Please, don't make the same mistake I did. I walked past Drift Distillery almost every morning for…read moretwo years, paying very little attention, because I no longer drink alcohol. I assumed that their focus was on whisky, and certainly not on food. But then, one day, I passed by in the evening, when Drift was actually open. I saw a lot of people inside, so I thought I would check it out. The moment I walked inside and smelled that wonderful smoky flavor, I had a feeling my assumption was very wrong. I checked out the menu, which had me at brisket, and I committed to eating there as soon as possible. As soon as possible was the next day. I tried the brisket, which was fantastic! It was moist and tender without being fatty. And, it had a great smoky flavor. I went back to Drift four times that week, including twice in one day. Everything I have tried has been great - the pulled pork, beef rib (absolutely amazing) and turkey. I haven't tried the chicken or pork ribs yet, but I plan to very soon. Oh, and I almost forgot to mention that the bbq baked beans are among, if not the best, I have ever eaten. Service at Drift has always been really friendly. The environment is casual and fun (at times a little too noisy for me, but I'm pretty old and have a little trouble hearing conversation in noisy environments). I'm so glad I looked past my initial perception of Drift and gave it a try. It has become one of my favorite restaurants in San Clemente.

We went back and the food is still amazing and they got rid of the waitress with the attitude. Our…read moreserver was a super nice guy. Only negative comment is still their traditional BBQ sauce isn't great, it's a fruity sweet flavor. I wish they had a "normal" BBQ sauce. They do have a spicy BBQ sauce option if you ask.

I've already reviewed Antoine's in the past but I have to give another review for another item that…read moreis a total knock out on the menu. Today, we got the Lox Bagel and the Avocado bagel and they were both so good. The lox was very fresh and so was the avocado. Don't be fooled and think that you are getting something light and small because both of them are massive, I had to take half home. They both had amazing flavor, and the coffee is always good and strong. Our waitress was friendly, efficient, and made for a nice experience. We sat outside on the patio and whether you sit in or out you will be pleased. If you haven't checked this place out, you need to! Always a winner

Alrighty, it has finally the time for me to tried out this place and keep in mind ya'll, I've been…read morein San Clemente for a long time and I'm sorry that I haven't eaten here. I wish I did sooner! I past by this place on my way to work every day. Literally. Its on route for me and I never thought to myself to eat breakfast here nor check it out, I know on the days when I head back home it's always pack and people be waiting for a table. And that's on a sunny day. Well I was wrong for thinking oh it wouldn't be crowded on a rainy day. NOPE. I was sooooo wrong. It was PACKED and busy. Ain't even the rain gonna stop people to get some good food. What supposed to be a long day at work, tournament was cancelled last minutes and my staff was really bummed because we did travel to work. (I work two jobs and the other is a bit of commute to get to) so with that I was thinking, heck, it's still early in the morning (7am on sunday, a rainy sunday) and suggested breakfast. A bit of yelp search, i stumbled on Antoine's and saw a couple of Elites reviewed and ask my staff if they wanted to eat here. Took less than a couple of second but everyone agreed. By the time we got there (around 10am) it was packed and the rain was just picking up because before we got here, the car in front of us hydroplane and skid off the road and hit the curb. Yet, this place was still pack and parking was full. (We found street parking near Starbucks) I had my staff placed our name down since she lives closer, but they won't see you until all your party is here and that's fine. We ended up seating at the bar and left the booth for other parties. Love the teamwork, the staff were super stars doing a rush like that, let me tell you it PACKED HOUSE and we got our food and drinks on time, no one in my party had to wait to eat and I forgot to take pictures of my staff meals, only took mines and what I got for the table to share was a croissant french toast, which I believe was their special of the day. I got the chicken fried steak and the portion are MASSIVE!!! All of us took our food home because the portion size are insanely big and bang for the buck!! Great place to eat breakfast or brunch or even a 'Team Building Breakfast Time' LOL Just happy to treating out my amazing staff on their work. I will be coming back again to try out their lox bagels and chai tea. (It was in a massive cup that reminds me of the show FRIENDS.)

Truly one of the best restaurants meets coffee shops in all of Orange County. Every single employee…read moreis friendly and knowledgeable about the menu. Cole is our guy! It feels like a local spot with endless options to enjoy. Their baristas (Lucy is the best) can make everything but also don't shy away from suggesting something new. I've recently fallen in love with an iced flat white with vanilla for a little summer sweet treat. Their drip coffee is divine too! Talk about range... we frequent for brunch/lunch/date night too. Their wine list is truly endless. You can sit inside at the bar, at a gorgeous table with air conditioning, under their adorable pink-striped umbrellas on the patio, or in an extended patio off the sidewalk with plenty of seating. You will be treated with exceptional service regardless of seating. Their brunch menu is delicious. Their chive biscuit breakfast sandwich is incredible, as is their breakfast burrito, chilaquiles AND biscuits and gravy. To be fair, we visit most regularly for a cheese board and meat with a glass of wine. Recently enjoyed the ceviche and smash burger with side-winder fries which was hand crafted and filling. Even our young boys enjoyed every bite. On Sunday's (1st and 3rd of the month) they have live music which is wonderful. Last thing, the cellar cookie is incredible. It's hard to just drop in for a coffee and not leave with one when available. You will never regret a visit to The Cellar! One of the best places in San Clemente.

We stopped by The Cellar in San Clemente for a night out and found exactly the kind of atmosphere…read morethat makes a place fun to linger. The restaurant was busy, with a lively crowd. It was the kind of place where sharing plates and a bottle of wine make sense. From my visit, we tried the Charcuterie & Cheese Board, sliders, ceviche, and the Burrata Salad with grilled peach. Everything was solid, but the Burrata Salad was the clear favorite. The combination of creamy burrata with grilled peach, heirloom tomato, fresh herbs, and the bright vinaigrette had a great balance of sweet, savory, and fresh flavors. It was the dish I'd come back for. The other plates rounded out the meal well, especially for sharing, and the wine selection was a highlight. For tips, I'd come ready to share several small plates and take advantage of the wine program. Since the room can get busy, expect a more energetic experience during peak times rather than a quiet dinner. This is a good fit for date night, catching up with friends, or anyone who enjoys wine, cheese boards, and a lively downtown San Clemente setting. The only small drawback is that the busier atmosphere may not be ideal if you are looking for a calm, intimate meal.