Nightlife and Places to go out in San Clemente

Goody's Tavern

A relaxed sports bar during the day that picks up energy when live music starts. Great to hang out for a beer, play pool or toss darts. Drinks are fair priced here and include bottled and tap beer. Local DJs and cover bands play frequently on the weekends and there’s usually a good dance floor party kicking off. Crowd tends to be younger and sometimes mixed.

Best for: Live bands, DJs, and dancing

Try: A jello or test tube shot

Known for: A surfer told me he saw El Chapo here prior to his capture in 2001.

Ole's Tavern

A chill bar that attracts a younger and sometimes mixed age crowd. There’s plenty of barstools, table tops, and lounge seating to relax around. A great spot to hang, play pool, and catch MMA or other PPV events. If you get bored with conversation there’s video golf, foosball, and a juke box. Free “toss out” pizza usually gets dropped off when the nearby pizza shop closes around 10pm and there’s always free popcorn.

Best for: PPV Events with no cover

Try: Beating a local at pool or foosball

Known for: A cool Native American statue and locals hustling you for cash or free beer

Red Fox Lounge

A smaller bar in downtown San Clemente that used to be famously cash only. The same bartenders have been slinging heavy pour drinks for as long as I can remember. Often quieter than Goody’s and Ole’s, the Fox is a place for you to escape the dance floors and converse with friends or locals. People are usually packed like sardines into the back patio smoking area after ordering a libation. You’ll probably see the same characters back at Antoine’s enjoying a slightly hungover breakfast in the morning. If you need that coffee at 2am, they’ll brew it up for you.

Best for: Cheapest beer and shots

Try: An overpowered shot or mixed drink

Known for: Cash cash only for years but then capitalism had to ruin it. The bar that opens early and party's late even in blackouts.

JD's Kitchen & Bar

A great place to start your night at on their rooftop patio. The newest of the late night bars in San Clemente, JDs was founded by the same crew from Hapa J’s, the beloved Hawaiian Diner in South San Clemente. The outdoor patio and fire pit are a great place to hang in summer, there’s a pool table inside, and a dance floor that get’s started around 9:30 as crowds mingle between the Triangle Bars looking to get their groove on. JDs is known for some of the best crowds and dancing, especially on holidays like Halloween, the night before Thanksgiving, St. Patty’s and others. JD’s is also a great place to host a private party or event.

Hours: Closes at 12am

Best for: DJs and Dancing

Try: Gibroni’s Detroit style pizza late night or anytime

Known for: Their awkward bathrooms, dance floor, and rooftop patio

Outrigger Tavern

Outrigger is a great place for pool, darts, and starting your night out. In fact many people start here and never leave since it has food and an awesome vibe. A good place for 30 year olds to hang, a fun but more a somewhat more “ma-ture” crowd compared to other bars which tend to be a little younger. All of San Clemente’s bars are divey so take that grain of salt with your tequila and enjoy yourself. Located in South San Clemente, this bar is walkable from the Triangle but might take 15-20 minutes.

Best for: Meeting cute chicks, tatted hotties, and ripped Marines

Try: South San Clemente if you only hit the triangle typically

Known for: Being the only bar that rivals the power of the triangle. Order a Rooster in honor of our friend Julio.

Parking: They have a small parking lot, otherwise limited parking in neighborhood side streets.

Mulligans Sports Bar

Nestled in Surf Ghetto near North Beach, Mulligan’s is a chill sports bar with excellent food that’s available until close. This is the place to go if you are in the mood for food and a drink. There are 6 free pool tables that are regularly balanced and refelted. They also have ping pong, board games, an outdoor patio, and plenty of TVs with sports on. The atmosphere and crowds here are more relaxed than the Triangle and dives in downtown.

Best for: A chill hangout with things to do and local artwork

Try: Anything on their menu, they have great food!

Known for: Free well-maintained pool tables

Parking: There is ample parking along the neighborhood streets.