7 Best Cocktails in San Clemente
With the year-round sunshine and coastal views of Southern Orange County, there’s always something to cheers to. San Clemente is known to be a laid back seaside city with stunning surf breaks and an array of local eateries waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re looking for a relaxed evening or night out on the town, we’ve rounded up the ultimate guide to celebrating with cocktails along the coast. From moody speakeasies to lighthearted patios, here are our 7 favorite restaurants and bars in San Clemente for a divine drink.
Bar Jane
Photo courtesy of Bar Jane.
Candlelit tables, crystal chandeliers and vintage decor set the mood for an evening of sophisticated sipping. Enter Bar Jane. This intimate neighborhood cocktail bar is conveniently located in the heart of downtown. Finished with lux lounge seating, Italian wallpaper and drinks to match the upscale ambience, the atmosphere is reminiscent of a European speakeasy. Curated libations feature premium liquors and are served in glassware worthy of Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby. From tried-and-true classics like espresso martinis made with Sur Coffee to seasonal specialities, bartenders pour every cocktail with careful consideration.
158 Avenida Del Mar,
San Clemente, CA 92672
Gema
Photo courtesy of Sam Diddee.
Gema (Spanish for gem) is truly a hidden jewel of San Clemente. This Mexican-inspired eatery serves a taste of Tulum in the contemporary bungalow on El Camino Real. Authentic cooking techniques from across the border are brought to life with locally sourced ingredients, which perfectly pair with their craft cocktails. Gema reinvents classic cocktails and breaks boundaries of traditional margaritas. The La Basilica balances the bold, smokey hue of mezcal with fresh flavors of pineapple and basil for a refreshing elixir. With a complete Mezcal room, you can’t go wrong with Gema’s Mexican-inspired cocktails.
110 S El Camino Real,
San Clemente, CA 92672
Landers
Photo courtesy of Landers San Clemente.
Fusing the western lifestyle of California deserts with San Clemente’s coastal culture, Landers encapsulates the laid back mentality of South OC. The restaurant and bar is known for their stiff drinks and cowboy-biker heritage. Enjoy happy hour with $7 well drinks on Lander’s outdoor patio overlooking North Beach and stay until the sun goes down to try their American-inspired cuisine as live bands take the stage. For something on the sweeter side, opt for the local’s favorite Cowboy cocktail whose pink coloring comes from a mix of Locals Only Vodka, watermelon juice, lime, and simple syrup.
1814 N El Camino Real
San Clemente, CA 92672
Sol Agave
Photo courtesy of Sol Agave.
Everyone loves a good beer flight, but margarita samplers are harder to come by. Luckily, Sol Agave San Clemente presents their renown margaritas in flights of four. With selections like grilled pineapple, raspberry chipotle, spicy mango, cilantro cucumber, strawberry jalapeno and tequila blackberry, it’s impossible to pick just one! On a mission to put a modern and healthy spin on traditional Mexican cuisine, Sol Agave highlights the authenticity of Mexico with sustainable ingredients at their upscale eatery on Avenida Del Mar. Don’t miss their Taco Tuesday specials where you can mix and match any margaritas with crispy tacos.
111 Avenida Del Mar suite 1B
San Clemente, CA 92672
Fig@313
Photo courtesy of Fig@313.
Culinary art and sophisticated hospitality are married together for a complete dining experience at Fig@313. Preserving the Spanish colonial style of this historic San Clemente landmark, Fig@313 shares thoughtfully curated fare with the seaside community. Dishes like Roasted Octopus and Goat Cheese Fondue showcase American cuisine with a European twist, and menu items are created to pair with one of the restaurant’s ritzy cocktails. Stay on brand with libations that embody the essence of Fig@313. The Mission Fig Mule is made light and refreshing with Figenza Fig Vodka, lime, honey, and ginger beer.
313 N El Camino Real
San Clemente, CA 92672
Vine Restaurant and Bar
Photo courtesy of Vine Restaurant and Bar
Whether going on a date night or meeting up with friends, the dim-lit dining room Vine Restaurant and Bar sets the scene of an evening of fine dining and craft drinks. Vine Restaurant and Bar draws inspiration from Napa Valley’s wine country and designed their menu to showcase the freshest flavors of the season. With a wine list boasting of buttery chardonnays and ruby reds, cocktails created by their mixologists often slip under the radar. Don’t miss out on bright flavors of The Hot Shot with vodka, orange liqueur, lemon, serrano and cranberry, or ask about the Chef’s cocktail which changes daily.
211 N. El Camino Real
San Clemente, CA 92672
Pierside Kitchen and Bar
Photo courtesy of Pierside Kitchen and Bar.
Sip by the sea at Pierside Kitchen and Bar. This cozy local spot is loved for their creative craft libations, micro brews and friendly service. Pierside Kitchen and Bar has something for everyone with a mix of classic cocktails, house specialties, and even hot options like Irish Coffees and Hot Toddies. Transport yourself to an island getaway on Tiki Thursdays and cheers to tropical inspired concoctions. Mai Tais, Painkillers and unique offerings like the Port Au Prince with white rum, aromatic bitters, pineapple and grenadine give off all the vacay vibes!
610 Avenida Victoria
San Clemente, CA 92672
