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| View from Cannon's in Dana Point |
Wherever you live, there are always the enticing and delicious-looking restaurants you wistfully pass by, but for those of us on a budget, actually enjoying what they have to offer is usually not a practical decision. However, Happy Hours can turn these luxurious dreams into an affordable treat for a few inconvenient hours during the day or week - and taking advantage of them can be a fun way to get acquainted with the restaurants in your area. Jordi and I, being the bargain hunters that we are, tend to utilize these deals as our main means of eating out. In fact, this week we went to both Happa J's and Cannon's, and are still within our budget. However, not all happy hours are equal - I wanted to share the ones that offer good food as well as drink specials, and a nice atmosphere to enjoy. So with that in mind, here are some of our favorites:
The Cellar (my all-time favorite):
Where: Downtown San Clemente
When: 4-6 Tues - Sun
What: $5 pizzette's, house wine (usually $9) and beer on tap (think Chimay)
Why: Great little outdoor patio where you can people watch and enjoy the weather. Live music every night!
Where: North San Clemente
When: Mon-Fri 4-6
What: $2 hotdogs - homemade relish, potato chips and pickled beets. $3-5 high end drafts. Not ever on happy hour special, but they do have the best hamburgers ever, including the portabello mushroom burger.
Why: Local owners are super friendly and knowledgeable; lots of outdoor seating; close to the beach and beach path; everything is high quality and homemade.
Where: San Clemente Pier
When: Mon- Fri 4-7
What: Every day they offer $3 meals such as BBQ chicken, taco's, etc, and a drink special
Why: The food and drinks are ok, but the view while sitting on top of the water and watching the surfers and sunset on a gorgeous day are worth it. (If you don't make it to happy hour, order a soda, coffee or $3 glass of champagne and still enjoy a cheap seat over the water).
Where: South San Clemente
When: Tuesday 4:30-9:30, Sunday 11-3
What: Taco Tuesday - homemade tortillas grilled in front of you, filled with poki, shrimp, etc - for $3!!! It's unbeatable. This deal goes all night, with $2 drafts. Their Sunday poki bowls are awesome.
Why: Really quality food; fun, casual setting; Watch whatever game is going on, a surf video, or sit on the deck.
Where: Dana Point Harbor
When: Every day 4:30 - 6:30 (yes, even weekends!)
What: Half off drinks and appetizer/small meal deals
Why: The view is amazing! Overlooking all of the Harbor and past San Clemente. Is that La Jolla in the distance? This view would normally cost you a $30 entree at least.
Where: San Clemente
When: Fridays 3-5
What: Half off frozen yogurt
Why: This sumptuous but expensive self serve yogurt becomes accessible to the lay people once a week. Stock up!
Where: Downtown San Clemente
When: Saturday and Sunday mornings
What: $2 pastries
Why: Mimosa is a classy cafe that can easily set you back a few for eggs benedict and croissant french toast. On the weekends however, you can get their quality coffee or tea with small perfect pastries, and not rob the bank. Filling? Maybe not quite. An affordable weekend treat in a fun setting? Yes!
Most of these tips are for the San Clemente area - are there any amazing deals near you that others should know about?
aw i love this and makes me want to just hop on over for dinner!!! or breakfast at mimosas :) what i would give for one of those coffees and that french toast!!! aaaaah :) -- andrea
ReplyDeletei wish you could!! :)
ReplyDeletemmmmm there are LOTS of great places to try for breakfast here on the north shore!
ReplyDeleteone of my favorites is stephy's diner for really cheap and delicious breakfast foods. it's always busy and you see the morning commuters coming for their coffee/eggs fix before getting on the commuter rail for work.
my favorite breakfast place i think is depot diner in beverly. it's always packed and they have delicious omelettes and apple pancakes as well as baked oatmeal and delicious orange juice to top it all off :)
and you're almost guaranteed to run into someone you know while you're there.
come and visit me and i'll take you out :)
apple pancakes! perfect for fall, that sounds amazing! would love to visit you - i bet it's beautiful over there right now! <3
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