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Rare Society Steakhouse Opens in San Clemente, Blending Vintage Charm with Modern Flair

05.24.23

Attention all steak aficionados and lovers of retro-inspired dining experiences! TRUST Restaurant Group proudly unveils Rare Society, its latest open-flame steakhouse concept, in the beautiful coastal town of San Clemente. Led by Chef/Owner Brad Wise, this new addition to the hospitality collective pays homage to vintage Las Vegas steakhouses while embracing a contemporary dining aesthetic. Get ready to savor wood-fired, Santa Maria-style grilled meats, sustainably-sourced seafood, and an innovative cocktail program that sets Rare Society apart.

Nestled on Avenida Del Mar, the 5,500-square-feet Rare Society in San Clemente stands as the flagship restaurant for this rapidly expanding brand. The interior design, masterfully crafted by GTC Design, seamlessly blends the classical Spanish architecture of the historic district with opulent touches, arched motifs, and brass accents reminiscent of other Rare Society locations. Having initially opened its doors in 2019, Rare Society now boasts two locations in San Diego, one in Santa Barbara, and another in Mill Creek, WA. With plans to expand across the United States in the future, this trendsetting steakhouse is gaining well-deserved recognition.

At the heart of Rare Society's menu lies its premium meat boards, which embody the shared dining experience that defines TRUST Restaurant Group. The Executive and The Associate boards offer a selection of cuts (chef-determined nightly) presented on a custom-designed, wood Lazy Susan. These shareable platters showcase the restaurant's 30-40 day dry-aged steaks and a variety of exquisite wagyu cuts, complemented by house-made sauces such as bearnaise, horseradish, and Chef Wise's signature Santa Maria-style salsa. Stainless steel meat cabinets proudly display Rare Society's in-house dry-aged cuts, prepared according to Chef Wise's exacting specifications. The culinary offerings also include beloved steakhouse classics like oyster Rockefeller, Parker House rolls, seafood towers, and Caesar salad.

The bar program at Rare Society offers inventive twists on classic steakhouse cocktails. Indulge in their signature Rare Old Fashioned, featuring dry-aged fat-washed bourbon, rosemary oleo, bitters, and a lardo garnish. The back bar showcases an impressive collection of American whiskeys and old-school bourbons, catering to discerning palates. Complementing the protein-forward menu, the extensive wine list features a thoughtfully curated selection of approachable Old World and New World wines.

To strike the perfect balance between the classical Spanish-style exterior and the mid-century-inspired interior, Chef Wise collaborated once again with GTC Design to bring the vision of the fifth location to life. The result is a sophisticated yet laid-back ambiance that harmoniously blends the opulence of a traditional Las Vegas steakhouse with the relaxed atmosphere of a Southern California beach town. Upstairs, panoramic Pacific Ocean views greet guests through oversized windows, creating an unparalleled dining experience both indoors and on the patio. Plush leather booths and long communal tables encourage guests to unwind and revel in the moment. 

The private dining room, adorned with lavish gold accents and a breathtaking custom light fixture, offers an intimate and unforgettable setting for special occasions.

Rare Society will initially be open for dinner five days a week, Wednesday through Sunday starting at 5 p.m. Lunch service will launch later this summer. Reservations are available on Tock and the downstairs dining area will be available for walk-ins. Parking is available in the lot behind the restaurant in addition to street parking.

226 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente. 949.669.7273.

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