Gordon James Grill

I went there for dinner tonight. It was okay.
It took the server a while to acknowledge us, which bugs me because I’ve worked in the restaurant industry in the past and we had to greet our table right when they walked in.
We were ready with our drink order and dinner order once we were greeted.
Anyway, the server was cool & laid back, the place is pretty casual, at least that’s the vibe I got from the server and staff.
My dinner salad sucked. Most of the lettuce was the middle hard part that you can’t even eat and the tomatoes still had the yellow core part in them. I only ate about half of it.
My drink was pretty weak, until I asked for a double! :)
We both order filet (approx $ 35) and it was great and big (10 oz). The sauce they put on it or with the garlic mashed potatoes wasn’t so great but the vegi’s and potatoes were great.
Oh and the sourdough bread they give you when you sit down is wonderful. I’m a sucker for sourdough bread & butter! :)
I’d totally go back but if I ordered the same thing, I’d ask for that sauce/​gravy or whatever it was to be on the side.
Great location, nice & clean looking restaurant, great steak!

HAPPY HOUR:
* Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday 4pm-​7pm
* all night Sunday and Monday
We ate dinner at Gordon James Grill on a Saturday so we missed out on Happy Hour. Darn!
A few of us arrived early so we headed straight to the bar for cocktails. They have an extensive list of lemon drops and martinis. I went with the Blueberry Lemon Drop and it was divine. It even came out in a pretty Tiffany Blue color. Loved it!
Our party consisted of 6 adults and 2 kids. A few people in our group dined at Gordon James Grill a few times before and made suggestions on the menu. One of them was the Fried Green Beans. You figure anything deep fried has to be good right? Well 9 times out of 10 it is but this isn’t one of them. It wasn’t terrible but I didn’t see what the hype was about. I only had a few pieces but the garlic chipotle dipping sauce was pretty tasty.
Everyone ordered a different entrée but I must say I was initially envious of the kids’ fish & chips dish. For $ 6 the meal consisted of 4 large strips of fish, fries, and ice cream for dessert. The portions were big enough for an adult. What a great deal!
My fiancé ordered the Australian Lamb Rack and it was plentiful! Enough for the both of us. I could not believe how much lamb they actually served in 1 dish. But then again, check out their entrees for kids! I had their San Francisco Cioppino. Was it San Francisco good? No but it was close. It contained large pieces of seafood and I absolutely loved the mussels & large prawns. I liked that the fish didn’t fall apart in the stew. We both had leftovers and I ate my cioppino as another meal the next day.
We were joking with our waitress about getting ice cream like the kids because several adults in our party had birthdays recently. To our surprise, they brought out 2 large portions of ice cream with candles on top. Such a sweet ending!

The best dishes we ate were appetizers:
— fried green beans — served with tasty aioli sauce
— lobster cabrillo — perfectly fried pieces of lobster meat served with this amazing purple cabbage slaw.
The entrees were ok. I went there with the intention of ordering their Mississippi Catfish but their didn’t have catfish that evening. I really hate it when a restaurant runs out of ingredients on their menu. They should take that dish off the menu if the chef has no intention of keeping catfish in stock. So I ended up ordering Fish & Chips. It was ok. Their Hamburger was good but not great since they don’t make medium rare. The BBQ prime rib sandwich was not good. The meat was dry and over cooked. French fries were good. Cocktails were a bit watered down.

Had an excellent dinner there last night. Walked in last minute with friends… quiet atmosphere… great service… delicious wine… we all got what we wanted. We’ll be back.

Some may say I am a little biased… as I used to work here, I’ve met some of my very best friends here including my husband! I absolutely love Gordon James, everyone knows it’s my first choice of places to go when considering where we are going to eat for the night. Their pours are extremely generous and the food is delicious! They have a great happy hour and don’t short pour just because it’s half price… same Martini… just half the price, can’t beat that. A few of my all time favorites are the Stilton Blue Cheese Salad (seriously the best Blue Cheese you will ever have in your life, made fresh in house daily !), the House Roasted Chicken, and of course the Cheeseburger.
One of my favorite things about Gordon James is the regular guests you can find there. It’s nice to walk into a place where everyone knows eachother… and it’s nice to know that everyone else shares the same feelings that I do and want to keep coming back over and over again! :)

I have eaten at Gordon James many times, and always found the service pleasant and efficient. The wait staff is cordial, and unlike others I have not had to ask for water, although I usually ask for it when the waiter asks for the drink order-​not a big deal at all. The steaks are cooked mostly true to the asking-rare=rare, MR=MR. So, I will be back Gordon. Thanks

Uh People. After I wrote this review, Gordon of Gordon James wrote me a message:
Hi Megan S. I am the owner of Gordon James. I do not read Unilocal but was pointed to your review by one of my employees (actually the server who worked the night you are speaking about). Your not having all the details (which is usually the case) I wanted to bring you up to speed. My menus clearly state «water served upon request only». I am trying my very best to do my part to help conserve the precious little water we have. Did you know we are in severe drought conditions? Read my menu. If you do not request water we won’t give it to you. Don’t take it as a service slight. Read the paper and you’ll find out more about how severe this H20 shortage is. The situation is not make believe and restaurants use (and waste) lots of our precious resource. Second on your list was the 10 people who hooked up video conferencing in my bar. Remember it is the bar (a little more casual environment) and the group was speaking with their son who is stationed in Iraq. He is in the Marines and is there for his second tour. They were with siblings, grandparents and Mom and Dad to say hello to him on his birthday. Remember that in San Clemente we are close to a base named Camp Pendleton and we are at war. I am happy to participate in this ritual that obviously you found offensive and annoying. Lastly, the food brought in was no more than ice cream and shakes from my next door business neighbor at Baskin Robbins. I want you to imagine you are in charge of my restaurant as a manager and a group spends $ 200 on dinner. The small children want ice cream from next door. You approach the table and take a tough stand, «absolutely not». «We do not allow that here». That’s not the correct call Megan. But, from your review you seem to have all the answers without «really» knowing the facts. I’ve been doing this Megan for a long time. I enjoy people coming in to my restaurant and enjoying themselves. Make sure you have all the facts before jumping to conclusions. My restaurant was just awarded #2 overall restaurant in San Clemente. I was the defending champ for 2007 & 2008. Hardly a restaurant that has slipped. I am their at least 5 days and nights per week. I operate my business. I would never allow it to slip as you reference. Next time your in (how funny I would assume you’d be back in) ask for me by name. I’d like to meet you and let you see that people really do make these restaurants go. Regards, Gordon
To which I wrote back:
Dear Gordon,
I have to be honest, when I first read your response you made me feel awful, like I had completely misstepped, and I wanted to respond to you immediately. Now that I have digested this, I find your anger and the overuse of my name very interesting.
I’m posting this in an update to my review. I think that my comments, while unresearched (I don’t necessarily think it’s appropriate to ask other patrons what they are doing), were made as a result of an honest experience.
Taking back my comments made regarding the video chat and the outside food — because this doesn’t seem like something that happens all the time and was only a result of special circumstance — I stand by my water comment…
«Read the menu next time». Do you mean to tell me I need to ask for water to be refilled every single time my glass is empty after I have already ordered it? Next time I’ll bring a bottle of my own, I apologize for my thirst. Perhaps, instead of giving me a Sam Adams and an empty glass to pour it into, you could say «glasses available on request» — I mean this as a true suggestion, not in jest.
Did I know there was a water shortage? Yes. Did I know San Clemente was near Camp Pendleton? Yes. I didn’t think either of these would be used to make me feel bad about wanting water or wondering why people were videochatting at your bar.
Assumption made a bit of an ass out of me this time, but I’d hate for your assumptions to affect your restaurant even more. It’s not 2007, not even 2008. As someone who has visited San Clemente every other weekend for the past five years, I have a true passion for the city, and I try to get a good lay of the land when it comes to restaurants.
I wrote the review to alert you to a couple problems I had perceived. The true issues — plates not offering what they once did and a lack of attentiveness on the server side, were not addressed in your response.
I hope you look at some of the other reviews on here and respond to them as well. I can guarantee you I’ll be back in your restaurant and ask for you by name, though I’m not so sure you’ll want me there.
Now you may ask — why is my review the same? Because I have yet to go back. I may be there this weekend… update on Monday.
Was my review really THAT bad to warrant that kind of a letter? Tag it useful if you think this helps your decision making…

Confused how people can rate this place 5 stars. Took the wife out on a date and was pleasantly suprised by the décor. The place has a Spanish church feel but that’s where it ends. There are BETTER places to eat in Laguna and in Newport for the price. I ordered the ribeye and barely consumed half. Why you ask? It was pure fat. I don’t enjoy paying over $ 30+ for a piece of meat and only eating HALF! If you want steak, go to the Bungalow or chains like Flemings and Ruth’s!

I’ve always said they make the best cheeseburger I have ever eaten — and I’m reasonably sure I mean it. Thick enough to order pink, it tastes grilled, fresh and juicy. Why do people order their cheeseburgers well-​done? E-​coli? c’mon — what are the chances — why sacrifice flavor for fear? I’m pretty sure they had fried green beans on my last visit, which I believe were also good.
My complaint with Gordon James is the noise level. When it gets a little crowded, the volume picks up as though you are in an echo chamber. It becomes close to impossible to have a conversation. Outside of that — not bad.

Here for the first time and sat at the bar. Very nice inside and out. Not too busy for a Sunday. Bartender kept calling be «dude.». Not too sure how I feel about that.
Service was prompt. He immediately took my drink order and asked if I wanted a menu. I ordered the 8oz flat iron steak and lobster tail. (since it was on the governments tab, I thought I’d splurge).
Steak was awesome as was the lobster. All was hot and fresh. I’ll be back.

A bit pricy. Good solid food, but no signature entre. The drinks are VERY stiff, and good. I love the main dining room and the décor.
Solid 2^nd or 3^rd choice in San Clemente, but be prepared to drop $ 130 on dinner for 2.
Catherine is an EXCELLENT waitress.

Needed to meet a friend fromTokyo who is based in OC. So the location was set for Gordon James Grill in San Clemente for lunch. I arrived a bit early as traffic from Los Feliz/​Silverlake to San Clemente was light and fast. about 1 hour. the place was empty so I sat at the bar. noticed they had a good selection of Tequila and spirits. the negative was that the the shelves were directly in front of windows which would UV the liquor all day long. hmmm I thought. my friends arrived and I ordered their soup of the day. Potato Leek? soup. and a crab melt sandwhich. The soup was thick and hearty and nicely done. the crab melt was un eventful to say the least. open faced bread with melted cheese with a crab spread that was just. ok! not killer dish!
One in our party ordered Salmon dish. but what came out was something else. Our server took a few moments to do the right thing. but the brief look that she «did no wrong and took the order correctly» did not help. I am not a frequent visitor to San Clemente, but will try something else next time I am in the area. ie. the Cheeseburger that other reviewers talk about or another restaurant on the strip. they have to do something about sunlight hitting all the whisky and tequilas. I wasnt in the mood to comment or educate the management. OH yes. remember why I did not order the burger. it said KOBE beef. real Kobe beef cost $ 25.00 for 100 grams at least in Japan or the world if imported. how can they say its Kobe beef… certainly not for under $ 20.00 hamburger.

This is totally based on Happy Hour…
If you can’t tell already, I am a happy hour connoisseur. Basically means I have nothing to do in the middle of the day between meals other than eat and drink. I like good deals.
I’ve passed this place several times and the huge happy hour sign outside finally brought me in. They have half off different drinks different nights. Like, on Wednesday house wines are half off, I think Tuesday is half off Margaritas, and Sunday it was half off their draught beer. Other stuff other nights of the week… one night is was martini half off. Not bad…
They have a bar menu which is 6 bucks for like 6 or 7 or 8 dishes. We had the beef skewers, coconut shrimp, and kobe sliders. All delish… but after a bill of 25 bucks with three apps one beer and and ice tea, and still feeling unsatisfied… I thought, there has got to be a better deal. The portions we small. I guess I am just spoiled by some of my other happy hour spots that are half priced apps and drink up in LA. It wasn’t a super value. I will go back for a teaser place… hehe…and for quick happy drink as I walk by.

Been coming here since it opened and am afraid the fare has declined of late. I don’t know if that’s a consequence of James leaving (never really cared for the guy) or not.
I used to think they had the best burgers in all OC, but not anymore. The warm spinach salad ain’t warm no more. Servers used to be a lot more personable but there’s one long-​timer who is still there and is great.
I hate to see this place slipping but Gordon needs to pay attention to some of these reviews and buck up a bit.

Go for the burger, grab the (fried) green beans and don’t forget to share your french fries with someone walking by if you’re eating on the patio. ;)
If you let your servers know you’re needy, then you’ll be visited regularly. Otherwise, they’ll let you do your thing and leave ya be. Maybe it’s the beach mentality. Either way — it’s worth the visit and a great place to stop by if you have a moment or two ta’kill.
The owner’s may be around and let you sample a think or to for you to enjoy in the future.

Gordon James is my all time favorite restaurant by far! It consistently has AMAZING food and great service. Whenever I’m in San Clemente I always stop by the good ol’ Gordon James.
Some people I guess need to give this place the second chance that it deserves…

my filet mignon had a hole in the middle of it. i guess that’s where they shot the cow.
at first i wanted to write something funny but i think i’m still pissed at this place to be funny. read at your own risk.
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Gordon James: you might be pretty high up there in San Clemente but you don’t stand a chance in LA and i’m sorry that i erred on the side of clouded generosity by giving you a high rating last time.
A) Last time, your deep fried green beans stole my heart. This time, it gave my heart a cardiac arrest. The tangled mess of fried green beans made it difficult to pull just one from the bunch, and the bean separates from its fried sheath.
The crunch was so damn oily that i started leaving the crunch behind and just ate the green bean naked. And even then it was STILL too oily. i love fried crunch from fried chicken and such and this night’s was piss poor. i felt bad that the table got two orders. I was already full by this time.
B) Your male patrons think your waitress Betsy T is hot, but the keen ones want to strangle her. She might seem like a ditz but by the expressions in her eyes, she’s smarter than that and is out to make everyone miserable because she has to work at Gordon James on a Sunday night.
1) if everyone’s menus are closed, why does she wait 15 more minutes before taking orders when she has checked on us once and immediately turns away?
2) If your store is out of all fish, why does she still read them as specials? Why are all the fish on the menu unavailable and she doesn’t let on until people have their hearts set on them?
3) if a vegetarian would like a small plate of grilled veggies and some mashed potatoes, why do you charge a full entrée and a side?
4) why would a medium Filet Mignon come out well done with a limp hole in the middle and that part was thinner as in slightly decayed? (see circled on picture — it’s not obvious though) if you had to stab the hunk of meat to cut and make other slices of filet mignon, don’t you turn this ruin slice of meat into strips for a steak salad, instead of serving roadkill?
5) was it because the girl who ordered the filet mignon is the only asian she has ever seen and the asian dared to ask how much the ribeye special was, and she has a camera? the new york steak for the white guy in the next seat turned out to be a perfect medium. I’m not trying to pull the Race Card but if two steaks are on the same ticket and you overcook one and put a hole in it, and the other one turns out perfect, that just looks suspicious. i’m just sayin’.
6) if the bus boy is clearing plates and everyone is done eating, why does the waitress ask if everything is okay and doesn’t offer dessert menus? Obviously it’s too late to fix if anything was not okay. Yes, she did offer to make me a new steak, but of course i have to forfeit. I’ll be damned if the kitchen staff doesn’t step on it all over the bathroom floor first or jizz on it before giving it to me. Besides, the new steak will take forever+30 minutes and the group will be watching me eat. and I can imagine her with that IQ to charge for a second steak
C) Why does your service suck so badly? Why the hell does everything take so long when your restaurant is small? Is that why you offer crayons, so that patrons can express their frustrations on them?
What kind of a sophisticated restaurant offers crayons? You’re not some lame American joint, are you?
and why is my water glass empty when i cut into my roadkill and is still empty at the end of the meal? just because my beloved boyfriend offered me his doesn’t mean he doesn’t want any water.
D) Why is it always so goddamn noisy? Everyone’s speaking at top volume and before you know it, it’s dinnertime on the the floor at the NYSE
E) Why do you charge $ 18 corkage fee when Ruth’s Chris only charges $ 15? Plus, you offer Clos de Bois? That’s like $ 7 from any grocery store. How uncouth. Shame on you.
Why do you charge 20% gratuity when standard is 18% for a group of 6+? Your waitress definitely didn’t deserve 20% and i don’t care if she’s hot or not.
Why don’t you offer the birthday boy free dessert? Even Ruth’s Chris does and they do such a good job from the get-​go, with a card signed by the staff and nice table decorations.
I think generally i would be pissed if price was way disproportionate to value, and my steak had a dead hole in it. I wanted to flip the table tonight because my boyfriend’s dad paid for it and it was his birthday.
t (–_​-​t) here’s a double-​fisted F You, Gordon James.
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man, all that unloading was better than taking a huge dump. Thank you, Unilocal

What can I say, this place is our date restaurant. Great martini’s, great location, great steaks. When we are able to ditch the kids for a few hours this is our favorite. Not cheap, but well worth the money! The bar gets hopping as well, but I will leave that up to the others to comment about. we always spend to much time enjoying the food and have to get home to save the baby sitter from insanity!

Over priced
over hyped
beautiful building though…
come here if you feel like paying too much for decent food… oh, and if you feel like showing off your ‘new’ money. it’s great for that…

If you appreciate great service, a strong wine list and some really good American food, then do yourself a favor and read below.
You absolutely cannot go wrong here. A wonderful bar that you can have a cocktail or five before you get seated in the dining room or you can have dinner in the bar.
In the dining room you will experience a laid back atmosphere and service that rivals the best fine dining places out there.
The appetizers rock (I’m a fan of the fried green beans) and I also like to go off menu for the specials. Don’t be afraid to pull the trigger on the surf and turf, because not only is it a great meal but it is also about $ 30 less than what I expected to be charged for it. Another sure fire winner is the bone-​in rib eye with blue cheese crumbles and the raspberry /​fig reduction (also off menu).