Drift Distillery and Smokehouse

Name: Drift Distillery and Smokehouse
Address: 115 S El Camino Real, San Clemente, CA, United States, 92672
Telephone: (949) 388-0700
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4.7

4.7 (39)

$30 and under

Barbecue

115 S El Camino Real, San Clemente, CA 92672

Make a reservation

2 people

Jul 16, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 2 times today

About this restaurant

Neighborhood gem
Great for creative cocktails
Good for groups

We are an award winning craft distillery and bbq smokehouse located in the heart of San Clemente.
All of our spirits are handcrafted here in San Clemente with grain from our parents' farm in Kansas, making us a true grain to bottle distillery. We are also proud to serve KC style inspired bbq with a SoCal twist.

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Barbecue
Hours of operation
Mon–Thu 11:30 am–9:00 pm Fri 11:30 am–10:00 pm Sat 10:00 am–10:00 pm Sun 10:00 am–9:00 pm
Phone number
(949) 388-0700
Website
http://www.driftdistillery.com/
Dress code
Casual Dress

Location
115 S El Camino Real, San Clemente, CA 92672
Neighborhood
San Clemente
Cross street
Avenida Del Mar
Parking details
Private Lot
Additional
Entertainment, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Wheelchair Access

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The Mule$8.00
Vodka / freshly squeezed lime / ginger beer
Pain Killer$9.00
Rum / pineapple juice / orange juice / coconut cream / nutmeg
Whiskey Ginger$8.00
Single barrel wheat whiskey / Vernors ginger soda
Margarita$9.00
Agave Spirit / triple sec / freshly squeezed lime juice / agave nectar / salt & tajin rim
All Beers$6.00
House Wine$10.00

Snacks

Loaded Tots$10.00
Pick a protein / smoked Oaxaca cheese / jalapeños / green onion / sour cream / BBQ sauce
Spare Ribs$12.00
Smoked Spare Ribs - comes w/ four bones
Charred Brussel Sprouts$8.00
Dried cherries / spiced pumpkin seeds / goat cheese / honey- bourbon balsamic glaze
Quesadilla$9.00
homemade pickled jalapeños / smoked Oaxaca cheese / BBQ sauce / green onions

What 39 people are saying

Drift Distillery and Smokehouse reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7

4.7 based on recent ratings

4.5Food
4.5Service
4.6Ambience
4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Drift Distillery and Smokehouse impresses with "warm hospitality" and an inviting atmosphere. Known for "best barbecue" in San Clemente, it boasts standout dishes like Tomahawk fingers and Burnt-end Kansas City Twinkies. Live music, "excellent service," and a unique drink selection make it a must-visit. Some note slow service, but overall experiences are positive.

39 Reviews

M
Melanie
San Diego1 review
5.0
Dined on July 5, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Absolutely Outstanding! From the moment we walked in, we were greeted with warm hospitality and an inviting atmosphere. The service was attentive without being overbearing, and every recommendation from our server was spot on. The food? Incredible. Every dish was beautifully presented and bursting with flavor. You can tell the ingredients are fresh and the kitchen takes real pride in what they serve. We especially loved Tomahawk fingers and Burnt-end Kansas City Twinkies—were hands-down one of the best we’ve ever had. Whether you’re looking for a special night out or just a reliably delicious meal, this place delivers. We’ll definitely be back!
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B
Bryan
Orange County1 review
5.0
Dined on June 4, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Justin our server took great care of us. The food is excellent. Best barbecue I have had in San Clemente. The decor is modern and very open in design. Awesome place to meet with friends and catch up. I will be back.
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M
Maria VIP
Orange County5 reviews
4.0
Dined on June 3, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 2
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We love this place. One of our favorites. Last night though we were disappointed with our food. We get the same stuff every time we come and always love it. Last night all of it was just ok. Definitely wasn’t like what it normally is. Not sure what was going on but we were for sure bummed.
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TM
TomM
Orange County2 reviews
1.0
Dined on May 25, 2025
1. Overall 1
2. Food 1
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 3
Not sure if we'll go back. Service was unaware, food very disappointing and drinks didn't have much alcohol.. Chicken over cooked, triptritop sandwich without meat. Brusselsprouts overcooked. Paid over $200. Bummed
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B
Bianca VIP
Orange County4 reviews
5.0
Dined on May 24, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
Our first time there and the food was amazing! Will definitely come back.
1 person found this helpful
B
Bradley
Orange County1 review
5.0
Dined on May 18, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
our waiter, luke, was amazing. Food was great. A little loud in there. Bought some spirits to go. Great experience.
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G
Greg VIP
Orange County14 reviews
5.0
Dined on April 26, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Good first time experience at Drift. Good food, good spirits, good ambiance. Will visit again!
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B
Brent VIP
San Diego2 reviews
5.0
Dined on April 7, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 3
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Good vibes, delicious bourbon and very attentive staff without being over bearing. A great spot to hang out and will be back for sure.
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S
Stacey
Hawaii4 reviews
5.0
Dined on March 30, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 5
Went to see The Sea Monks perform. Excellent band, ribs were best we’ve had in some time. Fall off the bone, perfect smoke and delicious flavor. Our service was a bit slow, but friendly.
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P
Pete VIP
Greater Boston5 reviews
5.0
Dined on March 30, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
It's very difficult to get a table at the small, new restaurant in downtown San Clemente called Drift (use OpenTable, preferably days in advance) and after the first visit you will understand why. This family owned restaurant distills their own whiskey, bourbon and gin, offers amazing smoked meats and has the kind of relaxed vibe that successful San Clemente restaurants specialize in with great service and a diverse menu that has something for everyone. Our party of three on our first visit sampled pulled pork and that smoked brisket with the stunning pink smoke ring in both sandwiches and the loaded tater tots platter and walked away vowing to return, if only for the smoked duck spring roll appetizer or those kitchen sink beans ($8 as a side) that use all three of the barbecued proteins (chicken is the other one). There is also a whiskey sampler that we will be trying on future visits. They do simple things such as putting a solid, simple cheese sauce underneath those tater tots and top them with sliced red and jalapeno peppers. The funniest name for a signature mixed drink is "Where's my Two Year Old?" There is a small bar and live entertainment on the weekends, but anytime is a good time to drift into Drift.
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FAQs

Drift Distillery and Smokehouse offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (949) 388-0700.

Drift Distillery and Smokehouse is rated 4.7 stars by 39 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

Jul 16, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 2 times today

Google Map for Drift Distillery and Smokehouse

115 S El Camino Real, San Clemente, CA 92672

Additional information

Cross street
Avenida Del Mar
Neighborhood
San Clemente
Hours of operation
Mon–Thu 11:30 am–9:00 pm Fri 11:30 am–10:00 pm Sat 10:00 am–10:00 pm Sun 10:00 am–9:00 pm
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Barbecue
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Private Lot
Additional
Entertainment, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Wheelchair Access

Website
http://www.driftdistillery.com/
Phone number
(949) 388-0700

Drift Distillery and Smokehouse

Make a reservation

About this restaurant

Additional information

Ask Concierge
AI Beta

Menu

Cocktails

The Mule$8.00

Pain Killer$9.00

Whiskey Ginger$8.00

Margarita$9.00

All Beers$6.00

House Wine$10.00

Snacks

Loaded Tots$10.00

Spare Ribs$12.00

Charred Brussel Sprouts$8.00

Quesadilla$9.00

What 39 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Review summary

FAQs

Does Drift Distillery and Smokehouse offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Drift Distillery and Smokehouse restaurant rated?

Is Drift Distillery and Smokehouse currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Additional information