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South of Nick's - San Clemente, San Clemente, CA
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South of Nick's - San Clemente

4.8 (2060)
$30 and under
Mexican
110 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente, CA 92672

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Experiences are available.

About this restaurant

  • Neighborhood gem
  • Lively
  • Great for creative cocktails
An essential stop in Orange County for Southern California Mexican Cuisine.

South of Nick's Mexican Kitchen & Bar features Classic Mexican favorites, prime steaks and seafood with a So Cal twist. Fine Tequilas & Margaritas

Our food and drink meets the highest standards of quality, freshness and seasonality and combines both modern-creative and traditional styles of cooking.

Nick’s is dedicated to perfecting the dining experience through continuous innovation, offering the highest quality food and beverage, and executing impeccable standards of hospitality. The deeply instilled Nick’s culture is personified by its Ladies and Gentlemen – professionals who share a single focus and are inspired and committed to offering great service and creating positive memorable experiences.

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Mexican
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Thu, Sun 11:00 am–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 11:00 am–11:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (949) 481-4545
  • Website
    http://nicksrestaurants.com/south-of-nicks/
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Executive chef
    Omar Gonzalez
  • Catering
    http://nicksrestaurants.com/catering-events/
  • Location
    110 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente, CA 92672
  • Neighborhood
    San Clemente
  • Cross street
    El Camino Real & Avenida Del Mar
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Entertainment
    Join us on the 1st Sunday of every month while Mariachis fill our dining room with live music.
  • Additional
    Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Experiences

  • Private Dining Experience

    $610.00 per party

    Multiple dates available
    Our private dining room is for groups of ten to fourteen guests. The Private Dining Room can be reserved for a 2.5-hour experience, with available dinner times at 5:00 PM and 8:00 PM. Please note that a $500 minimum spend is required for the room. A credit card will be required to guarantee your reservation. This will only be charged in the event of a late cancellation or no-show. Once the reservation is made in Opentable, you will receive a link to confirm your reservation. If we do not receive credit card information within 24 hours, you will forfeit your reservation. A $250 cancellation fee will apply if the reservation is canceled within 72 hours of the event. A 22% gratuity will be automatically applied to the final bill.
    Private Dining Experience Photo

Menu

View menu on restaurant's website

What 2,060 people are saying

South of Nick's - San Clemente 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

4.8
4.8 based on recent ratings
  • 4.8Food
  • 4.9Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.5Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • Orange County

    Mexican

  • South Orange County

    Mexican

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
South of Nick's in San Clemente offers a "wonderful dining experience" with "excellent food and service." The restaurant is praised for its "gourmet Mexican cuisine" and "beautiful ambiance." Many reviews highlight the attentive staff, with servers like Lily and Jacob standing out for their friendliness and professionalism. The "Butter Cake" and "coconut margaritas" are favorites among patrons. Despite occasional noise and service hiccups, the restaurant remains a top choice for special occasions and family outings.

2,060 Reviews

  1. Lisa

    Orange County6 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    First time in to celebrate the birthday of my sil. Daniel provided excellent service, shared popular & favorite menu items and drinks, and took excellent care of us! Since we couldn’t decide on just one dish we shared Cabo Shrimp and the fresh caught halibut Fish Tacos. They both were delicious, fresh, and plated with very appealing garnishments. The sauce surrounding the shrimp was SO tasty- we lapped it up immediately with the bread that came on the side of this dish. Although we were “too full for desert” we opted to celebrate the birthday with the famous butter cake. It was served warm sugar crystals surrounding the edges, a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top, and berries on the side. Pure decadence!! I highly recommend South of Nicks if you haven’t been! Keep up the great work!!

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  2. Brian

    San Diego12 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on May 24, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    First time eating at South of Nick's in San Clemente. The food and service were both top notch! One of the best experiences I've had. Definitely will be adding it as one of my go-to places. I definitely recommend eating here if you haven't, it's absolutely worth it! Meals: Carne Norteña 10/10, blackened shrimp salad 8/10, and chicken flautas 8/10. Dessert: Warm butter cake 10/10

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  3. Katie VIP

    Orange County80 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on May 23, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We had excellent service and delicious food. Our server brought a birthday dessert for my friend we were celebrating!

    Is this helpful?

  4. Carole

    Orange County13 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on May 22, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Our server Lily was so attentive and an asset to South of Nick's

    Is this helpful?

  5. Barbara

    Orange County2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on May 21, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    This is my favorite go to place! The food is always delicious and the service is always outstanding!

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  6. Lynette

    Orange County1 review

    5.0

    Dined on May 20, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Food and service was amazing. We were there celebrating our senior graduating High School and the server made him feel very special. Love this place and especially the Butter Cake. Oh my! Must try. But definitely share with your friend.

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  7. Jason VIP

    Hawaii11 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on May 19, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The food here is excellent. I love enchiladas and I ate every bite. This is a great place to choose for Mexican.

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  8. Lynette VIP

    Los Angeles27 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on May 19, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The best gourmet Mexican food ever with margaritas to match! Also, the chips and salsa are delicious.

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  9. Michael

    San Diego1 review

    5.0

    Dined on May 18, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Good enchiladas. Cold beer. Price is reasonable. Service is excellent. I will be back.

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  10. Sheri

    Orange County2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on May 16, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Max was well informed and was a great server. I’ve been going here and the one In Laguna and he is probably the Best Sever we have had at South of Nicks.

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

South of Nick's - San Clemente offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (949) 481-4545.

South of Nick's - San Clemente is rated 4.8 stars by 2060 OpenTable diners.

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

  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Orange County
  4. South Orange County
  5. San Clemente

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Experiences are available.
Google Map for South of Nick's - San Clemente

110 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente, CA 92672

Additional information

  • Cross street
    El Camino Real & Avenida Del Mar
  • Neighborhood
    San Clemente
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Thu, Sun 11:00 am–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 11:00 am–11:00 pm
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Mexican
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Omar Gonzalez
  • Entertainment
    Join us on the 1st Sunday of every month while Mariachis fill our dining room with live music.
  • Additional
    Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine
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