The Barrel Bistro and Wine Bar

246 S B St, San Mateo
(650) 445-7250

Recent Reviews

Evelyn Aleridge

Had the Beglian Waffles and mimosa flight. The food was delicious, the mimosas hit the spot and the service was excellent.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Joanne Brausch

This is a culinary delight and an absolute MUST dining experience in the super quaint "Main Street" area of San Mateo. The staff was incredibly friendly, welcoming and attentive - as if you were honored guests in their home. The food was incredible - truly something for everyone - and delicious. The wine list is extensive - they offer Caymus Cab by the glass; a rare occurence. The cocktails were well crafted. Start to finish...this was a meal and an establishment to remember. I will be back! You need to check this place out!!Parking: Immediately in front of the restaurant is a walkable promenade (no vehicular traffic) - 2nd & 3rd Streets offer limited street parking, some of which is restricted - much is taken up by restaurant outdoor dining "parklets". YOUR BEST BET is the Main Street Parking Garage. You only pay until 6 PM...it is free until 2 AM thereafter.Kid-friendliness: Not so much. This is definitely a "hey, mom & dad, take a few hours off! Get a sitter!" kinda place.Wheelchair accessibility: Accomodating - but give them a heads up ahead of time. One of our guests had a walker and staff graciously helped her get situated, and stowed the walker while we dined.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Bruschetta, Escargot

Tomasz Urbaszek

Great selection of wines, the food is reasonably good although the seafood linguine was rather moderate. Portion are

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 3

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Seafood Linguine L

I enjoy coming here for drinks and appetizers or a full dinner before a movie. The service is always great and the cocktails well-made. The food is not always consistent, but it's still good (i.e. unfresh arugula on my flat bread, but not on this particular visit). The live music on the weekends is enjoyable and a nice touch. It's definitely in my rotation when I'm in the area.

WanderinGourmet

What a find! This was our first time here. We started by sharing the warm Napa cabbage salad. it was the best cabbage salad I've ever had! The flavors were complex and the salad at just the right temperature. Next we had The Barrel Sampler Plate (for 2 people). The crab cakes were filled with crab meat and cooked perfectly. The calamari was tender and crispy. The prosciutto and cheese paired perfectly. The house made tiramisu was scrumptious. The wait staff was charming and attentive, but not intrusive. The only thing I would have changed was for them to bring a teapot of hot water to steep the tea. They brought me hot water multiple times times, but I would have preferred to have had a small teapot. This place is a find! We will definitely be returning. I can't wait to try more items from their menu

LarryE

First time dining here. Excellent service, had primary server and a few others that were checking in with us. Excellent wine selection, diverse menu, all dishes were prepared perfectly. If you haven't been there before, try it. I would consider this a neighborhood gem.

We had a party of six. The service was absolutely excellent. The cocktails were fine. The lamb was delicious. The big problem was with the chicken Parmesan. It tasted like it had come from a frozen state. It was tough and not very good. Also, the flatbread pizza did not have any sauce and was very dry. The dessert was absolutely fabulous. The street corn was very good and the charcuterie board was good .

Sam Ustrzynski

Did not try food but pretty cool place for a drink.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Gena Volkov

Took a bit of time to get a table for 6, which is expected. Appetizers are ok, tasty. Main reason for 5 stars is the selection of wines and spirits, and the meat sampler platter, that latter one I can recommend 100% for 2 ppl or more. Will be back, probably.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Arada Notzay

Luxurious and professional. Beautiful

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

cherrytiwst76

good service and good food and portion overall. the bone marrow was delicious. when we went it was right after it opened on a holiday monday so it was empty and quiet. i'm sure it'll be more vibrant during dinner hours.

ToniS

Very friendly service. Excellent cocktails and delicious food. The menu is diverse and has an excellent selection of bites to complement cocktails or wine flight. Great ambience too.

Janet lim

The food and the service was good. I forgot to take pictures as I was hungry that day. The photos of other customers review are equally the same.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

HeatherF

Went here with some colleagues while traveling for a conference. The place was crowded and noisy with the basketball game on. We had fantastic service and the food was great. I have a very specific needs diet and they were very good about accommodating me and not making me feel like I was a pain for it. My special meal was fantastic. Will definitely eat there again.

iWorship (igooogi)

A gem in San Mateo. Delicious pastas. Beautiful setting. Perfect for a date to impress your future wife.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

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The Barrel Bistro and Wine Bar

246 S B St, San Mateo, CA 94401
(650) 445-7250