The Refuge - San Mateo

4.6

125 Reviews

$30 and under

Gastro Pub

66 31st Ave, San Mateo, CA 94403-3404

Make a reservation

2 people

Apr 22, 2025

April 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 14 times today

Experiences are available.

About this restaurant

Great for craft beers
Great for outdoor dining
Great for brunch

As featured on Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives, The REFUGE specializes in hand-carved, ultra tender, boldly flavored navel pastrami which is sending shockwaves throughout the gastronomic consciousness of patrons who call it “the greatest this planet will see in some time.” The REFUGE boasts the world’s best Belgian and Craft Beer on draught (24 in San Mateo) in the Bay Area, with many more by bottle.

Since 2008, the REFUGE has been providing protection for many East Coast street food classics especially the hand-carved navel pastrami. But wait, just for good measure, we grind our own blend of hamburger on a daily basis as well as procure our own Ribeye Blend for our Authentic CheeseSteaks.

We also offer honest Old World wine, dazzling salads and eclectic appetizers. Casual connoisseurs unite! This place is the real deal. Whether it’s a quick lunch, a raging evening, a private event, take-out or delivery, the REFUGE experience is unlike any other place at any one time.

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Gastro Pub, American, Deli
Hours of operation
Mon–Sat 11:30 am–9:00 pm Sun 11:30 am–8:00 pm
Phone number
(650) 458-3044
Website
http://www.refugesc.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive chef
Michael Greuel
Catering
The Refuge San Mateo offers party platters and catering with 3 ways to order: <br />CALL: 650-458-3044 | E-MAIL: CATERING@REFUGESC.COM | ORDER ONLINE @ REFUGESC.COM
Private party facilities
Celebrate your next special event at The Refuge. Our location in the new development at the Hillsdale Shopping Center can accommodate large groups from 20 to 250. Let us host you on our spacious outdoor heated patio or our indoor Eagle room.
Delivery & takeout
Order direct

Location
66 31st Ave, San Mateo, CA 94403-3404
Neighborhood
San Mateo
Cross street
Corner of Sailer Dr. and 31st Ave in the Hillsdale Shopping Center.
Parking details
Public Lot
Public transit
Caltrain - Hillsdale stop
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Beer Garden, BYO Wine, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Dog Friendly, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Experiences

REFUGE San Mateo Bi-Weekly Trivia Night!
May 5, 2025 only
Come join us Monday night from 6pm-8pm for our Bi-Weekly Trivia Night at REFUGE San Mateo! $30 voucher goes to the first-place team!
REFUGE San Mateo Bi-Weekly Trivia Night!
May 19, 2025 only
Come join us Monday night from 6pm-8pm for our Bi-Weekly Trivia Night at REFUGE San Mateo! $30 voucher goes to the first-place team!
REFUGE San Mateo Bi-Weekly Trivia Night!
Jun 2, 2025 only
Come join us Monday night from 6pm-8pm for our Bi-Weekly Trivia Night at REFUGE San Mateo! $30 voucher goes to the first-place team!

Offers

REFUGE San Mateo Bi-Weekly Trivia Night!
May 5, 2025 only
Mon - 5:00 PM - 8:45 PM
Come join us Monday Night from 6pm-8pm for our Bi-weekly Trivia Night at REFUGE San Mateo in the Hillsdale Shopping Center! $30 voucher goes to the first place team!
REFUGE San Mateo Bi-Weekly Trivia Night!
May 19, 2025 only
Mon - 5:00 PM - 8:45 PM
Come join us Monday Night from 6pm-8pm for our Bi-weekly Trivia Night at REFUGE San Mateo in the Hillsdale Shopping Center! $30 voucher goes to the first place team!
REFUGE San Mateo Bi-Weekly Trivia Night!
Jun 2, 2025 only
Mon - 5:00 PM - 8:45 PM
Come join us Monday Night from 6pm-8pm for our Bi-weekly Trivia Night at REFUGE San Mateo in the Hillsdale Shopping Center! $30 voucher goes to the first place team!

What 125 people are saying

The Refuge - San Mateo reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.6

4.6 based on recent ratings

4.5Food
4.8Service
4.4Ambience
4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Peninsula
Kid-friendly

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

The Refuge in San Mateo is celebrated for its exceptional pastrami, hailed as the "best pastrami west of the Mississippi." Guests enjoy a diverse beer and cocktail menu, complemented by "super fast service" and a welcoming ambiance. Ideal for family gatherings or date nights, the restaurant promises a memorable dining experience.

125 Reviews

T
Tiago
London12 reviews
3.0
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 3
2. Food 1
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 3
The food wasn’t good, the service was attentive but I will not return.
Is this helpful?
R
Raya
San Francisco2 reviews
5.0
Dined on April 9, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great place with a wide selection of beer, cocktails and wine. Best pastrami I’ve ever tried! My order was Cole slaw pastrami sandwich and pineapple margarita. It was easy to make a reservation for 4 on Wednesday 5pm, it wasn’t too loud on the patio.
Is this helpful?
M
Michael
San Francisco17 reviews
5.0
Dined on March 18, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The corned Beef was prepared perfectly. Busy day, but servers were on top of it and did a great job.
Is this helpful?
E
Evelyn VIP
San Francisco18 reviews
5.0
Dined on March 18, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Enjoyed our corned beef platters and service was good
Is this helpful?
J
J VIP
San Francisco46 reviews
4.0
Dined on March 17, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Food was delicious and service was excellent. Would definitely be going again.
Is this helpful?
J
Jim
San Francisco10 reviews
5.0
Dined on February 25, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
The Reuben is to die for. I’m a big fan of pastrami, so this is tailor-made for me!
Is this helpful?
I
Isaac
San Francisco1 review
5.0
Dined on February 8, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Fantastic food, great drinks, super fast service! We drive from pretty far to come here.
Is this helpful?
M
Marta VIP
San Francisco239 reviews
4.0
Dined on January 30, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Best pastrami Ruben in the Universe. Friendly, attentive waitstaff. Order the onion rings, you won't go wrong.
Is this helpful?
A
Ann VIP
San Francisco21 reviews
5.0
Dined on January 30, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Always a wonderful experience at The Refuge. Great food and fantastic service. Great place to dine with family or fun date night. There is something for everyone on the menu. Great new beers and ciders on tap make each visit memorable. Highly recommend this restaurant.
Is this helpful?
J
Judy VIP
San Francisco24 reviews
5.0
Dined on January 15, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Great time! Thanks Refuge for sponsoring a fundraiser for our Temple. The service was very friendly and the menu had an even longer cocktail and beer list than the food menu. Hubs gave that a thumbs up. Way to go! Our pastrami Sammy’s were delicious, saved half for lunch. Will be going back soon.
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FAQs

The Refuge - San Mateo offers delivery in partnership with Uber Eats. The Refuge - San Mateo also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (650) 458-3044.

The Refuge - San Mateo is rated 4.6 stars by 125 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

Booked 14 times today

Experiences are available.

66 31st Ave, San Mateo, CA 94403-3404

Additional information

Cross street
Corner of Sailer Dr. and 31st Ave in the Hillsdale Shopping Center.
Neighborhood
San Mateo
Hours of operation
Mon–Sat 11:30 am–9:00 pm Sun 11:30 am–8:00 pm
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Gastro Pub, American, Deli
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Public Lot
Public transit
Caltrain - Hillsdale stop
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Michael Greuel
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Beer Garden, BYO Wine, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Dog Friendly, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine
Delivery & takeout
Order direct

Website
http://www.refugesc.com/
Phone number
(650) 458-3044
Catering
The Refuge San Mateo offers party platters and catering with 3 ways to order: <br />CALL: 650-458-3044 | E-MAIL: CATERING@REFUGESC.COM | ORDER ONLINE @ REFUGESC.COM
Private party facilities
Celebrate your next special event at The Refuge. Our location in the new development at the Hillsdale Shopping Center can accommodate large groups from 20 to 250. Let us host you on our spacious outdoor heated patio or our indoor Eagle room.

The Refuge - San Mateo

Make a reservation

About this restaurant

Additional information

Experiences

REFUGE San Mateo Bi-Weekly Trivia Night!

REFUGE San Mateo Bi-Weekly Trivia Night!

REFUGE San Mateo Bi-Weekly Trivia Night!

Offers

REFUGE San Mateo Bi-Weekly Trivia Night!

REFUGE San Mateo Bi-Weekly Trivia Night!

REFUGE San Mateo Bi-Weekly Trivia Night!

Menu

What 125 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Review summary

FAQs

Does The Refuge - San Mateo offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is The Refuge - San Mateo restaurant rated?

Is The Refuge - San Mateo currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Additional information

Sun	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat