We went here before out flight to EGYPT and had a flight of reds. Incredible place and the prices were great.

This isn't fun to write because I had been looking forward to going to this restaurant for so long. But I have been trying for a WEEK now to reach out to someone, anyone, to speak with. I have emailed, DM'd, called (and was promised by someone named Sheri that she would call me back, she never did.) My boyfriend and I went to eat here last Saturday, first of all they have you seat yourselves. okay great. We see an open little space at the bar, we go over to the open space at the bar. Apparently someone had thrown up on themselves while sitting at the bar, the ambulance had left with the person before we got there. I see the bartender (Kai) chatting with the person next to the open seat at the bar, I try to catch his eye so I can ask him "Are we okay to sit here? Is the throw up cleaned up?" After about...5 minutes? He ends up finally looking at me, i ask him my question and he says "I mean...if it looks cleaned up it probably is." I respond with "Okay...do you have any extra bar stools? there's a space right here that must've had the throw up stool, is there any backup stools?" His response "If you see one you can grab it and bring it over here, if not, i'm not sure." He then proceeds to turn around and focus on what's REALLY important; the two blondes on the other side of the bar. He never checked in on us, never introduced himself, we couldn't flag him down because he literally would not look at us, he dropped the check off without saying a single word. I'm a waitress currently and I used to bar-back as well, I am not an evil person, we still tipped them 15%. And I wrote a note on the back saying that the service was not good, he acted like he didn't care about us, and we were unhappy. Me and my boyfriend work our butts off during the week to be able to come and enjoy a date night and spend $200 on an experience that left us both feeling; like we were a bother. BUT HERES THE BEST PART!!! A completely different worker there; Bryce, (who was also drinking the entire time we were dining) decides to send me a picture on instagram private messaging of him and friends(?) flipping me off!! With a lovely couple of other messages saying that I am fat, I better never come to San Clemente again, etc etc. I have tried for a week now to contact someone so I wouldn't have to put all of this on yelp? I'm not quite sure what happened in the dining industry that the standard for hiring people is so low that now people like Bryce are considered a good fit for hospitality services. I've never had this happen anywhere, never heard of it happening to anyone else at any other dining establishment, i've been told before i didn't give the best service and I never ever contacted the customer on social media and proceeded to act the way that Bryce did. It's embarrassing for The Cellar, it's shameful, and it's not the way that the rest of the community of San Clemente acts like. read more

After a day trip in L.A. I decided to stop by The Cellar and I was more than amazing. Cole's service was terfffic and he went the extra mile for us. #FirstTimeGo #HometownGroove #Gratitude read more

Incredible cheese, coffee, breakfast, and entertainment. An excellent choice if you are in San Clemente or nearby.

Love this place! Cool hang out with awesome tapas & dinners, excellent wines, variety of beers, decent music, friendly service, and comfortable atmosphere. My husband and I love this place. Favorite restaurant in San Clemente. I took my mom last weekend after spending the day together. She loved it too. Good Brussel Sprouts. The flight of wine was enough to make her tipsy. Fun night! They do not take reservations . . . First come, first serve. So, that means there is always a chance you will get in, but it's not easy. They fill up early. Awesome Happy Hour! It ends at 6:00. read more

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Fantastic is the first word that comes to mind. From the service to the food, the friendliness to the environment this place is great. I will be back! Thank you! read more

Very classy wine bar with great small apps and awesome wine. Want a place where you can go for a nice glass of wine while listening to live music and actually carry on a conversation this is the place to go. You won't be disappointed. Employees are friendly and accommodating. read more

By far my favorite beer and wine pub in the area! The atmosphere is very cozy and lovely and they always have great music, whether it's live or a playlist. This is my favorite date night spot and place to get the best charcuterie fixings. Their beer and wine collection is expansive and unique. I've never been disappointed by a recommendation of theirs. The Cellar also offers some of the best food around! I'm always blown away whenever I try a new dish. From super savory mac and cheese to incredible brussel sprouts, fries and the best charcuterie boards, the Cellar always hits the spot and everything pairs so well with their drinks. Right now they offer outdoor dining and DoorDash Wednesday through Saturday. You can order food from the kitchen along well incredible cheese, wine, beer, jams, honey, sweets and more to go. read more

SUPER DISAPPOINTED. Been wanting to try for years. Met a friend for lunch at 1:00. 1st. No sangria. 2nd ordered a grapefruit mimosa. Was told there may be enough grapefruit juice for 1 more. Mind you, these are 2 of their signature drinks. Got a Caesar salad with house smoked trout ($7 extra for MAYBE 1 ounce of fish). The size of the salad was laughable. I'm talking appetizer size for $16! So $23 total. I wish I took a photo. I literally thought it was a joke. Albeit delish. WAY OVERPRICED. And.... we had to ask for maple & silverware AFTER our food was served, waiting while non-busy employees behind bar basically ignored us. Super bummed. read more

Took some family here visiting from out of town our first time trying the cellar. We had a terrible experience. Most of everything we tried ordering they ran out of. Service was slow and waited a long time for drink orders/ food orders. Once we received the food after being there for almost 2 hours...One of our guest didn't receive their food and the excuse was the fries were taking a little longer then expected to be cooked. Everyone started eating due to food getting cold I then proceeded to cancel the order of the person that didn't receive their food. We then realized the food order was forgotten about. Our bill was around $300 and And we won't be back. read more

The selections of wine and beer are fantastic, and frankly BETTER BE to keep up with that chef! Holy Moly!! Unique, delectable, delicious, balanced, healthy and BEAUTIFUL!!! Excellent service (even though the place is packed) Friendly, warm, prompt, comprehensive, jovial, real smiles for a change. Don't Change a thing! read more

They are very inconsistent. The first time we ordered a cheese plate it was amazing. Then we ordered two of them for Christmas and they were nothing like the first one. There was no nuts. They didn't even pair the cheeses with anything. It was like they just threw whatever in the box. This time we got one and they didn't even put the dipping stuff in containers. They put it in the box on the bottom of the cheeses and now my box is all soggy. We asked the manager if she could do something about it and she refused to help. read more

Great food, great drinks! The service was awesome! We are looking forward to going back.

Amazing service and love the new cocktail menu!! My go to in San Clemente. The seasonal burrata is unreal. Can't wait for the cocktail bar to be fully open read more

The Cellar - Margaritas and burrata - Wine Bars Near Me - San Clemente, California

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This review is a little late, but better late than never, right? I came in right before the social distancing requirement and found the food and service to be both equally amazing. I got the bacon and eggs, and French toast, and holy moly were both delicious. The bacon was so good I ordered a second round of it. The eggs were cooked and seasoned perfectly and before I left, got a chocolate chip cookie. As I write this, I wish I had a cookie in my hands (mouth) now. I'll never forget the server because of the song by Band of Horses. Detlef was attentive, easy going, and just a nice server all around. Definitely order for pickup or to go and support this business! read more

Great tasting food. Cute patio and friendly staff. We enjoy this place all the time. Heart of San Clemente, years of delicious cuisine and wonderful service. Visit soon. read more

Came to San Clemente a year ago and saw this place was packed and heard live music. I have been wanting to come back to experience it. The wait was worth it. Had such an amazing time. Sat outside with music playing from the inside which starts at 7pm. Asked for recommendations with the wine and got an amazing Chardonnay and Malbec. Continued with the Spanish cheese board and man was that amazing. Then decided to give total freedom to the staff to pick out a cheeseboard for which she thought would be best. Overall amazing. Never had such a perfect cheese, meat and fruit pairing anywhere. Can't wait to come back! Hopefully don't have to wait a whole year again! read more

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So happy to find this gem! Yay! Love love loooooove The Cellar! I'm a cheese monster and The Cellar has the BEST cheese plate! It comes with crackers, jam, nuts, and whatnot that enhance the flavor of cheese. I wish I could come here every single night! If you haven't tried it yet....please ditch whatever plans you have and go to The Cellar right now! You won't regret. The mac and cheese is great as well. No wonder this is one of the most popular items. It's not the type of mac and cheese I like (I like crispy one) but it was good. It was super oily when I heated up leftovers, though! My husband ordered the cellar burger and i took a bite but it was a little bite! So I really don't remember how it tasted....lol i will have to try it next time :) We sat at the bar and I forgot our server's name but she was super sweet, fun, and very professional! I was kinda surprised that she remembered me when I visited again! Maybe it's because there are not that many asians in SC Lol hahahaha I really like her and she has such a good vibe. read more

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Honestly, I've been a fan of The Cellar for over 6 years. Their food is amazing and their staff greets you with a smile! I do wish that they sold their gourmet mac n cheese was sold during the entirety of the time they are open, but not much I can do to change that. Otherwise, I would suggest this restaurant to any wine lovers and cheese lovers! The cheese monger there is amazing! read more

Oh my, it's just as good the second time around. I tried an Expresso Martini this time. Not as sweet as other bars/restaurants and that was fine by me. Each time I come I try to get a different meal and I have yet to be disappointed. The chef is exceptional. Ask him what to order...he knows his stuff. read more

better ask pricing on wine! seems the selection has dwindled and the labels are obscure but to have Carly S 'recommend' the unknown "my favorite neighbor" chardonnay and pour a $21 a glass of a chardonnay that is only $30 per bottle is inappropriate pricing and service. (I guess I should be glad it was not the $30 glass choice!) Go find better value next door. read more

Went to celebrate my mom's 60th! Friends were able to snag a few tables. Nice waitress, but slow service when it came to receiving our meals. Luckily, a cheese board was ordered upon arrival, or I may have eaten my hand! Nice atmosphere/vibe. Would go again. read more

Mia is the best server you can ask for. The Cellar was a great atmosphere. Loved the rose. Definitely would come here again!!! the best place in San Clemente to go! read more

Went with a girl friend of mine on a Thursday night and we enjoyed some drinks and live music. Unfortunately we didn't order any food, but we glanced at what other tables had ordered and it all looked amazing. Definitely a nice relaxed vibe. read more

Super great Sunday morning vibe. The Latte and Chai were great! Not too sweet, just how we like it. The Avocado Toast is as advertised, and tastes even better than it looks. I'll be back. read more

The Cellar - Avocado Toast - Wine Bars Near Me - San Clemente, California

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Literally awesome place!!!! Camping in San Clemente and came to enjoy lunch. Loved it so much we came back the next day. We loved everything about this place. Food is spectacular and service was awesome. Our waiter Cole was attentive and his suggestions of the wine was perfect. Definitely will be back read more

This place used to be pretty cool. They used to serve grass fed burgers but they decided they're too good for that now. All the food is junk food. The staff is OK. Some are really friendly and nice and some are hating their jobs read more

I remembered the food and music being great here years ago but went here last Saturday night and the food and service was horrible. I ordered the hamburger for $19 and it was worse than burger at a drive through. The waiter didn't care or try to make it right. I won't be coming back. read more

The staff was great and we had a good time. When we got home however, the wine was rancid from sitting for so long. I gifted my children and it was embarrassing. read more

So. Freaking. Good. Came here for dinner, and it was hands down some of the best food I've had in San Clemente! My friends and I started with ordering 3 wine flights - the red, white, and mystery options, all of which were delicious and fun to try out. We then got the Mac & Cheese with Duck Confit. This was a really stunning dish, where the cheese flavor shined, though I don't think the Duck was completely necessary. We also got the Artichoke Flatbread and the Chicken Sandwich. The flatbread was really interesting, with many flavors and moving parts. The sandwich was a classic friend chicken burger, but even better. We finished off the night with the Cookie Skillet, which was cooked to perfection and topped with salt - a great ending to the night!! Would highly recommend that anyone come here :) read more

Fun, tasteful, convenient. Everything from the decor to the flavors are very well maintained, in order and executed with quality. Friendly service and the perfect spot to stop in while walking along this strip. read more

I'm not a regular coffee drinker but when I need a fix I come here. There's really not a worthy cup of coffee on Avd Del Mar (or as tourists say "that cute little Del Mar Street") other than this option at the Cellar. I only do espresso drinks so I've no opinion on their drip. And also homemade almond milk like Bear Coast does. There are real breakfasts here and a very pleasant atmosphere and small patio. Pondering Life's persistent questions I ask myself "Why would anyone go to Starbucks?" Peets may have the best coffee in town but I lost my passport so I can't get into Talega. No big loss. (Talega that is, not Peets) Oh, and I rarely give 5 stars. read more

The Cellar - Bill's Latte Art - Wine Bars Near Me - San Clemente, California

Came here by chance with my girlfriend and had a very nice time. They have nice wine and the food is also very good. It's simple and nice and the place has a good atmosphere to it. Overall, I'm glad we came here read more

We had a wonderful dinner at The Cellar recently. The Salmon is wonderful. We split a Caesar salad and the Teriyaki Glazed Salmon! Both were delicious. The wine list is very good and we are going back soon! If you are new to SC, we highly recommend this little gem. Sit outside on the tiny patio and feel like you are in Europe! read more

Great Atmosphere | Great Food | Great Drink | Great People Me and my fiance had an excellent time at the Cellar during their Stellar Hour (happy hour) Recommendation: House Wine, Unique Rotating Drafts, Sidewinder Fries Their stellar hour was amazing, the sidewinder fries are to die for, they are a unique shape with great seasoning, and had carrot ranch (it's better that it sounds!) and overall some of the best fries I've had. Their bartender convinced me on a sour beer (its unique to have a sour with only 6 taps) and it was well worth it! We were in the corner and still received wonderful service. Awesome atmosphere, in a cute downtown street; we will be back to The Cellar sooner rather then later. We couldn't stay long enough for their daily music, but we certainly will next time! Definitely check this place out! darrenertis.com read more

The Cellar - Stellar Happy Hour Menu | Ends at 6pm - Wine Bars Near Me - San Clemente, California

This is a great spot for a posh dinner or after dinner drinks. They have live music (but no space for dancing) in the evenings on the weekends and a great selection of wine. The prices are up there, but you get what you pay for. I usually go for a wine flight - it's a fun way to try three different wines, and makes for good conversation with others at the table. The cheese plate and Spanish Board are great appetizers to share with friends. It gets very crowded on the weekends, and it can be difficult to find a place to sit -- for that reason I would say that this is not a great spot for large groups - it gets a little too loud and crowded. On that note, this is not a place for children either. The service is attentive and the servers really do the best with the situations they are put into. If its very crowded and loud, expect the service to take a little longer because the servers have to navigate the tight spaces. If you are feeling decadent -- the desserts here are indulgent and delicious. The desserts (like the menu) change seasonly, so come back at different times of the year for different options. The bread pudding is outstanding ! read more

The Cellar - Dessert menu and happy hour menu - Wine Bars Near Me - San Clemente, California

My favorite wine bar in SC! Must try their cheese boards, wine and dessert! Yum!!!

Pleasantly surprised! Enjoyed a delicious flatbread and cheeseboard with a glass of wine on their cute little dog friendly patio. The food, service and ambiance were ! Would def go back! read more

Fantastic "Ecstatic Hour" Tuesdat to Sunday 4-6. The cheese plate is always amazing. The deboned mago wings are too die for. Order the sidewinder fries - fantastic. Plus outstanding service. read more

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Awesome spot in San Clemente for date night. They now serve food and saw amazing dishes being served: short rib Mac n cheese, salads, even the skillet cookie was out of this world. Tons of wine and beer selection. And the live music made it a great spot to hang out with friends or partner! read more

The Cellar - Wine Bars Near Me - San Clemente, California