50 Best Bars near San Carlos

“Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are all great and always hit the spot. Come by in the evenings if you enjoy the social atmosphere or want to hang out with friends.

Molly O’s has become a popular destination for people from all over the Peninsula on weekends. During the day it’s family-friendly and welcoming, but Friday nights bring a fun younger crowd with DJs, dancing, and great energy. The vibe stays lively and comfortable for a wide range of ages.

Saturday nights are just as great with live music ranging from young country artists to traditional Irish fiddlers, something different every weekend that keeps people coming back.

The food, beer, and cocktails were all excellent, the service was amazing, and meeting Molly herself made the experience even better. You can tell this place is built on hospitality and good people. Definitely one of the best nightlife spots in San Carlos.“

“The best of the best dive bars. Katie is sweet, warm, welcoming and makes everyone feel like a new friend. The regulars here make it feel like home, even to someone who just arrived from the airport. The gourmet food options include Lays, Fritos, Cheetos and Cheez-Its. There's a pool table and shuffleboard. Come for a good time, stay for a long time.“

“Great food but expensive. It was a great treat for me. I did enjoy it.“

“Fantastic night! Enjoyed Sema and her hospitality tremendously!“

“I got my food to go, and it was ready promptly, and the food was absolutely outstanding! I would recommend this place to anybody!“

“exceeded my expectations, beautifully done. Staff is gorgeous. And not bad looking either. These people knew what they were doing, love what they do, and it exudes through the food and experience.. I will be back a million times.“

“The bartender Michelle she’s good and hard worker“

“Bistro Vida is a favorite spot for our family to ring in the new year. It's become a tradition for everyone young and old where we all can come together for a nice dinner and toast the holidays. The staff is excellent and friendly. Oli makes us feel like family.“

“Honestly, this is my favorite speakeasy in the Bay Area. It quietly opened during Covid and quickly became one of those places you almost want to keep secret. Reservations only. Strictly. and getting a prime-time slot isn’t always easy — which says a lot about how popular it is.

The vibe is amazing: old-fashioned leather chairs, bookshelves stretching all the way to the ceiling, and dim, intimate lighting that makes the space feel cozy, sexy and private. It’s the kind of place where you can definitely dress up and enjoy a proper night out.

The drink selection is huge and very creative. Their specialty cocktails come in a deck of tarot cards, which makes choosing a drink part of the fun. My go-to is the Wisewoman, and the French 75 is also beautifully balanced. That said, they update their menu pretty often. They’ve even created custom drinks for special requests before, which was a nice surprise.

Oh, about the “speakeasy” part, you have to figure out the code at the door with the “rabbit” to get in (hint hint), which is so fun! 🤩“

“¡ La limpieza!! La atención al cliente y la esmerada creación de las pizzas, me dan la certeza de que al recomendarlo, no me van a dejar mal !! Los precios, accesibles y todo el establecimiento contribuye a pasar un grato fin de semana con familiares y/o amigos !“

“A little pricey, it was a bit challenging to order if you're not sitting at the bar and the service for the food is quite slow as well as cashing out the check. Food itself was good quality although not exceptional but the convenience of grabbing a bite to eat in a place with nice ambiance before a flight can't be beat.“

“Our band, Drini & the Bad Kats Band, played at the venue for the first time last night. The entire staff, patrons and owner were great. Our friends loved the venue as well. I’ve been for Karaoke Nights several times and have always had a blast as well. The drinks are strong and delicious, just like I like em. Lots of space to move around too. 🤗🎤🎉“

“Great beer! Especially the Belgians. Friendly bartender.“

“Been to this place twice. Dropped in on a Friday and it was kinda slow The gentlemen working the bar didn't seem like he wanted to be there. But he still put on a smile when serving the drinks. Went back a there was a woman bartending. She was extremely sweet and very welcoming. There was also a back patio that also has a tv and you could smoke back there.“

“Been in the area for work a few times in the last couple months. I found this place on my first trip out here and couldn’t have stumbled upon a better place. They don’t have a kitchen, but you can find some of the best food trucks parked outside the front door regularly. A great place to watch sports and hang out where the locals do. From the owner to Jessica behind the bar, you’ll feel right at home.“

“Went here twice for a film screening and Dust Breaks' EP release party—both different and great events! Good vibes, warm & inviting while having great staging for different kinds of events to play with. As an artist myself, I'd like to play a show here in the future for its vibes, drinks, easy access to food along the area, and friendly service! Shoutout to Allan for the friendliness and tech help!“

“New cocktail spot by the Protege crew which is upscale yet fun and has a great HH weekdays. Great option for pre or post dinner when in the area.

Highlights:
- Happy hour: 4-5:30 weekdays--including Fridays. Includes a set of $10 drinks which is a steal for the bay area. Includes one of my fave cocktails (vesper) so I was super excited about that.
- Cocktails: quality and a choice between classic like the vesper or high balls and special ones like the XXX and a bunch of others.
- Sodas: they make their own which I think is super cool
- Vibe: energetic and classy--not stuffy. Nice staff.
- Nuts: tasty warm snack while you enjoy your beverage. 4 stars
- Raw fish tostada: complex but fresh mix of flavors and texture. 4 stars
- Mochiko chicken: standard flavors and textures was fine. 3.5 stars
- Cocktail option on California: not too many but more opening up lately. And open later than most places in the area (11pm on Wed/Thurs, 12am Fri/Sat)
- No reservations needed
- Trainable: only few blocks away from the California Caltrain station

Midlights:
- A5 wagyu shu mai: was super excited at the sound of this but was just ok. 3 stars

Lowlights:
- Unpredictable when it'll be busy. Came early on a Wednesday once and it was packed.“

“Can I give it 10 stars for atmosphere? Maybe 1 or 2 for food, but that makes it even at 5 stars. It's a historic dive bar that has character from its many years of pouring drinks. It's the absolute opposite of many of the bars/restaurants just down the road. Those are nice too, but cannot keep up with the character at Pioneer...“

“sports atmosphere....patrons are awesome, jukebox I love and the bartenders are awesome...“

“We were weary travelers stopping by Scotty's in hope of a more chill vibe with some good food, and Scottys delivered! Our bartender, Sergio, was so friendly and fun! We got some inside knowledge about the town as we are from Oregon. The drinks were perfect and the food was top notch! I would have expected to pay a lot more for the quality of food and service we received at literally any of the surrounding places. We will visit Palo Alto again if only to go back to Scotty's as a new tradition! Thank you, Sergio, for making our anniversary dinner a great one! Someone give him a raise!“

“good chill place to hangout and have drinks and shoot pool with the locals. everyone there is chill“

“Karaoke with Ben on Thursday nights is always a blast. Good parking in front and rear, good bartenders, drinks, 2 pool tables, dart board, clean bathrooms, and a relaxed low-key dive bar feel. If you're looking for a local hideaway, then The Harbor is your refuge.

Wheelchair accessibility: ADA accessibility“

“Wow - family gathering, center table on Sunday. Steve, Sean and the crew were first class for our group of relatives (yes, celebrating a birthday). The selections from steak to lamb and more were delicious! The Yorkshire pudding, excellent temp and texture baked potatoes, and various warm and tasty vegetables complimented the generous and well marbled cuts. The starter salad was crisp and delightful. Outstanding!“

“It was a nice spot to just eat and chill for a bit. Me and my brother just came off a roller coaster of flight and emotions. So we were pretty hungry. Wanted breakfast so this was our only good looking option. It did not disappoint with the food being delicious and our server Gloria was the best. She made sure we had our condiments before our food came out and made sure everything was good for us. She was very attentive towards us and was such a sweet lady. Would recommend if you’re at the airport.“

“Home away from home. 🏈🍺🎉💕“

“Awesome rooftop bar with stunning views and great cocktails!“

“Rolled into town on a Wednesday, looking to book a late night party on the upcoming Saturday. Monica behind the bar grabbed the owner Malhi from next door. They were both super helpful and made it easy. Had a great time with good drinks. Even pumped our own music through their sound system. Nice looking place with chill vibe.“

“Lovely lounge for an evening drink with your coworkers or family. The atmosphere is pleasant with gorgeous views of the mountains. If seated indoors, the library environment is warm and soothing. The food is delicious either lovely choice of cocktails, wine and beers. This is most favored place for business hangouts and casual meetings.“

“Greens are true and the range has a helpful computer system“

“I loved Lorena's service, she is super professional and detailed with her hands and products. She relaxes you and makes you conscious. She makes you feel like you are in the clouds. Of course I highly recommend her. You will not regret it. You will return and above all, the results are instantaneous. thank you ? My Lore“

“It's a good old fashioned pub. Nothing fancy, just a nice comfortable place to have a drink and make a friend. There is a large outside area where you can smoke and have a drink, which is hard to find. It's my go to place after a hard days work. The service is the best !!“

“Had a wonderful, fresh breakfast and a nice dinner at the restaurant in The Westin in Palo Alto. The breakfast I chose was the bar which included eggs, bacon, potatoes, and French toast. Cereal, coffee, OJ, and toast was available as well a 8 varieties of fruit.For dinner, I started with the cheese plate and finished with the Soleil Burger with Gilroy fries. Long Islands were outstanding. The cheese plate was excellent and served with toast. The burger was cooked to perfection with bacon and cheddar.“

“Great way to spend some time.! Friendly people every where. It is realky great when you win too! Lol“

“The steak sliders and garlic fries were so good! Service here is excellent! Dave and Tasani made sure to check on how I was enjoying the food and kept refilling my water! Excited for my next trip through SFO! Will definitely eat here again!“

“Le banc is just what Los Altos needs! A low key, no frills bar with good drinks, TV’s to watch your favorite sporting event, darts and the ability to bring in your own food of choice. This place has just the basics and is run by great people who know the biz!“

“Great selection of beers!“

“Our waiter, Sinan, was absolutely amazing- very attentive, knew the menu, and professional. My husband ordered a burger and loved it. I had a hot cabbage salad which was delicious. The cheese & charcuterie was good and served with ham and carmelized onions which were yummy. The “aged Gouda” was actually smoked Gouda. I suggest they dim the lights further than they were dimmed on 16 Feb, 2025.“

“Mr Ralph Carico is the most skilled trader I've ever encountered, I will certainly advise everyone to utilize his service, He’s so wonderful Ralph Carico.“

“Food was great. Service was excellent even the restaurant was packed at height of dinner. Great food!“

“Great venue for parties & just a nice place to have drinks. Beer selection is fabulous as is the atmosphere. McGoverns bartenders are fun friendly & helpful. There are numerous games to enjoy playing from table hockey, billiards, checkers, pinball, ect. If you walk in solo...you’ll find yourself with plenty of friendly people & conversation!“

“First time here. Really enjoyed the food and atmosphere.“

“I’ve come here twice to enjoy and work from my laptop on the patio. The views are stunning and in the evening when it’s breezy they even offer blankets despite the rooftop being heated at night. The light bites are amazing— I LOVED the charcuterie board. There is a 90 min limit on the table which is fine so others can also enjoy the vibes. The service was great, Chef Tony came out and introduced himself and I sang his praises, the bartender and server was attentive and helpful and both even let me know on Fridays or the weekends in the summer they bring in a dj! Will definitely be checking that out!“

“Food was good. Service is a little lackluster; it almost as though our table was invisible. Not once was our table checked on during the meal. The only time a request could be placed was when we asked the young lady that came to remove empty plates from the table.“

“In truth, I recommend Jessica --the front desk-- who makes sure that I receive extra marinara as well as extra sauce Anglaise... for takeout. Until, we talked, I stopped ordering from Terun on principle. I was a frequent client. Takeout customers must be honored for requests that are gladly honored when in the dining room. Takeout customers should be thanked for not causing dirty tablecloths and dishes -- and LOYALTY. Jessica reinstated that loyalty. I truly hope that the owners appreciate her. Without extra sauces the food is too dry. With it, delicious. The prices honor extra sauces and more!“

“Everything was great. Waiters were friendly. Overall 5/5!“

“It's inside the building for graduate students to meet and attend certain activities. They offer a variety of food with reasonable prices. There's no table service. After done eating, you need to bring your own plates to the collection trays. Good place to grab something if you're on campus but too far away from the tresiddor union. There are not many places open on weekends. This is one of those.“

“Good food. Good service. Good atmosphere.“

“Great owner! Great Staff! Comfortable surroundings! Gotta be there!!“

“Delicious food! My wife and I love this place. Perfect for date night! We tried the chef’s menu once which was pretty good. The starters are amazing. Risotto is my personal favorite. And the chocolate dessert is the best! Wait-staff is pretty diligent too.“

“A group (6) of us went to celebrate a friends retirement and it was the first time for all of us at Amara. We wanted to to try a variety of dishes since they all sounded so good! James was our waiter, he was amazing and helped us come up with a selection that that was a mix of their Mezzes, Share Plates and Large plates. Their pita bread was to die for, it was so delicious and it helped us sop up every last bit of the sauces from each dish. James also made a suggestion of an off menu Cabbage ( shared plate) that hands down we all loved. The Branzino , the raviolis, Broccoli, egg plant and Muhammara all were delicious with wonderful flavors!! And like I said earlier James was an amazing waiter and contributed to our wonderful meal. I definitely plan on going back 😋“