Big Helyn's Saloon

Nice little neighborhood bar. Very relaxed and friendly with a variety of colorful local characters.

Massive fight amongst underage military personnel. Exactly what I signed up for! Same. This is what I wanted. What else do you expect for SC

Oh yeah, I love their whiskey colas.

love a good dive bar, best local bar in town!

If you live in the south end of town and looking for a cold beer and some fun conversation this is the place. Great drink specials and it’s like a party every time i am there.

Laid back atmosphere, enjoy your chili and some pull!

Great little bar . Friendly staff. Delightful view....of the western skyline.

This building was just your average bar, but the service and clientele were phenomenal!! I was in town visiting my son at Camp Pendleton for Thanksgiving. Jess didn't just give suggestions of a place to try and get reservations for Thanksgiving dinner, she called, got reservations set up, and made it happen for us. I instantly felt at home and made life long friends.

Awesome place in the middle of the brutal LA-SD drive. Regular named Andrew recommended I get a pickled egg. He also says Jess is the hottest bartender anywhere and he's not wrong. Real fun, good music, eclectic crowd. Would recommend as a great pit stop.

Like being in your living room as far as vibe. Love the place... Can't even imagine the place on a rocking night, it's fun at 11am

Jess is an amazing bartender who truly lights up the room! Her energy and service are unmatched. The ambiance at Big Helen's is incredible--such a great place to be!

Best dive bar in town! There is always a party at Big Helyns! I would totally check it out!

Prices are great and fun vibes, don't miss this San Clemente classic. Outside area too.

Been going here for many years from the owner Gary Gayou to the staff great bunch of people the last watering hole in Orange County love big Helen's

I love coming here They have pinball, darts, and pool. The bartenders do an amazing job Drinks are a good price It is a dive bar but I love that!

THE BARTENDER JESSICA WAS SO MEAN, just kidding lol she was so nice and this place was so cool to come in and get a beer and relax. Definitely coming back here for another drink next time im out here surfing

Big Helyn's bartenders here are abrasive and rude. * My drink was served in a dirty glass * The place itself is sticky and smells like it never been cleaned * Entire place reaks of body odor and is downright out of place in San Clemente Summary: If you want to have a drink and gawk at a girl in a bikini, try your local strip club. At least they will be friendlier than the decrepit bartenders that work here.

Bartender allowed a super-wasted guy to mill around and kept serving him. Dude had a torn shirt and torn jacket, such that 1/4 of his bare back was exposed...and he stunk like someone whom had not had a shower in 1-2 weeks. The guy sat at my table and I felt sorry for him so I listened to his story. He became increasingly agitated and was spraying spit into my face. As a visitor to this bar, I assumed that me, being a non-local, was just not appreciated...I left with my drink 1/2 full wondering why the bartender choose to keep serving this guy and ignoring me. I got the feeling that visitors were not appreciated here.

One of the best dive bars I have been to! How did I not find this place sooner? Drinks are so cheap!! $3.75 for a Coors Light! Can't beat that!!!! Drinks are stiff, if you don't drink beer! You definitely get what you pay for and more! Bartender was smoking hot and on top of it, we never had an empty drink in front of us! Very attentive! They don't serve food but they allow you to DoorDash food to the bar.. (we came in yesterday (Saturday) and had Jersey Mikes deliver straight to the bar where we were sitting outside on the patio, there were 6 of us. Jess was the absolute best and her service was outstanding!! 10/10 recommend. Think I found my new watering hole!

Ignore the bad reviews from the whiny millennials who come to a dive bar that serves real drinks and can't understand why they don't have craft beers and trendy mixology drinks for 16 bucks a drink. This is a neighborhood bar...a real bar...not a trendy Artisanal Bar. Go to Big Helyns for a real drink.

If you love dive bars (and I do) then go to Big Helyn's. All the negatives on these reviews (fights, sticking to the floor, strong drinks) are positives in my book. If you are that uptight, I am sure that Las Brisas has a $25 margarita ready for you.

No food. Drinks are shitty. Bartenders are rude and you find coke in the bathrooms. And the place smells like puke and crap

The great thing about dive bars is that they're usually dark, cheap, and no one expects you to "put on a happy face". Typically I enjoy the people that wander in and out of dive bars at all hours of the day and night. Occasionally I meet an interesting person with a colorful story - even if the story can be somewhat incomprehensible at times. But Big Helyn's really ISN'T that kind of dive bar. None of the patrons could talk, much less relay an interesting story as far as I could tell. I may have picked a bad time to go in, but it looked to me like a lot of the patrons were either super-drunk or on hard core drugs (not just your run-of-the-mill SC stoner.) Calling this place DIRTY is being conservative. My feet stuck to the floor every step I made. Also, there was a fight. I wasn't there an hour and a barstool went flying. The sun wasn't even down yet. Not my idea of a "good dive bar." The up side? The bartender was very attentive (I had a beer) and you won't find a cheaper drink anywhere in Southern California.

I personally prefer dive bars and not 'trendy' places to drink. This place is super mellow with mostly locals about 40-50 aged, but friendly locals, don't worry. They got some good music playing and a box to play something you want to hear. They got tvs usually with whatever game is on and pool table to kick back with some buddies. It's a smaller bar that just fits the bar couple tables and the pool table just right and there some empty space to dance if your drunk self so desires. I just enjoy going there for 'big helyns';) If your not local, 'big helyns' is known for having woman as bartenders with big boobs:) big tits, playing pool, watching the game and some Jonny walker black label, I can't complain. If you like mellow bars just looking to have a drink and enjoy yourself this is a great place towards the end of Camino real/SC by Carl's Jr., cafe deal sol and lowers lot. If you are one of those weirdos who are trying to look cool and care what other people think and posting 'insta worthy' shit then go down to Laguna beach, San Clemente might not be your place, please!

Day drinking here has been good they have a decent selection of alcohol. Other than that that's all they have going for the place.

This bar over serves already wasted patrons, doesn't stop or prevent fights and allows underaged kids to drink. Only a matter of time before it is shut down

If you like dive bars then you'll love Big Helen's. Good bloody Mary's. Sweet and nice bartender(s). Cheap. Dark inside. Hard to hangout on a sunny day but just be prepared. Sat on outside patio and dished up the sun.

LOVE this bar. Stumbled upon it after the American Nightmare reunion show in LA on New Year's Eve... We drove straight back to San Diego because I had to work, but I wanted to find a chill dive to ring in the new year at. I would love to come back here and get fully trashed, but the one problem is, it's in the middle of nowhere! I ordered a crown&ginger, and my boy got a beer. He said.. "The drink is on me for the lady, but you sir have to pay for the beer." That was super awesome. 15 minutes later, it was time to pop the champagne and toast to the New Year. The bartenders were kind of tipsy, and so were the patrons there, that it was about 5 minutes after the actual countdown that Big Helyn did their countdown. And you know what, that is fine with me. Great bartenders, chill atmosphere, and Billy Idol blaring from their jukebox... I can't think of a better way to start the new year than with Big Helyn.

Cons: there is no food (perhaps this is actually a good thing), there is no parking, the bathrooms start out clean but go down hill pretty quickly, they get short on glasses and seats Pros: they allowed us to order food and have it delivered, great people watching, our bill was cheap

This bar is amazing! The customer service is great. The ladies behind the bar were so friendly. They greeted each guest with a smile and warm welcome. They're cute as hell. The patrons were friendly. I recommend this dive bar to anyone looking for a chill place to have a great time!

Great place to have some Drinks with Friends near the beach here in San clemente . Margaritas are pretty good service was fine

They used to have a drink called a "clown puncher" with a punch card to go with it. After 5 clown punchers you got one free. The house wine is Jaeger and you can't pass up the low-life special (tallboy of high life and a shot of Jim Beam. The diviest of dive bars. Great prices, terrible atmosphere, occasional the bar tenders are drunker than the patrons, and you may encounter a Marine on the verge of alcohol poisoning. 10/10 would recommend. I miss this bar.

Thank you, yelp, for leading me here. I was in town for a couple nights and thought I'd stop by. It was pretty much exactly how Luke described it, but better. End of the night: sneaking onto Camp Pendleton with a hot marine? Yes, please. The End.

If you are looking for a bar where you are going to find attractive women you should stay as far away from this place as humanely possible. The only women that are attractive here is some of the Bartenders. I was a regular at this bar on weekdays for about six months and the reason for my 4/5 stars is the really laid back atmosphere. The bartenders will actually bullshit with you and act more like your friend than employee. Also alcohol is SO cheap! And for an alcoholic like me a four dollar jack and coke and pitcher of beer sounds better than a blowjob. A 5 star dive bar with 3 star taste ;)! Also there is some pretty big douche bags that come here some times and think that the punching machine is an actual test of their combat abilities...HA

Helen's was awesome!!! I loved it as my first time here! Except Chris became an a**hole after he said my friend and I could play a game of pool. We even told him "well people are still sitting at the bar" and he told us "well they aren't the same as you" he grabbed the balls from the pool game so we left!Would love to return on a night he's not working. The batenders were sweethearts and I absolutely loved Megan! She was a rock star!

I have been a San Clemente resident for many years now and until today I had not ventured into Big Helyns. I have been missing one of the best spots south of L.A. The bartenders such as the beautiful Angele, are true in all aspects of bartending. They know how to make and mix a drink, mixologist is a word that comes to mind. People that come into Big Helyns are locals, marines, bikers and/or anyone that wants a comfortable environment to be in. The drinks are great. The service is awesome as if every employee was an owner or a stock holder. Angele, thank you

Came here on my way to Ocean's 11 to play poker with a couple friends...walked in and thought hmmm what a divey place to have a drink. I'm in! So I had three jack and cokes because I had to drive...prolly more like 6 jack and cokes they were pretty strong... the place has a pool table a few characters at the bar...and other shoddy characters..make sure you don't stir up any sh*t here and try not to come alone.

O-M-F-G. Yeah, I just wrote that. Why? Simply because of the shenanighans I've gotten myself into at this fine establishment. Well, don't let me lead you on by using the word "fine" in my review. I don't mean it's fine in aethetics, but rather in spirit. Basically, you don't know what a true dive is until you visit Big Helyn's or an equivalent. Dirty, stale, cheap drinks, friendly bartenders, cash only (with an ATM on site), juke box, pool tables, smoking patio out back, single bathrooms, dark.. yup, bonafide dive. I was a little out of my element when I first visited, but after a few drinks with some friendly, ready-to-party marines, it's been nothing but good times.

BEWARE! Payed with a credit card and was nice enough to leave the tip in cash. Turns out the bartenders added themselves a little extra tip on top of what I had already left. Pure Sketchy!!!! I wonder how many people they scam

The place is the poster child for dive bars. Raunchy! But beer is cheap and pool table is level.

Blew in from out of town, was introduced to this great dive bar by a (no longer) friend (read POG). Met some Samoan rugby players, my favorite biker guy Gary and the best bartender Jenna and about 4 grunts. Marines everywhere! Cheap pitchers. Had my tall boy of PBR ripped open by the Samoan which was hilarious! If you want to have a fun night with some hot guys, come here, and you won't be going home alone!

This place would totally be great if they had music going. Allot of old timers here :) very chill, and the bartenders are absolutely adorable and super sweet! The prices are great and the environment is welcoming. Crickets.... In their defense I went here on a weekday around 3 pm. It is the kind of place you can chat with a friend over a drink, which is what I did. And get drinks with a friendly smile and watch some sports.

Last bar in OC, Right by Trestles. Stiff drinks, Hot bartenders Worth checking out....

Don't bother coming in if you're a female. Friend got shoved out of the bar for looking over at the bartender.

Went to Big Helens and Megan is the bartender and manager. Service and experience was second to none. Hospitality was on point and this is a place to be treated with respect and kindness. Most of the time you go to a bar, you get an impersonal experience and you are just another patron, but not here. Visit if you want to have a drink with great people.

Erin Made us feel like family finally made it here 40 years of going by. We we'll definitely be back.

All I can say is it's my Sunday Funday destination, the crowd is friendly and welcoming no matter who you are. Cash is king and make everything cheaper, music is always great and entertaining. The bartender will just keep you in your seat and tell you some crazy stories if your up for it. Allie the Sunday Funday queen will take care off any alcohol needs and if your brave enuf... get a pickled egg(gas ahoy). The time are a changing but this place stays the same.

Big Helyn's is a great little dive type bar located off of Ave Calafia and close to the 5 FWY, the crowd is usually pretty "sausage festy" but if you're just going there for a good time and some good drinks then there really is no excuse not to go. The prices of the drinks are so cheap that a $20 dollar bill alone should take care of you pretty well for the night, the girls are so nice and down to earth. Ashley, Angele, Kandy (miss you!), etc. The Jukebox they have is SO RAD! Haha I've never seen one with an internet connection that you could look up any songs on... its a blast at $1 a song. Of course you aren't at the ritz, but if you can handle the crowd and just have a good time then you'll be coming back to helyns every week like my squad and I do. See you guys tonight! ;)

Shaking sand out of my ears from a day at the beach, I walked into Big Helyn's. It was like the music screeched to a stop, the Marines playing pool turned and looked at you like they are going to eat me. I quickly made my way to the bar counter and ordered the stiffest drink possible, "Jack and coke, hold the coke." This is a true drinking establishment of San Clemente. You better bring your "A" game if you want to drink here, because there are few guys in the bar, and a couple of girls, that will drink you under the table. Good place to start the night, bring a driver!

This place is your runt of the mill dive bar. Cheap drinks and rough men. This bar is not for everyone. If you aren't a biker, an MMA fighter, or a Marine, you probably aren't manly enough for this place.

Came up here from San Diego. The bartender was brand new and was I believe working her first shift. She had no clue what she was doing, asked very basic questions in regards to our drinks. The prices were crazy! The girls that work there seemed to be drunk on the job. No wonder the place was empty for a Saturday night. Will not be returning. Looked like there were some bars up the street that were packed compared to this one. Also -- why isn't there a men's restroom? Only a dual and a woman's! Strange place...

Love this bar! Beautiful bartenders, shady characters, strong drinks, and beautiful bartenders (again). Kandy, Karoline and the girls are great (and hot). Classic dive. No frills. Real people. No pretense.

I love this bar easy going lots of young guys ! Cougar den !!! If you want young hottie no strings this is the place To go! Oh yes I have a great time say hi to Gary try the clown punch.....

Cash only but great drinks. Lots of locals and military folks, great way to spend an evening listening to stories.

I love dive bars. These guys give it some effort but it does not come close to a meth shack in Palm Springs or a basement full of angry irishmen in a shitty boston suburb. This place comes close tho and the effort is wonderful. I was once in a bar where some hillbilly shit on the bathroom floor. No idea why, the toilet was closeby, there was indoor plumbing of sorts. With Tijuana so close they could go down to Zona Norte and get some tips. Maybe an in house coke dealer and pimp might help, IDK. I'd go back and vomit on my shoes if I'm in town again.

When you look up hole in the wall a picture of this place will be right next to it. Although it was a pretty laid back and chill place, the bartender will talk your ear off. She was young and tan early 20's chick with a hot body. She seriously had a story that revolved around her for every single topic(we weren't even talking to her) oh and that mouth of hers would've made a sailor blush. Not coming back!

Like in any establishment the attitudes of employees can make or break a place. If its gud the people come back. If its drama they might not, thats jus the way it goes. Sabrina, kandi, & stefinina are always in the right spirt and drama free. Which to b fair is more than i can say for sum of the others. These 3 stars represent those individuals who make it FUN to drop cash here...Lilly aint bad either. (honorable mention)