The Refuge (San Mateo)

Very nice place to talk and enjoy hillsdale mall. The food was amazing, with the burger being perfectly cheesy but not greasy, and the fries being crispy all around. They have a nice, 80s choice of music when I went there, and I got a lot of time to talk with friends and family

For its price, the atmosphere, the food and the drinks, it is difficult to not rate Refuge high. This is your go-to neighborhood bar and eatery with plenty of comfort food and a large selection of drinks - somewhat more down-to-earth version of a chain like The Yard House.

So then why the 4-stars? I think the kitchen is getting "too comfortable" with the regular formula. There is ensuring that you stick to your core and basics (which definitely is what the Refuge pulls off well throughout its various locations) but also a slight lack of love and care in how the food is prepared.

Yes, everything tastes good with friends, sports, and a drink. But that doesn't mean that less care should be put into the food. My most recent visit with a Philly Cheesesteak was just "okay bland meat" smothered in some "okay cheese" on a "okay bun". Presented in a splattered way. Again, all good. All okay. And yes, I'd return. But again, would be so easy for Refuge to step it up just a notch. Love what you put out. Care for it. And more success will follow.

Stopped in for dinner. It wasn't to busy and sat immediately. Waiter came by immediately after us being seated. Water and orange juice brought out shortly afterward. We ordered kid hamburger with extra crispy fries, short rib barbaco nachos, pulled bbq pork brisket sandwich, guoda Mac and cheese appetizer, and cheese steak de arbol. I don't even know if it was 10 mins or less but food came out to the table, it was super quick. As for the extra crispy fries, yes as requested. I got the short rib nachos, it was yummy, I liked it a lot, however little small on portion size. Friend got the pulled pork sandwich with the guoda Mac and cheese and she liked it a lot. Sister ordered the cheese steak de arbol and I tried a piece and it was super yummy and had a nice spicy sauce. They need to put that on more stuff on the menu. Overall great service, didn't matter who walked by but they bussed dishes, and the waiter left the device to sign for credit card purchase and someone else finished it up and great food.

This was a very good experience just few days ago. Very nicely lit and interestingly positioned place. They have nice area of many tables under red umbrellas outside and plenty of tables inside. Our group of friends took the inside table. The walls are actually glass so siting inside one still can observe the street and it is nice. We all ordered various items on the menu - Tuna Melt sandwich, chicken crispy tenders, garlic fries and pastrami Reuben, and pulled BBQ beef. Portions are very good size. We couldn’t finish them all and the dinner leftovers become the lunch next day. I like their fries very much - they are adequate thickness, so you can later on cook them either on stovetops or in Air Frier - and they keep the moisture and the taste.

I like the attention we got from all the servants, always with a smile and they were proactive about all that we might need. The presentation of the meals on the plates is also very good. I used to go to Refuge in San Carlos (it’s very good as well) and I’m glad we found this new one in Hillsdale mall - definitely recommend you to visit and enjoy it!

Food is good (try their pastrami!) and served at the speed of light and with a friendly smile. The beer menu will take you the whole night to read. Large outdoor area opened until 9pm. One of the best choices in the area.