I used to go to that place when it was a surfer's hangout a couple years ago. My friend (rest in peace, Chris) had his wedding reception there before they set up off-track betting in the same area. Now that it attracts a completely different clientele, I bring my horse race loving friends over, not the surfers anymore.
Food has been consistently great except that one time. Just that one time, I had to return my lunch because the fish and chips were so bad. Few minutes later, the chef came over to us and profusely apologized. It turned out he was trying a different brand. He really cared, no doubt about it.
When we came back the following week, they went back to the original fish and chips we loved. I've had patty melt and a few other things off the menu, the food is always great. The mean-looking security guard in the off-track betting area went out of his way to seat us in a different area when it was full. He even changed the channels on the big screen televisions around us so we could continue watching the horse races in a better area. Service is always terrific and we are definitely coming back.
Parking place is usually full and I have to park in other areas, but that is San Clemente where everything is dense. They can't help it. That's my only issue with this place.
I love this place, I come in on Fridays and Saturdays during the afternoon.
This place seems like it could have been great but our server really was awful. We never received napkins or silverware, I had to ask the host for them. My husband ordered me a chicken sandwich, it would have been great if the waitress had brought it out in a timely manner but the bin was soggy and fries were soggy... Great place to watch football and bet on the horses but don't bother with the restaurant portion!
Review Source:How did I not know this place has OTB? For you sheltered Southern Californians that is off track betting for race horses. Never thought I would see the day that OTB would be in OC. I went this past Saturday to scout the place out for a possible Breeders Cup hang. I was most impressed.
Nice layout with 3 separate rooms: barroom, the betting parlor, and a dining room. All with tons of flats. Not as big of a place as it sounds, but big enough to be comfortable on the Saturday afternoon of our visit. All of the staff are well trained/seasoned and very cheery. I am normally not a big fan of sport bars, especially when starving. I tried one of their chicken wraps and it was surprisingly fresh and very delish.
Hot tip: if you golf at the adjoining golf course and show your scorecard the drinks are half off. Not sure if there are any special rules to cash in on that awesome offer, as my friends are there most Saturdays and did the hookup. You may want to inquire first so I don't receive any future hate mail.
It's probably a good thing that I don't live closer or I would also be a once a week-er. Maybe if I was a better handicapper..?? Â One of the staff did tell me that I may see one closer to home in the not too distant future. She said that Lake Forrest is very close to having one approved, and that one of the NOC beach cities is also under consideration.
Uh boy, so much for my future vacation possibilities. Maybe if I was a better handicapper..??
San Clemente is a pretty liberal and laid back town. There's nothing much to do in San Clemente except maybe go to the beach or something. But if you do come down here, they have like 1 good bar, and this is it.
And it's a pretty big bar too. And since this is essentially the only bar in SC, it gets pretty packed every day, all day. It's a great sports and beach themed bar with sports paraphernalia and surfboards everywhere. There's even have a game room too with 2 pool tables, couple of pinball machines, etc.
Everyone who drinks here are pretty nice, most of them are the locals. But it is a bit off from the main part of downtown SC. So you really can't walk from or to here. But you have the convenience of having this bar right off the 5 freeway at the Magdalena exit. The staff are friendly, the food is pretty good and they have a decent amount of beer on tap.
I got their OC Tavern Burger. Nice and juicy at medium rare. Comes with either steak or "seasoned fries" but they weren't seasoned. Just shoe string fries. Still good fries. And the bacon and vegetables fixins were nice and fresh.
Only go when Cubensis is playing as they rock and if this rating was based on the band would give Cubensis 5 stars.
Not really sure what this place is - a restaurant, casino, disco, jam hall.....since they have so many hats. Use to love it before they put the horse racing in....I hope they are making money with the casino because last night, besides the area where the band was playing, it was pretty empty.
In the past I would have rated this place 4 stars, but ever since they opened it up to horse racing this place has gone way downhill. Â The food is still the same - not great, but pretty good (I'm a big fan of their Rocking OC salad and their Fish & Chips). Â However nowadays it seems like every time we go by, the place is filled with a bunch of random people all going mental watching the races. I live pretty close by so I'm used to rolling in and watching MNF and games on the weekend and so am used to it being a bit loud in there, but these horse racing folks take it to a totally different level. Â It wasn't so bad when it was confined to the back bar but now it's spilled out into the dining room. Â If you're looking for a nice, mellow place to grab a pint and a burger, do yourself a favor and walk next door to Molly Blooms.
Review Source:I am extremely turned off by this place. There is no cover charge, but that did not matter with our visit. We were turned away at the door for not having a state issued form of ID. They do not accept Military ID as a valid form of ID (keep in mind, SC is a military town). Their excuse was that they are easily counterfeit. So my question is, what about out of state IDs? They would need to be experts on those (which I doubt they are). Lame excuse if you ask me. I will never attempt to go here again.
Review Source:Cubensis + OC Tavern = awesomely fun!
I can't testify about the "no cover charge" virtually empty remix-blaring flashing light-drenched 'club' right outside the doors of the separate live music venue, but if I WERE that kinda gal, I'd probably dig it. That reminds me, I gotta convince the Bestie to come down here with me to check that out one of these days...
Outstanding points!
-- Super huge outdoor chill/smoke patio!
-- Security was super cool and way efficient
-- Drinks were no laughing matter, my friends (I am fairly certain that our 'mistake' Strong Island Iced Teas were responsible for that wicked feeling the next day)
-- I'm pretty sure that I was on the younger end of that audience's scale, which is definitely my comfort zone
Parking is kind of small, but the music gods looked in our favor that evening.
Bottom line: SATELLITE WAGERING. See you soon, ponies!
Note: A gentleman was raffling off one of his precious bonsai trees (I think he did mention to us that it was older than me) and I got 6 tickets. The drawing is tomorrow; send your good vibes my way so I win it!!!
I usually go here every Sunday for lunch. I'll start with my past experiences. The cheese fries w/ bacon app is good. I always ask for extra ranch. They always forget to bring it out. The "rockin oc salad" has a good dressing and is a staple for me. Additionally, the sliders are all pretty tasty. Lately I have been getting the cheeseburgers with added grilled jalapenos.
ok so what inspired me to write this review:
Parking is always an issue here, but today was ridiculous. I illegally parked at molly blooms risking getting towed because there was literally no other parking. We were seated on the patio (typically i sit in the backroom to watch sports). The waiter (a guy with what appeared to be a nose ring stuck up inside his nose) sat us at a table with the sun beating on it. Immediately asked to be reseated, and had to share a table with another couple. The hostess would continue to attempt to seat people at that table and every time the party asked to be reseated (it is pretty obvious no one wants to be baked, but i guess they thought some sucker wouldn't mind). Waiter took our drink orders promptly and took a while to bring them out (just waters and a coke). Drinks come out and he doesn't ask to take are food order. Shows up about 10-15 mins later and takes our food order. Food literally takes over an hour and fifteen to come out. Per usual I requested the slider cheese burger w/ grilled jalapeno on it. instead I got a cup of jalapenos on the side. Typically i would return the food, but did not want to wait any longer to eat, plus the sun was creeping on to our table and starting to roast us as well. My wife got the OC salad and per usual she requested added avocado. They were out of avocado. The fries were ice cold and extremely sparse. Should have said something to the manager, but just wanted to get out of there. This place is a block away so i'm sure i'll end up going back, but another day like today and it will be the last time.
Got some late lunch here after surfing at trestles on a Sunday....everything on the menu seemed a bit pricy but the food was good granted I got a personal 8 inch cheese pizza. Our waitress(Shebly) was great! She was very quick and took good care of our table. I especially liked how her pink shorts matched her pink bra...I'm sure she does very well in the tits department....I mean tips! Sorry shelby if you ever read this! Seemed a little loud and rowdy but its expected on a football Sunday. I would go back next time I was in the neighborhood.
Review Source:I had the burger with the ortega chili on it and it was awesome, even tho the bun fell apart. The cucumber salad tho was horrible. It was mushy and the flavor was not on target.
My husband had the 1/2 chicken, salad and fresh veggies. The veggies were very good. He said he wouldn't order the chicken again because it was very "plain."
My son got the buffalo wings and they were spicy! In a good way, too spicy for me but he muscled through them. It helped that they were served with orange slices, celery and ranch but he should have gotten the bbq/buffalo mix.
We'll be back to try the salads- they sound very enticing and maybe it'll teeter us towards that 4 star.
Okay sometimes, but honestly way too many marines. Â They do have pretty decent bar food though, ie chicken wings, burgers. Â Don't go there looking to mingle with girls on a weekend night , or you will most likely leave disappointed. Â Small floor, gets crowded, all marines. Â Decent drinks tho...btw- if your a female looking for some male companionship, you'll be an Eva Longoria here, even if your really an Ugly Betty.
Review Source:A beer and shot for Ocho dollares(8 bucks)?!?! Thats a pretty good deal if you ask me. Great place to go hang out and watch your favorite sports game. Lots of great people to meet! Friends and I decided to go there on Friday to watch the Lakers game(boy was it a happy moment when they lost on Friday and got swoopedededed on Sunday, im a happy camper). Anywho parking kinda sucked but this place is great. Friendly staff, cold cheap beers. Every seat has a great view of a TV. Clean!
I wanna go back now!!
Sorry can review the food cuz my diet was strictly liquids.
Very nice atmosphere and a super friendly wait staff. The food was well prepared and well seasoned- no wonderful presentation ( but do u really need that if it taste good).
They are kids friendly before 9 pm, after that it's 21 & over. The after hours on a Saturday night looks pretty tempting- wish I did not have a family in Toe! They had a live band in one room and a DJ in another! The line outside the door was "Pretty Hot and Tempting" with a wide range of ages! I could not leave without at least one drink and it was too good! Just the right amount of spiritual livation (liquor)!
I guess maybe I order food differently than past reviewers and don't do reviews based on nightlife that can change minute to minute but we had a delicious sandwich and cucumber salad.
My husband was just getting over the flu and not quite sure if his tummy was up for what he thought would be a greasy pub. We came here anyways since we were staying at the wonderful INN at Calafia Beach (two doors down). Well, we ordered the OC Club panini and asked the bartender, who was wonderful, if we could split that up. Asked her about their cucumber salad as a side and she highly recommended it. When she brought it to us she had it on seperate plates with a full serving of salad for the both of us! How thoughtful. I like not having to figure out how to split up a meal and there was no extra charge. My husband kept thanking me for picking the perfect meal that made him feel better. I wish I could remember her name...but she was a wonderful bartender/server and very personable. We were there on a Saturday afternoon around four so if you know who you are. Thank You!
Husband felt so well that after that he went and got me some info on how to bet on the ponies which I had never done. He spoke with a lovely blond woman who helped me so much when we went in there. She told me how to watch the horses and then just go with it. I lost $10 but it was such a great price for entertainment.
Really had a fun time and great, fresh meal!
West Coast Steelers fans, I think I just uncovered your rendezvous point. I don't recall ever having seen such a boisterous gathering of Pittsburgh supporters in my life. It was somewhat frightening; like a cult group getting ready to sacrifice a Raiders jersey. Phew, I'm glad that's over.
Uh, sorry... still kinda dumbfounded by the whole evening.
Anyway, although a little out of the way, being on the far southern reaches of San Clemente, it's not a bad place to hang out and grab a brew after a long day at work.
While everything was pretty much what you'd expect of a surf city sports bar, the Ahi Sahimi was a pleasant surprise; so perky, I love it.
I'm not one to frequent such establishments, but I decided it was an appropriate place to have some camaraderie with a colleague over a beer.
We arrived around 3: 30, and after 4 pm, the place started to bounce, and by 5 it was stuffed to the gills with Marines, tattooed surf bums, and lonely cougars, all seemingly trying to obtain some assurance of their own self-worth by flirting with anyone who appears to be of the opposite sex... or the same sex, for that matter. By 5:30 the noise level was such that I couldn't hear the thoughts in my own head, so my buddy and I sough refuge at a coffee shop just down the road.
The first hour spent their was great, but was degraded by the patrons who quickly filtered in, and before long, the ambient roar was like standing on a runway behind a 747 preparing to take off. The volume had soon been raised to a decibel level I could only tolerate as a teen.
Otherwise, the service was cheery and cleanliness was up to par. The management made it obvious to me that they were experienced by their professionalism, the service, the food, the energy level, and how all these elements came together. Though no my kind of place, I somewhat enjoyed my time there.
I have to admit that this rating is completely biased and based strictly for football season. Â I will also forwarn that this review may not help their business, but here it goes.
Raider Room. Â That is all there is to it. Â I think it was the best idea anyone could ever come up with. Â I get to watch my team play with fellow fans locked up in our own little dark hole. Â This saves all the rest of the fans to enjoy their game(s) in peace without hearing the emotions of us Raider fans. Â I have never tried their food, so I can not tell you anything about it. Â The beer, well tastes like beer. =) Â I strictly come here for the game (my one and only game) and then leave. Â So anything else, I can't tell ya.
i went to OC Tavern...but first I must tell you my full intention of going here. Â To dance! Â That is right, to shake it! Â Not to meet guys, get drunk, show my boobies, or look cool! Â Just to dance. Â At first I was afraid because it basically was a sports bar theme when we walked in. Â But after about a half hour towards the 11 o'clock hour, it turned dark and music started. Â There was no one on the dance floor, it was glorious! Â So I got this started all by my lonesome. Â I twirled and hopped, and shook my tushy all by myself until my partner in dancing crime joined me. Â We had a blast!! Â I only got hit on once and after turning him down he didn't persist. Â It was nice!! Â I have a place so close to home to dance now!! Â yay!!! Â I love the dancy!!
Review Source:If you are looking for something low key and to get drunk without drama, this place works for you.
My husband and I spent a mini vacay in San Clem and wanted to mix with the locals on Saturday night. OC Tav was close to our hotel so we walked over. Staff seemed friendly, and there wasnt a cover.
However, inside the place, its divided into a performing stage room and then the bar, open patio, dance room w/DJ and a game room in the back. Â We were suprised on how large the place looked inside versus outside, you really can't tell.
We only had drinks, so as for the food there, I'm not really sure. Prices are about average $6 to $12 bucks or so for liquor, Bathrooms were clean, Â the DJ could do better on music selection and the dancefloor was pretty quiet until about 12am. My husband and I made the best of it, and took advantage of an open floor for a bit.
Locals start to crowd the place about that time (midnight-ish), then the Military peeps from Pendleton show up as well, and make great conversation.
I didnt expect a totally trendy "club" like theme, but for just the weekend it sufficed for some local fun and good times. We will be coming back the next time we stay.
Overall: Decent Crowd, not too crazy on saturday nights, but mostly a simple and enjoyable mix to chill with.
This place sucked. Â We were on our way from San Diego to go to a show at the Coachhouse, and stopped here for a quick dinner. Â Emphasis on QUICK. Â We sat at the bar, and asked the waitress if we could get dinner and be out in about 25 minutes. Â She said no problem.
Well, we ordered a gardenburger, a patty melt, and fish and chips. Â I know, salads would have been faster, but she knew we were in a hurry and didn't discourage us from ordering, so we figured we were OK. Â She was nice and brought the bill out right away, which we paid before we even got our order. Â
30 MINUTES LATER, still no food. Â One of us got up to cancel the order and get the credit card straightened out, and guess what - the food shows up! Â So now we have about 2 minutes to eat and get on the road. Â I'm telling you, don't ever eat a patty melt in 2 minutes. Â Not even 1/2 of one. Â Makes for a rocky evening.
As for the food itself, the fries were cold, the fish was so-so, and they didn't put any onions on my patty melt. Â That's kind of what differentiates a patty melt from a regular burger, in my opinion, and is even more important when you sub a turkey patty for the beef, as I did.
I can't bust the onion rings for being greasy, they're supposed to be, but these were SUPER greasy. Â I could feel them clogging my arteries right away. Â The sweet potato fries were good, though.
All in all, I will never come back here. Â We could have gotten better food and service across the street at Jack in the Box.
Not really the kind of venue I would typically fancy but I saw Audiodub here last night with friends and it was a fantastic evening. They played for an hour and a half non stop and rocked. The drinks were on the cheap side and well poured. I had a great time!
Lots of mandals and bumping n' grinding though, just a warning.
I have a newfound love for OC Tavern, but this could be mostly because of Wigs and Ties, one of the most amazing coverbands I've heard in mah life. I'm pretty sure I creeped out the lead singer by my borderline Beatles-esque adoration of them, or maybe it could have been my friend and I high-stepping as soon as we got into the room. We were dancing our four-inched-stiletto-heeled feet off from the minute we got there.
Honestly, I can't tell you if the food has improved, I didn't have any. However, we did meet the owner again. He is an awesome, laid back guy who takes pride in his establishment, and it certainly showed for this event.
I still wouldn't go back for a meal, there are so many better places to eat in The Clem, but I would most definitely come back for the live music.
Lets see...Your Web Site says you open at 10am on Sundays. The Sign outside your door says you are open at 10 on Sundays. What time does the first wait staff decide to show up? Bloody 10:20!
Drove all the way down there to watch a race that started at 10.... the  chick informs us they don't open until 1130 on Sundays. HUH?!?!? WTF? So I reviewed for her, Her reply, "I don't know what to tell you"
SO Lets review for the owners of this establishment....you just got blasted for lazy proofing and lost business to everyone who will now read this on Yelp....Ha!
See my review for Knuckleheads.....the place that was showing the race....
This Place BLOOOWS. I came in from LA for a show and was kinda surprised to see that the place was packed with tons of faux-hawked ufc wannabe douchebags. and that was just the staff!!
   The bartenders were  not attentive, trying to hit on girls instead of helping actual customers. One bartender literally called us out for not tipping. did he really expect to get a tip for bad service? get real, asshole.
  unless you live in this town that has nothing else going on, skip it. otherwise, keep driving as fast as you can in the opposite direction.
Really decent food and friendly wait staff.
I've been to the OC Tavern twice now - once when I got disappointed trying to get a pizza at Pizza Port and once more on my way back from LA.
I didn't review the first experience because I was REALLY hungry and thought that my enjoyment of their pizza and Caesar Salad might be attributed to a seriously empty stomach. Â
After a return visit I realized that my enjoyment was honest and that they are doing a good job of sending out food in what can really be described as a bar/club. Â I wasn't there during any time that there was entertainment, outside of sports on the multiple TV's, so I can only review the waitstaff, bartenders, and food.
The waitstaff and bartenders seem to actually like being on the job and you don't get any of that "I'm not even suppose to be here today" kind of vibe. Â Besides having a decent beer selection they make a strong cocktail if that's what you're after.
As for the food, it's pretty much standard pub grub, but definitely prepared by someone who cares. Â In addition to the pizza and salads we tried I had the mahi mahi sliders with an excellent cole slaw and the husband had a BLAT with steak fries that were crispy and fluffy.
This is an easy stop off the I-5, particularly if the traffic is getting you down. Â I will definitely stop by again when I'm in the area.
We went for lunch on Sunday of Memorial Day weekend. Â I was surprised that it was so empty, just a few people on the patio (like us) and then a decent amount of people inside the bar. Â I'm guessing it's more of a night spot. Â Nonetheless I liked the view from the patio.
Service - awesome! Â Our server was really friendly but not in-your-face. Â
Food - greasy. Â My husband thought it was overly greasy, but I thought it was pretty expected seeing as how the place is a bar for the most part. Â I had the tuna melt with sweet potato fries and found it tasty. Â Husband had some tri tip burger and it looked average. Â Onion rings were admittedly pretty dang greasy, as were my fries.
Best part - STIFF DRINKS!! Â My husband ordered the bloody mary and I had 2 mai tais. Â Holey cow they tasted like doubles but you only paid for a single. Â That makes this place A-OK in my book!
So, I placed an Order in advance knowing that I would be a lil' more pressed for time, and things were just about perfect. Â My order was placed after a single-ring of their phone and almost everything was set. Â
It might be true - you can't take the slow outta some, but sometime there's an edge to go slow. Â It's not my edge of choice, but I'll be back around. Â
This place is  certainly worthy of a visit or two. Â
And if you think not; give Gary a call. Â He's one of two managing things and his counter-part is equally understanding at the convenient place to hang. Â (Especially if you're coming/going to S.D. or O.C.
Went here for a show and was surprised when I walked in. It was like seeing a band play at Applebees.
The bar area was loaded with TV's with plenty of sports and bar staff was pretty quick with the drinks and friendly. Inside the room where the bands played it was a different story. The drinks were served in little plastic cups and overpriced. It was a show though and I can deal with that. The security staff was overly anal and over all a bunch of jerks.
Overall I had a good time there, but would definitely not go back.
My friends and I came here earlier tonight for a CD release party, the place seemed very chill. Â Not dead and also not too packed and there was a good amount of people here so the vibe was cool.
Service seemed average, and prices here are reasonable. Â The stage area was a bit small and couldn't fit too many people inside, and the stage was virtually covered up once there was a small crowd that stood in front of it, so you would have to be in the very front to see anything.
The outside patio area was quite chill, there was a decent number of seats and the bonfire in the middle was cool and a good way to just mingle it up with friends.
Sadly I had a very negative experience at the OC Tavern. Â Many of my friends had recommended it as a really fun hangout. Â Maybe it's because I'm not into meat markets or single scenes anymore, but this place was a total drag. Â First of all, I paid a cover to get in and the band playing was shoved back into the second bar with the doors closed so my money went to them even though I didn't get the chance to enjoy them from my spot in the regular restaurant. Â Lame.
So I sat at the bar to get a drink and share some food with a friend. Â It took (no exaggeration here) 30 minutes for the bartender to acknowledge my existence. Â Then when I wanted to order food she told me that the kitchen closed early that night. Â Lame.
At that point she either felt sorry for me or I became invisible again because she never came back to charge me for my drink. Â I set my empty glass on the bar, it was picked up by a busser, and I was never offered another or charged. Â I waited for another fifteen minutes to pay but since she never came back around I left, frustrated and angry.
Having been a bartender for years I know this is uncalled for. Â Operating like this makes for paltry tips and few returns.
I returned once to try lunch and had the most tasteless turkey burger absolutely covered in gobs of melted, greasy cheese. Â Not only will I never go back, I'll discourage others from trying it out.
If you're not into service or good food, the people there tend to be attractive, perhaps that's the only draw. Â Oh and I guess the TVs are nice. Â Ooh, and they have Ms. PacMan.
Good luck OC Tavern, I hear you have a successful location in San Diego, perhaps you left your sequence-of-service manual back at the original establishment. Â You should send someone down to pick it up and take it to Kinko's.
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