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    Big Helyn's Saloon

    4.0 (57 reviews)
    InexpensivePubs, Dive Bars
    Tue 10:00 am - 2:00 AM (Next day)
    Wed 10:00 am - 2:00 AM (Next day)
    Updated over 3 months ago

    Big Helyn's Saloon Photos

    Business Info

    BIG HELYN'S SALOON ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Juke Box
    Divey
    Moderate noise
    Good for groups

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    Recommended Reviews - Big Helyn's Saloon

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    3 months ago

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    8 days ago

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    9 months ago

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    6 months ago

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    1 year ago

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    1 year ago

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    1 year ago

    Best dive bar in town! There is always a party at Big Helyns! I would totally check it out!

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    2 years ago

    Prices are great and fun vibes, don't miss this San Clemente classic. Outside area too.

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    1 year ago

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    2 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    2 years ago

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    5 years ago

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    4 years ago

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    7 years ago

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    3 years ago

    No food. Drinks are shitty. Bartenders are rude and you find coke in the bathrooms. And the place smells like puke and crap

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    4 years ago

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    14 years ago

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    6 years ago

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    4 years ago

    Day drinking here has been good they have a decent selection of alcohol. Other than that that's all they have going for the place.

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    4 years ago

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    7 years ago

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    18 years ago

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    7 years ago

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    15 years ago

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    7 years ago

    Great place to have some Drinks with Friends near the beach here in San clemente . Margaritas are pretty good service was fine

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    11 years ago

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    7 years ago

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    18 years ago

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    16 years ago

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    11 years ago

    The place is the poster child for dive bars. Raunchy! But beer is cheap and pool table is level.

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    8 years ago

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    12 years ago

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    14 years ago

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    9 years ago

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    8 years ago

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    7 years ago

    Don't bother coming in if you're a female. Friend got shoved out of the bar for looking over at the bartender.

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    Page 1 of 2

    Ask the Community - Big Helyn's Saloon

    Is it 18 or 21 and up?

    21 & up

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    Review Highlights - Big Helyn's Saloon

    He also says Jess is the hottest bartender anywhere and he's not wrong.

    Mentioned in 3 reviews

    Read more highlights

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    Outrigger Tavern

    Outrigger Tavern

    4.3(83 reviews)
    1.1 mi
    $

    100% best place :) Super sweet staff, and great drinks!…read morePeople will remember you and say hi! Best dive bar in San Clemente!! And they have pool tables :) Taylor and Ray are incredible!! They make everyone feel like family and are so sweet!! You need to meet them to have the south county bar experience!

    I'm disappointed to share that I had a negative experience during my recent visit. I stopped in for…read morewhat should have been a simple order--a thin crust cheese pizza--but after waiting over 25 minutes, it became clear something was off. During that time, the bartender appeared more focused on socializing and engaging with certain patrons than attending to orders. From where I was seated, I had a clear view of the bar area, and the level of attentiveness to customers seemed inconsistent with what I would expect from a professional environment. When my pizza finally arrived, it was unfortunately overcooked to the point of being inedible--completely burnt and very hard. This was frustrating, especially given the wait time and the simplicity of the order. (See photo attached). I'm sharing this feedback because I believe there's an opportunity to improve both service standards and overall attentiveness. ****This establishment has had approximately 7 health code violations which is one way too many to begin with. (Listed under their Yelp! Reviews). Customers should feel confident that their orders are being handled with care and that staff are focused on providing a positive experience. I hope this is taken constructively, as I'd like to see this establishment live up to a higher standard.

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    Typical outrigger behavior

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    Swallow's Inn

    Swallow's Inn

    3.9(309 reviews)
    7.9 mi
    $

    Great live music!! We saw Bunch O' Guys and they were really talented. Acoustic guitar, electric…read moreguitar, violinist and drums. 3 of the 4 guys sang and they were terrific. They played everything, lots of crowd pleasers. There are definitely some regulars here and they are out on the dance floor having a good time. Even though you may think a few of them are snobby rich women, once they've had a few drinks we're all pals. Lots of people just dance with whoever and have fun. I absolutely loved our bartender, I wish I'd caught her name. She was working the dance floor bar. I don't drink anymore and just read that Club Soda is sugarfree and Tonic Water has sugar. So I ordered a Club Soda with lime and she was like, "that's my drink too!" and did you know that O blood type should drink club soda? No, I did not know that. I came back for many during the evening. We were with a big group celebrating our friend's birthday and it was a lot of fun. At one point I asked the band (and tipped $20) if our friend Mark could sing Purple Rain. They obliged, he killed it, it was a fantastic time. When we used to live in San Juan, we didn't come here nearly enough which I regret. We will definitely be back to enjoy the live music on the weekends!

    Super fun dive country bar in SjC. Always a great time. Good crowd, lively, and decent prices…read more Came for the Tuesday free line dancing class once. Great time, teachers, crowd with spunk and spirit!

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    Swallow's Inn - Friendly bar, good music and all the bartenders are beautiful.

    Friendly bar, good music and all the bartenders are beautiful.

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    Street side entrance

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    4.5(893 reviews)
    2.0 mi
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    I had a wonderful experience at The Cellar and was honestly surprised to see a negative review…read moreabout a server's "attitude," because that was the complete opposite of what I witnessed. The owner has created an incredible space warm, intimate ambiance, an outstanding food menu, and one of the best wine selections I've seen in a long time. Everything felt thoughtful and elevated without being pretentious. Our server, Tatum was professional, attentive, and extremely patient. I happened to be seated nearby during an interaction with a group of women who were openly rude and condescending toward her from the start. Despite that, she remained calm, polite, and handled herself with grace. If anything, she showed remarkable composure under unnecessary pressure. Service jobs aren't easy, and it's disappointing when unfair situations get misrepresented online. Based on what I personally observed, Tatum did nothing but her job and did it well. Highly recommend The Cellar for the food, wine, atmosphere, and overall experience. We'll absolutely be back.

    This was nothing short of an incredible brunch experience. We were sad there were no seats…read moreoutdoors, but then were immediately appeased by the AMAZING vibe indoors with live music and a hilarious interactive musician. Our server was very nice and led us right by telling us to order the lavender latte and French toast. That was the best French toast I've ever had. The ceviche was also bomb. Everyone else had similarly great experiences with their food. Loved this and hope to be back someday.

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    Draft Cabernet Sauvignon and Espresso Martini

    The Cellar - Charcuterie & house olives

    Charcuterie & house olives

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    Big Helyn's Saloon - pubs - Updated May 2026

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