Had a great experience at this upscale steakhouse in beautiful San Clemente. The location alone sets the tone coastal charm with a touch of luxury. The interior design is chic and modern, with a warm, inviting feel that makes it perfect for both date nights and special occasions. The bar is a standout — well-stocked, beautifully designed, and staffed by bartenders who know their craft. Service was top-notch: professional, attentive, and genuinely welcoming without being overbearing. As for the food, the steak delivered — cooked perfectly, seasoned well, and served with thoughtful sides that complemented without overshadowing. It’s not just a meal here, it’s an experience. Definitely worth a visit if you're in the area and looking to treat yourself.

We dined here on our last night in San Clemente and it was the perfect send-off! My husband and I shared one of the best steaks we've ever had along with incredible sides and drinks. Our waitress was incredibly kind and even remade my drink when I accidentally knocked mine off the table 🫣 We hope to come back one day!

Rare society is our favorite steakhouse in San Clemente. Their food is great and the service is fantastic. Start with the parker house rolls and the thick cut bacon, both are a must! If you’re with 4 or more the executive board is definitely the way to go. Don’t skip their butter cake for dessert, it’s incredible. Definitely worth making a reservation!

The food from this restaurant was OUT OF THIS WORLD. I love a good meal and am not worried about spending a pretty penny on it, that being said it was very pricey and in my opinion worth every penny. I will definitely be back sooner than later, and cannot wait to see what different stuff they had on their menu. The Caesar salad was HANDS DOWN the best salad I have ever had “cheeser salad” as they joked, well it was NOT joke. Yum. Himachi crudo was a hit, cold and delicious flavors worked very well together. I got the wavy Denver cut they do not skimp on the seasoning which I love. Nothing worse than an under seasoned piece of protein. Miso glazed carrots and whipped potatoes were our chosen sides. The miso glazed carrots had a little kicked that I didn’t mind at all. The potatoes are some of the butteriest I have ever had. Dessert was a blast as well we have the banana foster cheese cake, essentially cheesecake with banana foster topping. Creme brulee (not my favorite and I’m a creme brulee fanatic. Almost tasted eggy. Would have liked to see vanilla bean or something in it.) and finally fruity pebbles ice cream, tasted just like fruity pebbles! Ps I also tried the fools gold rush MOCKtail and man it totally brought me back to the days of drinking. The alcohol free aperol spritz. Loved it!! Now onto the service. The servers were very attentive and very knowledgeable which I really appreciate as a chef. My water glass was always full and table always cleaned off. Exceptional service and food all around.

Do yourself a favor and make sure you’re seated within the outdoor second floor balcony so you can take in a beautiful sunset over Catalina island. This is the perfect setting to enjoy an exquisite dining experience. The service is only exceeded by the delicious dishes that satiate the mist discerning palette. Our “starters” included the shrimp cocktail (with a device Smokey twist), snow crab claws, and a few wood grilled lamb lollipops…all worth the price. My entree was the Denver cut wagyu, a cross between the filet and ribeye…a must try. Table sides included whipped potatoes, truffle creamed spinach, and ricotta ravioli…perfect accompaniments. We capped off the meal with their butter cake topped with sour cream ice cream (even better than Nicks up the street!). All in all, a great dining experience.

My wife and I had an amazing experience for our anniversary dinner. The service is best we have ever experienced. They answer any question you might have, very polite and respectful, and they don’t rush you through your meal! Now for the food, all of it was delicious! We had the parker house rolls (a must order), Caesar salad, potato au gratin, and the associate board. The steaks were cooked to perfection and the potatoes paired nicely with it. And for dessert we had the butter cake to top off our meal. We will go back again, high recommend!

Wow! What a great dinner and experience! We had the filet mignon, Denver wagyu, which were perfectly cooked and high quality. The appetizers were great. We got the small seafood tower and the Parker rolls which was enough for 5 people. It was great too. Our sides were definitely highlights. The shells Mac and cheese was so good, as were the carrots and potatoes, but the best thing was the tempura onion rings and the sauce they came with! Their cocktails were well made and perfect. The service was very good and met the expectations of a high end restaurant. Pricing was actually not bad compared to other high end restaurants in the area.

Samantha Leslie

We chose Rare Society for our first wedding anniversary. While the menu may seem traditional in many ways, it offers a unique dining experiences unlike any other. Our waiter, Mark, offered an in-depth insight to the menu, and in doing so, he helped us take advantage of the best culinary experience we’ve ever had. We started with their elevated old fashioned, then journeyed into the Hamachi Crudo. From there we had the most exquisite and flavorful Full Maine Lobster. I nearly asked for a straw to finish off the sauce that it was paired with, because it was THAT good. We continued with the Associate Board, topped with shaved truffles - it was essentially a steak charcuterie board. Served on a lazy Susan with a variety of sauces, it was an experience like no other. We paired our steak flight with a perfect red wine - Brunello Di Montalcino Lisini. It was a perfect pairing, & we have Mark to thank for that. We added two sides - the asparagus and the BEST potatoes au gratin I’ve ever had (as hard as it is to say, they were 100% better than my grandma’s). We finished our night with the Brookie Tart & despite its rich flavors and layers of chocolate, it was surprisingly light and well balanced. I can confidently say that this was the best culinary experience we’ve ever had. Rare Society delivers on every level and we hope to one day come back. Do not skip this gem!

Melissa

First time here at Rare Society. It is nothing short of exceptional and incredible. From the service, the food and the atmosphere. 10/10 We ordered the Wagyu Denver, oysters half shell, shell mac, wood fire broccolini and hamachi crudo. I would highly suggest adding a side of bearnaise sauce and it eat with your steak. Everything made to perfection. The drinks were also amazing. I had a mocktail called fools gold. If you’re a non drinker this is the go to. A kind gentleman by the name of Nate was just fantastic. He was very attentive and was readily to describe and detailed what you’re about to eat. Big shout out to Nate for making this dinner a very nice time. We will returning and loyal guests for sure!

Raymond Flores

Rare Society in San Clemente is a standout spot for a memorable date night. The cocktails were expertly crafted—flavorful, balanced, and easy to sip. We started with some delicious appetizers, but the Associate platter stole the show with its variety of tender, flavorful steak cuts. The banana Foster cheesecake was the perfect sweet finish—rich, warm, and unforgettable. The atmosphere was upscale yet relaxed, making it easy to settle in and enjoy. We’ll definitely be back.

Sarah West Brown

Food & Drinks Rare Society is one of the few finer dining gems in San Clemente & it absolutely delivers on both flavor & atmosphere. For cocktails, I went with the Wildcard (x2), which was light, refreshing, & downright delicious. It's slightly tart but perfectly balanced by the subtle hint of bell pepper. My husband ordered the Cadillac Margarita, which was smooth, though at $28, probably not something we'd splurge on again. To us, a $28 cocktail typically has more umph..but maybe we are clueless about the liquor inside? He also tried the Madewest American Pale Ale, which was crisp & enjoyable. To start, we ordered the Ahi Tuna Tartare, a dish we're very familiar with, & this was easily one of the best we've ever had. The flavor profile was incredibly balanced. While we're used to seeing a chip or wafer served alongside, it was so good that we honestly didn't miss it. Next, the Fettuccine Alfredo Creamy, "wet" in the best way, & full of flavor. The sauce leaned slightly tart, which I personally love. For our main, we were torn between the Associate Board & Executive Board. Our wonderful server explained that the Associate Board is Wagyu-forward, while the Executive focuses on dry-aged meats. Since we're not huge fans of dry-aged, we went with the Wagyu. It came beautifully plated with bone marrow, onion, & their signature sauces: a salsa, steak sauce, Béarnaise, & a whipped tallow butter with sea salt. Each sauce was thoughtfully placed in front of the cut it paired with..a nice chef's touch. The steak itself was tender & flavorful throughout. The bone marrow, however, wasn't our favorite (& that's coming from someone who usually loves it). Like, seriously. Not worth the fuss to get it out, but a cute presentation. Our side of Pickled Onion Rings was a standout..you could tell they were pickled by the light color & mild tang. The breading was dense, robust, & full of flavor..an elevated twist on a classic comfort food. Ambiance & Service The space itself gave us Vegas vibes: moody lighting, luxe finishes, & an energy that makes you want to linger. Pro tip: go around sunset & ask to sit upstairs for gorgeous ocean views. We were initially seated near the servers' corner, & our server immediately read the room, without us saying a word, & offered to move us to a better table (we were considering the bar since we were sans kids). She was intuitive, kind, & incredibly knowledgeable about the menu. Her recommendations were spot-on, & her service elevated the entire experience. Overall Experience Rare Society is everything you want from an upscale coastal dining spot..polished but not pretentious, refined yet warm. Between the ambiance, the service, & the flavor-forward menu, it's a must-try in San Clemente. We'll absolutely be back soon!

Kristi Robles

Rare Society never disappoints! This has become one of our favorite spots—everything on the menu is exceptional. The Caesar salad is a must-try, topped with finely shredded Parmigiano cheese that adds the perfect touch. My absolute favorite dish is the Hamachi Crudo—it's truly out of this world. The lamb chops are tender and full of flavor, and the ribeye with tallow butter is perfectly cooked and indulgent. The mashed potatoes are whipped to perfection, light and creamy, and the asparagus is seasoned beautifully. Honestly, you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. A top-notch dining experience every time! Service is amazing too!

Mike L

Rare Society in San Clemente is the real deal. As someone who has eaten steak all over the world (and sits in the top 20% of Google steakhouse reviewers), I’d put this in my top five—easily. We ordered the Associate board and added the Wagyu Denver, which ended up being the absolute star of the night. Perfectly cooked, rich, and memorable. Every side dish we tried—from the roasted mushrooms to the potato au gratin—was on point. Even the Parker House rolls disappeared faster than I’d like to admit. The service was excellent—Hallie guided us with spot-on suggestions, and it felt like she knew exactly what we’d enjoy before we did. They’re also kid-friendly, which made the evening even more enjoyable. Our little one was happy with the pasta while we enjoyed cocktails and steak. Dessert deserves its own shoutout: the Bananas Foster cheesecake was the kind of ending that makes you rethink skipping dessert in the future. All around, this is an excellent local spot that delivers on every level. Already planning my next visit.

Marion Strupp

Rare Society is worth every penny! If you think it’s too pricey — save for it! We had a 5:30pm reservation on a Sunday. There are very few parking spots, but plenty of street parking. I would get an early reservation. 1st level patio was the perfect seating. Since it’s quite loud inside, I’d suggest any of the patios if you want to hold a decent conversation. We started with the Parker House Rolls, bacon w/gochujuang glaze (both are a must have!) and house red wine from Napa, for steaks we ordered the Snake River Farms wagyu Denver 8oz (nominated the favorite in our group), 40 day dry aged NY bone-in strip 20oz, Cedar River Prime Bullseye Ribeye 16oz, the beef tallow and truffle butter are amazing. For sides we had the asparagus and ricotta w/wagyu beef bolognese. We saved just enough room for the bananas foster and a fruity pebbles ice cream scoop. Needless to say — we had some left overs! Dinner is going to take at least a couple hours.

JS Davidson

Rare society is our favorite steakhouse in San Clemente. Their food is great and the service is fantastic. Start with the parker house rolls and the thick cut bacon, both are a must! If you’re with 4 or more the executive board is definitely the way to go. Don’t skip their butter cake for dessert, it’s incredible. Definitely worth making a reservation!

Sahar Meshksar

Had a great experience at this upscale steakhouse in beautiful San Clemente. The location alone sets the tone coastal charm with a touch of luxury. The interior design is chic and modern, with a warm, inviting feel that makes it perfect for both date nights and special occasions. The bar is a standout — well-stocked, beautifully designed, and staffed by bartenders who know their craft. Service was top-notch: professional, attentive, and genuinely welcoming without being overbearing. As for the food, the steak delivered — cooked perfectly, seasoned well, and served with thoughtful sides that complemented without overshadowing. It’s not just a meal here, it’s an experience. Definitely worth a visit if you're in the area and looking to treat yourself.

Michael Katz

Do yourself a favor and make sure you’re seated within the outdoor second floor balcony so you can take in a beautiful sunset over Catalina island. This is the perfect setting to enjoy an exquisite dining experience. The service is only exceeded by the delicious dishes that satiate the mist discerning palette. Our “starters” included the shrimp cocktail (with a device Smokey twist), snow crab claws, and a few wood grilled lamb lollipops…all worth the price. My entree was the Denver cut wagyu, a cross between the filet and ribeye…a must try. Table sides included whipped potatoes, truffle creamed spinach, and ricotta ravioli…perfect accompaniments. We capped off the meal with their butter cake topped with sour cream ice cream (even better than Nicks up the street!). All in all, a great dining experience.

Sarah Duck

We dined here on our last night in San Clemente and it was the perfect send-off! My husband and I shared one of the best steaks we've ever had along with incredible sides and drinks. Our waitress was incredibly kind and even remade my drink when I accidentally knocked mine off the table 🫣 We hope to come back one day!

taylor barbee

The food from this restaurant was OUT OF THIS WORLD. I love a good meal and am not worried about spending a pretty penny on it, that being said it was very pricey and in my opinion worth every penny. I will definitely be back sooner than later, and cannot wait to see what different stuff they had on their menu. The Caesar salad was HANDS DOWN the best salad I have ever had “cheeser salad” as they joked, well it was NOT joke. Yum. Himachi crudo was a hit, cold and delicious flavors worked very well together. I got the wavy Denver cut they do not skimp on the seasoning which I love. Nothing worse than an under seasoned piece of protein. Miso glazed carrots and whipped potatoes were our chosen sides. The miso glazed carrots had a little kicked that I didn’t mind at all. The potatoes are some of the butteriest I have ever had. Dessert was a blast as well we have the banana foster cheese cake, essentially cheesecake with banana foster topping. Creme brulee (not my favorite and I’m a creme brulee fanatic. Almost tasted eggy. Would have liked to see vanilla bean or something in it.) and finally fruity pebbles ice cream, tasted just like fruity pebbles! Ps I also tried the fools gold rush MOCKtail and man it totally brought me back to the days of drinking. The alcohol free aperol spritz. Loved it!! Now onto the service. The servers were very attentive and very knowledgeable which I really appreciate as a chef. My water glass was always full and table always cleaned off. Exceptional service and food all around.

OCMotivator

Wow! What a great dinner and experience! We had the filet mignon, Denver wagyu, which were perfectly cooked and high quality. The appetizers were great. We got the small seafood tower and the Parker rolls which was enough for 5 people. It was great too. Our sides were definitely highlights. The shells Mac and cheese was so good, as were the carrots and potatoes, but the best thing was the tempura onion rings and the sauce they came with! Their cocktails were well made and perfect. The service was very good and met the expectations of a high end restaurant. Pricing was actually not bad compared to other high end restaurants in the area.

Christopher Torres

My wife and I had an amazing experience for our anniversary dinner. The service is best we have ever experienced. They answer any question you might have, very polite and respectful, and they don’t rush you through your meal! Now for the food, all of it was delicious! We had the parker house rolls (a must order), Caesar salad, potato au gratin, and the associate board. The steaks were cooked to perfection and the potatoes paired nicely with it. And for dessert we had the butter cake to top off our meal. We will go back again, high recommend!

My husband and I were just walking down the street when we stumbled upon Rare Society and decided to pop our heads in and it ended up being one of the best decisions we made on our vacation! We grabbed seats at the bar with Andrew and from start to finish everything was top notch. The restaurant itself is beautiful, warm, and inviting. Andrew shared excellent recommendations. We ordered the 40 day aged New York Strip, mushrooms, and onion rings, and honestly… it was one of the best meals I’ve ever had. Every bite felt like such a treat. The service was excellent, and Andrew truly elevated our experience. He is knowledgeable, welcoming, and attentive. He even recommended Pronto across the street, which we stopped by after and loved. 10/10 experience. Do yourself a favor and eat here.

This is a gem in South Orange County. The decor is elegant and warm. Ocean views from some seats. We had wonderful seating upstairs with the view of the sun setting over the ocean. For those who cannot handle stairs, there is an elevator. The food was delicious. We tried several types of steaks, side dishes, and all of the desserts. Service was attentive and professional. Would recommend and return!

Angela DiPasquale-Smith

My husband and I were just walking down the street when we stumbled upon Rare Society and decided to pop our heads in and it ended up being one of the best decisions we made on our vacation! We grabbed seats at the bar with Andrew and from start to finish everything was top notch. The restaurant itself is beautiful, warm, and inviting. Andrew shared excellent recommendations. We ordered the 40 day aged New York Strip, mushrooms, and onion rings, and honestly… it was one of the best meals I’ve ever had. Every bite felt like such a treat. The service was excellent, and Andrew truly elevated our experience. He is knowledgeable, welcoming, and attentive. He even recommended Pronto across the street, which we stopped by after and loved. 10/10 experience. Do yourself a favor and eat here.

Cath C.

This is a gem in South Orange County. The decor is elegant and warm. Ocean views from some seats. We had wonderful seating upstairs with the view of the sun setting over the ocean. For those who cannot handle stairs, there is an elevator. The food was delicious. We tried several types of steaks, side dishes, and all of the desserts. Service was attentive and professional. Would recommend and return!

Doug Underhill

It's more of an experience than just a restaurant. The atmosphere is noisy but comfortable, sort of hum of happy people having great meals. Sarah provided exceptional service...prompt, friendly and very well informed. We had the Associate Board, a spread of various steaks and some exceptional sauces. One member of our party had a severe gluten allergy and the chef went to great lengths to accommodate.

reesesboot

great place: wagyu steak and onion rings (using pickled onion) were particularly excellent. heard the filet mignon is excellent. couple surprising caveats: the ~$30 specialty old fashioned was very disappointing; my non-wagyu steak had a lot of gristle, and when i informed the waitress she recommended a toothpick.

My wife and I came here for our wedding anniversary. The service was excellent, the atmosphere is really nice but not intimidating, but the VERY expensive steak board we ordered left me unsatisfied. For $200, I expected to be amazed but the steaks were just fine which is why I'm giving the food a 3 star. The lobster appetizer and bolognese ravioli side dish were what actually stole the show for us.

Javier De Luna

My wife and I came here for our wedding anniversary. The service was excellent, the atmosphere is really nice but not intimidating, but the VERY expensive steak board we ordered left me unsatisfied. For $200, I expected to be amazed but the steaks were just fine which is why I'm giving the food a 3 star. The lobster appetizer and bolognese ravioli side dish were what actually stole the show for us.

Patrick Goodman

Cool place with generally tasty but very pricey food. Used to go frequently to happy hour but not since they dropped the NY strip cheese steak from the menu at this location. Bring it back and I'll definitely return! Improving the dessert selection for chocolate lovers would be a big improvement as well.