infused ham, turkey, olives, diced tomatoes, Ortega chilis and mix of cheddar and Swiss cheese was heavenly. There was quacomole, sour cream and salsa on the side and the combination was the best quesadillas I've ever had. Chef Aron told me this was his first taste of Mexican food when he first came to the United States and he ate it at his father's restaurant every day for a year and one day because it was so good. The view from every seat in the restaurant looks out the beautiful setting of a manicured golf course with lakes and fountains. read more

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Would give 0 stars if I could! Scenery is nice but the food is subpar and not worth wasting your money on, it's obviously it's frozen and nothing is fresh. I saw the chef sitting down just talking as the cooks clean up after he cooks which is unprofessional and no respect for his workers. He was on his phone then went to cook in the kitchen and was putting his fingers in his mouth more than once then served Food which Is a big red flag for me. I tried to like this place, but I always hear something rude at the bar as well. The course is cool, but skip the joint, there's nothing "executive" about the chef. Plus dinner is depressing, there was only 2 tables including us, a frozen small New York steak with a bland sauce with whole peppercorns, no thank you. mashed potatoes look like from a bag and was grainy wouldn't recommend. My grandpa had the chicken Marsala which pretty nice. The owners should get a new chef that's actually a chef and a leader to put a stop to this! read more

We hosted a baby shower for 40+ people here and everyone was blown away by the venue, food and service. And the golf simulators were an added bonus for our guests. From the initial inquiry, Chef Aron, Leslie, Alex, Evan and the rest of the team went above and beyond to make sure everything was just perfect for our day. We couldn't have asked for a better day. This is definitely a hidden gem, and we will be back for breakfast, lunch or dinner, and definitely our next event. read more

The food was fine (not great) and it's a pretty space overlooking the golf course. However, the service was abysmal. It took over a half hour to get anything, including a glass of water. They never bothered to bring our drinks before the food arrived. My son commented on multiple employees hanging out at the bar, not helping any customers. When I mentioned to the waiter that we had a time constraint, he dropped the check - before any food, drinks or even water had arrived. We will not be back. read more

We had my wife's retirement party at 501 Restaurant and Bar and it was incredible! The venue, the food and the service were excellent! Chef Aron made us feel incredibly special and help us plan the event within our budget. We will be back and I strongly suggest you check this place out!! read more

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The new Shorecliffs restaurant is a complete 360 from the former (although we do miss the old dive bar) establishment that we have occasioned for over 40 years. The new management and chef have really hit a home run here. My wife and I had breakfast a couple weeks ago and just had a late lunch on St Pattys day. We were really surprised at how good the food looks and tastes. Service is excellent, the view of the golf course is great. Keep up the good work. Request: come up with a reasonable resident/senior rate and we would play more golf here. Hard to justify the rates that have been implemented if compared to the San Clemente Municipal. read more

Mother's Day Brunch was absolutely amazing! Ambiance, service and food were a delightful surprise. We had a party of 12; the service was exceptional. We had table in the corner of the restaurant it almost felt like "private dining". The wait staff were so attentive. The menu was preset with several selections for appetizers, salad, entree and dessert. The mini Beef Wellington, Bruschetta and Ahi Tartar appetizers were so onolicious! The Caesar salad was just the right portion and the dressing so fresh. The fruit salad had a variety of fruits and we discovered honeydew melon is great for a teething baby. For the main entrees I tired the breaded chicken breast and the baked halibut both outstanding. My dad had the smoked salmon Benedict and enjoyed it. Chef Aron and Alexandra great selection on the preset menu. To the wait staff thank you for taking care of us. We typically don't dine out for Mother's Day, but we received a flyer from Shorecliffs and thought we'd try it out. So glad we did and looking forward to dinner. read more

What a gem! If you grew up around here and remember the clubhouse at Shorecliff, this isn't that. What a transformation! I stumbled on 501 playing golf with buddies a couple of months ago while I was in the middle of finalizing details for my wife's 50th. The minute I walked in, I went straight to the pro shop and asked for their event coordinator. Vibe! The problem for me is that I have set a really high bar on past events, but I immediately knew that this venue would not disappoint. What I did not know, The event staff, Leslie and Alex were so on point with what I had envisioned and then I met Chef Aron. I'll be honest, I never put that much thought into the food. What music, what lights, what alcohol? Thats usually all you need. Here is the bonus, the food was absolutely amazing and heard from everyone all night and weeks later about it. It was a culinary experience. The guy is legit! And I got all the credit and my wife thinks I am a genius. Absolutely 5 stars. read more

Outstanding Food, Beverage and Service Shorecliffs 501. We always have such a great time and appreciate the awesome food and Service. Thank you, we'll be back. read more