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Iva Lee's Reviews List
Iva Lee's
Come on in, have a sit, and set a spell.
Welcome to Iva Lee's.
Iva Lee's is a southern style dinner house featuring Southern cuisine, live music & full bar.
Iva Lee's offers great specialty drinks like Hurricane's, Mint Julep's and the famous Georgia Peach Martini. It also has a great wine list.
Chef Christopher Starr creates dishes from various regions of the South and is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America. He creates great dishes such as grilled pork chop with a brown sugar pecan glaze & pan seared scallops over Anson Mills cheesy grits with sautéed Southern vegetables.
See more Iva Lee's details
Welcome to Iva Lee's.
Iva Lee's is a southern style dinner house featuring Southern cuisine, live music & full bar.
Iva Lee's offers great specialty drinks like Hurricane's, Mint Julep's and the famous Georgia Peach Martini. It also has a great wine list.
Chef Christopher Starr creates dishes from various regions of the South and is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America. He creates great dishes such as grilled pork chop with a brown sugar pecan glaze & pan seared scallops over Anson Mills cheesy grits with sautéed Southern vegetables.
61 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Rating Breakdown 61 reviews
5 stars
(29)
4 stars
(23)
3 stars
(7)
2 stars
(1)
1 star
(1)
Food
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- neighborhood gem(40)
- special occasion(27)
- fit for foodies(24)
- romantic(24)
- vibrant bar scene(21)
- good for groups(18)
Iva Lee's Reviews List
Review 1 for Iva Lee's
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Brunch treat!!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Our brunch was delicious! Fresh, perfectly prepared, and delicious. We started with the cured salmon, which was excellent with its canopy of micro greens! Next I had the steak Benedic-perfectly prepared.
There are some unusual choices on the menu, which we look forward to trying...the fried green tomatoes or banana foster French toast will be first."
There are some unusual choices on the menu, which we look forward to trying...the fried green tomatoes or banana foster French toast will be first."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 2 for Iva Lee's
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Love it
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We go to Iva Lee’s often, and Mothers Day brunch is one of our favorites. There is always great music and food and a warm and welcoming staff. The owners are wonderful people. If you haven’t been to Iva Lees you must go, make an evening of it at the bar listening to the band of the night. Every meal on the menu will have you coming back!"
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, vibrant bar scene, great for outdoor dining, great for brunch, notable wine list, kid-friendly, romantic, late-night find, neighborhood gem, hot spot, great for lunch, special occasion
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Review 3 for Iva Lee's
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Nice overall meal
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Nice restaurant in downtown San Clemente.
Food has a New Orleans flair and was very good.
Some interesting menu items.
Will definitely return."
Food has a New Orleans flair and was very good.
Some interesting menu items.
Will definitely return."
Dined on 04/23/2013
2005
Special Features: neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 4 for Iva Lee's
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
We had Fried Green Tomatoes
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We had Fried Green Tomatoes & crab cakes for appetizer - There were 4 of us and none of us cared for it even though the web-site reviews were favorable. Salmon was OK. This was our first visit with friends from out of town."
Dined on 04/24/2013
2010
Special Features: notable wine list
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Review 5 for Iva Lee's
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
I have already highly recommended
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
"I have already highly recommended Iva Lee's after this , my first meal there. As a mom to an upcoming chef and wife to a fabulous "hobby home chef", often I am disappointed with dining out- that was not the case with Iva Lee's.
I look forward to my next meal there."
I look forward to my next meal there."
Dined on 04/23/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 6 for Iva Lee's
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great meal, interesting drinks...ve
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Great meal, interesting drinks...very unique for so cal. I ordered the special which was halibut. Honestly it was not as fresh as I would have liked. The preparation and presentation was way above average. My companions enjoyed their meals of roast pork, which I encouraged them to order after having it on my first visit. We arrived at 7:30 and we were still enjoying ourselves at 11:45. Very nice of the staff not to make us feel that we were overstaying our welcome. I have also attended cater parties supplied by Iva Lees and I was very impressed. I will return."
Dined on 04/20/2013
2012
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, late-night find, neighborhood gem
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Review 7 for Iva Lee's
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
A little noisy Sat night so
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"A little noisy Sat night so forget about intimate conversation. Great band which accounted for a lot of the noise. But the first 1/2 hour the band played dinner music, which was nice. The dance floor was too small, kept bumping into other dancers. Would I come back -- you betcha."
Dined on 04/20/2013
2010
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Review 8 for Iva Lee's
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Overall it was great ! Loved
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Overall it was great ! Loved the smaller plates and the fried chicken was wonderful. A little disappointed in the hush puppies-they were soggy and doughy."
Dined on 04/02/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 9 for Iva Lee's
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Food was very good, service
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Food was very good, service good not pushy or hovering, however tables too close together and when asked to be seated in a booth we were told we could not although the restaurant was not at all full. For me probably better in the evening, ambiance too dark for Easter brunch."
Dined on 03/31/2013
2013
Special Features: late-night find, neighborhood gem
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Review 10 for Iva Lee's
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Intro to Iva Lee's
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Enjoyed our first visit here. The decor reminded us of old New Orleans, service was warm and efficient. Nice selection for wines by the glass and my wife's peach martini was delicious. Our appetizers were okay, the fried green tomatoes and crab stack needed a bit more flavor. My porkchop was tender and flavorful. My wife wished there was more flavor to the collard greens in her shrimp and grits, but I liked my tastes of dish. The bar looked lively, there was a blues ensemble playing in the bar and their music was pretty loud throughout the restaurant - luckily they were really good! There's definitely enough here to bring us back soon."
Dined on 03/22/2013
2006
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, hot spot
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Review 11 for Iva Lee's
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Loved our recent dinner there,
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Loved our recent dinner there, will definitely be returning!"
Dined on 03/21/2013
2008
Special Features: neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 12 for Iva Lee's
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
I've never had a bad meal
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I've never had a bad meal at Iva Lee's and their Fat Tuesday catfish dinners are one of my favorite things to eat. I could make a meal just out of their collard greens and garlic mashed potatoes themselves.Headin' back there this coming Tuesday."
Dined on 03/19/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem
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Review 13 for Iva Lee's
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Good time!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We had a great time and enjoyed our food. The music was awesome! Server went out of her way to make our experience wonderful."
Dined on 03/16/2013
2007
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, good for groups, special occasion
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Review 14 for Iva Lee's
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Excellent Southern food, New
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Excellent Southern food, New Orleans atmosphere, in San Clemente. Who knew?"
Dined on 03/15/2013
2009
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 15 for Iva Lee's
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
I know that some think it
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"I know that some think it is fasionable to stack the food on top of each portion but the flavors all run together in a mess. For example the spinach was soggy and a disaster. I miss the pork chop. You must have a new chief. The food was not that good. Not able to give a good refernce. It was disappointing"
Dined on 03/08/2013
2013
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Review 16 for Iva Lee's
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Hit The Spot
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Super yummy down home cooking Braised short rib to die for. Gumbo and Jambalya wow. Pear Benet not so much BUT the home made apple pie wow. Great Servers. Friendly, welcoming"
Dined on 03/09/2013
2005
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 17 for Iva Lee's
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Disappointing
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"After all I'd heard about this restaurant, I was so disappointed. Everything was OK, not great. Food arrived cold and the waitress never returned to ask how it was. We were hungry so ate it any way. Waitress never asked me if I wanted another glass of wine & bus boy whisked away my one glass before I was done. At least it wasn't too expensive. Will not go back."
Dined on 03/08/2013
2005
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Review 18 for Iva Lee's
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We love it there! It was our
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We love it there! It was our first time going to Iva Lee's, but will definately be back. The music was amazing, the food was great, and so was the service. So far, one of my favorite places in Orange County."
Dined on 03/01/2013
2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem, romantic
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Review 19 for Iva Lee's
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Good eats in San Clemente
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We had a fun time. The wait staff was friendly and efficient and the food was good.
It was packed on Friday night. Good live music and although they have a very small bar, people were dancing.
We had the New Orleans shrimp, the chicken and the red snapper. Everyone was very pleased with their meals. The house made sausage was delicious as were the shrimp and grits ( never had shrimp with grits, great combination)!
And buy a bottle of their hot sauce to take home. Good stuff!"
It was packed on Friday night. Good live music and although they have a very small bar, people were dancing.
We had the New Orleans shrimp, the chicken and the red snapper. Everyone was very pleased with their meals. The house made sausage was delicious as were the shrimp and grits ( never had shrimp with grits, great combination)!
And buy a bottle of their hot sauce to take home. Good stuff!"
Dined on 02/22/2013
2011
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 20 for Iva Lee's
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We had a wonderful meal and
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We had a wonderful meal and the live music was great as well."
Dined on 02/20/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 21 for Iva Lee's
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great southern cooking in south OC
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Can't believe it took us so long to make it to this restaurant. We were thoroughly impressed and can't wait to go back to try different dishes on their menu. Really a hidden gem in south OC."
Dined on 02/01/2013
2008
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 22 for Iva Lee's
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Love the bourbon flight and
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Love the bourbon flight and live entertainment"
Dined on 02/16/2013
2012
Special Features: neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 23 for Iva Lee's
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Fabulous food with a "Nawlins"
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Fabulous food with a "Nawlins" edge. Excellent firey jambalaya, pecan pie to die for. Nice atmosphere and spot-on service."
Dined on 02/15/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 24 for Iva Lee's
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The shrimp 'n grits appetizer
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The shrimp 'n grits appetizer sets the stage for a truly authentic southern meal. Absolutely delicious. Forget what you've heard about grits, you won't want to miss this. Our server offered to add another shrimp to accommodate everyone on our group- nice touch. However, he brought our main course before we were finished with our salads--a big no-no in my book. He did apologize, for his misstep. The sea bass special was excellent and those who ordered the short ribs raved about them. Overlook the few missteps in service because this is a memorable place-- skip the desserts and enjoy the jazz."
Dined on 02/15/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic
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Review 25 for Iva Lee's
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Iva Lee's Retaurant is a local gem!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great food and atmosphere in a very cozy locale and all in our hometown of San Clemente even though you'd swear you were in New Orleans!"
Dined on 02/12/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic
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Review 26 for Iva Lee's
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
WHAT HAPPENED TO THIS PLACE???
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I have not been here for over 6 months. The service was horrible... Too bad it's a nice place too."
Dined on 02/08/2013
2004
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Review 27 for Iva Lee's
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
I selected Iva Lee's for a
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I selected Iva Lee's for a special occasion. I had been to your restaurant once previously and enjoyed we enjoyed ourselves tremendously. This time around I was disapointed in the quality of the food that we ordered. The ribs were over cooked, the steak was also over cooked and dry. The Jambulaya was really disapointing.The shrimp was bland and tasted like it was right out of the can and the baby scallaps were in my opinion not scallaps but tasted like sting ray bits. Had I known baby scallops were in it and not Large scallops, I would NOT have selected the Jambulaya. The sausage was also a bit over cooked. I'm trying to be honest in my evaluation and hope you will take this review as being helpful to making Iva Lee's a late night find."
Dined on 02/08/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 28 for Iva Lee's
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
tuesdays
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"i went on a tuesday and they had a special menu for fat tuesday. so every tuesday they have this menu in addition to their regular menu. the menu is a great deal and has really good items on it. what a wonderful way to make a ordinary tuesday more exciting"
Dined on 02/05/2013
2012
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 29 for Iva Lee's
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Nice ambiance, BUT.......
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Food with exception of the shrimp and grits was sub-par. Very cozy place, though, and very nice service. However, since the food really wasn't very good, don't think we'll be back."
Dined on 02/06/2013
2011
Special Features: romantic
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Review 30 for Iva Lee's
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food and memories
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I took my daugher for her belated 21st birthday dinner. It happened to be a Thursday evening when martinis are $5.00 all night long (dangerous). We were famished upon arrival and all of the food was delectable, memorable, and nothing short of fabulous. The live music made the evening enchanting. We sat back at one point and stated that we could swear we were in New Orleans. It is a wonderful special occasion place for dinner--not really for small children, but definitely for foodies!"
Dined on 01/31/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 31 for Iva Lee's
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great Find
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I ordered the rib eye with root vegetables and garlic mashed potatoes. This meal was so savory, and delicious! Best steak I've had in a long time, not to mention it was Thursday half off on specialty martini's. Yum Yum"
Dined on 01/31/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Iva Lee's
Based on the average of (30) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.5
/
5
5 out of 5 recommend this product
Food
(Outstanding)
4.5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic