San Clemente’s first In-N-Out Burger is a little different from most of the Irvine-based chain’s other locations.

The single-lane drive-thru opened Friday, Dec. 9 in Pico Plaza, near the I-5 Freeway

The building, a single-lane drive-thru, has a Spanish Colonial Revival design with a red tile roof. That architecture style was required by the city because the location is a freeway gateway, according to a 2019 planning review.

Spanish Colonial Revival is a style that was popular in the early 20th century. In addition to red tile, its features often include low-pitched roofs, stucco surfaces and rounded arches.

The restaurant, which replaced the two-story California Bank & Trust building, was approved by San Clemente’s City Council in January 2021, despite concerns from planning commissioners that the chain’s monument sign and red LED cove lighting that wouldn’t fit the city’s image as a “Spanish village by the sea.”

Jonathan Lightfoot, economic development officer, described the exterior LED lighting as recessed and toned down in a phone interview.

He said other unique features of the San Clement restaurant include ornamental light fixtures.

The 3,882-square foot building includes a dining room with indoor seating for 93 guests and a covered patio to seat 40 guests, according to a news release from the chain.

Hours are 10:30 a.m.-1 a.m. Sunday through Thursday and 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

The address is 115 Via Pico Plaza.

Information: in-n-out.com

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