A classic dive bar in old San Mateo just off El Camino north of Highway 92. A pleasant older crowd that is not very wild. No food is served but this is still a decent place to watch a football game or car race.
Bucky’s Cocktail Lounge, 101 South Blvd, San Mateo

phone: (650) 349-4711  
links: yelp

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• San Mateo Things To Do and Map
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This new restaurant to the neighborhood offers Scandinavian food. We’ve been a couple of times and find the food to be tasty. Service improved greatly the second time, probably due to the bad Yelp reviews.

Our recommendation is the breakfast menu which is available all day. The breakfast fare is much lighter than the lunch and dinner options and is well priced. For example, try the Danish pancakes with lingonberry jam and whipped cream for $8.95. They also advertise a “Happy Hour Dinner” everyday from 4-6 pm but you should probably call to confirm details.
Scandia Restaurant, 742 Polhemus Rd, San Mateo, CA 94402

phone: (650) 372-0888
hours: Weekdays 11-2, 4-9 pm. Sat & Sun 8-2, 4-9 pm (As of 9/12/14)
links: website, yelp.

Related Links:

• Crystal Springs Shopping Center & Map – Scandia is just across the street from this shopping center.
• San Mateo Things To Do & Map – Several more things to do nearby.
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As shown on the map below you can also access it on the west end from St James Rd. (Expand the map and make it a satellite map for more clarity). From Sheep Camp Trail on the west end you can also go down under Hwy 280 and eventually work your way over to Canada Rd.

Crystal Springs Cross Country Course, 2600 Hallmark Drive, Belmont, CA

Related Links:

• College of San Mateo
• San Mateo best things to do and map
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El Palenque Tacqueria … one of the most authentic around

Locals love this little authentic taqueria in San Mateo. It’s one of the best in town … both taste and price are excellent. Mainly take out so seating is limited.

On the east side of Hwy 101 via the 3rd Ave exit. See map below. While you are in the area check out the excellent coffee shop, Kingston Cafe, next door.

phone: (650) 342-4040
hours: 10 am-8:30 pm 7 days/week
links: yelp

Related Links:

• San Mateo best things to do and map
• Maps of best hiddenSF things to do
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Kingston Cafe

This hidden gem of a coffee shop has very tasty food and nice friendly service. It’s owned by a husband & wife team who have made the place way more appealing than the chains. Everything is organic and they have fresh sandwiches, soups, salads, breakfast sandwiches and a good variety of organic hot drinks (e.g. chai latte, hot chocolate) and cold drinks (e.g., cold brewed coffee). $1 cookies too. Note that they are open early (6 am) but closed Sundays (bummer).

It’s not that far off Hwy 101 (if you know how to get there … take the 3rd Ave exit as shown on the map below). Free off-street parking (big lot to the north) and wi-fi. While you are in the area check out the good little Mexican take-out place, El Palenque Taqueria, next door.
Kingston Cafe, 19 N Kingston, San Mateo, CA

phone: (650) 4377-2276
hours: Open 6 am- 5 pm but closed Sundays and after 3 pm Saturdays.
links: website, yelp

Related Links:

• San Mateo best things to do and map
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Tacos Peralta menu

Cheap, delicious, quick Mexican food to go.  Nasty decor but the beef burritos for $4 are outstanding! Open 7 days/week from 10am-8pm Mon-Sat and 9:30am-6pm Sun (summer hours).

Close to Highway 101 but a a little tricky to get to the first time.  See map below for exact location.  From Hillsdale Blvd headed west across Hwy 101 take the first left hand turn on Saratoga Dr and then another immediate left on what is also called Hillsdale Blvd. Look for the BevMo  … the food truck will be parked along the street across from BevMo Liquors.
Tacos Peralta Food Truck

Address: 342 E Hillsdale Blvd, San Mateo CA
Phone: (650) 363-2597
Hours: Open 7 days/week from 10am-8pm Mon-Sat and 9:30am-6pm Sun (summer hours)
Links: yelp

Related Pages:

• Best San Mateo County Things To Do and Map
• Best Foster City Things To Do
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Related Links:

• hiddenSF links, google, yelp
• Crystal Springs Shopping Center and map
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A great deal for Chinese lunch! Nothing fancy or haute cuisine but pleasant service and a lot of decent food for the price. Will deliver. Located near Hwy 92 and San Mateo Jr College.

3170 Campus Dr, San Mateo 94403
phone: (650) 349-0414  url: toayuen.com/

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Very good Greek pizza and Mediterranean food.

112 De Anza Blvd, San Mateo 94402
phone: (650) 571-1848  url: www.rainbowpizza.com

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Outstanding pre-fixed 9 course Japanese meal for about $90. The owner/executive chef and his wife were trained at one of the finest restaurants in Japan.

115 De Anza Blvd, San Mateo 94402
phone:   url: www.wakuriya.com/

Related Links:

• hiddenSF links, google, yelp
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