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Located right off of El Camino Real, the downtown area of Redwood City is a hot spot for quaint eateries, stores and historical landmarks. The area is positioned along the Caltrain corridor, offering downtown visitors convenient access to transportation.
Locals are familiar with the large number of independently owned or family-run businesses and often describe the atmosphere as friendly and comfortable. There are a number of activities to take part in, including dancing, listening to live music and watching movies. In addition to hosting trendy shops and events, the downtown corridor is also home to several outdoor areas and historical buildings, all within walking distance of each other.
In 2024, the Redwood City Council voted to permanently close the 2000 block of Broadway and the cross street Redwood Creek to vehicle traffic, continuing its use as a pedestrian mall stemming from the onset of the pandemic.
Nature and history
San Mateo County History Museum: The museum is located inside San Mateo County’s former courthouse and hosts various exhibits about the history of the Bay Area. The building itself features a stained glass dome and mosaic tile floor that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
San Mateo County History Museum, 2200 Broadway; 650-299-0104, Instagram: @smchistmuseum. Open Tuesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., last admission at 3:45 p.m. Admission is $6 for adults; $4 for seniors and students; and free for children under 5 years old.
Courthouse Square: Situated outside the history museum, the plaza is a place for locals to gather together for community events like the upcoming Bay Area Lebanese Festival and Oktoberfest. In the summer, Courthouse Square is host to the city’s evening Music on the Square events featuring live music from local bands, Movies on the Square and more.
Courthouse Square, 2200 Broadway. Open all day.
Climate Best by Government Test gateway: The city’s landmark arches were installed a century ago after Redwood City leaders launched a contest to find a slogan to distinguish the city. The city’s then Chamber of Commerce president Wilbur Doxsee came up with the phrase that supposedly referred to a German study ranking Redwood City’s climate among the world’s best. The study’s existence hasn’t been verified, but the slogan lives on, as does the gateway on Broadway.
Climate Best by Government Test gateway, Broadway and Arguello Street.
Mezes Park (Tank Park): This family-friendly park features a basketball court, pickleball and tennis courts, picnic tables, playgrounds and restrooms. The park is named after Simon Mezes, a 19th century Redwood City resident who donated 2 blocks to the city for plazas. An Army tank was installed at the park in 1947 to serve as a memorial for those who had served in the two World Wars.
Mezes Park, Warren and Standish streets; 650-780-7311. Open all day.
Redwood City Historic Commercial Buildings: A collection of buildings downtown is recognized in the National Register of Historic Places: the Diller-Chamberlin Store at 726 Main St., the Bank of San Mateo County building at 2000 Broadway, the Fitzpatrick building at 2020 Broadway and the San Mateo County Building and Loan Assoc. building at 2022-2024 Broadway. These structures exhibit Classical Revival, Renaissance and Italianate architecture.
Redwood City Historic Commercial Buildings, Main Street and Broadway.
Food and drinks
Zareen’s: A contemporary Pakistani and Indian restaurant, Zareen’s is known for dishes like its chicken tikka masala, Memoni samosas and more. The restaurant has locations in Palo Alto and Mountain View, and the business was featured in the 2020 Michelin Guide. In March, owners Zareen and Umair Khan released a cookbook featuring modified recipes of some of the restaurant’s most beloved dishes.
Zareen’s, 2039 Broadway; 650-376-8206, Instagram: @zareensresturant. Open Sunday to Thursday from 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday to Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Vesta: Hot and fresh wood-fired pizzas are popular options at this eatery, which prides itself on being thoughtfully sourced and organic. Customer favorite dishes include the sausage and honey pizza topped with jalapeno slivers and the mushroom pizza. In 2018 and 2019, Vesta was featured in the Michelin Guide’s Bib Gourmand list, which highlights eateries that serve high-quality food at an affordable price.
Vesta, 2022 Broadway; 650-362-5052, Instagram: @vestarwc. Open Monday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Mazra: The restaurant offers authentic dishes from the Levant and Mediterranean regions, including falafel, shawarma and kebabs. The food is cooked over mesquite wood, and all of Mazra’s meat is halal.
Mazra, 2021 Broadway; 650-503-8440, Instagram: @eatmazra. Open Tuesday to Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Alhambra Irish House: Alhambra dishes up Irish comfort foods in a laid-back gastropub atmosphere with meals like fish and chips, shepherd’s pie and Guinness steak pie, plus burgers, sandwiches and salads. The restaurant is a hub for regular events such as line dancing, trivia, live music and karaoke. Their weekday happy hour includes a “Super Happy Hour” from 4-5 p.m. with $4 off all draft beers, house liquor, house wine and select craft cocktails, appetizers and entrees.
Alhambra Irish House, 831 Main St.; 650-366-4366, Instagram: @alhambra_irish_house. Open Monday to Thursday from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m., Friday from 3 p.m. to 1 a.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Gourmet Haus Staudt: This 50-year-old eatery serves traditional German foods like pretzels and schnitzels alongside a wide range of beers, from lagers and Belgian varieties to draft German beers and local craft options. Gourmet Haus Staudt also has a market and bottle shop where people can purchase German snacks and goods.
Gourmet Haus Staudt, 2615 Broadway; 650-364-9232, Instagram: @gourmethausstaudt. Open Monday from 3-8 p.m., Tuesday to Saturday from noon to 10 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 7 p.m.
Milagros Latin Kitchen: With a festive blend of Latin American flavors, Milagros Latin Kitchen offers an abundance of tacos, fajitas, enchiladas and other foods. The restaurant opened in 2001 and is most famous for their tequila, rum and pisco-based cocktails.
Milagros Latin Kitchen, 1099 Middlefield Road; 650-369-4730, Instagram: @milagrosredwoodcity. Open from Monday to Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday to Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Sushi Shin: In January 2020, chef-owner Jason Zhan opened his nine-seat omakase restaurant on Arguello Street after working for top New York City sushi spots, earning a Michelin star from 2021-2023. With more than 20 years of specialization in sushi, the Michelin Guide says that Zhan “manages the counter with aplomb and no shortage of charm, skilfully assembling a distinctive omakase featuring carefully sourced, seasonal seafood.” An optional sake pairing is available for an additional cost.
Sushi Shin, 312 Arguello St.; 650-921-8809, Instagram: @sushishinredwood. Open for lunch Wednesday and Thursday, noon to 1:30 p.m., and for dinner Tuesday-Sunday. One seating from 6:30-9 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, two seatings from 5-7:30 p.m. and 8-10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Coffee, tea and desserts
The Yard Coffee: Handcrafted espresso drinks and pastries are available at this shop located in the historic John Offerman House, the oldest surviving building in downtown. Yard Coffee has cozy indoor and outdoor seating areas, and the business sells its coffee beans and store merchandise online.
The Yard Coffee,1018 Main St.; Instagram: @theyardrwc. Open Sunday to Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday to Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Mademoiselle Colette: This pastry shop’s food and aesthetics are inspired by traditional Parisian culture. Besides pastries, cakes and tarts, the menu also includes breakfast and lunch dishes and coffee drinks. The store has three other locations in Menlo Park, Palo Alto and Atherton.
Mademoiselle Colette, 2401 Broadway; 888-771-8229, Instagram: @mademoiselle_colette. Open Monday to Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The Baker Next Door: Bread, pastries and coffee flow out from the bakery and cafe’s doors on a near daily basis. This European-style bakery was opened in 2024 by real-life neighbors Brian Clarke and Jenna Johnson. Everything from the baguettes to the croissants are made on-site.
The Baker Next Door, 851 Main St.; Instagram: @thebakernextdoor_rwc. Open Tuesday to Sunday from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
SF Gelateria: This artisanal gelato shop is scooping up classic, American and international flavors of the creamy treat, with options ranging from ube or rose water saffron to tiramisu or pistachio. The shop also offers a variety of dairy-free flavors and caters its gelato all over the Bay Area.
SF Gelateria, 2621 Broadway; 650-257-0940, Instagram: @sfgelateria. Open Tuesday to Thursday and Sunday from 12:30-9 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 12:30-10 p.m.
Bobalicious: Packed with a variety of unique flavors, Bobalicious has refreshing beverages and chewy toppings for patrons to try. Customers can adjust the sweetness and ice levels of their drinks.
Bobalicious, 2202 Broadway; 650-298-8268. Open Sunday to Thursday from noon to 7 p.m., Friday to Saturday from noon to 8 p.m.
Arts and entertainment
Redwood City Public Library: Study spaces, computers and bestselling books are all available to utilize at the library. Family-friendly events, including storytimes, exercise classes and puppet shows, are also free to the public.
Redwood City Public Library,1044 Middlefield Road; 650-780-7018, Instagram: @redwoodcitylibrary. Open Monday to Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.
Fox Theatre: Nestled in the heart of downtown Redwood City, the theatre is a go-to for live entertainment. The two-story venue can seat around 1,100 people, and it first opened its doors in 1929.
Fox Theatre, 2215 Broadway; 650-369-770, Instagram: @foxtheatrerwc. Open Monday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Youth Mural Alley Project: Tucked away in the heart of downtown, these vibrant murals were created by local youth. The paintings capture stories of Redwood City’s culture and community.
Youth Mural Alley Project, 816 Main St. Open all day.
Club Fox: A hot spot for live musical performances, Club Fox is a venue for those 21 and older. The space has a theater, dance floor and lounge area for private events.
Club Fox, 2209 Broadway; 831-334-1153, Instagram: @clubfox_rwc. Opening times vary depending on performances.
Shopping
Little Green A Plant Bar: At Little Green A Plant Bar, locals can come together to plant, shop and support artisan small businesses whose products are available at the shop and cafe. The space also hosts weekly events related to art, crafting and music.
Little Green A Plant Bar, 1101 Main St.; 650-704-1838, Instagram: @littlegreenaplantbar. Open Monday from 8 a.m. to noon, Tuesday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Bloomsgiving: Filled with blossoming flowers, Bloomsgiving is a space where locals can shop for and order florals. There is also a cafe that sells coffee drinks and a private workshop area. The store has another location in Mountain View.
Bloomsgiving, 893 Winslow St.; 650-204-1412, Instagram: @bloomsgiving. Open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Fireside Books & More: Redwood City’s newest independent bookstore hosts weekly book clubs for adults, teens and children. Owners and Redwood City residents Andrew Johnson and Taylor Kubota say the name of the store is an homage to one in Chagrin Falls, Ohio, where Johnson grew up. Patrons can stop by to purchase books or buy them online.
Fireside Books & More, 2421 Broadway; 650-503-8141, Instagram: @fireside.rwc. Open Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m and Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Encore Books on the Square: Known as one of the largest used bookstores on the Peninsula, Encore accepts hardcover and softcover donations of fiction and nonfiction books, alongside cookbooks, videos and DVDs. Proceeds from the store go to the San Mateo County Historical Association.
Encore Books on the Square, 2200 Broadway; 650-299-0104. Open Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Around the corner
East Meets West Bowls: A fusion of Indian and Western flavors, Easts Meets West Bowls sells premade salad, rice and noodle bowls. The eatery prides itself on being a popular takeout spot for healthy and delicious food.
Eats Meets West Bowls, 201 Marshall St.; 650-722-0067, Instagram: @eatsmeetswestbowls. Open daily from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Homeskillet: With a diverse offering of homemade sweet and savory dishes, Homeskillet’s dining experience highlights comfort and quality. Popular foods include breakfast plates and sandwiches, as well as fresh doughnuts, croissants and pastries.
Homeskillet, 820 Veterans Blvd.; 650-261-1831, Instagram: @homeskillet_rdc. Open Monday to Friday from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Gelb Music Store: For more than 85 years, Gelb staff has helped pro and beginner musicians find the best instruments and accessories. The store has a wide offering of traditional guitars, keyboards and drums alongside sleek DJ and sound equipment.
Gelb Music Store, 722 El Camino Real; 650-365-8878, Instagram: @gelbmusic. Open Monday to Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Redwood City Kiwanis Farmers Market: The oldest farmers market on the Peninsula, Kiwanis supports dozens of local independent farmers. Vendors sell everything from fresh produce and bakery items to honey and hummus.
Redwood City Kiwanis Farmers Market, 500 Arguello St.; Instagram: @rwckiwanisfarmersmarket. Open Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Chain Reaction Bicycles: This family-owned and operated bicycle shop sells an assortment of bikes, gear, accessories and clothing. Staff also help locals with any bike-related issues and repairs.
Chain Reaction Bicycles, 1680 El Camino Real; 650-366-7130. Open Monday to Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
