MRK Public — Restaurant in San Clemente

My brother and I walked into MRK Public and were blown away from the start. The daily soup was a scratch-made jalapeño corn chowder topped with fresh cilantro, cotija cheese, and long, crispy house-made tortilla strips. The flavor was incredible—creamy with just the right amount of heat, subtle yet right up front.

Then came the short rib sandwich—DIVINE. The meat was juicy, shredded, and tender, layered with banana peppers, crisp lettuce, horseradish crème, and served on the most amazing toasted baguette with a bubble-crusted finish. Every bite was perfection.

The fries? Gorgeous—stacked high and garnished with care.

And the ambiance sealed it all in: a perfect surf-city vibe, fresh and upscale, yet still with the warmth of a weekly neighborhood spot.

This is a meal and a place I...

Loved the short rib sandwich, the taste I had of my wife’s burger, and the lemon ricotta beignets. Short rib was incredibly tender and moist. Onion crisps helped make sure it didn’t feel soggy. Flavor combinations were unlike anything I’ve had before. Just the right amount of peppers and horseradish crema so it didn’t dominate the sandwich. Side salad had pickled red onions that added just the right zest. Clearly a chef in house who knows what he/she is doing. 30-40 min drive for us, but definitely planning to come again. Well worth it. (Doesn’t hurt to swing by San Clemente beach for sunset stroll while...

Had the poke tuna 👍 the short rib sandwich 👌 and the chicken wings...ehh..a bit too sweet prefer the buffalo variety. Nice ginger beer from Scotland and sangria was nice too. Nice selection of craft beer, good wine list and attentive staff with unusual and well presented comfort food fusion at affordable prices make this unassuming dinner a local gem. 1 star off for the screaming kids in the booths on either side. Not the eateries fault but did dampen the experience. Not the best place to take the kiddies as this is labeled as a gastro pub but I felt sympathy for the single dad with 3 toddlers. I did...