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Within its five square blocks, downtown San Mateo packs in award-winning dining, historic architecture, niche shops and a slew of new developments. Since B Street became a pedestrian mall in late 2021, downtown has seen steady increases in foot traffic, up 20% between 2024 and 2025 and 120% since 2023.
The colorful “Cultural Pattern” street mural now lines B Street to welcome visitors, while the car-free corridor has become a lively gathering place for events like Lunar New Year and Head West Marketplace, featuring crafts by local makers. What’s more, Caltrain ridership at the downtown station has doubled since 2023, reaching an average of 1,658 riders per day in 2025.
This growth has reshaped the retail and dining landscape. Stalwart businesses like Sushi Sam, Wursthall and Draeger’s (soon to be replaced by Woodlands Market) have closed in recent years, and another fixture, B Street Books, moved to Burlingame Avenue due to rising rents.
Still, longtime favorites such as La Piñata, 3 Bees Coffee and Takahashi Market have weathered the changes and continue to anchor the neighborhood amid ongoing transformations.
Ready to explore what downtown San Mateo has to offer today? Whether you’re after a slice of nature in the city, a cafe-and-bakery hop or a one-of-a-kind gift, there’s something for every itinerary. Hop off the train, wander a few blocks and find your next favorite neighborhood spot on the Peninsula in downtown San Mateo.
Nature and history
Central Park: The 16-acre Central Park is the city’s oldest municipal park and includes the Japanese Garden, Rose Garden, tennis courts, baseball fields, picnic areas and other amenities. However, the primary picnic areas, central lawn and playgrounds closed in June 2025 for an 18-24 month construction project.
Still, visitors can enjoy the Japanese Garden, open daily free of charge, which features a koi pond, pagoda and other features. The Rose Garden, planted in 1993 and maintained by the San Mateo Arboretum Society (SMAS), is home to over 150 roses across 100 varieties. In addition, the park is host to several events each year, such as the summertime Central Park Music Series on Thursdays starting June 18.
Central Park, 50 E. 5th Ave., San Mateo; 650-522‑3400, Instagram: @smparksandrec. Open daily from dawn to dusk.
De Anza Historical Park: This strip of greenery lies along the 100 block of Arroyo Court and is also home to California Historical Landmark No. 47 for Anza Expedition Camp, part of Capt. Juan Buatista De Anza’s campsite in 1776 while he was selecting sites for the Presidio and the Mission of San Francisco. The park includes a stream and walking path.
De Anza Historical Park, 100 Block of Arroyo Court, San Mateo; 650-522‑3400, Instagram: @smparksandrec. Open daily from dawn to dusk.
Historic District: Several buildings across downtown San Mateo bear distinct architectural facades dating back to the city’s early development over a century ago. These styles include Spanish-Colonial, Art Deco and Urban Revival, to name a few. Get a glimpse of these styles by walking past Draper University (the Benjamin Franklin Hotel building) or the Art Deco Medical Arts building.
Various locations; view map for details.
Food
Pausa Bar & Cookery: The lauded Italian eatery has drawn diners to its 4th Avenue location for nearly a decade thanks to its handmade pastas, wood-fired pizzas and customizable butcher’s boards of cured meats and cheeses.
Founded by chef Andrea Giuliani, Pausa – meaning “to pause” in Italian – opened in December 2016 and is a Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant.
Pausa Bar & Cookery, 223 E. 4th Ave., San Mateo; 650-375-0818, Instagram: @pausasanmateo. Open Monday to Thursday and Sunday from 4:30-9 p.m., Friday to Saturday from 4:30-10 p.m.
La Piñata: The last block of B Street in downtown San Mateo up through Tilton Avenue is home to several Latin American businesses catering to the community, including La Piñata. This Salvadorean mini chain is known for its fresh pupusas, which come in several combinations including their special queso con ayote (cheese with zucchini) option and classic chicharron y frijoles (pork and beans).
La Piñata, 120 N. B St., San Mateo; 650-344‑5722, Instagram: @la_pinata650. Open Monday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Kajiken: Three years since opening, Kajiken continues to draw lines for its aburasoba, a type of soupless ramen that instead lends flavor to noodles with a blend of oils and sauces. Its top items include aburasoba with spicy minced pork and wagyu roast beef in a butter onion sauce. Vegetarian varieties are also available, plus appetizers and rice bowls.
Kajiken, 112 S. B St., San Mateo; 650-458-3061, Instagram: @kajikensanmateo. Open Monday to Thursday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5-9 p.m., Friday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Gao Viet Kitchen: This two-level space serves up Vietnamese classics with a modern edge, alongside an inventive beverage menu of cà phê, cocktails and zero-proof drinks. Try bánh bèo (steamed rice cakes) or shareable, DIY spring roll plates as an appetizer. Entrees include lemongrass chicken, shaking beef or catfish claypot.
Craving something else? Try one of their pho noodle soups, made with 24-hour beef bone broth.
Gao Viet Kitchen & Bar, 313 S. San Mateo Drive, San Mateo; 650-477‑2524, Instagram: @gaovietkitchen. Open for lunch Monday to Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and for dinner Monday to Sunday from 4-9 p.m.
Rise Woodfire Pizza + Rotisserie: This pizzeria had humble beginnings as a food trailer with a built-in woodfire oven. Now, Rise spans three locations on the Peninsula. Start with appetizers like jalapeno cheddar cornbread or burrata with prosciutto and cantaloupe.
Wood-fired pizzas include pesto lemon shrimp, medjool date and chevre, and artichoke and spinach options. Rotisserie chicken, prime rib and BBQ beef ribs are available from the rotisserie menu.
Rise Woodfire Pizza + Rotisserie, 2 N. B St., San Mateo; 650-484‑4337, Instagram: @risewoodfire. Open Monday to Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Dash Japanese Tapas and Sushi: Since 2012, Dash has dazzled customers with its wide array of Japanese-style tapas, nigiri and omakase sets. Specialty tapas include ahi tuna bruschetta, wagyu carpaccio and Dash Tacos featuring salmon and avocado salsa on a tempura seaweed shell. Traditional options such as chicken karaage, shrimp tempura and agedashi tofu are also on offer.
Dash Japanese Tapas & Sushi, 204A 2nd Ave., San Mateo; 650-340‑1508. Open Sunday to Thursday from 5-9:30 p.m. and Friday to Saturday from 5-10 p.m.
Tai Er: San Mateo is home to the first U.S. establishment of Sichuan restaurant Tai Er, adding to its global footprint of 600 locations. The phrase “more than just spicy” is posted above a bar area, encouraging diners to explore the myriad of flavors on the menu.
Founded in 2015 in Guangzhou, China, Tai Er’s popular items include sauerkraut fish soup, sweet-and-sour pork ribs, chili oil chicken and cumin lamb. A second Bay Area location just opened at Westfield Valley Fair in Santa Clara.
Tai Er Sichuan Cuisine, 98 E. 4th Ave., San Mateo; 650-398‑2222, Instagram: @taier_bayarea. Open Monday to Thursday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 -9 p.m., Friday to Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Daeho Kalbijjim & Beef Soup: Korean mini-chain Daeho Kalbijjim & Beef Soup has steadily expanded from its Japantown San Francisco outpost to the South Bay and Peninsula, opening its San Mateo restaurant in 2022. Its namesake dish of kalbijjim – braised short ribs topped with freshly torched cheese – has gone viral on social media for its plating and cheese pull.
Daeho Kalbijjim & Beef Soup, 213 2nd Ave., San Mateo; 650-389‑6689, Instagram: @daeho_official. Open Monday to Friday from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 4:45 -9 p.m., Saturday to Sunday from 4:30-9 p.m.
Coffee, tea and desserts
TinyB Chocolate: This chocolate shop specializes in Brazilian brigadeiros – truffle-like chocolates made of condensed milk, cocoa, and butter – in a variety of flavors and hand-dipped coatings.
A range of gift boxes are available for those wanting to try multiple flavors, such as the Brazilian coffee and dark chocolate, cookies and cream or passion fruit selections. Cookies, chocolate bars and housemade truffle spreads in flavors like lemon and salted caramel are also available.
TinyB Chocolate, 407 S. B St., San Mateo; 415-854‑0344, Instagram: @tinybchocolate. Open daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Izumi Matcha: Izumi Matcha takes matcha lattes to the next level with creations like the popular creme brulee matcha swirl and cheese mousse matcha tea. Other offerings include a hojicha latte and yuzu- or lychee-based matcha refreshments.
Izumi Matcha, 180 E. 3rd Ave., San Mateo; Instagram: @izumimatcha. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Backhaus: Local sensation Backhaus has become a Peninsula standout for its freshly baked bread and pastries alongside espresso drinks. Backhaus was founded by Anne Moser, a native of Germany, who started the business from KitchenTown before opening its San Mateo location in 2019.
Backhaus offers a selection of sourdough hearth loaves, baguettes and naturally leavened pan loaves, plus pretzels and sweet and savory pastries such as a pistachio raspberry croissant and the Speck & Egg Breakfast Bowl. Stop by on weekends for a chance to get their mini chocolate sourdough.
Backhaus Bread, 322 E. 3rd Ave., San Mateo; 650-200‑9493, Instagram: @backhausbread. Open Monday to Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
3 Bees Coffee: The Haddad family has owned and operated 3 Bees Coffee since 2002. The business prides itself on offering a welcoming, cozy atmosphere with espresso-based beverages, plus breakfast and lunch options. Try a breakfast sandwich or a samosa for a savory bite. Bags of coffee beans are for sale, including a house blend of medium-dark roast beans.
3 Bees Coffee, 224 E. 3rd Ave., San Mateo; 650-344‑2339, Instagram: @3beescoffee. Open Monday to Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Chill Spot Rendezvous: Chill Spot Rendezvous invites guests to relax and enjoy a cup of ice cream or a tasty snack. Owner Maggie de Vera crafts seasonal menu items for guests to enjoy, such as a banana menu for spring with banana matcha smoothies and frozen chocolate bananas. For a savory bite, Jamaican beef patties and Filipino dishes are available, including lumpia and breakfast plates such as tocilog and spamsilog.
Chill Spot Rendezvous, 320 E. 3rd Ave., San Mateo; Instagram: @chillspotrendezvous. Open Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Simplycake Bakery: Stop by Simplycake Bakery for Chinese-style baked goods, cakes and beverages in a self-service cafe. Pineapple buns, pork sung rolls and BBQ pork buns are staples which you can pair with a cup of hot Hong Kong-style milk tea or lemon black tea. Specialty cakes such as the mocha mousse, mango sponge cake and Durian Mille Crêpe can be had by the slice or ordered whole.
Simplycake Bakery, 132 E. 3rd Ave., San Mateo; 650-348‑2888, Instagram: @simplycakebakery. Open Tuesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Libations
Wunderbar: Wunderbar is a basement-level speakeasy that invites you down a “rabbit hole” to delight in signature cocktails. Seating is by reservation only via Tock and originally began when Wursthall operated above.
Wunderbar lives on with new brunch spot Whisper upstairs, and it continues to serve creative cocktails and mocktails with names like Wishing Well (vodka, soju, lychee) and Crimson Eclipse (zero-proof vodka, grenadine, tonic).
Wunderbar, 320 E. 3rd Ave., San Mateo; 650-344‑3330, Instagram: @wunderbarsm. Open Monday to Thursday from noon to 7 p.m., Friday from noon to 9 p.m., Saturday to Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The Barrel Bistro and Wine Bar: Choose from hundreds of wines, spirits and ports at this B Street fixture featuring a lively outdoor seating area. A full menu of Mediterranean-inspired dishes is available for brunch, lunch and dinner, including Spanish, French and Italian fare.
The Barrel Bistro & Wine Bar, 246 S. B St., San Mateo; 650-445‑7250, Instagram: @thebarrelbistrowinebar. Open Sunday to Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., Friday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Fogbird: Fogbird is an award-winning cocktail bar offering seasonal drink menus, bar bites and happy hour with a focus on hospitality. Signature and house cocktails range from $15-$19, and mocktails range from $6-$13 per drink. Fogbird also has an extensive spirits menu available in 2-ounce pours, such as gin, rum, scotch, whiskey and mezcal.
Fogbird, 322 E. 3rd Ave., San Mateo; Instagram: @fogbirdca. Open Monday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Amour Amour: Sample a variety of Spanish and fusion tapas while sipping wine at Amour Amour, a rustic yet cozy spot along 4th Avenue. Enjoy a pitcher of sangria with classic tapas like patatas bravas and garlic prawns, or opt for bites like baguette crostinis topped with burrata and Spanish chorizo. The wine list includes varieties from Spain, Portugal and Argentina, plus California options from Lodi and the Russian River Valley, among others.
Amour Amour, 320 E. 3rd Ave., San Mateo; Instagram: @amouramoursm. Open Monday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.
O’Neills Irish Pub: Check out O’Neills for sports, daily happy hour, trivia nights and live music on weekends with a pint of Guinness in hand. The Irish pub first opened in 1998 before changing ownership in 2011. Other drinks include 805, IPAs and Mind Haze beer on top, whiskey and other spirits.
O’Neill’s Irish Pub, 220 E. 3rd Ave., San Mateo; 650-341‑0100, Instagram: @oneills_san_mateo_. Open Sunday to Thursday from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 a.m.
Art, entertainment and shopping
Honey and Hive: This baby and kids’ boutique features a curated selection of clothes, shoes, accessories and towels that are ethically made. The shop opened in downtown San Mateo in April 2025 and focuses on eco-friendly products made with high-quality materials. Shop clothing, accessories and toys in store or online with free shipping on all U.S. orders.
Honey and Hive, 320 E. 3rd Ave., San Mateo; 650-485-1180, Instagram: @honeyandhiveusa. Open Monday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Therapy Stores: Downtown San Mateo is home to the newest location of Therapy Stores, a Bay Area chain with 10 locations and counting. Shop gift items like handbags and earrings by California makers such as JaxKelly and Amano Studio, plus clothing, home decor, children’s books, dolls and much more.
The chain got its start in the Mission District and has other locations on the Peninsula, including in Burlingame, San Bruno and San Carlos.
Therapy Stores, 43 E. 4th Ave., San Mateo; 650-315-2122, Instagram: @therapystores. Open daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Golden Moon Gallery: Golden Moon Gallery describes itself as a community space that’s equal parts gallery, boutique, gift shop and artistic studio. An array of products are for sale, from paintings and ceramics to jewelry.
Founded by artist Nick Chaboya in 2016, the gallery also offers art classes, including drawing and bug pinning. Golden Moon Gallery also has a private event space to support all types of festivities.
Golden Moon Gallery, 28 E. 3rd Ave., Suite 100, San Mateo; 650-435-5202, Instagram: @goldenmoongallery. Open Tuesday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. or by appointment.
Plato’s Closet: Want to do some thrifting during your visit to downtown San Mateo? Plato’s Closet has you covered. The store is open daily for buying, selling or trading clothing, shoes and accessories. Stay tuned to their Instagram for seasonal drops, special shopping events and sneak peeks of recent additions.
Plato’s Closet, 322 E. 3rd Ave., San Mateo; 650-342‑1900, Instagram: @platosclosetsanmateo. Open Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Clawsome: Inspired by the abundant and glowing claw arcades of Japan, Clawsome brings a taste of this entertainment experience to downtown San Mateo. Win prizes such as Sanrio, Labubu and Pokemon dolls from the machines available. Take the experience up a notch by downloading their mobile app to unlock access to promotions, tournament schedules and special events in store.
Clawsome, 322 E. 3rd Ave., San Mateo; 650-344‑3330, Instagram: @clawsomesm. Open Sunday and Tuesday to Thursday from noon to 8 p.m., Friday to Saturday from noon to 9 p.m.
Akiba HQ Anime & Gundam Store: Visit the newest location of this hobby store to get started on your Gundam model kit journey. Gundam is a Japanese science fiction anime featuring a wide number of robots, including the iconic namesake Gundam. The San Mateo location opened in fall 2025, and all three Akiba HQ stores sell a variety of anime products, Japanese gashapon, plush toys and trading cards.
Akiba HQ Anime & Gundam Store, 324 E. 3rd Ave., San Mateo; 650-398‑2218, Instagram: @akibahq. Open Monday to Thursday from 1-7 p.m., Friday from 1-8 p.m., Saturday to Sunday from noon to 8 p.m.
Around the corner
Sama Coffee Shop: Located two blocks from Central Park, Sama Coffee Shop features flavors of Arabia across its beverage and dessert menu. Turkish coffee, cardamom lattes, Iraqi tea and traditional Middle Eastern herbal tea numi basra are available. Pair your drink with a treat like milk cake, baklava or kunafeh with cheese.
Sama Coffee Shop, 800 S. B St., Suite 500, San Mateo; 650-665-9422, Instagram: @sama.coffeeshop. Open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Takahashi Market: A relic of San Mateo’s former Japantown, Takahashi Market has kept this piece of the city’s history alive. Japanese, Hawaiian and Asian grocery products are for sale, and its hot food section is a draw for locals and visitors alike. Check out their food warmer filled with musubi options like kalua pork and bacon, Spam and egg, or order a Hawaiian-style plate of ahi poke with rice.
Takahashi Market, 221 S. Claremont St., San Mateo; 650-343-0394, Instagram: @takahashi_market. Open Wednesday to Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Espetus: Indulge in all-you-can-eat charcoal-grilled meats at Espetus, a Brazilian Churrasco steakhouse located on South B Street. Espetus starts you off at the salad bar with items like crispy polenta and Brazilian style feijoada black bean stew. Three tiers of lunch options are available including a salad-only option, and the dinner service includes 12-14 cuts of steak, pork, chicken and lamb plus shrimp. Pão de Queijo, Brazilian cheese bread, is available throughout your meal.
Espetus Brazilian Steakhouse, 710 S. B St., San Mateo; 650-342-8700, Instagram: @espetus. Open for lunch Monday to Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Saturday to Sunday from noon to 3 p.m.; open for dinner Monday to Thursday from 5-10 p.m., Friday to Saturday from 5-11 p.m. and Sunday from 3-9 p.m.
Sibby’s Cupcakery: This cupcake shop celebrated 20 years in San Mateo in 2024. Former advertising professional and founder Sibby Ross Thomsen parlayed her passion for home baking into a flourishing dessert shop along South Railroad Avenue. Check out Sibby’s menu for monthly flavors, including a neapolitan flavor for May. Gluten-free cupcakes are also available.
Sibby’s Cupcakery, 716 S. Railroad Ave., San Mateo; 415-613-4373, Instagram: @sibbyscupcakery. Open Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.,Tuesday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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