I came out for dinner around 8 PM on Tuesday for Cinco de Mayo, and let's just say this place is amazing. I'm from San Diego, and my friend and I kept saying we wish we had a spot like this back home. For starters, all of the bartenders and servers were all female, and they were incredibly friendly and personable. The vibe here is awesome. The place was packed with great energy, and from what we were told, it's mostly locals. Everyone was welcoming. I had the Porko Dio Bowl, and it was huge. I ended up taking half home, and it reheated well . The pork was super flavorful, and the whole dish was delicious. Overall, the food is awesome, the service is incredible, and the atmosphere is a lot of fun. I'll definitely be back. read more

Nomads Canteen - Porko Dio Bowl - Comfort Food Near Me - San Clemente, California

Savannah was awesome she really fits the vibe of the restaurant and she is very attentive. I was supervised with how many people she served in 15 minutes! She remembered my order from 2 hours ago which shocked me. This place really should give her a raise she more than deserves it. read more

Talk about fresh, talk about light, talk about delicious! If you love just a super casual bar with quality food and good vibes then nomad's is the place to be! Their shrimp is superb I got the app and the shrimp bowl. The bowl was amazing. The salsa, rice, veggies, beans, cucumbers all went together so well. A perfect blend of acidity, sweetness, fresh, and light! An evening on the patio with this bowl of awesomeness was just what the dr ordered! Oh, the service was great, too! Friendly servers with attention to detail and good vibes! read more

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Nice spot to grab great food and cold drinks! We've been here several times and always enjoy it. Their tacos are our go-to. I love the black bean and avocado tacos, and my husband usually orders the carne asada tacos, fish tacos, or the TJ dog. They have a large, pet friendly outdoor patio, which is a huge plus for us, and the servers are always friendly and welcoming. Definitely a solid choice for a casual, relaxed meal! read more

Great service! Gabriella took care of us, and despite being busy, we got our drinks and food in a timely manner. We split the carne asalda bowl and it was delicious, as was the guacamole. Next time hopefully sit I the sun--it was already taken up. Good, fun, place! read more

This is a new discovery for me and San Clemente, it's next-door to Surfside fish and it's easy to miss so you have to know where you're going. It's a happening bar with lots of craft beer choices. I ordered Ahi tuna and shrimp too and each was only 1 skewer and cole slaw so that was a bit surprising when I got home and opened the recyclable container. Hailey is worth coming here for. She's very sweet and helpful! Next time I'll dine in and I'm sorry I forgot to take a picture of the food! read more

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If you are in San Clemente I would 100% recommend Nomads for a lunch spot! This eclectic beachy bar and restaurant is connected to a hotel in the heart of San Clemente. The ambiance includes surf memorabilia, plenty of boards, and even a crocodile across the back wall. The service was great! Our waitress was efficient and polite. She constantly was refilling our drinks. To eat we got the cool cuke poke bowl, pork dio chile verde bowl, carne asada tacos, and the quesadilla. The stand out dish was the cool cuke bowl. it was simple and refreshing but had delicious flavor. My dad is currently on a restrictive diet and this was PERFECT for him, he even said he could eat two more bowls! I would love to come by and try some of their cocktails and appetizers! read more

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Nomads Canteen is a great spot near Del Mar Ave in San Clemente. It's tucked back a little on Ave Cabrillo. It's a great spot and I especially love the heated patio with twinkle lights. It really has a vibe. Imagine a surf trip in Mexico...They also have a great bar with TVs to watch the games. I think the food is good, but it wasn't mind blowing. I didn't love that the chips and salsa were more like chips and pico de gallo. I always look forward to an authentic salsa when trying a New Mexican food spot. The servers were friendly, but it took awhile for us to be greeted. Overall, Nomads Canteen has a real, laid back beachy vibe. It was also packed on a Tuesday, which I love to see! read more

Sat outside as the weather was beautiful. Good selection of to choose from. Hubs got one of the mainland bowls with steak. Large portion and he enjoyed it. I got the two taco plate with carne asada and each taco was huge and delicious. Very filling. The service was fast, friendly, and food was generous. Definitely will be going back. read more

A group of 4 stopped in on a Wednesday night. They weren't too busy so we were seated immediately. I was immediately shocked at how affordable the pricing is. I ordered a salad with grilled ahi and the creamy coconut dressing. I was very satisfied with the meal! The portions are decent but not so much food that you feel like you're stuffed. They have indoor and outdoor seating with space heaters for chilly nights. The service was very fast and attentive. Definitely a good casual spot for dinner and drinks! read more

Nomads Canteen - Comfort Food Near Me - San Clemente, California

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The kid was visiting from college and wanted to hit some of her favorite local places and Nomads made the cut. Personally, I am not a fan from previous experiences. I just have not had something that makes me want to come back. But, the kid wanted to go, so we did (just like going to S of Nick's while she was home). It was a beautiful day in SC, as usual, so we sat out on the patio with some umbrellas to hide us from the sun. Our friendly server greeted us, gave us some menus and took our drink order. According to the receipt, her name was Cortni. Very nice and took great care of us. As I picked up the menu to pick something out, I was skeptical about finding something I would like. I tried to keep an open mind. The kid said I should try the Poke, but I have had that in the past and was just OK. Also, I do not like mango. So, the kid ordered the half and half poke. I was going back and forth on several different items and finally chose the Da-Kine Cuban. According to the menu, this is Nomad's version of the classic Cuban sandwich. Grilled Spam (instead of the traditional ham, BRILLIANT!), pork carnitas, melted Queso Blanco, Pickles, Spicy Mustard. On the side is Charro, Coco-Rice, Metate Corn Tortilla Chips. I asked for extra pickles and for some extra spicy mustard on the side. The wife chose the Asian Beef Low Carb Bowl: Spicy Srirach grilled skirt steak over cabbage, green onion, carrot, cucumber. Soy sauce, lemon juice, sesame seeds. As we enjoyed the sun and our drinks, the patio was filling up and getting a bit crowded. The servers was bustling up and down the patio keeping filled with drinks and food. All were smiling and everyone was having a good time. Some more than others.** Our meals arrived and we jumped right in, well after I took pictures of everyone's lunches for this review. The Kid: she loved her poke bowl and ate it right up. The Wife: Really enjoyed her Asian Beef and I tried some and it was pretty tasty. Very simple meal, but she liked it. Me: The Da-Kine Cuban looked good as did the sides. Interesting to have rice & beans and then tortilla chips as well, but it really worked. I was using the chips to spoon up the rice/beans mixture. It was really tasty. Now to the sandwich. What do the kids say, Da bomb? Is that right? Spam cooked perfectly, great carnitas, lots of pickles, great spicy mustard and nicely melted queso. BOOM! Wow, this was a great sandwich and something I would have again and again when we come back. Did you hear what I just said? I want to go back. To Nomads. Really! Loved it. Since I ate all of the chips and rice/beans, I only ate 1/2 of the sandwich. Luckily for me, I had the delicious sandwich the next day for lunch. YUM! Go. Eat Well. HAVE FUN!! ** having more fun than others. A group of guys were fairly obnoxious, drinking, loud and spreading their chairs on the tight patio so that it was hard for the servers and customers to move around. I heard them say they were the Tesla Boyz of Talega, but I may have misheard them. HA, HA, HA! I did get the feeling that they were regulars. Not a restaurant issue, just a clueless people issue. read more

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I've only had the Pink Tacos, so I can't really comment on the other food, but I can confidently say they were the worst tacos I've ever had. I saw the photos of them on "taco holders," which is usually a red flag, but I was dumb enough to mindlessly take the cute waitresses suggestion. The ahi was overcooked and the dominant flavor profile is the cream they top it with. The flour tortillas felt like they were barely warmed and the whole plate was a soggy, gloppy mess. They do photograph well though. Always trust your gut and don't get duped by attractive employees. read more

Nomads Canteen - Pink Tacos - Comfort Food Near Me - San Clemente, California

We came here to sit outside as a date night with our 2 month old- love the outdoor space with the heaters. Very friendly staff, nice drinks and shareable food! We had fun read more

I had a great time here last week. We came in to grab a beer before dinner and the bartender was super sweet and the other patrons seemed really fun. They have great prices I didn't try the food but the people next to me had it and it looked good. read more

Fav spot to visit when in CA! I always have to get the San Pedro Chicken! It's the best!

Went here yesterday for a quick drink and it was awesome! We got a beer and a Moscow mule & both were great. The bartender was super nice and overall the vibes on the inside and out were totally San Clemente, which is a good thing!! I will definitely be coming back read more

NOMADS!!!! This place is home to us and embraced by the locals in town. Servers and bartenders are incredibly kind and helpful. The food is top notch, try the tacos, wings, Asian beef, chicken San Pedro. The restaurant is clean and super fun, great time all the time! read more

We LOVE Nomads!!!!! Gabby, Christy, Ashley, and all the bartenders are absolutely the best!!!! I know I'm missing a couple of names, but all the girls are so kind and engaging with their guests. The service is ALWAYS top notch!!! We usually stay downstairs @ Nomads Hotel, see the city during the day, and end up at our favorite spot The food is amazing! We love Tuesday happy hour and the bowls are scrumptious. We have not had a bad meal there-EVER!!! We can't wait to go back to San Clemente. It's our happy spot and Nomads is one of the main reasons!!!! Don't change anything, ever!!!! :D read more

Nomads have awesome vibes and food is delicious!! IPA on tap is fresh.. Had the fish tacos carnitas tacos and poki bowl.. Also got an order of wings well done and I have to say !! I will come back .. Go check it out Thank you Sean for the great hospitality .. see you soon read more

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Really great food and drinks. Best part is you can get a hotel underneath the restaurant and get a free drink. In the mix of downtown and not too far from the beach. Great service and selection. read more

Food was good and service was excellent. Wish I could remember the name of our waitress, she was awesome - friendly and attentive to our requests. read more

Nomads is awesome! The vibe is always great here. By far my favorite Poke Bowl I've ever had. You can stop in for a quick beer/drink or have a nice lunch on their patio. Inside has tables and bar seating as well. read more

Nomads Canteen - Jaco Poke bowl Poke with white rice, avocado, and mango - Comfort Food Near Me - San Clemente, California

I can't speak highly enough about the service especially the manager (Sean/Shawn). He helped me with a 1200 miles away family dilemma. I couldn't be there to attend a very special event and he stepped in and saved the day! In a week filled with issues, headaches, heartaches, and turmoil, he was a hero if only to me this day. The picture maybe a bit cringe, but it truly will be a highlight I will always remember... even though it took photoshop to memorialize it. Thank you!! read more

Nomads Canteen - Comfort Food Near Me - San Clemente, California

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Highly recommend for a casual setting and good food. Our amazing waitress Lainey recommended the Cabo Chix bowl with rice and Jaco Poke bowl...both were delicious! They also have a great selection of tap beers! Well worth a visit! read more

Nomads Canteen - Cabo Chix Bowl and Jaco Poke Bowl - Comfort Food Near Me - San Clemente, California

This is a fun spot located just off the beaten path in San Clemente. A wide variety of brews and tequilas to compliment their delicious pub type menu. Wait staff were friendly and professional. Sat outside on a gorgeous January afternoon. Nice place to pleasantly pass the time. I will be back. read more

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Do not let the pleasant laid back atmosphere fool you. The food is total trash. The bowls whether poke or beef are small, the meat is cold dry and burned. The veggies on the bottom are soaking in water. The food is also way way overpriced. I would not recommend this rip off restaurant to anyone. read more

Menu has good healthy filling options. Great service and a welcoming laid back atmosphere.

Nomads has such a fun, laid-back vibe--it's one of my favorite casual spots in San Clemente. The food is great, especially if you're in the mood for something hearty after a beach day, but what really stood out for me were the slushie margaritas. Seriously so good--icy, refreshing, and packed with flavor (the mango one is a must). The outdoor deck has a cool ocean breeze, and the surf-inspired decor gives it a really unique, local feel. Definitely worth a stop if you're in the area and want good service, food, drinks, and chill energy. read more

Found this place from Reddit, of all places. This is a hidden gem, hole in the wall place. I could hang out here all day. Friendly servers and seems like a mix of tourists and locals. Had the SPAM bowl. Man, it was rib sticking. Hit the spot. Also had loaded Chicken tacos. Perfect with a couple of beers. Will return next time I'm in town. Would be a great place to watch college football !! read more

Funky ambience very exotic like Hawaii Tahiti Deep Mexico very pretty and friendly waitresses (great choice) I took pictures of all our foods and it was all amazing. These are the words I heard this food is the bomb this food rocks this food kicks ass. I love this food. It's delicious yummy mmmmm I think that says it all we had a great time. The atmosphere was chill. We ate outside. Would I do this again? In a heartbeat. read more

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What a pleasant surprise. We took a lovely walk along the beach, then got there right at 11:30 as they opened for lunch. Location is behind the hotel, accessible from parking lot. There is ample indoor and outdoor seating. We sat outside; the patio quickly filled up and it was Monday! Inside was fairly dark so great for clandestine meetings. Nothing fancy, but an impressive menu. I already knew i was going to order poke because I read reviews. I was undecided between the 2 poke bowls; our sweet server Siana suggested 1/2 of each. PERFECTLY DELICIOUS! All of the food coming out around us looked delicious. There were lots of interesting menu items but my poke bowl was so good, I'd be hard pressed not to order it again. read more

Nomads Canteen - 1/2 and 1/2 poke bowl - Comfort Food Near Me - San Clemente, California

Soooo good! Reminds me of the surf shack cantinas in Central America - but even better. Open air. Surf videos on tv. Great bar. Great beer selection. Killer simple food. Island Bowls and Mainlander Bowls both rock. Baja Fish is delicious Porko Dio is next level. Pork Oh My God!!! read more

Nomads Canteen - Porko Dio delicious - Comfort Food Near Me - San Clemente, California

Felt this update is warranted, I always like to give a restaurant several tries before I give a less than stellar review. In this case, I have come back since my first visit, two more times and have been disappointed each time. The second time I ordered the low carb bowl again with the steak and I couldn't eat it, the steak was really chewy and not hot as well as not cooked very well, I did ask for it well done and it was very pink and cold in the middle. Came back today to give them another shot and was just my husband and daughter and me this time. We all ordered, my husband ordered his meal without cheese due to an allergy and also asked for sour cream on the side. We also asked for chips and salsa in addition to the pico that comes with the chips. Well, our waitress finally brought the salsa after we finished the chips, maybe 20 minutes later, annoying but not that big of a deal, we ordered and took forever to bring out food out, for some reason the table after us got their food and finished before we got ours, and when she brought ours out she realized my husbands had cheese and sour cream on top so she had to take it back to be remade. Well, my daughter and I waited a bit but then my husband had us eat our food because it was taking so long, his didn't come out until we were completely finished, I figured maybe she'd take a portion off the bill or bring him something, I don't know, maybe a side of guacamole on the house for the trouble...anything to make up for the inconvenience. Don't think we'll be back, not really worth the trouble and the food is inconsistent, husbands steak was half the portion it was the time before,and also they had cut it into small pieces when last time it was strips and had twice the amount. Sorry but from my experience I would not recommend. read more

Came for an organized brunch where we had the patio reserved out for the group. We had a couple of servers dedicated to our area that were quick and friendly. I just ordered a Bloody Mary that was perfectly spicy and came with olives. The patio was great and the guacamole at another table looked amazing. Would recommend. read more

Nomads Canteen - Bloody Mary - Comfort Food Near Me - San Clemente, California

Nomads has always been a favorite of mine since I moved to California over 5 years ago. I hadn't been in close to 4 years, though, until last Sunday. The food and vibe is still wonderful. They had expanded the patio, which was wonderful, especially during pandemic times. The Jaco Poke bowl is my favorite and my boyfriend loved the ceviche. Their drinks are also great - and fairly priced. The waitresses are super friendly and very attentive. Our food came out super fast. Appreciate that they are consistently great even after so many years. read more

Nomads Canteen - Patio - Comfort Food Near Me - San Clemente, California

Pretty simple... friendly beach atmosphere, excellent healthy food, good service, good drinks! This is my go to place to bring out guests visiting us to show them how cool San Clemente is. read more

LOVE this place! It's our new San Clemente go to. The food is awesome and ambiance is great (outside.)

A very cozy rustic vibe inside, a nice patio with umbrellas and palm trees on what looks like a dock to the water. One thing I would have the management consider, is the walkway from the kitchen to the bar dining area, have some type of a door put up. To block the kitchen view from the seating area. That would make it top-notch! read more

Absolutely love the food here. My favorite and go to every time I want to have something light tasty and a little bit spicy. The Jaco Poke Bowl, it's light and will fill you up. read more

What a place to sit, relax, eat and enjoy a drink. My wife and kids visit this place on weekends just to enjoy sitting out on the deck and enjoy a bite and a drink. Servers are always pleasant and friendly. The menu has been thoughtfully put together, it's fun and delicious. They have outdoor heaters to keep guests warm during cooler weather. read more