Paul Martin's American Grill - San Mateo

4.1

3015 Reviews

$30 and under

American

Make a reservation

2 people

Mar 16, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 19 times today

Experiences are available.

About this restaurant

Good for special occasions
Good for groups
Lively

Whether you’re chatting over a flavorful roasted chicken salad or sipping a merlot as your hand-cut blackened ribeye is mesquite grilled over a live fire, Paul Martin’s American Grill is the ideal place to impress or decompress. Located in the Hillsdale Shopping Center, our restaurant offers classic American cuisine set to a higher standard. Sink into plush seating in our polished yet welcoming dining room and experience the remarkable hospitality that makes dining with us an event.

Additional information

Location
101 Hillsdale Shopping Center, San Mateo, CA 94403
Phone number
(650) 212-7400
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
American, Contemporary American, Steakhouse
Hours of operation
Mon–Thu 11:30 am–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 11:30 am–10:00 pm Brunch Sun 11:00 am–9:00 pm
Dress code
Smart Casual
Parking details
Free parking lot
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Delivery & takeout
Order direct

Featured in

100 San Francisco Bay Area Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

Experiences

Create a New Sunday Tradition- Sunday Brunch
Multiple dates available
Join us Sundays from 11-2PM to experience our new brunch menu! Explore creative new à la carte entrées like our charcuterie board-inspired DIY Avocado Toast. For meatlovers our new Hangover Burger will delight — or go classic with our new Grill Benedict. No brunch is complete without refreshing cocktails and we’re serving them up by the glass or by the pitcher. Try our new Sangria or Blackberry Margarita Pitchers, or enjoy DIY Mimosas featuring a bottle of bubbly plus juices for the whole table.

Popular dishes

Zonin Prosecco, DOC, Veneto, NV$12.00
- g$12.00
- b$44.00
Poema Cave, Brut Rose, Spain$12.00
- g$12.00
- b$44.00
J Vineyards, Brut Cuvée, California, NV$16.00
- g$16.00
- b$60.00
Domaine Carneros, Brut, California, NV$20.00
- g$20.00
- b$80.00
Gloria Ferrer Blanc de Noirs, Rose Carneros, NV$60.00
- b$60.00
Schramsburg, Brut Rosé, North Coast, 2018$96.00
- b$96.00
Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label, Brut, France, NV$135.00
- b$135.00

Rosé

Josh Cellars, Rosé, California, 2020$12.00
- g$12.00
- b$48.00
Daou, Rosé, Paso Robles, 2020$16.00
- g$16.00
- b$60.00
Fleurs De Prairie, Rosé, Provence, 2020$56.00
- b$56.00
Simon Family Estates, "Tigress" Rosé of Grenache, Rutherford, 2022$99.00
- b$99.00

Sauvignon Blanc

Kim Crawford, Marlborough, 2018$14.00
- g$14.00
- b$56.00
Whitehaven, Marlborough, NZ 2023$16.00
- g$16.00
- b$60.00
Duckhorn, Napa, 2020$19.00
- g$19.00
- b$76.00
Ferrari Carano, Fume Blanc, Sonoma, 2020$40.00
- b$40.00
Twomey By Silver Oak, North Coast, 2021$72.00
- b$72.00
Giesen Estate, Marlborough, NZ, 2023$12.00
- g$12.00
- b$44.00

Enticing Whites

Conundrum by Caymus, White Blend, California, 2020$14.00
- g$14.00
- b$52.00
Seaglass, Pinot Grigio, Santa Barbara County, 2023$12.00
- g$12.00
- b$44.00
Santa Margherita, Pinot Grigio, Valdadige, Italy, 2019$18.00
- g$18.00
- b$76.00
Chateau Ste. Michelle, Riesling, Columbia Valley, 2020$12.00
- g$12.00
- b$44.00

Chardonnay

Hess "Shirtail Ranches", Monterey, 2020$13.00
- g$13.00
- b$48.00
Unshackled by Prisoner, California, 2021$16.00
- g$16.00
- b$60.00
Mer Soleil Silver Unoaked, SLH, Monterey 2018$15.00
- g$15.00
- b$60.00
Frank Family , Napa, 2022$19.00
- g$19.00
- b$76.00
Rombauer, Carneros, 2021$24.00
- g$24.00
- b$99.00
Cakebread Cellars, Napa, 2019$95.00
- b$95.00
Sonoma Cutrer, Russian River Ranches, 2019$64.00
- b$64.00
Frog's Leap, "Shale and Stone", Napa, 2021$76.00
- b$76.00
Far Niente, Napa, 2019$135.00
- b$135.00
Jayson by Pahlmeyer, Napa, 2016$110.00
- b$110.00

Red Wines

Pinot Noir

Meiomi, California, 2019$16.00
- g$16.00
- b$60.00
Elouan, Oregon, 2018$15.00
- g$15.00
- b$56.00
Belle Glos, "Las Alturas", Santa Lucia Highlands, 2017$22.00
- g$22.00
- b$84.00
Talbott Kali Hart, Monterey, 2017$64.00
- b$64.00
Patz and Hall, Sonoma, 2017$80.00
- b$80.00
Flowers, Sonoma, 2018$122.00
- b$122.00

Enticing Reds

J. Lohr Pure Paso Proprietary Red, Paso, 2020$16.00
- g$16.00
- b$6.00
Conundrum by Caymus, Red Blend, California,2021$14.00
- g$14.00
- b$52.00
Don Miguel Gascon, Malbec, Argentina,2021$15.00
- g$15.00
- b$56.00
Abstract by Orin Swift, Blend, Napa, 2022$22.00
- g$22.00
- b$84.00
Orin Swift, "8 Years in the Desert", Red Blend, Napa, 2019$92.00
- b$92.00
Qupe, Syrah, Central Coast, California, 2018$56.00
- b$56.00
Quilt, "Fabric Of The Land," Red Blend, Napa, 2018$68.00
- b$68.00
Bodega Colome Autentico, Malbec, Argentina, 2019$95.00
- b$95.00
The Prisoner, Red Blend, Napa, 2019$99.00
- b$99.00
Caymus-Suison Grand Durif, Petite Syrah, 2018$90.00
- b$90.00

Zinfandel

St. Francis, " Old Vines", Sonoma, 2018$15.00
- g$15.00
- b$56.00
Saldo by Prisoner, 2019$17.00
- g$17.00
- b$64.00
Frog's Leap, Napa, 2019$96.00
- b$96.00
Seghesio, "Old Vine", Sonoma, 2016$90.00
- b$90.00

Merlot

Decoy by Duckhorn, Sonoma, 2019$14.00
- g$14.00
- b$52.00
Markham, Napa Valley, 2017$16.00
- g$16.00
- b$64.00
Emmolo by Caymus, Napa, 2019$20.00
- g$20.00
- b$80.00
Grgich Hills, Napa, 2019$90.00
- b$90.00
Duckhorn, Napa, 2018$120.00
- b$120.00
Rombauer, Napa, 2018$95.00
- b$95.00

Cabernet Sauvignon

William Hill Estate, North Coast, 2018$14.00
- g$14.00
- b$52.00
Joel Gott 815, California, 2019$15.00
- g$15.00
- b$58.00
Justin, Paso Robles, 2018$18.00
- g$18.00
- b$68.00
Educated Guess, Napa County, 2020$19.00
- g$19.00
- b$72.00
Austin Hope, Paso Robles, 2019$20.00
- g$20.00
- b$95.00
Silver Oak, Alexander Valley, 2020$30.00
- g$30.00
- b$115.00
Sequoia Grove, Napa, 2019$92.00
- b$92.00
Daou Vineyards, Paso Robles, 2019$64.00
- b$64.00
Sanctuary, "Usibelli Vineyards", Rutherford, 2016$64.00
- b$64.00
Jordan, Alexander Valley, 2016$130.00
- b$130.00
Oberon, Napa County, 2018$72.00
- b$72.00
Caymus, California 2022$24.00
- g$24.00
- b$92.00
Frog's Leap, Estate Grown, Rutherford, 2019$150.00
- b$150.00
Hall, Napa, 2018$117.00
- b$117.00
Pilcrow, "Ghost Block", Mt. Veeder, Napa, 2016$198.00
- b$198.00
Paradigm, Oakville 2013$165.00
- b$165.00
Chateau Montelena, Napa, 2018$155.00
- b$155.00
Caymus, Napa Valley, 2020$195.00
- b$195.00
Joseph Phelps, "Insignia", Napa, 2018$325.00
- b$325.00

Beer- Traditional Bottles, Drafts Vary by Location

Corona$6.00
Heineken$6.00
Guinness$8.00
Budweiser$6.00
Michelob Ultra$6.00
Miller Light$6.00
Coors Light$6.00
Sculpin IPA$8.00
Sierra Nevada$7.00
Stella Artois$7.00
Erdinger Non-alcoholic Weissbier$7.00

Classic Cocktails

Cadillac Margarita, Mexico, 1930 or 40s$18.00
Patron Silver Tequila, Tres Agaves Nectar, Grand Marnier float, on the rocks, Tajín rim
Paloma, Tequila, Mexixo, late 1800s$16.00
Milagro Silver Tequila, Ancho Reyes Chili Liqueur, basil, fresh lime juice, Grapefruit Soda
Bee's Knees, Paris, France, 1910s$17.00
Botanist Gin, fresh lemon juice, housemade honey syrup
NEGRONI Florence, Italy, 1919$16.00
Hendrick's Gin, Campari, sweet vermouth
Raspberry Mule, Los Angeles, CA, 1941$16.00
House infused raspberry vodka, Giffard Crème de Framboise Raspberry Liqueur, fresh lime juice, Q Ginger Beer
Dirty Martini, San Francisco, CA, 1860$18.00
Grey Goose Vodka, Noilly Prat Original Dry Vermouth, olive juice, blue cheese olives
Lemon Drop San Francisco, CA 1970s$16.00
House infused lemon vodka, triple sec, lemon
Vodka Collins, New York, 1874$16.00
Wheatley Vodka, fresh lemon juice, strawberry, basil, Q Club Soda
Mojito, Havana, Cuba 1586$16.00
Bacardi Superior Rum, mint, lime, cane syrup
Mai Tai, San Francisco, CA 1944$16.00
Bacardi Añejo Cuatro, Cointreau, Orgeat syrup, lime juice, pineapple juice, Myers's Dark Rum
Gold Rush, New York City, NY, 2000s$17.00
Woodford Reserve Bourbon, Giffard Crème de Pamplemousse Rose Liqueur, honey, fresh lemon juice, mint
WHISKEY SOUR At Sea, late 1700s$16.00
Buffalo Trace Bourbon, lemon, Angostura bitters
MANHATTAN New York City, NY, 1870s$16.00
Maker's Mark Bourbon, Noilly Prat Rouge Sweet Vermouth, bitters
COSMOPOLITAN New York City, 1988$18.00
Grey Goose Vodka, Cointreau, cranberry, lime
JALAPEÑO MARGARITA Mexico, 1930 or 40s$18.00
Espolon Blanco Tequila, fresh lime, Tres Agave Nectar, muddled jalapeños
MEZCAL OLD FASHIONED New York City, 2007$18.00
Dos Hombres Mezcal, bitters, agave, Luxardo cherry
ESPRESSO MARTINI London, England, 1980s$16.00
Hanson Organic Vodka, Frangelico, Baileys, Kahlúa, house-made cold brew

What 3,015 people are saying

Paul Martin's American Grill - 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

4.1

4.1 based on recent ratings

4.1Food
4.2Service
4.2Ambience
3.8Value

Noise • Moderate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Paul Martin's American Grill in San Mateo offers a "great place to go for a casual, social occasion" with consistently friendly service. Guests enjoy the diverse menu, particularly the "excellent happy hour" specials. Highlights include "delicious food" like salmon, fried chicken, and tri-tip. The restaurant is "easy to bring wheelchair handicap in and out," providing a "quick and relaxing dining experience." However, some guests note inconsistency in food quality and service during busy holidays.

3,015 Reviews

J
Joseph VIP
San Francisco46 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We were immediately seated in a very quiet spot. Staff was very polite and friendly. The meals were served quickly, hot and ready to eat. Food was delicious. We would definitely recommend this restaurant to others. We will be going back soon.
Is this helpful?
J
Jim
San Francisco1 review
2.0
Dined on March 7, 2025
1. Overall 2
2. Food 2
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 2
Writing a follow up to my review below. The General Manager reached out to me privately to discuss the issues from our experience and has done all that he could to make this situation better. Kudos to Vi for his swift and generous resolution to this. Looking forward to giving Paul Martins another shot. -------------------------------- I rarely write reviews but for a $300 dinner, I expected much more and felt compelled to write one. The food was not great. We ordered the Mac n cheese - which was recommended by our waiter - and what we got were noodles in a bland, brothy cream sauce. Had 2 bites and gave up on it. I ordered a filet mignon - medium. I cut into it and even the edges were deep red/purple. Translation- it was rare / almost raw. The waiter took so long to come back around that I focused on eating the veggies while the rest of my family enjoyed their dinners. It was not a busy night. He finally made his way back around us and I had him take back the steak to cook it more. Not a huge deal, it happens. But when he finally came back, he now had my steak on a tiny bread plate with the one piece of asparagus that I hadn’t gotten to earlier. It was just sad looking. A $60 filet sitting on a bread plate with 1 piece of asparagus. Ok, fine, I am hungry so I cut into it and thankfully it was cooked to the right temperature. But as I ate it, I was totally disappointed by the lack of flavor. No salt / seasoning on it. Tasted like a cheap cut of meat. As with most people that like steak, you enjoy a nice glass of red wine with it. This is a total wine snob comment, but c’mon use some decent stemware for your wine. The stems, the rim, the overall thickness totally detracted from the nice glass of wine I ordered. Sorry, but not worth $300 for a family of 4.
Is this helpful?
V
Valerie
San Francisco7 reviews
5.0
Dined on March 5, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We dined here for the first time for my hubby’s birthday. We started with the smoked steelhead dip, delicious! For entrees, he had the shrimp tacos & I had the lobster roll. We were both delighted, so good! Dessert was butter cake with vanilla ice cream & fresh strawberries & blueberries - it was amazing! We were so stuffed. We loved our server, Taylor. She added to the fun, she was very kind & so attentive. She presented my hubby with a slice of chocolate with a candle! Overall the restaurant & staff are inviting with really nice ambiance. We will definitely be back.
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DL
DomL
San Francisco4 reviews
2.0
Dined on March 3, 2025
1. Overall 2
2. Food 2
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
Went for wife's dinner. Wrote that on the reservation but it was never acknowledged. Atmosphere and ambiance was nice and was excited to try the food. Unfortunately the food was lackluster. Deviled egg starter had a filling that was weirdly sour. It just didn't taste right to us. The Caesar salad was uninspired. Lettuce was not crisp enough, seemed old and not chilled. The dressing wasn't creamy enough and tasted off. My wife said the Caesar salad we make at home with trader joes salad bag was better. The lobster roll didn't have enough mayo and celery was in the mix. This didn't allow the lobster to shine. The pieces of lobster didn't include any tail meat, but rather the thin meat from the legs. Wife's favorite off the evening was the Lemon Drop cocktail was she loved. Service was good. Atmosphere was good. Cocktail was good. Food was bad. Will not be back.
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M
Mari
Los Angeles2 reviews
3.0
Dined on February 15, 2025
1. Overall 3
2. Food 1
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 3
To start, seating table was bad and price level on the app is false. Second, we ordered the top steaks cooked well done and received them rare. Third, for the price of the restaurant, the service was very slow for a top end steak house.
1 person found this helpful
S
Simone
San Francisco3 reviews
5.0
Dined on February 15, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
The food and service were exceptional - and on such a busy night as Valentines! We always love going to the bar and dining at our neighborhood favorite Paul Martins.
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C
Chris
San Francisco12 reviews
5.0
Dined on February 15, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Beautiful restaurant. Great service and delicious food. Limited food menu which made for easier choosing. Drink menu was extensive. I would recommend for sure.
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M
Melanie
San Francisco13 reviews
2.0
Dined on February 15, 2025
1. Overall 2
2. Food 2
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 4
Entree came before salad so we returned. Had to return my cocktail cause it did not taste good at all. It sounds like we are accustom to returning food but we are not. This might be the only time I’ve returned a cocktail for being undrinkable. Asked if we wanted dessert before we finished our entrees. Forgot to remove salad from bill. My chicken Parmesan was bland and not worth the price. The short ribs were good. Presentation, service and taste was not worth the price.
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M
Melissa
San Francisco1 review
4.0
Dined on February 9, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
A place to go to for a quick dinner, a little pricey for the quality of food. Steak was over cooked, shrimps were over cooked. Server was good. Overall a 4 star experience
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S
Steve
Ottawa1 review
4.0
Dined on February 6, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 3
Dinner and drinks in a booth for three was very pleasant. Book ahead, can be a busy spot. Seafood pasta was great! Beef dip - large serving on very fresh baguette was delicious. Server was excellent. 4.5 for sure in San Mateo next to Hillsdale Mall. Lots of free parking.
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FAQs

Paul Martin's American Grill - San Mateo offers delivery in partnership with Chow Now and Postmates. Paul Martin's American Grill - San Mateo also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (650) 212-7400.

Paul Martin's American Grill - San Mateo is rated 4.1 stars by 3015 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

Mar 16, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 19 times today

Experiences are available.

Google Map for Paul Martin's American Grill - San Mateo

101 Hillsdale Shopping Center, San Mateo, CA 94403

Additional information

Phone number
(650) 212-7400
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
American, Contemporary American, Steakhouse
Hours of operation
Mon–Thu 11:30 am–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 11:30 am–10:00 pm Brunch Sun 11:00 am–9:00 pm
Dress code
Smart Casual
Parking details
Free parking lot
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Delivery & takeout
Order direct

Featured in

100 San Francisco Bay Area Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

Paul Martin's American Grill - San Mateo

Make a reservation

About this restaurant

Additional information

100 San Francisco Bay Area Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

Create a New Sunday Tradition- Sunday Brunch

Filet Mignon

Steak Frites

Blackened Ribeye

White Wines

Bubbles

Zonin Prosecco, DOC, Veneto, NV$12.00

Poema Cave, Brut Rose, Spain$12.00

J Vineyards, Brut Cuvée, California, NV$16.00

Domaine Carneros, Brut, California, NV$20.00

Gloria Ferrer Blanc de Noirs, Rose Carneros, NV$60.00

Schramsburg, Brut Rosé, North Coast, 2018$96.00

Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label, Brut, France, NV$135.00

Rosé

Josh Cellars, Rosé, California, 2020$12.00

Daou, Rosé, Paso Robles, 2020$16.00

Fleurs De Prairie, Rosé, Provence, 2020$56.00

Simon Family Estates, "Tigress" Rosé of Grenache, Rutherford, 2022$99.00

Sauvignon Blanc

Kim Crawford, Marlborough, 2018$14.00

Whitehaven, Marlborough, NZ 2023$16.00

Duckhorn, Napa, 2020$19.00

Ferrari Carano, Fume Blanc, Sonoma, 2020$40.00

Twomey By Silver Oak, North Coast, 2021$72.00

Giesen Estate, Marlborough, NZ, 2023$12.00

Enticing Whites

Conundrum by Caymus, White Blend, California, 2020$14.00

Seaglass, Pinot Grigio, Santa Barbara County, 2023$12.00

Santa Margherita, Pinot Grigio, Valdadige, Italy, 2019$18.00

Chateau Ste. Michelle, Riesling, Columbia Valley, 2020$12.00

Chardonnay

Hess "Shirtail Ranches", Monterey, 2020$13.00

Unshackled by Prisoner, California, 2021$16.00

Mer Soleil Silver Unoaked, SLH, Monterey 2018$15.00

Frank Family , Napa, 2022$19.00

Rombauer, Carneros, 2021$24.00

Cakebread Cellars, Napa, 2019$95.00

Sonoma Cutrer, Russian River Ranches, 2019$64.00

Frog's Leap, "Shale and Stone", Napa, 2021$76.00

Far Niente, Napa, 2019$135.00

Jayson by Pahlmeyer, Napa, 2016$110.00

Red Wines

Pinot Noir

Meiomi, California, 2019$16.00

Elouan, Oregon, 2018$15.00

Belle Glos, "Las Alturas", Santa Lucia Highlands, 2017$22.00

Talbott Kali Hart, Monterey, 2017$64.00

Patz and Hall, Sonoma, 2017$80.00

Flowers, Sonoma, 2018$122.00

Enticing Reds

J. Lohr Pure Paso Proprietary Red, Paso, 2020$16.00

Conundrum by Caymus, Red Blend, California,2021$14.00

Don Miguel Gascon, Malbec, Argentina,2021$15.00

Abstract by Orin Swift, Blend, Napa, 2022$22.00

Orin Swift, "8 Years in the Desert", Red Blend, Napa, 2019$92.00

Qupe, Syrah, Central Coast, California, 2018$56.00

Quilt, "Fabric Of The Land," Red Blend, Napa, 2018$68.00

Bodega Colome Autentico, Malbec, Argentina, 2019$95.00

The Prisoner, Red Blend, Napa, 2019$99.00

Caymus-Suison Grand Durif, Petite Syrah, 2018$90.00

Zinfandel

St. Francis, " Old Vines", Sonoma, 2018$15.00

Saldo by Prisoner, 2019$17.00

Frog's Leap, Napa, 2019$96.00

Seghesio, "Old Vine", Sonoma, 2016$90.00

Merlot

Decoy by Duckhorn, Sonoma, 2019$14.00

Markham, Napa Valley, 2017$16.00

Emmolo by Caymus, Napa, 2019$20.00

Grgich Hills, Napa, 2019$90.00

Duckhorn, Napa, 2018$120.00

Rombauer, Napa, 2018$95.00

Cabernet Sauvignon

William Hill Estate, North Coast, 2018$14.00

Joel Gott 815, California, 2019$15.00