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San Mateo Prime - Steakhouse in San Mateo, California

San Mateo Prime

4.2 (214 reviews)

174 E 3rd Ave, San Mateo, CA 94401

Steak house
Bar
Restaurant

About San Mateo Prime - steak house in San Mateo, California

Welcoming steakhouse provides craft cocktails, a lengthy wine list & cut-to-order prime rib.

Customer Review Summary

San Mateo Prime is praised for its excellent prime rib and attentive service. Many reviewers highlight the inviting atmosphere and convenient location in San Mateo, making it ideal for special occasions. The drink selection, especially wine by the glass, is also noted as a positive aspect. While most diners had a delightful experience, some expressed disappointment over an unexpected service charge of 19.8%, which lacked proper explanation and transparency. Overall, the restaurant is highly recommended for its delicious food and friendly staff, though concerns regarding billing practices were raised.

Key Features

Service options

  • Takeout
  • Dine-in

Highlights

  • Great beer selection
  • Great cocktails
  • Great dessert
  • Great wine list

Popular for

  • Dinner
  • Solo dining

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair accessible entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Wheelchair accessible restroom
  • Wheelchair accessible seating

Offerings

  • Alcohol
  • Beer
  • Cocktails
  • Coffee
  • Comfort food
  • Hard liquor
  • Wine

Dining options

  • Dinner
  • Dessert
  • Seating

Amenities

  • Bar onsite
  • Restroom

Atmosphere

  • Cozy
  • Romantic
  • Upscale

Crowd

  • Groups

Planning

  • Dinner reservations recommended
  • Accepts reservations

Payments

  • Credit cards
  • Debit cards
  • NFC mobile payments

Children

  • High chairs

Parking

  • Paid parking lot
  • Paid street parking

Customer Reviews

Rating Distribution

4.2 out of 5
5
111
4
64
3
25
2
8
1
6
Based on 214 reviews

Trung Bach

4 months ago

Very good place to go for a nice Prime Rib Dinner that won’t break the bank. Drinks were excellent, good wine selection by the glass, and prime rib was perfect. Service was attentive & great.

John

3 months ago

11-28-2024: We ordered for Thanksgiving, and the food was good. Good dealing with Steve.

D Rivas

Let me start off by saying I will not be comparing them to a certain place in the city. This place has excellent service, a great prime rib, and a lovely atmosphere. Conveniently located in the heart of San Mateo with plenty of easy parking options. It's perfect for a date night, birthday celebration or any special event.

Robert Lee

2 months ago

I had an excellent rack of lamb. Before you say anything, I had too much prime rib this holiday season.

Claudia Ramirez

9 months ago

1st time here, food was delicious, staff was very friendly!!! Ordered our dishes, with a bottle of wine. The meat was on point. No idea why I've never been here before, but definitely coming back.

Gina Ferrell

Went here for Valentine’s Day. Had the prime rib dinner which came with three sides, dessert and a puff pastry. Everything was cooked to perfection! The service was exceptional! Can’t wait to go again.

E B

2 years ago

Prime rib was one of the best we have had. The servers were attentive. Stars are based on what happened after dinner. A service charge (SVC CHG) of 19.8% was added to the bill with NO explanation. There was no indication on the menu, no signs/noticed posted. No disclosure of this when we made our reservation. Fine, maybe it goes towards the gratuity? We thought the SVC CHG went to gratuity - a bit less than we give normally for good service, but okay, we don't mind being forced to pay gratuity. Apparently, that service charge does not go to the servers or wait staff as a gratuity! In my opinion, this is deceptive. Who does that service charge go to exactly?... We won't be returning and will support other establishments that can account to why you are charged a service charge and who is getting the money. Extremely disappointed.

Excel Ang

5 months ago

Delicious prime rib and sides. Friendly attentive service. Relaxing family friendly atmosphere. We celebrated family's birthday here. Overall wonderful experience. We will definitely be coming back in the future.

Location

Contact Information

Hours of Operation

Friday 5–10 PM
Monday Closed
Saturday 5–10 PM
Sunday 5–10 PM
Thursday 5–10 PM
Tuesday Closed
Wednesday 5–10 PM

Price Range

$50–100