We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.
We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome. Mac: Safari.

South of Nick's

110 North El Camino Real, San Clemente, CA
949-481-4545
Website
Menu
Update restaurant details
Ranked #7 of 101 restaurants in San Clemente
Price range: RM36 - RM114
Cuisines: Mexican, Seafood, Steakhouse
Dining options: Reservations, After-hours
Restaurant details
Dining options: Reservations, After-hours
Write a Review

63 reviews from our community

77% Recommend
    36
    13
    11
    2
    1
Rating summary
    Food
    Service
    Value
    Atmosphere
Date Rating
Boston, Massachusetts
Top Contributor
72 reviews 72 reviews
11 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 51 cities Reviews in 51 cities
140 helpful votes 140 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 17 May 2013 NEW via mobile

Not too much left to say! I had a combo plate with a chicken enchilada and beef ranchero soft taco. I have a favorite Mexican restaurant in the Boston area that Nick's rivals on all fronts. Don't miss the cheesecake-like creme brûlée! Very busy at 6 pm on a Thursday.

Was this review helpful? Yes
Santa Cruz, CA
Senior Contributor
31 reviews 31 reviews
25 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 17 cities Reviews in 17 cities
8 helpful votes 8 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 23 April 2013

Went for dinner as a party of four on a week night. Our waiter greeted us and promptly took our drink orders. My wife and I travel frequently in Mexico and so are aficionados of fine Mexican food. The sauces and favors were the best we have tasted since our last trip to Oaxaca and Mexico City. our favorite dishes... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 2 more reviews by DocPhun for San Clemente
San Diego, California
Senior Contributor
27 reviews 27 reviews
12 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 13 cities Reviews in 13 cities
13 helpful votes 13 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 22 April 2013

I did my homework on reviews of restaraunts on our weekend get-a-way to San Clemente. Nick's and South of Nick's was the top 2, and because South of Nick's was a 5 minute walk from our motel, I made reservations for 5:00. Upon checking in to our motel, the girl recommended it, too! We were a little late but got... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Santa Barbara
Contributor
13 reviews 13 reviews
6 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 19 April 2013

Unfortunately, I hadn't made reservations, and we didn't want to wait an hour, so we just got one dish to go and took it back to our room. We got the Prawn Taquitos, and they were not at all like the usual taquitos. Instead, they were huge Mexican prawns wrapped in a thin crispy crust and served with a guacamole... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 3 more reviews by SantaBarbaraSusieQ for San Clemente
San Clemente, California
Contributor
19 reviews 19 reviews
15 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 16 April 2013 via mobile

Finally, someone knows to operate a Resturant in San Clemente! South of Nicks has stepped up to provide an excellent dinning experience. Don't be alarmed but reservations are required! This is a Bistro style Mexican Resturant that has taken all the herbs and spices from south of the border and applied them to a plethora of flavorful dishes. The management... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 2 more reviews by frankaraiza for San Clemente
Yarmouth Port, Massachusetts
Top Contributor
60 reviews 60 reviews
39 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 27 cities Reviews in 27 cities
64 helpful votes 64 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 15 April 2013

Having enjoyed Nick's on our last visit we were looking forward to trying this restaurant. We were greeted by a very handsome, friendly and VERY knowledgeable waiter who recommended drinks and knew the menu inside and out. My friend ordedered the Pork Carnitas and said that it was probably the most tender pork he has ever eaten. Two of us... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 2 more reviews by 1696 for San Clemente
Istanbul, Turkey
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 5 April 2013 via mobile

From greeting to departure, the staff has been trained well. Bravo. Bartender offered me tastes of different beers, hostesses were friendly. The food was excellent and priced well. The dishes were a good mix of Mexican flavors with some quirks. All ingredients tasted like they were top quality. Will visit again for sure.

Was this review helpful? Yes
Tallahassee, Florida
Senior Contributor
34 reviews 34 reviews
27 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 15 cities Reviews in 15 cities
11 helpful votes 11 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 1 April 2013

Although its a Mexican restaurant , it's more of fusion cuisine with a Mexican taste.Affordable and also classy with a nice ambience. Great seafood choices. If you are looking for your average Mexican cantina style menu, you have come to the wrong place.

Was this review helpful? Yes
laguna beach
Senior Contributor
34 reviews 34 reviews
27 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 20 cities Reviews in 20 cities
10 helpful votes 10 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 30 March 2013

the interior is awesome, as is the friendly knowledgeable staff, the food is very delicious and creative. the lighting, the seating and many beautiful details makes this someplace you just want to experience again.

Was this review helpful? Yes
Contributor
14 reviews 14 reviews
8 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 11 cities Reviews in 11 cities
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 26 March 2013 via mobile

A little twist to your traditional Mexican restaurant. The food is delicious, wonderfully prepared, and presentation delightful. The menu has a lot of seafood choices which make it tough to decide, don't worry you can't go wrong! Don't let the class of this restaurant turn you away because the price is affordable. A great dining experience at an affordable price.

Was this review helpful? Yes

Travellers who viewed South of Nick's also viewed

San Clemente, Orange County
San Clemente, Orange County
 
San Clemente, Orange County
San Clemente, Orange County
 

Been to South of Nick's? Share your experiences!

Write a Review Add Photos Add Videos

Owners: What's your side of the story?

If you own or manage South of Nick's, register now for free tools to enhance your listing, attract new reviews, and respond to reviewers.

Manage your listing