Inside Rare Society Steakhouse in San Clemente.

Rare Society: Elevating the Steakhouse Scene in San Clemente.

As a self-proclaimed meat aficionado, the buzz around Rare Society, a new high-end steakhouse in San Clemente, immediately caught my attention. Social media was getting loud with rave reviews, and on a whim, I decided to swap our usual Chipotle night for a spontaneous date at what could be the best new steakhouse in South Orange County.

Fast forward 19 hours, and I'm here to report: Rare Society isn't just hype, it's a culinary hit, possibly setting a new standard for upscale restaurants in San Clemente.

By: Steven Lynch

Modified: November 15, 2023 • 5 Min Read

RAD PLACES

When visiting what's touted as one of the best steaks in San Clemente, skipping the steak isn't an option. I zeroed in on the Cedar River Prime Bullseye Ribeye; the crown jewel of their menu and the only Prime cut available (at least at the time of visiting). Cooked medium-rare, it was a symphony of flavors, rich and perfectly marbled.

On our waiter's recommendation, I paired it with the Shrimp Scampi, a delightful, albeit slightly pricey, accompaniment. The scampi sauce, while intended for the shrimp itself, was more of a steak dip for me, a delicious twist to the normal bite of Ribeye.

My wife, not a red meat enthusiast, opted for the King Salmon. It was a wonderful in both presentation and taste, with the skin crisped to perfection. Her sides, the Potato Au Gratin and Miso Glazed Carrots, were so good they're already on our list for next time.

Our starter, the half-shell clams, was a foray into raw seafood. While not my usual pick, they were a fresh, flavorful introduction to our meal. But the unexpected showstopper? The Parker House Rolls. Trust me, just order them.