Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
Pastrami, belgian beer and burgers - The Refuge - San Mateo, San Mateo, CA

The Refuge - San Mateo

4.7 (128)
$30 and under
Gastro Pub
66 31st Ave, San Mateo, CA 94403-3404

Make a reservation

2 people
SunMonTueWedThuFriSat
7:00 PM
Booked 8 times today
Experiences are available.

About this restaurant

  • Great for craft beers
  • Great for outdoor dining
  • Lively
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!

    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!
    REFUGE San Mateo Bi-Weekly Trivia Night! Photo

  • REFUGE San Mateo Bi-Weekly Trivia Night!

    Jun 16, 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! Photo

  • REFUGE San Mateo Bi-Weekly Trivia Night!

    Jun 30, 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! Photo

Offers

  • 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!

    REFUGE San Mateo Bi-Weekly Trivia Night! Photo

Menu

View menu on restaurant's website

What 128 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

4.7
4.7 based on recent ratings
  • 4.6Food
  • 4.8Service
  • 4.5Ambience
  • 4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
The Refuge in San Mateo is celebrated for its "best pastrami west of the Mississippi" and "fantastic service." Guests enjoy a vibrant atmosphere with an "unmatched selection of beers on tap." Popular dishes include the Reuben and corned beef platters. Ideal for families, date nights, or casual gatherings with friends.
128 Reviews

  1. Violeta

    San Francisco Bay Area57 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on May 12, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Enjoyed our Mother’s Day dinner with sting outdoors.

    Is this helpful?

  2. Ray

    San Francisco Bay Area2 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on May 3, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    We had reservations at 11:30am. Although there were workers inside the restaurant they didn’t open their door until we waved at someone at 11:38.

    Is this helpful?

  3. Tiago

    London12 reviews

    3.0

    Dined on April 15, 2025

    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?

  4. Raya

    San Francisco Bay Area2 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?

  5. Phil VIP

    San Francisco Bay Area16 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on March 25, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Consistently excellent for lunch! Good food, good service and little noise.

    Is this helpful?

  6. Evelyn VIP

    San Francisco Bay Area18 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?

  7. Michael

    San Francisco Bay Area17 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?

  8. J VIP

    San Francisco Bay Area46 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?

  9. Jim

    San Francisco Bay Area10 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?

  10. Isaac VIP

    San Francisco Bay Area1 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?

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 4.7 stars by 128 OpenTable diners.

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

  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. San Francisco Bay Area
  4. Peninsula
  5. San Mateo

Make a reservation

2 people
SunMonTueWedThuFriSat
7:00 PM
Booked 8 times today
Experiences are available.
Google Map for The Refuge - San Mateo

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.
Discover
OpenTable
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Careers
  • Press
More
Our sites
Businesses
  • Delight more diners
  • Open for Business Blog
Join us on
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2025 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 500, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
OpenTable Logo