Craving a craft cocktail and elevated bites in San Mateo? Our 2026 guide highlights eight standout bars where the drinks dazzle and the atmosphere invites. From speakeasy-style hideaways to lively gastropubs, these spots deliver exceptional experiences. Let’s dive into the best of the Peninsula’s vibrant bar scene.
San Mateo Prime
$$$ | (650) 558-8918 | WEBSITE
San Mateo Prime is a very nice upscale restaurant on the San Mateo dining scene, and the private room upstairs is valuable real estate. There is only one of them, and you should do your best to reserve it the next time you make it through a long week solely by thinking about what you’re going to eat for dinner. The prime rib is the best thing here, so you aren’t missing out if you come alone and only want to get one thing.
Wunderbar
$$ | WEBSITE
Some people swear by the ‘Lost at Sea’ cocktail at Wunderbar, and it is, in fact, very good. It’s a fairly complex drink with pandan, mezcal, and yuzu, and it makes for a very compelling reason to visit this place even if you don’t live in the area (San Mateo). We’re also big fans of the speakeasy in general – it feels kind of like a witchy retro hideaway.
Yuppie Cantina
$ | (650) 999-1009 | WEBSITE
If you’re in San Mateo and you want to drink by yourself, go to Yuppie Cantina. This place is a lively bar that offers a fun atmosphere, even on dreary nights, and you can always grab a stool by the pool tables if you don’t feel like making small talk with anyone. The drinks are pretty classic, with cold beer and great Bloody Marys, and there are a bunch of enjoyable pinball machines for you to play alongside them.
Steamies Bar
$$ | (650) 393-4344 | WEBSITE
Steamies Bar is useful for a lot of things, partly because of its patio. You can come with a few friends, bring your entire karaoke crew, or show up by yourself on a Wednesday night and pretty much be guaranteed a song on Kendo’s list. There’s a solid lineup with tacos and pupusas from El Amigo, so you can try something mild if that’s what you’re after – but we suggest you stick with the spicy homemade ones.
Antone’s Cocktail Lounge
$ | (650) 574-9672 | WEBSITE
Antone’s Cocktail Lounge is a popular neighborhood spot that tends to fill up, especially with regulars and football fans on Sundays, so if you grab a seat at the bar, you’ll blend right in with the laid-back crowd. The Bloody Mary is one of the best in San Mateo, expertly crafted by the skilled bearded mixologist – and the overall cocktail selection is excellent as well.
While the staff is generally friendly, some newer additions have introduced a more inconsistent experience, and the pool tables are often in high demand, which can make things feel a bit rowdy at times. Despite this, Antone’s remains a great spot to grab a drink and catch up with friends.
Tannourine Restaurant
$$ | (650) 638-1960 | WEBSITE
Is it dinnertime? Are you in San Mateo or just passing through? If you’re craving Middle Eastern food and you answered yes to both of those questions, go to Tannourine Restaurant. The food here is very authentic in most regards, except for the fact that the portions are almost the size (and heft) of a family feast. It isn’t fancy, and it comes on simple ceramic plates, but it’s still one of our favorite Middle Eastern spots around.
Just remember to bring an appetite to this warm and somewhat bustling institution.
Rise Woodfire Pizza & Rotisserie
$$ | (650) 484-4337 | WEBSITE
First of all, the fungi pizza at this San Mateo rotisserie spot is the best in the Bay Area. It’s a single massive pie with melted mozzarella on a wood-fired crust, and it comes covered in a savory mushroom sauce that drips off the edges the same way water drips off Niagara Falls. There’s a patio in the back that’s first-come-first-served, and you should make plans to sit there in the very near future.
Wursthall
$$ | (650) 931-4282 | WEBSITE
At Wursthall, you can get a burger smashed thin and loaded with crispy chips, Parmesan, and cilantro. It’s called the Smash Burger, and it’s both satisfyingly messy and delicious. Sure, you have to order and pay via QR code, but it’s worth that little bit of digital effort. The industrial warehouse space is also pretty spacious, so you have a very good chance of finding a table (unless a family just arrived with a bunch of kids).
