You sit down hungry, leave full, and consider becoming a regular. This is a family owned diner in the truest sense, meaning: The coffee cups are all different, like you're drinking out of a cabinet curated by three generations and one aunt who collects mugs from roadside attractions. Immediately comforting. Felt chosen by the mug--mine was a Hersheys s'mores cup :) My date (who is aight... possibly good... TBD... also over a foot taller than me) confidently interjected when I was reviewing the menu for the nth time: "Anything with the ranchero sauce really good." This comment completely derailed my order decision-making process, but in a way that felt supportive, if not academically rigorous, maybe even data driven. So I ordered something with ranchero sauce. I asked if they had spicy tanchero sauce bc my dish came with mild ranchero sauce, our server with kind eyes asks me "you want salsas on the sides?" I heard angels singing, the clouds parted to let the sun through. I LOVE SALSAS Then he says these magical words "the salsas' spice levels kind of vary daily, depends on the day" :') THEY MAKE SALSAS IN HOUSE?!!! The food is honest. The salsa is abundant. The coffee is good as you try to spy what other c cups are of Would return. Would trust the ranchero sauce again. Would possibly bring the tall man back, height difference not-withstand :) ok. High likelihood read more

S.C CAFE @ SAN CLEMENTE Parking can be a little difficult since they only have a very small parking lot with maybe four or five spots available, so most people will probably end up parking on the street. My boyfriend and I got lucky and managed to grab a spot after driving by for a bit. I was really excited to try this place because I love small breakfast diners, and I usually go to Surfin Donuts right across the street, which has some of the best donuts. We came here on a Saturday morning around 10 AM, and the place was busy but still really cozy. There are only a couple tables inside along with some outdoor seating, but luckily we were able to get seated right away without a wait. The staff were also extremely friendly and welcoming. I ordered the biscuits and gravy with two eggs and sausage, while my boyfriend got an omelet with a Mexican-style sauce. Overall, I liked the food, but I do think the biscuits and gravy could've been a little better. The gravy itself was delicious, and the eggs were cooked perfectly, but the biscuits felt a little too dry for my liking. I also thought the sausages were pretty dry and maybe a bit overcooked. The potatoes though were super flavorful and definitely one of my favorite parts of the meal. What really stood out to me was the ambiance. The whole place feels super nostalgic and homey. They even bring out an actual paper check at the end, which made it feel like stepping back into an old-school diner from decades ago. Overall, I'd definitely come back because I loved the atmosphere so much, but next time I'd probably try something sweeter instead of going the savory route. read more

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S.C. Cafe is a small, old-school breakfast diner in San Clemente with a classic mom-and-pop feel and solid comfort food. Pros: This is a very small diner-style spot with both indoor and outdoor seating, and it has a really classic, no-frills breakfast vibe. The interior has a lot of character with wall decor that gives it a more old-school feel, and even the way they bring the check out on paper adds to that throwback diner experience. The food was really solid for a breakfast spot. I got an omelet filled with mushrooms and steak, which was cooked well and pretty filling, and the hashbrowns were also good crispy and simple. My girlfriend got the biscuits and gravy with sausage and eggs, and that was also a strong breakfast option. I also had a black coffee, and everything came out quickly despite it being pretty busy on a Saturday. The vibe overall is really good casual, local, and consistently busy, which says a lot about the place. Cons: Parking is limited. There's a small lot, but it fills up fast, so most of the time you'll end up finding street parking nearby. The lot itself is also tight, so it can be a bit difficult to maneuver when it's full. Verdict: Really solid breakfast spot in San Clemente. Good food, fast service, and a classic diner feel that makes it worth coming back to. It's also right across from Surfin Donuts, so it's a great combo stop if you're in the area. read more

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This Mexican restaurant in San Clemente is such a gem, and the fact that it's just minutes from the beach makes it even better. I ordered online, and the process was super quick and easy. By the time I arrived, my food was ready, piping hot, and packaged perfectly. Let me just say these were the BEST chilaquiles I've ever had, hands down. The flavor, the texture, everything was on point. And the bean & cheese burrito was absolutely delicious! They also went above and beyond with the little details: they included salsa, butter, and even syrup for the pancakes without me having to ask. It's small touches like that that really make the experience memorable. Service was fast, friendly, and efficient. Overall, I'll definitely be back. Highly recommend this spot for anyone craving great food near the San Clemente beach! read more

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Have been many times for great breakfasts. The service is always great and friendly and patient. A very small place, so get there early if you are going on the weekend. Even the week days have a good share of regulars keeping them busy. I have had breakfast burritos, eggs and bacon, hievos rancheros and other choices. Always good and cooked perfectly. Keep it up SC Cafe, you rock!! Go! Eat Well!! HAVE FUN!!! read more

Absolute gem. Is a "California Diner" a thing? If it is, that's what this place is. The food here is the best Southern California has to offer: fresh and Mexican-infused. The veggies here are some of the best I've ever had anywhere, crisp and delicious. Definitely worth a stop, or even a specific trip! read more

The food was great, not anything out of this world, but still very enjoyable. Chilaquiles sauce could do with a bit more flavor. The diner vibes were amazing though, and the service was really excellent. read more

5 stars for SC cafe always!! This is another spot that is always a must visit for me when I'm in San Clemente. Usually I get the Nicole's plate scramble with Italian sausage, but today I deviated and got the Steak Machaca and it may be my new go to! The staff here is as incredible as ever, remembering my family and I by name and always taking the time to say hi. If you're passing through I would 100% recommend you stop in and grab a bite! read more

Love this breakfast spot! Great food, awesome staff, chill neighborhood spot. Supports local businesses. read more

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Love coming here for a weekend brunch when I want classic breakfast! Service is welcoming and relaxed but attentive. Portion sizes are more than enough and food tastes fresh. Highly recommend the country mix and could honestly be shared among two people. read more

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We got there at opening on a weekday and had it all to ourselves. We were greeted promptly and service was quick. It's a small diner with booths and counter seating. The food was simple, but other than wishing there was more sausage in my biscuits and gravy, it was good. This place is easy to miss, but it's close to the donut place beside it. There are a few parking spots out front, but there are more in the back (one way through). Just be careful your car might bottom out getting out of the parking lot in the back. read more

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First time trying this place. My friend had an appointment down the street from here at 9am, so we decided to meet here for breakfast. We were the first ones here around 7am. Cute and quaint cafe. Had a cozy/ local feel. Friendly staff. I'm sure most of their customers are locals here based on interactions I saw. I'm also pretty sure they can tell we're not their regulars. Food came out fast since it was literally just us. Both ordered Bea's omelette and hot teas. The omelette was decent, nothing overcooked or overly salty. The food itself wasn't bad at all. Bathroom is tucked away outside of the restaurant-- clean. Not sure if this is the standard here, where people ate and left quickly. We had hoped to stay until about 8:30am, but ended up leaving sooner. Mind you, we got inside around 7:15am. Sure, people trickled in while we were there, but I wouldn't say packed or people waited for seats. Felt kind of rushed as staff after staff continuously came back to "check on us" (although all were extremely nice, felt unnecessary to get checked on that much) While we were still eating, a check was placed on our table. The experience wasn't bad and it wasn't good either. Definitely experienced better elsewhere. It was a fair transaction, but not somewhere I would make a stop at next time to be frank. read more

SC Cafe - Beas Omelette with cottage cheese and toast - American Near Me - San Clemente, California

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Literally so good. And we cannot stress how well the food stays. Quality ingredients and totally delicious. We come from Trabuco canyon because we love it that much! if we bring left overs, they are actually yummy and delicious, unlike other restaurants where the food is inedible the moment it cools down. We LOVE this place! read more

Awesome place, Awesome food and Awesome staff!! Everything we are coming through the area we will make it a point to stop. Chorizo burrito and Bea's omelet are excellent! read more

Awesome food And the service our waiter was super sweet Good recommendations It's a local restaurant vibes Cute abd small but they make you feel so welcome .. read more

Food was very good and fast! Such a cute and fun vibe for brunch with friends. Would recommend! read more

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Found on yelp and thought we would give it a try. Food was really good. Hubby got Gus Burrito and I got the Steak Quesadilla. Both were a 10! We will definitely stop in whenever we ate in the area. read more

This time around we got lucky at SC Cafe and had an amazing experience! Our server was fantastic--super friendly, upbeat, and knowledgeable. She really made our visit enjoyable. I didn't catch her name, but she was wearing a Hendrix shirt--such great energy! The chorizo was soooo good, seriously hit the spot. Always love the food here, and this time the service matched it perfectly. read more

SC Cafe - Chilaquiles - American Near Me - San Clemente, California

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Came to SC Cafe while visiting San Clemente the past weekend. It was a rainy Saturday morning but there was luckily only a 10-15 minute wait for so. The cafe is small and busy, but has a great friendly vibe. All the workers seemed to know everyone which was a good sign. One even stopped taking our order to say bye to someone lol For food I got the Gringos Burritos--hash brown egg and cheese burritos covered in ranchero sauce and more cheese. So good! Very different. I'm not big on ranchero sauce but finished it regardless. Everything else my table got looked good. Most items have a south-of-the-border touch which always makes for a good combination. Def recommend if you're in town! read more

SC Cafe - Gringo Burritos - American Near Me - San Clemente, California

Just what I needed. Quiet place to land. Beautiful California surf vibe where the locals and staff are family. I was en route to Julian on my birthday and just stopped in for some breakfast. I ordered the waffle combo with turkey sausage, hash browns, and egg whites with avo. Everything arrived quick, hot and tasty. It all hit the spot inclusive of the community vibe and warm conversation circulating throughout the cafe. I will be in again. Thank you to the owners and staff. read more

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This place has good homey food. Reminds me of my southern home. It's in a quiet location

We first ordered to go over the phone. Once we got there, the staff was friendly and accommodate us to dine in. The breakfast chorizo burrito was amazing, along with the salsa. Highly recommended. read more

Stopped at this cafe on the way heading up North and couldn't have been happier with my decision. Cute and quiet little cafe, breakfast and lunch options. Food was out fast and fresh. The Diet Coke was perfectly crispy, the sandwich I ordered was fresh with the perfect ratio of everything, and the onion rings were perfectly breaded. The servers were friendly and I can not wait to come back here. A perfect hidden gem. read more

SC Cafe - Onion rings - American Near Me - San Clemente, California

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Great local breakfast spot. Perfect breakfast menu, great service and friendly atmosphere. Definitely worth stopping by.

Food is meh. Service could be much better. First time here with my husband and 2 small kids. Walked in when it first opened, what appeared to be the owner was serving us and once we got our food and drinks we were pretty much forgotten about. 2 younger what I think were servers (or random people behind the counter who knows) never checked in with us or helped refill our waters nothing. They just kept chatting it up. At one point the owners wife and small child came in to eat and he checked out after that. 1 server came to pick up our check and that was it. Update to owners reply: I suppose I was expecting professionalism and customer service from a business, guess thats an unrealistic expectation for your establishment if your staff need time wake up, chat first, and be in work mode at the start of shift. As you mentioned I was close to the counter and my family was pretty much your only customer that morning and they still could have checked in which is what waiters usually do as restaurants right? Yes, being with your family is great but you getting time with them is that really my issue as the customer? My issues is not you with your family. The service was lackluster, and you didn't bother checking your staff, but I'm just a random person, who cares read more

This place was great! Food and service! There were 14 of us and Lexi took great care of us! I highly recommend it!.

We stopped by over this past 4th of July weekend. Delicious food, we had a breakfast burrito a breakfast sandwich and a turkey sandwich with avocado, the salsa is amazing!! Great service, the staff is super friendly and attentive. Definitely coming back for more when in town! read more

Food is great. However prices are 50 percent higher than yelp and the business doesn't care to correct this issue when I brought it up. Poor service. read more

I don't remember the name of what I got, but it was delicious. It was an egg, hash brown, cheese, avocado and sour cream casserole ordeal. It's a lot of food too. Also got the fruit cup, but that was mostly cantaloupe and honey dew that wasn't that sweet. The staff were very friendly and nice. The place is cutely decorated. read more

SC Cafe - American Near Me - San Clemente, California

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good food, fantastic service and comfy. we were given 4 salsas to try and all are good. the potatoes could be fresh or reconstituted. they're a very thin sliced wafer shape. i had the nicole and partner had an omelette. i will try something different next time. coffee is great! read more

SC Cafe - American Near Me - San Clemente, California

Went here for The Steak Machaca and it was phenomenal. Get here early for more parking availability. But it is definitely the best Breakfast & Brunch Joint in South County. Why eat a boring hotel breakfast if you can come here instead. read more

The Gobble is awesome!! And the staff rules!!! In San Clemente, SC Cafe! Don't skip. read more

good service, and vibes. my french toast tasted like straight eggs but the hash browns were delicious! good parking and there is only one bathroom outside of the establishment. read more

Everything is mid but I just like coming here bc the staff it pretty cool and I feel cozy here

Went here for breakfast with family and had a great meal. Very fun inside. Very much old school San Clemente.

I could not believe what an amazing and cozy breakfast place was really personable nice experience and lots of smiles with crispy bacon and make sure to go see see Justice and Jonah for a smile read more

Don't miss this restaurant. Food and service is outstanding. It's a local friendly place where very soon everyone will know your name!

There are a few REALLY good breakfast spots in San Clemente but SC Cafe is definitely the best! Their breakfast burritos are insane. My son eats more than anyone I know and loves the Rancho Omelette. But the Waffle is what the SC Cafe sets itself apart from the competition. Order it for the family as a breakfast appetizer. Order extra for the table. Order for yourself. It is that good. It takes a bit because its super popular and everything is made to order but it is WORTH IT!!! read more

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Workers friendly, had a family feel to it. Food was satisfactory, bfast burrito was big but lacked seasoning or a sauce, it ate dry. Huevos rancheros were decent (unique from my pov....celery). Reasonably priced. read more

What an awesome little gem of a place in San Clemente. It's hard to find as the signage is very small, and the restaurant itself is quite small, but the personalized service fantastic food and atmosphere was top-notch. Love this place! read more