Absolutely love the atmosphere and decor. I was a little disappointed that we showed up at Or a little after 5pm and weren't offered dinner menus. Additionally, the friend I was wit ordered a happy hour salad with shrimp. The salad was obviously a great bargain being that it was happy hour but they charged her $21 for the shrimp add on. That's asinine. She, herself, works at a five-star resort in Laguna Beach and noted she doesn't even charge that at their restaurant. After questioning the staff about it, they argued that they were jumbo shrimp and that was their price for it. Honestly, big shrimp? Yes. Jumbo? No. Unfairness of not advising her of the add on price beforehand? That costs you a second time guest. Thanks but your atmosphere doesn't make up for lack of customer service. read more

Good vibes. Great selection of wine, live music and fresh farm to table menu.

Love myself a good ol' Cellar evening! This isn't your average wine bar, people. The Cellar also offers a unique selection of beers, tasty food, and even coffee / bfast DAILY (this I actually just learned- woohoo!) All of the servers are extremely knowledgeable when it comes to both their food and drink options, so never hesitate to seek guidance. The atmosphere is lively, with rotating musicians and crowds alike. It's a popular spot, so don't be disappointed if you have to wait a sec to be seated- it's well worth it, I promise. Thanks to everyone at The Cellar for being so passionate about your craft. Makes for a really positive experience every time. read more

Great place to hang out and enjoy food and live music. They have excellent wine choices and a large selection of beers from unique breweries. I like their scramble for brunch. However, we never miss the cheese board. They really are one of the best places locally for cheese pairings and charcuterie. The service is always over the top with the same familiar staff each time. They also have amazing sweet potato fries. The salad options are a great choice as well. I know several people who drive from other towns passing up other great restaurants to eat here. You won't be disappointed. It is for sure a great place for a date as well read more

Comfortable and relaxing atmosphere this restaurant presents. Great food and service is pretty good. I recommend going for breakfast and dinner. The egg sandwich is delicious! Something different than your "normal" egg sandwich. For dinner, the Caesar kale salad is very light but tasty! read more

American Kobe Beef burger was amazing. Awesome menu section. We were a group of 7 and we all shared different items. Everything was delicious. Service was fast, friendly and they were very knowledgeable of the menu items. read more

$22 for a 22oz bottle of stone IPA. That's almost a 200% mark up. The atmosphere is nice and everything but there's not excuse to be charging that much for a bottle of common beer. read more

Love the Cellar! It seriously never dissapoints. Nice little hidden wine bar in San clemente great Ambiance! The people that work there are great and dont make you feel like a wine idiot when talking. Food is awesome always spot on I always get the soup ! Home made nice and hot! Daily specials .... have to order the bacon jam ! Great Cheese selection! read more

Love this place! Great wine list, maybe a bit non-descript, but the quality is there. Service is awesome! I was recently waited on by Jessica and even though we were there for some time, she continued to check on us and follow up. Food...well...who doesn't love a good cheese selection? Cheese, chicken sandwich, and ....wine!!! read more

ambiance was wonderful, staff was attentive and friendly, food was OMG good! I wasn't crazy about my flight (earth, wind, fire). It was a little watery for my taste but it was still drinkable. I got a couple appetizers and small plates and didn't have any complaints. I will RAVE about the mac n cheese though. I love mac n cheese and this was by far the best mac n cheese I've ever had. It comes with Foie Gras which I'm not crazy about but they put it on the side for me which was kind. Its seriously the best, salty, al dente pasta, lots of gourmet cheese. I highly recommend, its too good to share!! read more

Waited 20 minutes for an outside table (didn't mind as I had my dog with me). The waiter was kind enough during the wait to tell me it would be another 10 minutes (no problem). The issue I had is that as soon as a table came available, someone walked in and took it. I reminded the same waiter that I had been waiting, and he said it is come first, first serve, and there was nothing he could do???? I have been coming here for a few years, sorry to say I won't be back. read more

It's Friday night, the place is packed and the staff is ON POINT!! Great job Cellar!!

This place is awesome, love the food, wine and environment. My friend discovered this place when we were coming back from SD and wanted to get a little something to drink. It was a Sunday and the place was quiet, then this guy came and started playing the guitar and he was great, more people came in and the place was nice and festive! Was a wonderful way to spend a Sunday, there are no many places that offer a nice environment on this day. I really wish this place was closer to me; I'll just go there all the time! I have nothing negative to say, this place is very consistent. I always have a great time when I come here, not only because the environment, the live music, the food and drinks, but the customer service is also great, the staff is super friendly and fun to talk to. When you come to have a little bite to eat, always look at the board next to the bar, they have specials that are worth a try! The Pizzettas are delicious, my boyfriend doesn't like Gorgonzola much, we ordered the Pear, Gorgonzola and walnut Pizzetta, he loved it. The slow braised short ribs is a must try and the cheese platters don't disappoint. If you are only here for drinks, they have a very nice selection of wine, sake and beer. I always have the flight, last time we had the sweet nectar flight and the sake flight, they were great. I'd rather order flights than ordering one glass of something; I can get drunk easily so flight gives me the opportunity to try all these different things without getting too festive lol This place is tiny so I don't think is good for big groups. I think it is a wonderful place to share with your partner, because the cozy environment and the live music, I believe they have live music everyday. Parking can be a pain especially on weekends. One thing I have to say is that they only take reservations for parties bigger than 6 people, really? This place is tiny! They also sell the cheese they serve in the cheese platters and they have other really good variety of cheese for sell. read more

I would give this place 5.5 stars if I could. CUTEST setting ever! There are four types of seating: bar, high tables, regular dining tables, and comfy sofas. There was a live band the whole night playing the most upbeat music ever (put me in a great mood after work). Friendly service, excellent cheese and food, and plenty of wine options. read more

The cellar is perfection. Their wide variety of wines leaves you like a kid in a candy store! There is so much to choose from and everything looks good. My personal favorite is the house red (try the cab)! Their happy hour is pretty cool as it has so many delicious plates to choose as well. The cheese plate, the hummus, and the Brussels sprouts are my usual staple items for Happy hour. The Cellar is a bit in the pricier side, but well worth it. Come in on the weekends for a more vibrant crowd and live piano music. Conveniently located in the heart of downtown San Clemente. read more

It seems like blasphemy to compliment such an establishment on this site. The food is delicious. That being said, service for our table was slow, and cutlery, napkins, and menus were forgotten. The way they served us had me thinking that it was just a fluke. Stuff happens. Was I the only non-Caucasian in the entire restaurant? Seemed like it. Corn soup (seasonal?) is divine. I was carefully rationing it out so that my last bite of food here would be delicious cold corn soup, but my dinner partner slurped the rest of the bowl dry while I was watching the jazz singer do her thing. Too bad they don't do refills. Date night #2 at The Cellar is not too far away. read more

Cute place, nice atomosphere, cheese trays overrated, over priced. Felt ripped off by what I paid and actually got. You're paying for bread when it comes to the cheese trays. I don't eat bread I went their for a cheese tray not bread tray. Disappointed :-( read more

The Cellar is a great addition to downtown! The ambiance is fantastic, complete with a singing piano player.They have an extensive wine list and a handful of small plates including some nice stinky cheeses. Great place for a night out with friends or a date. read more

Love, love, love this cool San Clemente wine bar. The food is great. The service by Carolyn last night was fantastic. We had the cheese plate, kale salad, grilled cheese and wings. I know sounds sort of ordinary, but it was anything but. Redeemed my post card for a glass of birthday wine too. I love the ambiance and who knew they had promo pricing on a Saturday? We go at least once a month and have never been disappointed. Their red pepper jam and other items in the retail section up front are first rate. We shared a table with some other people and all were friendly and engaging. We went early, before 6, so we got a space. By 6:30 the place was packed. I know wine bar sounds snobby, but this is a local beach crowd. They also have live music and special events. Cheers! read more

Overall a good experience. We ordered the cheese board, a glass of the house red and the happy hour beer. There cheese board was put together beautifully. The wine was a bit earthy for my taste and my bf said the beer was excellent. However, the service is spotty. The staff doesn't seem to know which waiter is supposed to handle each table. Unfortunately, we sat in a dead zone. Our drinks and cheese board came after two other tables who arrived after us. And we were not checked on at all during our experience. Really would be a great place all in all of the wait staff was better. But the food and drinks are worth a the less than attentive wait staff. read more

I've been here once before a long time ago and decided to come back with a friend for lunch. We ordered the BLT and hummus to split. We each also tried a syrah and were both pleased with it. The sandwich was unbelievable. One of the best sandwiches I've had. Ciabatta, avocado, bacon, garlic aioli, lettuce, and tomato. So good. Like, damn good. The hummus were perfect to snack on between bites too. Such a good meal. Must stop by if you're in the area. read more

The Cellar - Bacon, avocado, garlic mayo, lettuce, and tomato on ciabatta. Wow. - Wine Bars Near Me - San Clemente, California

I used to like their cheese but I can't give them more than 1 stars because of one of their workers. My husband and I went to buy some cheese in sunday afternoon and There was one girl with short hair and dark frame glasses. I asked her the cheese that I wanted pointing it because I didn't know the exact name of the cheese. She treated me as a dumb and reacted very unkindly and after I paid mine, she didn't even ask or give me a receipt and went to help another customer. So I waited and tried to contact my eyes on hers and asked her my receipt. She handed it to me in her looking displeased without any apology. My husband was about to say something to her and ask refund but I dragged him back to home. I normaly don't write a bad review because it can affect somebody's business. Most of time I understand the waiter, waitress or the cashier is not kind at all because I know how hard to serve the people. I also have such a job serving customers so I understand or try to accept that it could happen sometimes. But you know.. for buying a piece of cheese.. It was too bad. I mean horrible. If you are not ready to serve the customers happily then don't work for it. I study the restaurant management in school so I know the rule. The customer service 101, Customer is a customer and customer is always right even though they are wrong. I don't mean I am the queen or something like that. But the behavior she did to me was so wrong. We felt really uncomfortable during whole day after that happening. You are not paid for ruining customers' day. I used to go there for getting some cheese and it was one of my favorite places. But since then I don't want to go there again anymore. However I am writing this review because of wishing the owner will read this review so that they can train the employees better. These days, service is everything for such a business and one rotten apple can spoil the barrel. At least I believe so. read more

Get the fries... either kind! Also, return in the morning for the breakfast skillet!! Service is great, live music sometimes, and the atmosphere is fun. Great date night or girls night out. read more

Amazing service. Crowded as hell and the host fight equally like hell to seat us. Delicious Margherita Flatbread! I recommend ordering the cheese plate and letting them decide the cheese, but there isn't a cheese I don't like. If your a little more picky, they'll work with you. I live in San Diego and immediately said out loud while reviewing a food menu while the jazz band played on inside, "If they have beer I'd totally be down for this!" A local lady sitting on the patio informed me they had Chimay on draft. That was all I needed to hear. The atmosphere is romantic and simply cool. Great spot. Take a date for sure. Not exactly great for groups but based on the service, they would work as hard as they could to accomodate you. read more

This place is great! The food, drinks, atmosphere, and customer service is on point. I love the piano man at night for some live entertainment. One of my favorite places to visit on a weekend. read more

Love this gem in San Clemente. I didn't realize they were open for breakfast. Nice surprise. The Cellar has three tables outside. You can bring your dog. It's a great place to enjoy a glass of wine and people watch. Their truffle popcorn is to die for, in addition to the other great items on the menu. They also support local causes like hosting the i5 Freedom Network annual Big Cheese event. read more

The Cellar - Wine Bars Near Me - San Clemente, California

This place is a gem. We wondered upon this place while stopping by on our weekend getaway along the coast. Real honest, down to earth people, not pushy, respectful. This place gives me a good, simple vibe. Nice interiors, selective and extensive wine list, really good food to accompany their wine. They also had a "tester" menu, called "flights" , where you get to sample three different wines in the same family (for example, Cabernets..) There is also a piano player playing in the background sometimes. This place is again, a real gem, they've got something good going on here. read more

Even better the second time around. The charcuterie board was fantastic with 5 types of cured meats, olives, pickled veg, gerkins, sundried tomatoes and a very high end balsamic vinegar dressing the plate. I also ordered the pate which is my favorite of all their items. If you like pate you must try theirs. I sat outside in their dog friendly 3 table patio, people watching. The Groth Cabernet was good at $65 a bottle. If you are a snob regarding food and don't want to spend $$$$, go try it out. You will be very happy. By the way, the menu is very limited with about 19 est. items all together. read more

I have been coming here since it open but tonight the dessert was not good and raw in the middle. I don't know if they were having oven problems but it was bad. Very disappointed. read more

First time for us to enjoy. Jaylene is an amazing bartender. Food was yummy and thoroughly love the wine selection. We will be back for our next date night out! read more

Thank to the Cellar Team for your wonderful caring spirit & showing up big for your community! Whether it's food, wine, beer, the daily frosé, grocery items you're all doing a great job! Thank for your fast, friendly curb-side pick up and warm smiles! read more

This place is a great find. Wonderful food and wines. Went there New Years eve and the Chef Erica is amazing. Can't wait to go back again.!

We have dined here before and enjoyed the food and ambience. So we decided to come for Valentine's dinner. We did not realize we would freeze out on the outside patio table due to lack of heaters. Not sure why they would sit guests outside without provisions for cool, breezy, winter weather. The chairs are also metal which made it worse. At least they provided blankets, but not exactly our idea of a cozy romantic dinner. Staff was at least attentive and they came to check on us several times. But despite that, they kept mixing up our orders. To make things worse, our food arrived late. Main course was bland. At this point, we decided it was enough, asked for our desserts to go (we would have cancelled dessert altogether but unfortunately ordered the "Valentine Prix Fixe" set menu) and politely asked for our check. Best part of dinner was the cheeze and wine pairing appetizer early on. But the rest of our rare 'date night' experience was short of lackluster. read more

Really, really love this place. Rarely do you find a great "Wine Bar", but this is it! Wonderful and unusual flat breads, great variety of cheeses that they couple with jellies, and sauces and crackers or breads. They know their foods and wines. Perhaps a little pricey on some wines, but then again some of them are awesome. Go on a night when they have music, my favorite is Taryn, and it's even better. read more

The only thing wrong with this place is it's so packed they need a bigger place. Everything you order here will be fabulous and the staff is amazing! read more

Locating right on Del Mar parking can be a little bit difficult but defiantly worth it. I personally love the Truffle lobster mac n cheese. Large selection of wine and good atmosphere with enjoyable music. read more

I love cheese!!! I live in Riverside, Ca. and whenever I am looking to try a new cheese, look for a rare cheese... ::cough:: and when I have the money ::cough::, I go to the Cellar. The place is rather pricey, but only because they have specialized items. (Note: I've looked at prices on-line for a particular cheese that I liked and the cost was slightly more per oz and there was shipping. I calculated the cost of going to San Clemente and the price of the items I wanted and it came out to be cheaper. Plus, the beach is just down the street, so I consider that a bit of entertainment. Or I'll go to K'ya for happy hour... review to come.) The staff is very friendly and extremely knowledgeable of their products. A long time ago I had a gentleman offer me samples of different cheeses, as I was looking for something different and he explained a cheese made of goat milk from a goat that was only grass fed, then the cheese was aged in a cave like environment with mushrooms. Naturally, I was like... "ewww, the most adventurous I could go is pepper jack." But I tried it and loved it. Well... I loved it after the second bite. The first bite I allowed my imagination to run wild, so it tasted like grass, then dirty mushrooms, then a goat saying... "Doooonnnnnttttt eeeaaatttt mmmmeeeee jjjjaaaccckkkiiiieeee." But that second bite was legit and totally tasted like cheese. There is a wine cellar there and they do wine tastings and have a menu, but I have yet to eat there. I'll get around to it one day. The ambiance is pretty legit. I would say it would be great for a date, a celebration, or just to hang out with a few friends and talk about days of past, plan future ventures, or decide who is going to be what character in Dungeons and Dragons. So in conclusion, the Cellar is a great place for friendly service, a knowledgeable staff, and the most awesome selection of cheese!!! read more

I love this place. Highly, highly recommend you take a date here after a restaurant for desert and after dinner fun! Great way to end "date night"! Their deserts are awesome. If you want to do this before a late dinner, their cheese is to die for! read more

had to drop my rating a star because more often than not when we come, the music is too loud to talk... and tonight the performer is especially loud and awful. they off fun wine flights, variety plates to share. limited options for the veg/vegan diners but an enjoyable place to sit, sip and chill. have yet to stop in for breakfast but will do so! read more

To be honest I was pretty drunk when I arrived here with one of my good friends. I don't even remember what day of the week it was that I went, but it was super busy. My friend and I swooped some seats at the bar after about 5 min. The wine selection seemed to be on point, there were plenty of options. They also had lots of beer. We ordered a bottle of pino grigio and the kale flatbread (amazing!) The bartenders were all very nice. They seemed to know most of the guests at the bar and carried on light conversations all around. I definitely need to come back to write a review with a sober point of view. Can't wait to try more of the menu! read more