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Surfing Chicken

71 Calle de Indistrias, San Clemente, CA 92672
949-498-6603
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Ranked #33 of 106 restaurants in San Clemente
Price range: RM16 - RM31
Cuisines: Mexican
Good for: Child-friendly, Local cuisine, Outdoor seating
Restaurant details
Good for: Child-friendly, Local cuisine, Outdoor seating
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12 reviews from our community

83% Recommend
    9
    1
    2
    0
    0
Rating summary
    Food
    Service
    Value
    Atmosphere
Date Rating
San Clemente, California
Senior Reviewer
10 reviews 10 reviews
9 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
10 helpful votes 10 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 25 February 2013 via mobile

Being "chicken joint" one would think they would specialize in "chicken", right? I was very disappointed to find the chicken is very low quality (likely bought frozen and at a discount). I eat a LOT of chicken and know when it's fresh and of I'm lucky, organic. Bigger breasts, not flat meat. The chicken here was poor; deflated and somewhat... More

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See 5 more reviews by redgreen13 for San Clemente
San Clemente, California
Top Contributor
70 reviews 70 reviews
27 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 24 cities Reviews in 24 cities
19 helpful votes 19 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 21 December 2012

don't eat chicken but their fish is amazing. so fresh and tasty. Very affordable, great mom and pop, casual, popular with locals.

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See 12 more reviews by beckyjake123 for San Clemente
Phoenix, Arizona
Senior Contributor
27 reviews 27 reviews
25 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 11 August 2012

Reading through the reviews, we just had to make a stop, since my family LOVES to eat chicken. We went on a Sunday, but it was closed, so we returned the next day. The chicken is INCREDIBLE! Moist, tasty and you get BIG servings, unlike say El Pollo Loco, where you get tiny pieces of chicken. These were monster servings... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
Whittier, California
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 2 June 2012

The grilled garlic chicken was great and the ribs were better! The man at the counter was very friendly and made us feel as if we were at a bbq with family. When we got there the place was empty but within minutes people started showing up and he knew them by name. They grill the chicken right in front... More

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See 2 more reviews by Monkeymom09 for San Clemente
Dana Point, CA
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
3 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 25 April 2012

It's low key, great chicken, friendly service. I'm looking forward to our next visit to try the fish!!

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San Clemente, California
Contributor
15 reviews 15 reviews
12 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 20 September 2011

Go for the food. Don't go for the decor, the ambience or the hip factor, because there isn't any. Go for the food. This is my secret place. The food is great, bargain prices, fast and nothing fancy. For 5 cents less than you pay for a sandwich you can get a 4-piece chicken lunch in a white plastic take-out... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 2
See 7 more reviews by shaolynn for San Clemente
Duxbury, Massachusetts
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
5 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 8 August 2011

Ibviously I had to try the chicken...It was great! Seasoned to perfection and you could tell it was cared for. Everything seemed fresh and hip. This was my first time going here and I was very impressed. And will be back next year on my next family trip!

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
Austin, Texas
1 review
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 26 July 2011

Every time i come to visit south orange county,California. The first thing my daughter says is that she wants to go and eat at surfin chicken. When we used to live here her father would always invite us for his lunch break to eat there and would also bring some home for her. she loves the flavor of the chicken.... More

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san clemente
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
3 restaurant reviews
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 2 July 2011

Have been going to Surfin Chicken for many years and it is always the same the same, great! This is by far the best chicken you will ever have, cooked over open flames, basted with garlic and lemon, makes my mouth water just thinking about it. If you are lucky Jose will even come and sit and visit with you... More

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See 2 more reviews by scdiner for San Clemente
san clemente
1 review
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 1 December 2009

Ok, The restaurant has been in the same location for over 25 Years. The owner is the nicest guy. The prices are great. The Chicken and Ribs are the best. I myself have been eating there for over 20 Year. The Bathroom is very clean. Not remodel , but clean.

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