New OC Tavern — Restaurant in San Clemente

First time ever being there on 8/16 and was excited to check out the place. I wanted to get some food and a couple of beers. I was there to meet an old friend but I was about 45 minutes early. Unfortunately, I got there around 2-2:30 and the bartender Kimberly (I think. Black hair. Pierced eyebrow) was pissed off at the world and she let me and the nice couple next to me at the bar know it a few times before I could get my first beer. I had to ask her for it which seemed inconvenient for her and now I obviously felt bad vibes of course. She never asked me if I wanted to eat or drink anything. I never saw a menu. She kept saying that she "wasn't supposed to be here" and complaining about the place and staff etc etc. About 20 minutes later I was a little nervous to ask her to put on the NFL channel but I did and she barked at me saying "I don't even watch TV so I dont know". I've managed bars and restaurants and I had enough of her unprofessionalism and finally said, "well you work in a sports bar, you need to know these things. I'm just a customer. Do you want me to grab someone that can do it?" She never spoke to me again and a few minutes later went over to the TV and put it on the right channel but it didn't come on so it was a blank screen and she just walked away and didn't care. It stayed blank for the next 30+ minutes. My beer was empty for awhile and she knew it because she kept looking at it and blowing me off. I was nervous to ask her for another one but I did and of course she gave me an attitude like I was bothering her. She put it in front of me and walked away. During all of this, the couple next to me had been trying to get another round and finally gave up. They joked with me saying "good luck with her" and we laughed and they left. The girl that took over for her was nice and normal and did her job. I don't think I'll be back but If I do and Kimberly is behind the bar, I'll walk in and walk out and go somewhere thats professional. I'll give...

San Clemente has a new kitchen and chef that may very well be the best in town. We also have a menu that may be the best value in town. The food is absolutely unbelievable, actually had to eat three entrees it was that good. I started out with the Meat Lovers pizza, the dough, sauce and abundance of toppings made it one of the best pizzas I have ever had. It reminded me of my Grandma's home made.

Next I went onto the Cajun Salmon, the Salmon literaly melted apart, the Cajun seasoning was bold but not over salted, there was also a Safron sauce had me thinking of delicious paella, the presentation with the shark fin tortilla chip was an awesome touch as well.

Now for the grand finale and best part the Ciopino, the best I have ever had, the tomato base was to die for, with some really nice sweetness to it but no acid. It was packed full of so much amazing fish i couldn't believe it. The lobster tail was substantial and pulled right out of the shell. I am so blessed to have this awesome establishment two blocks from home. First time here and I am hooked as regular.

Last but not least was the beer, I had the Artifex IPA and it was cold, bold and crisp. Everything here is so clean it was like John Tapper was here earlier in the day. Our waitress Taylor was amazing: knowledgeble and super attnetive. The New OC Tavern is rescue for the record books. What an awesome way to spend my birthday. THANK YOU The New OC Tavern, your loyal...

Terrible bartender lady accused me of leaving without paying...wrong I left her cash with 20% tip with the tab with my beer glass!. She and her posey of drunk regulars chased me down in the parking lot screaming at me. It wasn't until I stopped my car, got out, went in to the bar area and showed the bartender she was wrong. She took the money, counted it and wouldn't admit it was fully paid including 20% tip. What a racist establishment, I've read that San Clememte is mostly white and racsit to the core Well, it is true. Thanks to a young man who claimed to be the manager (DaN), he apologized for the huge mistake his bartender and possy of drunk wolves jumped to. !!!Amazing, stay away unless you're from San...