Cute shop, warm friendly service, and great jerky. If you are unsure of which jerky to try- they give samples. Will def be back

For someone who generally doesn't eat much meat; one would be shocked to learn that my favorite go-to snack is jerky. Beef, venison, turkey... I love it all! I just love cured meats! On the road, at home, doesn't matter where... I love me some jerky, baby! To say the least, I was quite overjoyed when I happened to come across Gus's Fresh Jerky in San Clemente. Let's explore... Gus's Fresh Jerky originated its jerky roots where most great jerky spots begin: on a freeway catering to the road warriors. Gus's has since expanded to two more locations (family-run by the daughter who hopes to takes over all the stores) with one holding real estate on the main shopping/dining strip of Avenida del Mar in San Clemente. It is pretty much a requirement for Angelinos to make a pit stop in San Clemente when heading to San Diego or back; which is exactly what I did when I left the City of Angels to spend a weekend in San Diego for my 41st birthday. While searching for a brunch spot; I noticed the Gus's Jerky signage and carelessly/unsafely ran across the street because I was so excited! Even though Gus's Fresh Jerky isn't large in terms of square footage; it has a little bit of everything in terms of provisions: the jerky of course, jams, honeys, crackers/snack mixes, sweets; and even cowboy hats and t-shirts. It's basically the wild wild west to a T. Upon entering, we were immediately welcomed by a female associate who was giving away seasonal jerky samples (apple pie flavor, pumpkin) alongside some regulars like garlic and spicy varietals. I can vouch that Gus's artisanal jerky is indeed satisfying in terms of selection: the flavors are unique and NOT run of the mill. This goes for the variety of other goods, as well. Gus's is simply fun to browse. But a warning: these are NOT cheap! The jerky ran $20! Although all jerky nowadays even a standard Jack Links at the super market is expensive. There was no way I could leave without making a purchase, despite the prices, so we purchased some garlic jerky and a dried cracker snack mix. Jerky tends to come in two 'styles': dry and wet. Gus's Fresh Jerky features both but I prefer wet which is exactly their Garlic jerky. I liked the jerky well enough and it did have garlic flavor -- it was too overly salty. Not bad but just not the best for $20. The main problem was the cracker mix. It was terrible and tasted very stale. I am not talking, "It is dehydrated so supposed to be dry". I'm talking we agreed it was stale tasting. We we already back on the road before we tried it so couldn't go back to exchange or return or whatever their policy would accommodate. Quite a bummer. A side note in this political climate: Gus's Fresh Jerky featured a display in their front window promoting the now-deceased Charlie Kirk. I won't say more here in terms of a political discourse as Yelp is NOT the place for such a debate and you decide what businesses you do or do not patron; but I have a right to mention it being in the display window the same way that Gus's has the right to support whomever they please. Gus's is 'cute' in terms of offerings and will probably satisfy your jerky cravings but it is a bit too salty and the cracker snack mix was stale. Just a bit of a let down based on its gourmet price point. But overall, it is solid enough if you choose to visit this business. read more

Gus's Fresh Jerky - San Clemente - Specialty Food Near Me - San Clemente, California

This place was really cute! They had a lot of delicious looking spreads, dips and relishes! I should have gotten one. When I was eyeballing the chamoy gummy bears, the sweet worker (damn it I asked her name and can't remember) asked if I wanted a sample... well that sold me! I love good customer service! Also got the Oreo bark... shit is good! Overall highly recommend, will likely get the marinade next time and maybe some jerkeytoo! read more

See all

I went in to buy sea salt & black pepper slab beef jerky. Unfortunately, they were out of the jerky. The individual that worked at the store recommended cowboy beef jerky and told me it tasted the same as the jerky that original wanted. So I bought three bags unfortunately it does NOT taste anything like the other jerky that I came in for. It was dry and tasteless. if I would have been offer offered a sample prior to purchase, I never would've bought. Very disappointing. read more

This store is awesome, they have something for everyone. The store is well set up and the prices are completely reasonable. We bought honey, jerky, dried fruit, an awesome ring, and an adorable shirt for the grandson. We will definitely be back. Super friendly employee who helped us find everything. read more

Gus's Fresh Jerky - San Clemente - Love it! - Specialty Food Near Me - San Clemente, California

I'm not a full time reviewer but the woman working this store was beyond kind and helpful. The store itself has a really good selection of jerky, olives, etc.. but service is everything to me. Jerky was amazing and the service will bring us back for sure. read more

Staff are extremely egotistical and rude. Can't believe this place can afford the space here, I give it less than a year and it'll disappear like most other pop up stores on Del Mar. The exception is this one being ridiculously over priced poor quality and the worst management I've seen from a business. read more

Best jerky ever. Im used to getting it otw to Mammoth and found they had it nearish to me in san clem. I was very happy about it. The girl that runs it is so sweet, her dad makes the jerky and she lives local so she opened a shop. There are samples to try and they sell additional items the jerky is just the best. It is expensive but its worth every penny. There no jerky Ive ever had that is even comparable. Happy to support a small business too! read more

Sometimes ya get lucky. This was my good fortune when driving up Del Mar one afternoon. I had been craving some spicy kippered jerky for the past couple of days and passed a sign that read: Gus's Really Good Jerky. What are the odds? About as rare as finding parking on Del Mar but there was a spot right there. I pulled in and discovered one of San Clemente's wonderful little, small-town jewels. They sell more than jerky and kippered meat here including unique jams and stuffed olives but to fully appreciate this little shop, just go there. Me? I'm something of a connoisseur and a total foodie...I recognize quality when I see it. I was not disappointed. Sometimes the finer things in life are surprisingly affordable and this store has unique items you will not find elsewhere. Next time you find yourself on Del Mar, swing into Gus's...they are a few doors down from Sam's Shoes. I just ate an entire bag of MANGO HABANERO BEEF JERKY and it was stupendous. Kippered, balanced and delicious. Don't let the name scare you...this stuff is addictive. Oh and store staff is equally delightful but I won't ruin the surprise for you...just go. You'll be glad you did. read more

Gus's Fresh Jerky - San Clemente - Some things just go together. - Specialty Food Near Me - San Clemente, California

Gus's jerky moved into their own little store right on the boulevard! It's so cute and they give out samples!! Nancy is awesome and she has so many different flavors of jerky and dried fruit too! read more

Gus's Fresh Jerky - San Clemente - Cute shirt - Specialty Food Near Me - San Clemente, California

See all

Super chill spot. Always respect the public and I hear the jerky is super fire. Keep being nice, and loving.

Beautiful shop! Nancy has a special store in San Clemente with great products! I love the teriyaki jerky and my son goes for the honey sticks read more

Typically I like beef jerky either between thin-cowboy cut but did notice other variety of jerky's to try out so far like buffalo, swordfish, camel and next on the list to shark & several other. read more

The jerky is good BUT Easter is BETTER. She is the best salesperson and human being ever. I will come back because of Easter!

Best beef jerky in Southern California, highly recommended, free samples, yummy Stop and say Hi read more

Gus's Fresh Jerky - San Clemente - the inside of the store - Specialty Food Near Me - San Clemente, California

See all

They have a great selection of mouth watering yummy honey,preserves,jerky hats, a nice selection of items. The customer service is excellent very friendly and accommodating. The ambiance is so clever and fun I highly recommend them read more

Kind of hidden away from the Main Street. You see the sign, but have to walk down a short way to actually get to the store. My fiancé loves jerky so seeing the sign from the street caught his attention. The store is small but very neat and organized. The staff are friendly and very eager to provide samples. They don't only sell jerky, they have dried fruits, nuts, and honey as well. My fiancé ended up getting their garlic jerky which he loved and says is his new favorite jerky. I tried a piece and it was soft, tasted of a teriyaki flavor and definitely a strong presence of garlic. It was actually really good. I tried a sample of cactus honey which was tasty! Am probably going back to get some. read more

Love this place. We stopped by the original in Golden Valley Arizona. This location is incredibly convenient for SoCal people not on the run to the Grand Canyon. The jerky is made with brisket, so it's super soft and it's rare that they do this. The honey is from the Arizona desert and has a very unique taste and flavor. The wildflower honey and the eucalyptus are the best and try the bee pollen is good for you. read more

Fantastic Jerky. Great service with tons of samples. Would recommend. Love that the offer 20% military discounts read more

Gus's Fresh Jerky - San Clemente - the inside of a store - Specialty Food Near Me - San Clemente, California

See all

Fresh jerky with a variety of options including venison and vegan (mushroom) options. Very friendly service.

Loved everything in the store and the Hot Honey is amazing! I want to put it on everything. :) Nancy was very helpful and friendly. Can't wait to go back. read more

A favorite stop of ours along the 395 is now open in our home town of San Clemente. Lots of yummy samples and stories from the sweetest owner of her life growing up in Olancha, California. A must stop. We picked up a couple jars of olives for us and a feta cheese stuffed olive for a gift. read more

Hands down best jerky store in town! Highly recommend the sweet & spicy brisket jerky and the chili mango! Cute shop, cute decor, amazing customer service and free samples, what's not to love? read more

Awesome Jerky spot in a great location. Generous with samples and great customer service!

I never really go any farther than the sushi restaurant or shoe store in this little alley but when I saw free samples, I had to go check it out. I was so shocked by how cute it was inside - nothing like you would typically picture a Jerky Store. They have vegan options (really good, try it before u hate on it), AMAZING dried fruit - especially the mango, I'm obsessed! They also have sugar free options too! Basically, it's easy to find something for everyone in the family. The owner of this location is Nancy, gus's daughter. She is so sweet and friendly, 10/10 customer service. read more

I'm so exited that we now have our own Gus's Fresh Jerky! It's in the perfect location downtown by the Poke Sushi place. Delicious jerky, nuts, wild honey and many more items! read more

Gus's Fresh Jerky - San Clemente - Delicious pepitas abs pistachios! I'll be back for jerky and more stuff next time! - Specialty Food Near Me - San Clemente, California

Best Jerky ever!!! The owner is the sweetest! Great customer service and there are lots of options. Highly recommend.

The best jerky around for miles! My favorite is the sweet &spicy! They have samples of most items and even vegan jerky! The honey is a must try. Sample them all and see if you can pick a favorite (I know I can't!) they're all delicious! They have a variety of nuts and dried fruits and the chili mango is to die for! Don't forget to try the pickled garlic, I was skeptical at first but it was delightful! And the cherry on top was the owner Nancy whan absolute joy read more

The customer service is unmatched. I stayed for the free samples and left with a great variety of dried fruit. I also recommend trying the different varieties of honey. You'll definitely find one you like. And of course the jerky. Best jerky in town. Will definitely be coming back. read more

Cute shop, great jerky and dried fruit!!! Go check it out and support our local businesses!

Best jerky I've ever tasted! The Cowboy jerky is perfect for those on low carb or keto like me, since the ingredients are natural and no added sugar! The different flavors of pistachios are also another low carb favorite of mine that I always stock up on when I'm there. Nancy provided me with excellent customer service the second I walked in the door. I love that she had jerky and other various samples around the store to try too, so I can try what I like before I buy. I'll be shopping here often to load up on my hiking snacks before I hit the trails! One last thing....if you can't find street parking in the front, there is a bunch of 3 hour public parking in the back! Just cut through the Del Mar Market and it'll connect you to the street. read more

Some bomb jerky. Also recommend the chocolate covered almonds, they're bussin