Blue Danube Steak & Seafood

The staff was nice, but the food was pretty terrible. I could barely choke down one bite of the tilapia. My husband got the filet and it was covered in so much sauce you couldn’t even taste the meat. That might have been a good thing though. This restaurant should really get some help from Gordon Ramsey on Kitchen Nightmares.

We ate in jail!
We visited Blue Danube last night. My daughter and son-​in-​law live just down the street. The place was surprisingly uncrowded, though it was a Sunday evening.
The young man who greeted us gave us a full range of seating options, including a jail cell (the building used to be San Clemente’s City Hall and has a couple of jail cells within it. We chose one of the jail cells. We had a wonderfull evening. We were way rowdier than we would have been out in the main room, though I’m sure they heard us clearly. The service was excellent, and the food was great and reasonably priced.
We had a great evening at this resteraunt and will certainly be back.

Awesome happy hour. We came for open jam jazz night. Honestly the apps sucked, but the Chimay was cheap and the layout was cool. I had heard that it closed down so hopefully I am not wrong.

This is a pretty cool historical building that would be a great location for a private party. But … the food was really awful, and the waitress seemed to know it was awful because she kept asking us if everything was okay in a tone that led me to believe she expected us to complain about it …
The atmohsphere (interesting architecture, live music) might save it if you are not interested in a decent meal. One musician that was warming up in the parking lot actually sounded pretty great, so we might be back for open mic night.

Bad food, bad vibe, bad music. No thanks. Won’t go again.

Wonderful service. The owner and his wife were very friendly
. felt homey for a big restaurant. She took us for a little tour of this historic place. Nice patio out back with 2 fire tables.
My chicken was good, but was warm (not hot). Taste was good, but it would’ve been better hot. My daughter’s spinach ravioli was delicious.
Good service, very attentive.

Came here on a Sunday morning with my parents and grandparents. The food and service was very low quality. The hollondaise sauce was broken and they still served it. The hostess was nice though

My husband I came here from a Groupon deal. It was a place I had wanted to try on our trip to San Clemente and it just so happened that this deal came up! Lucky us! I wanted to see the history of eating in an old jailhouse especially after visiting Casa Romantica.
When we arrived we were greeted by a very pleasant hostess who actually became our waitress. She walked us into the dining room and told us to pick whatever seat we would like. Being the only other couple we chose a window seat off to the side. The piano music they had playing was so beautiful and made for such a romantic lunch. Keep in mind we arrived late on a Sunday after brunch had been served in hopes of doing lunch. She took our drink orders and the ice tea hit the spot. She also was great about her enthusiasm of certain dishes I asked her about. Specifically the crab cakes. I had thought my husband would like the surf and turf tacos and so he ordered that as I went for the blue crab cake entrée. (I cook alot and know what types of seasonings my husband likes so no… he’s not wussy when ordering)
The food arrived and yes, it took awhile, but I loved how hot it was. I truly believe that if you are complaining about how long it takes your food to come out you may not have anything to say to your dining partner. My husband and I always have lots to talk about and never notice the time. We are blessed. Anyways, the garlic mashed potatoes matched the heat of the vegetables and the crab cakes. A true sign of a chef who knows how to time his dishes. No heat lamps here. I even saw the steam off of husbands tacos. My only complaint and this is because the last time I had crab cakes was at the Bellagio… so yeah… spoiled. Was that they were crispy on one side and mushy on the other. But the taste with the chipotle drizzle was so good it didn’t matter.
The only reason this place gets a four star rating is the sorta mushy crab cakes, the fact that they were out of the dessert we wanted and that as we passed the waitress as we were leaving she did not thank us for coming.
The place is beautiful on the Fish Tale side.

This is a really cool place. The bar area is big with about 10 tables for dining and a great fire place. They had live music and the owner played a couple sets on the piano. Wonderful service by the owner. Unfortunately the food is hit or miss. The chicken schnitzel was good but the vegis on the side were really bland. I will be back because of the atmosphere and service.

I got the groupon for this place because of the 4-​star review on Unilocal,but I should have read the reviews more carefully. The food wasn’t that great, although their outside patio was nice. Here is a breakdown of my big gripe that ruined the evening:
I ordered the halibut and my husband ordered salmon. Our food took a long time despite the fact that there weren’t many people there. My husbands salmon was sort of dry, but ok. My halibut was so over-​cooked that I could not even cut it!
So, I told the server that it was over-​cooked. She proceeded to argue with me about it — telling me it was like rubber because it was grilled! Come on! She also told me that she eats fish all the time, and that is just how it is. Well missy, I eat fish all the time too, and if that is what you are eating, I feel sorry for you! So, instead of politely just taking my plate and getting me new halibut, she asked me what else I wanted in a very condescending way. Well, I wanted halibut that was cooked right, but I guess that wasn’t an option. So, I switched to salmon. The new salmon took a very long time, but tasted good when I finally got it.
The kicker though, was that she charged me for the halibut, but my halibut was a disaster and I actually ate salmon. The halibut was more expensive than the salmon! Sheesh!

I read the reviews on Unilocal,and decided I had to give this place a chance. I am all for unique resturants, and the fact that it was previously a jail house made me want to go even more!
First of all, it is hard to find. The outside was dark and there were no clear signs. When we went in, it seems they changed their name as well.
We were seated immediately as the place was quite empty. It was a Thursday night. Personally, I like to eat in a place thats more crowded. Not only is it a sign of good food, but it also makes you feel like you are really going out. The resturant is enormous though, so it would take probably 200 people to fill that place.
The entertainment was interesting. An older gentleman playing a guitar, but it did the trick. You know that ackward feeling you get when you walk into a really empty resturant. Well, thats how I was feeling.
That didnt stop up from ordering up a little bit of everything. I really like European food (as I lived there for 10 years), and the menu got my interest. We even tried the trademark Blue Danabue Martini, and it wasnt bad. Well priced as well.
The food was priced a little higher than I expected. Understand, I usually go to Nicks, which I feel is priced very well for what you get, so seeing some entrees listed in the high 20’s was a surprise.
Lastly, the food itself. It was mediocre at best. It tasted ilke something a kid from college cooked up for this girlfriend. I ordered a chicken pasta dish and seriously, it was something I could have made myself in about 10 mintues. Way too much cream sause, the chicken tasted like it was something frozen. Very little taste. I sampled all the other disched at the table, and the consenus was the same. We ordered appetizers too, which were disappointing.
The only reason I give this place 4 stars is the resturant itself. It looks really cool. The waiters really try hard. They were very attentive. Its like they try so hard, but what they really need is a new chef. Or a chef… period!
So, no the worst meal of my life, but certainly nothing to write home about. IF you are bored and want to try something new, check it out. But if want a good meal, go to Nicks.

The food was ok; over salted and the rack of lamb was overtly fatty had WAY too much rosemary, giving it the texture of eating pine leaves. My husband had the jaeger schnitzel, which should be made with pork, but tasted like veal and was greasy, which is unusual for jaeger schnitzel. The menu is a hodgepodge of various foods, some German, Steaks, Italian, American, no real «theme» to their food that would have matched the atmosphere.
The service was intimidating; we were the only patrons, so the waitstaff were overzealous. The decorations are very kitchy… taking me back to the gasthauses we used to visit when we lived in Germany. It brought back good memories, if only the food had done the same.
I will say that the strudel, hands down, was the best I’ve ever had Stateside. The owner’s wife is Austrian, and she hand makes the strudel every day… impressive, and a must have.

This place is cute. I know they have events here at times. Im not sure if the kitchen had an off night, but the food wasnt anything special. I love good beer, and they do offer good beer on tap here. I would only go back for the beers!

Dear god where do I start? Walked in on a Tuesday night to find a jazz band who got their AARP cards two decades ago. Half way through the set a very nice lady no less than 80 got on the drums and ripped it. SO MUCH FUN. Food is good, but the wine list is dreadful. Get this straight, I’m no wine snob, but a good bottle with a European meal is a must. Get the Wiener Schnitzel (the veal one). I have had some bad Schnitzel in my life, and this was great.
The place has that charming old Europe feel that is refreshing in OC.
Go here for drinks and dinner, but only if you are not a snobby OC stuck-​up.

Meh … we arrived on a Friday night at 8pm and the place was dead, like eerily empty. It was very awkward to sit there by an un-​played piano with 10 staff members just watching us. I did appreciate the $ 10 menu though, I had the schnitzel and was quite happy with the taste and value there. My husband had the goulash which was also very tasty. The salmon appetizer we had was sub par, yuck, don’t order that.
Both our meals came with the generic (obviously frozen) veggie trio that cheap restaurants put on your plate as an afterthought … so right there I had to take away 2 stars.
A redeeming factor was the excellent important draft beer selection, kudos to that.
This place is just OK, don’t make a special trip there.

Oohhh Hungary, how I miss you so… Yes, I only studied abroad there for 4 months, but I must say it was one of the best experiences of my life! (I know everyone says it, but it’s true). Although Hungarian food doesn’t top my list of food cravings, it is still there, ever so present and waiting to come out.
He got a German Beer, the Oktoberfest — looked good
I got a glass of red wine, forgot which one, but it was good… they serve one fat glass
Baked Camembert: We started with this little appetizer. Holy F, that was good… It was basically breaded, fried, baby brie and fried bread with some cranberry sauce. I know it’s not one for those on strict diets, but damn was it good.
Wiener Schnitzel/​$ 10 special: He got this one. The fried on fries was yummy and all — but I think we may have overdid it. The steamed veggies on the side was VERY welcomed.
Schweins Braten: Mmmm Melt in your mouth pork with some awesome brown gravy. The noodles on the side were good too, with the crispness on some of them. The stewed cabbage-​like side was so so good and definitely tasted just like that in Budapest.
Tiramisu: mmmmm… I just started liking Tiramisu the other month, I swear, how did I ever NOT like this stuff?! Anyway, it came in a nice big glass, the layers were well proportioned, the cream wasn’t too sweet — all good.
Overall: I’d like to try their other food, maybe the Hungarian Goulash next time? Yess… I love goulash. Anyway, pretty place & hope to see more people there next time!

Blue Danube is romantic, European and historic. I have not stopped raving about this place since I discovered it last night thanks to Unilocal reviews. It’s a burst of deep culture that isn’t often found in Orange County.
As others reviews mention, BD is full of hidden rooms. I guess it was the cities original jail and there is this old hallway inside with the a sign that says San Clemente Jail House, est. 1928. There’s a jail cell dining room that is super cool. It was set for a seven top the day we were there. Not sure if more people could fit in there than that. It also still has the original restroom in the cell. It’s cleaned up and the sink and toilet have decorative rocks in them.
We ate in the lounge with live music. Drinks were good. I had a simple Stoli martini with olives. We shared a mixed green salad, with thinly sliced iceberg mixed with the leaves. I thought the iceberg added a soft touch because sometimes mixed greens can be a little to bitter for me. Great blue cheese dressing that I would guess was made in house.
They have a list of $ 10 dinner entrees. I was craving Italian so I actually ordered off that menu and got spinach ravioli. My boyfriend got some interesting European meal with pork and a mushroom sauce.
The prices are great for the ambiance and food quality you get. Most entrees are around $ 15. Overall we spent $ 58 plus tip, which included three cocktails, one salad, two entrees and a dessert! Oh and the bread comes out piping hot with regular butter and this awesome herb garlic cream cheese.
On Saturdays after 9 p.m. they do 80s music in the lounge. The patio with fire pits is really cool too. I seriously can’t wait to go back!

Seriously what a hidden gem !!!
You’d think this place would have quite a few reviews but only 4 measly reviews. Well I hope they start to gain some more recognition because I really enjoyed this place and will keep coming back over and over again!
So it’s easter and were in South Oc wtf do we do LOL My bf and I were about to fight major trying to find a place on Egg day and open later than 5pm. I suggested the Spectrum and he said F no, well im thinking San clemente isn’t the dining mecca on Easter day lol So we drove around like idiots and then a light bulb came into his head and he «Lets try that Blue Danube place, my bud told me about.» So we crossed our fingers hoping it was open. This place is tucked in the corner of a shopping center, don’t ask me about streets because im still new to SC. So anywho it was open and I was such in a foul mood with my bf and vice versa, I said I don’t even care lets just see what its about.
It was dead as hell in this place, almost worried about that. We had to fetch the bartender that was playing 3 roles for the evening, host, bartender and waiter LOL. So he sat us down and it looked like we were sitting in some rustic european eatery. The bartender/​waiter came and told us the Easter specials and I was very interested in the Turkey meal, like what you get on Thanksgiving.
We started off with Martini’s neatly made, my Bf had one for the first time it was a pumpkin martini and he loved it so much he ordered another. I had a peach one, my fav. Onto the food. We first ordered the shrimp cocktail GOOD! Salad before my meal very generous and delish too So I ordered the Turkey dinner and boy was it good, seriously, I felt like I was at Thanksgiving, the turkey was a mix of white and dark meat smothered with gravy, it was so moist and very delish!!! My veggies were steamed were perfectly .My Bf had the Chicken cordon bleu and I had one bite of it and boy was it good!!! WHen he cut into it, was so juicy and hot WOW. I took the cheese danish to go and my bf couldn’t keep his hands off it, Im so nice, I gave him my last bite lol.
Overall this place is cool. Super spacious!!! Family operated and they are super nice and were so happy we came in. This will be a regular spot for me!!!

It is so sad that this place does not have more reviews, because it’s one of the most unique restaurants in the area, and the reviews don’t do it justice. As my dad put it, they haven’t been making places like this one in decades. This family-​owned restaurant has clearly been around forever.
Décor: From the outside, this place looks like a small middle-​European restaurant, not that interesting. Which is why we passed it by so many times before going in. Once you walk in, however, you are transported. The restaurant, which is large enough to seat wedding banquets, is intended to look like an old European city. There is a piano bar in front. Then a pathway, lighted by an street lamppost, leads you between various smaller rooms, each of which has a different décor. Cavernous entrances to the different chambers are very atmospheric. One of these is located where ye olde San Clemente jail used to be, and still has some of the pirson gates worked into its design. There are interesting little embellishments all over the place, such as Klimt artwork built into the walls, bathrooms that look like they’re in old Vienna, etc. There is an outdoor patio with a fire pit as well.
Food: Delicious and lengthy menu of Hungarian and European fare. Fantastic paninis. Delicious salads. I hear the sausage dishes are great. And weekend specials include $ 3 bellinis and mimosas and $ 10 lunch deals. Prepare for a longer meal when you come here — the very friendly service pleasantly runs on European time.
Entertainment: They often seem to have musicians on the patio or in the bar. It appears that they host regular comedy nights and have a DJ set-​up, but I’m not sure what the current line-​up is or how frequently it runs. It’s a little odd because whenever we’ve been here, the enormous place has been pretty empty.

Blue Danube has a separate menu for the patio. It also has a different name, ‘City Yard,’ but does not have a separate entrance. It was a gorgeous evening so we sat outside on the patio.
The patio menu includes appetizers, panini’s, pizza, burgers. I don’t think there is one item that costs more than $ 8.95. I ordered the genoa salami pressed panini which comes with a pasta salad but I asked for a caesar instead. My panini was incredible. I’m not a panini person, especially when they’re pressed, but this was just so good. They had this herby spread and the meat was good and the cheese was melty. I wasn’t expecting much from the side caesar but it was creamy and tasted fatty, just how I like it. The croutons were small and from a package.
My dining partner had a burger which I tried. It was medium done, and just tasted plain. He liked it, though, saying it was better than the burger he had at Beachfire.
I couldn’t choose what dessert to get, but we decided on the cannoli’s. YUM. Way better than anything I have had on India Street in san diego.
The service was above par. I think the waiter was hiding in a corner and spying on us because the instant we needed anything it was brought out to us.
Once it got a little chilly the patio heaters weren’t turned on. I was wearing a long sleeved shirt so it wasn’t unbearable, but that explains the 4 instead of 5 stars. Next time I drive down the 5 (or up the 5), I will definitely be stopping here.