Walked in and got a great vibe. Greeted by smiling staff and a "Happy Tuesday" Nice selection of breakfast items on the menu and priced reasonably. Tried the ABC Omelette , Grandson had the French Connection and Daughter had the Nicole Scramble which she added avocado and sour cream. Everyone agreed it was yummy read more

A great little place for good breakfast, Coffee and happy smiling employees. Clean, fast, efficient, good portions, fresh, hot & pleasant.The ambience and atmosphere is very relaxing and you feel very welcomed. You must try if you're in the area. Drive slow and careful or you will overshoot the driveway and end up in the donut place next to it. Parking is a driveway that connects to a back lower parking area. It got crowded at around 9 am. I would come back here again. Please check them out. Five stars! read more

Every time we are in San Clemente or just passing through, we stop by here. Most recently on our way up to long beach to jump on a cruise, we decided to stop in and have a late breakfast. The potatoes / hash browns are the best. My daughter got the carne asada fries from the lunch menu and they were AMAZING... way too much food and unfortunately we couldn't take the leftovers with us. Super reasonably priced and the staff is friendly. It's a small place and be prepared for a wait, but it's worth it. read more

As a former sous chef for a well know and here unnamed restaurant in Los Angeles I understand what it takes to create meaningful quality meals for my guests, which is why I get so frustrated when I see a complete lack of regard for food preparation or quality. Almost all of the breakfast restaurants in San Clemente are sub par but sc cafe is the second to worst after sunrise cafe for the same reasons. The quality of the ingredients they order from the food distributor are the cheapest tasting that you can possibly order. If you are a breakfast restaurant you serve a lot of eggs as a main dish so why would you order eggs that taste terribly bland and coppery? In a good breakfast restaurant they use an organic egg equivalent to egg lands best organic but you don't need to spend that much to get some good eggs. Another example of bad food made poorly is the "hash browns." They actually don't make hash browns, they make something only resembling a form of breakfast potato that are just sliced potatoes, which are then served half cooked. I can't decide if it's negligence or incompetence for these issues but in this case you could just not call them hash browns and you could continue to get away with that, i guess. Again as a main dish along side eggs, it's an unacceptable quality for a restaurant. The establishment itself is outdated and small and I prefer a place like that if the food is good. The waitstaff are very nice and that is all and well if the food is good. The issue is that the food purchased from the distributor is bad, very bad. Then the cooks make it very poorly and hastily all while salting it to death to drum up some flavor out of the bad ingredients. Or because they smoke too many cigarettes and can't taste, so in goes the salt, an issue I dealt with often in many restaurants kitchen. It's easy to get way with many of these things these days as more and more people are just happy to get out of the house to not have to make another bland meal themselves. As an industry professional theses problems are glaring and obvious to see with many of the restaurants in San Clemente, as if the beach or ocean view makes bad food taste better and as the people here prioritize fitness more and more religiously, which is not my issue, food is becoming a means to an end goal instead of a pleasurable experience. (A San Clemente phenomenon as this is the only city I've ever lived in with this many bad restaurants. From the Mississippi to Mexico I've worked in restaurants everywhere.) I originally gave them a good review even though I never had a good meal but if I keep trying to give a place my money and try everything on the menu over the course of a year to be disappointed every single time then it becomes necessary to shed light on the problem. read more

Favorite local spot for the best brunch and mimosas. The staff always has a smiling face to greet you. And most likely run into someone we know too read more

Very authentic breakfast offerings. I ordered the French toast and egg combo and it was delicious. It came with plenty of French toast, plus I ordered a side of hash brown, so I'm pretty stuffed. The parking looks small at first, but if you drive in back there's plenty of additional parking. The service was friendly and the price reasonable considering how much you get. I'll be back. read more

Very small cafe in San Clemente. I had breakfast of scrambled eggs and ham and fried potatoes. It was great. The atmosphere was laid back and the service was excellent. A little expensive but a good meal. read more

Got this on door dash the Gus burrito just beans and cheese and it was the bomb ! The sauce was on point as well as the beans. Wish I ordered salsa tho to complete the meal. Also has browns were on point too ! read more

Amazing staffs. Very kind and caring. Every single employee was so polite and helpful.

Excellent food and service. Next to the freeway. Not salty or greasy, very fresh tasting food. The service is quick, friendly and heartfelt. Bathroom is clean and kept up. Looked family owned and ran, not sure though. Came here on our way home to LA. When I come back to SD I will definitely be back for more. My husband wants to try the heuves ranchero. (Sorry if misspelled it). read more

Very much a locals hang out. Food is consistently good and fresh. I bring out of town guests here for a true taste of San Clemente.

Highly recommend this casual breakfast lunch eatery along the 5 Freeway going through San Clemente. it is on the east side of the freeway at El Camino Real and has excellent food with comfortable casual ambiance. It's very welcoming and friendly and we stop whenever we can. read more

The best ever!! Delicious amazingly food! When I drive out to San Diego I always visit this cafe..only!!

Best tuna melt and potatoe salad (5 stars) ever. I want to try other item ( they all look great) but why change if you really like what you had? read more

Omg.. so good. Great service. New favorite place is San Clemente. We had chilaquiles and Gus's breakfast burrito . Yum yum! Best chilaquiles sauce. read more

First time there and enjoyed it. My husband and i got messed up on the mimosas. The bottles are small but don't be fooled. Lol. You get a small bottle for yourself and it's perfect. Except we ordered 3 a piece. Lol. The breakfast burrito we had was delicious. The service was great. No complaints. read more

Small but good. It's not such a bad thing to have a small place but it does create lines when the food is good. Oh well. LOCATION & AMBIANCE (Rating 3) The location is tough to park with only 4 or so spots in front of the restaurant and others down a large hill. So be prepared for that. Expect a wait because the food is good. During your wait, it will be loud outside due to how close the freeway is but there is a good doughnut shop across the parking lot which helps with the wait in my experience. ;) SERVICE (Rating 5) The people that run this place are so cool! Super nice and do their very best in getting people in and out quickly while keeping them happy. BEA's OMELETTE (Rating 4.0) Three egg omelette with tomatoes, mushrooms, spinach onions, avocado and cheddar and jack cheeses. The two times I've ordered this it's been a bit overcooked but still good. The hash browns are cooked well and the toast OK. read more

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Our favorite restaurant down the street is closed for business. So I came on yelp to find a great breakfast stop. This place popped up and let me tell you it didn't disappoint. Portions are large and the food is made fresh to order. My boyfriend and I shared the Chilaquiles and the banana pancakes. The Chilaquiles are crispy and the sauce is delicious. I mean super flavorful. The banana pancakes were heaven. I can honestly say the Chilaquiles and Banana pancakes are the beat I've ever had at a restaurant!!! My parents had the Veggie Omelette with sourdough toast and they devoured it. Ingredients were fresh and perfectly cooked. The service here is impeccable. The servers were attentive and friendly. The cook is truly talented. The place is really clean and so are the restrooms. Wether you're a local or a traveler, you definitely have to try this place out. We will definitely be returning. read more

It is interesting to note that a large majority of breakfast and restaurants in general in San Clemente have 4 star reviews. Our breakfast at SC as we passed by to the Rsinbow outlet was just ain 'ol average. Not really sure what all the fuss is about. Small cafe with minimal seating. Average coffee, French toast, eggs, and bacon. Tried the Eric quesadilla, on the smaller side as quesadillas are concerned. Eggs, bacon, and hash browns in a tortilla and garnished with sour cream and avo. It was aight. Could make one at home. Just an average breakfast. read more

SC Cafe - Big plate, small quesadilla. - American Near Me - San Clemente, California

Excellent little breakfast spot in South San Clemente! Great food, cheerful and competent staff, and a delightful patio. The side potatoes are amazing! What's not to like? read more

Food was excellent! Quaint little coffee shop atmosphere and super nice employees! We stopped on our way from from San Clemente and we were not disappointed. read more

Cool location, not great food. Overpriced! $16 for a chicken sandwich (small) no lettuce, tomato, onion or pickle. Nada. I opted for cottage cheese and it was seriously 3 spoonfuls. Menu needs attention like Swiss cheese actually being Swiss cheese instead of the white imitation salty substitute. This place could rock if someone in the kitchen cared. Service was friendly yet didn't ask how everything was and I didn't have a heart or energy to complain. 4th time there all similar disappointing experiences with the food. This was the last until something or someone changes. It made me sad speaking from the heart. read more

Went for breakfast and got the scramble and the Gus breakfast burrito. So good! Quick service.

Avocado toast and Gus's Burrito! Extraordinary. And the service was stellar. Will go out of our way to eat here again.

Almost passed it up as the building looks like all business offices. Awesome food, you definitely get your money's worth. Service is also awesome and very down to earth. We will come for sure on our next visit to San Clemente. read more

Food was amazing the people were so nice and welcoming and the atmosphere was just calming and peaceful to eat at. Plenty of food for the price! read more

While driving from West Covina to Del Mar for a Labor Day 2019 getaway, we decided to have a late breakfast. Not knowing the area, I used Yelp. SC Cafe had 4-1/2 Stars. So we decided to stop in. Drive by it the first time, as is an unassuming location. But we're glad we found it. My daughter had the chorizo breakfast. I had a breakfast burrito. My wife had Erics quesadilla. Everything was delicious. Glad we made a fine choice. You won't be sorry. Stop in by. read more

I was saving my 100th review for a 5 star experience. Since I spend so much time between Orange County and San Diego, it's only fitting that this review was of a business on the border between the two Counties. SC Cafe fits the bill. This is a nice little stop off the 5 freeway. I was driving from San Diego to visit relatives in OC when the freeway ground to almost a stand still. To maintain my sanity I pulled off the freeway to drive through sidestreets. I'm glad I did because I happened to drive right past SC Cafe. This has got to be the best breakfast omelette I have had in a really long time. Does it have bacon? Check. Does it have avocado? Check! Not to salty? Check. All with great service (Friendly smiles, attentive service, free coffee refills). The only thing to improve would be the parking. Can't find enough in front? You may have to drive down a driveway, turn a corner, then park there & in the street. Hmmm :( Well, if you happen to be stuck in traffic in the way to/ from. San Diego/Orange County, count yourself blessed. Stop by SC Cafe for a nice meal from nice people! read more

First time diners and had a wonderful breakfast. Nice neighborhood spot great good great service. Carne Asada and Eggs was phenomenal. I will definitely be back! read more

Pretty sure this is my first 5 star breakfast review. HOLD ON to your overpriced cafe coffee people. The only thing that could use work at this place? The name. Service is great, the staff all get along really well and it's got a great local vibe. Plates are large and original. Coffee is great here too. Bea's Omelette is a great order choice, though my dad loved the oatmeal, and I like the lean dish (the veggie mix?) with the egg whites and black beans. This place just makes me feel good! It is a bit small, so don't bring your entourage at peak breakfast hour if they need a full-sized Escalade. Bottom line: It's better than Pipes. It IS. read more

SC Cafe - Carne Asada Tacos. - American Near Me - San Clemente, California

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Great little spot for breakfast or lunch, near the freeway exit. Friendly staff and a lot of menu choices. The inside dining area is small but they also have an outdoor patio area set up. Thanks! read more

Top-notch diner food, San Clemente style. We ordered a waffle for the table, the breakfast sandwich with sausage, Gus's burrito, and the veggie bowl. All were delicious! read more

Visited based on yelp. Very popular with great food. Glad wife and I stopped by for her birthday.

I want to support restaurants that make safety a priority during Covid. This one did not. Our server had her mask draped around her neck most of the time. Another dude refilled our coffee maskless. It wasn't good. Everyone was cool and the food was decent, but we were uncomfortable. read more

Best food,,this is my favorite place to eat breakfast and lunch and the soup is so good and my Tommy feel so good. Nicole and everyone is so nice,you find good food and good people here read more

SC Cafe - Best soup - American Near Me - San Clemente, California

New little breakfast gem! Lots of choices! Great service! Flashback music! Large portions! Down sides: a little loud and very popular. read more

SC Cafe - Nicole's Mix - American Near Me - San Clemente, California

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Yummy friendly place!!! When we are in San Clemente that is our go to breakfast spot!!

My husband and I were passing through town and lucked into this place. Our server, Taylor was spot on with her recommendations. The food was delicious! Whoever chooses their fruit knows what they are doing as the melons were amazing. read more

Great little place! Indoor and outdoor dining. The staff couldn't be nicer! Good size menu and food was excellent!

Same parking lot as surfing donuts, that is the only downside is that we drove by it the first time trying to find it. this place is a hidden gem- the food was terrific, but the atmosphere was the best. we will be back for sure. read more

SC Cafe - Blt! - American Near Me - San Clemente, California