A Return to South of Nick’s Mexican Kitchen + Bar, San Clemente, CA

It had been a couple years since I had been to San Clemente. It’s where I rendezvous with a friend who I met in Europe over 50 years ago and it’s where my son buys his Rainbow sandals.

I walked down Aveninda Del Mar to see the sunset, then back up for a bite at South of Nick’s Mexican Kitchen + Bar hoping they still made their housemade jalapeño infused tequila for my margie. Sadly they did not. They did though offer several other options. I tried their smokey pineapple ($14) one made with Los Vecinos mezcal, grilled pineapple, cilantro fresh Fresno chilies, lime and agave.

I nibbled Nick’s warm chips and three various heat level salsas that come gratis with your drink. Having had a large lunch, I didn’t need more. My bar mates shared seafood enchiladas ($28) filled with lobster and shrimp in a poblano cream sauce served with white rice and black beans.

Worth the stop.

South of Nick’s Mexican Kitchen + Bar
San Clemente
110 N El Camino Real,
San Clemente, CA 92672
(949) 481-4545

About the Author: Bonnie Tandy Leblang

Blogger Bonnie Tandy Leblang has been covering food since before it was hip to do so! She’s penned magazine, newspaper and syndicated food columns in addition to cookbooks. Follow her on twitter @BonnieBOTB and on Instagram@BiteoftheBest and at @BonnieBOTB "I eat for a living!” is her mantra, sharing what she’s sampled so you’ll know where (or where not) to go, plus what food products and gadgets to try. For her full bio go to the about us page.

A Return to South of Nick’s Mexican Kitchen + Bar, San Clemente, CA