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Sink your teeth into Rare Society from Trust Restaurant Group, Chef + Restaurateur Brad Wise’s west coast-based restaurant concept that pays homage to retro steakhouses. Keeping alive the echoes of vintage upscale dining, Chef Wise has reshuffled the deck to infuse a touch of modernity into the concept adding a wood-fired grill for meats, an on-premise dry ager, a progressive cocktail program and sustainably-sourced seafood. Each location, which now includes four in California and one in Washington, boasts the sites and smells of premium cuts grilled over American red oak invoke the lore of Rat Pack gatherings and raucous Sinatra dinner parties.
Hours
| Friday | 4–10 PM |
| Saturday | 4–10 PM |
| Sunday | 4–9 PM |
| Monday | 4–9 PM |
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | 4–9 PM |
| Thursday | 4–9 PM |
Address and Contact Information
Address: 226 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, CA 92672
Phone: (949) 669-7273
Website: https://raresociety.com/san-clemente
Menu Photos
Order and Reservations
Reservations: opentable.comtripleseat.com
Photo Gallery
Related Web Results
San Clemente – Rare Society
4:00 – 6:00 p.m. at the bar & lounge. ADDRESS. 226 AVENIDA DEL MAR. get directions …
Rare Society
Sink your teeth into Rare Society, Trust Restaurant Group’s homage to the infamous Las Vegas steakhouse, located in San Diego.
Rare Society – San Clemente Restaurant – OpenTable
Location. 226 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, CA 92672-5537 · Neighborhood. San Clemente · Parking details. Private Lot · Additional. Bar/Lounge, Cocktails, Corkage …
Reviews
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!
… moreWe 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!
regis kwong
Honestly, I’m still thinking about this meal. Rare Society is such an elegant, high-class spot that feels like something you’d find in the middle of NYC or San Francisco, but right here in San Clemente.
The Atmosphere & Sunset Views
We started with Happy Hour, which is a total steal. They have a massive drink list and the snacks are top-tier such as the truffle fries or the beef skewers.
But the real magic happens when you head to the second floor for dinner. It’s like you transform into a completely different world. The views of the ocean at sunset are stunning and really set the tone for a fancy night out.
The Main Event: The Associate Board
If you’re going with a group (or just really hungry), you have to get the Associate Board. It’s a sampling of:
• Filet Mignon & Wagyu Beef
• Tri-tip
• Wagyu Denver
Everything is grilled to perfection over a redwood fire, so that smoky flavor is incredible. It comes with some insane accompaniments: roasted bone marrow, charred cipollini onions, and beef fat butter. Plus, you get three sauces (steak sauce, béarnaise, and a Santa Maria–style salsa) to mix and match.
The Little Things
• The Rolls: Whatever they put in that butter is magic.
• The Carrots: Get the famous caramelized carrots. Trust me.
• Service: 10/10. Super attentive without being overbearing.
• Parking: It’s all street parking, so give yourself a few extra minutes to find a spot.
… moreThe Atmosphere & Sunset Views
We started with Happy Hour, which is a total steal. They have a massive drink list and the snacks are top-tier such as the truffle fries or the beef skewers.
But the real magic happens when you head to the second floor for dinner. It’s like you transform into a completely different world. The views of the ocean at sunset are stunning and really set the tone for a fancy night out.
The Main Event: The Associate Board
If you’re going with a group (or just really hungry), you have to get the Associate Board. It’s a sampling of:
• Filet Mignon & Wagyu Beef
• Tri-tip
• Wagyu Denver
Everything is grilled to perfection over a redwood fire, so that smoky flavor is incredible. It comes with some insane accompaniments: roasted bone marrow, charred cipollini onions, and beef fat butter. Plus, you get three sauces (steak sauce, béarnaise, and a Santa Maria–style salsa) to mix and match.
The Little Things
• The Rolls: Whatever they put in that butter is magic.
• The Carrots: Get the famous caramelized carrots. Trust me.
• Service: 10/10. Super attentive without being overbearing.
• Parking: It’s all street parking, so give yourself a few extra minutes to find a spot.
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!
… moreSarah 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!
… moreRare 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!
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.
… moreMonica Coper
it feels like me and my husband found the best meat place in OC.
the service is top notch, the dry aged meat are incredible.
we really loved our bartender (we sit on the bar) . he was so nice to us, and very fast when we asked something.
bottom line is just a great place to dine in.
… morethe service is top notch, the dry aged meat are incredible.
we really loved our bartender (we sit on the bar) . he was so nice to us, and very fast when we asked something.
bottom line is just a great place to dine in.
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.
… moreMarion 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.
… moreMike 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.
… moreWe 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.
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!
… more