Antoine's Cafe

Had breakfast there last week. This was our 3rd time eating there and I must say that the food is good when you receive it nice and hot. The issue is with the service. I honestly think that some of these well connected San Clemente family restaurants (this place qualifies) have the perception that the bare minimum with service is just fine. Antoine's is one of those places that has quite a name for itself and because of this, they know the business will be there. I think it's made the severs less concerned about actual service. What do they care? Me not coming back is not going to slow them down. Back to the food. As I mentioned, it's good even at luke warm temps. Two of us were in there last week about mid morning. There was nobody on the patio and the inside was maybe half full. We sat promptly and were also greeted pretty quickly. We each ordered coffee and it was delivered promptly, but the server walked away so quickly we didn't get a chance to ask for cream. We flagged down someone else so no problem. Our server came back, took our order and off she went. We did not see her again until our check was dropped. Food took a long time to be delivered. We both knew that something must have been up because it was just taking too long. Our server was nowhere to be seen so wait we did. Someone else finally delivered it and as mentioned above the food was luke warm at best. Our conclusion is that it sat in the window with nobody picking it up. The food was good, but a disappointing experience overall. Nobody ever checked back on our meals.The servers truly came across as though they were not concerned with guest service. They just walk around with a smile on their faces while doing their own thing. $40 for breakfast and two cups of coffee seemed pretty expensive in my opinion and at those prices service should be much better than what we experienced.

Unfortunately I didn't have the opportunity to try the food here. I was meeting a friend from LA here for breakfast because it's the half way point from San Diego. My friend was stuck in traffic and I just had a horrendous drive in the rain. I went inside and sat at a table. The restaurant was empty except for 2 other tables. The brunette waitress walked by and I waved her over as I desperately wanted a mimosa after my stressful drive.
Me - Excuse me, may I have 2 menus.
Brunette server - Is the rest of your party here?
Me - No she is a few minutes away but I need a drink and want to order while I wait.
Brunette server in rude voice - Well until your entire party is here you can't sit down.
Me looking around empty restaurant - Seriously? You're not going to let me order a mimosa?
Brunette server - Its our policy sorry. You can wait up front.
Me -No thanks I'm out
Me calling my friend on her cell from my car - The server is rude and I'm not eating here.

I had a great brunch at another spot down the road and a wonderful visit with my friend while a very friendly attentive server brought us several drinks. : )

We used to live here and frequent Antoine's after a beach hike. Now I must stop by every time we visit So Cal! Madame herself works hard to keep this place top notch. (Chandelier in the bathroom? Awesome!) All the food is good, however I usually end up with the Avocado bagel. Messy, but delish! I love the French bistro feel but it's full of local artists renditions of this surfer town. Having TCM channel on TV is fun too! See you next time!