Crystal Springs Tavern
Dry-Aged Tavern Burger. $25. havarti cheese, burnt onion aioli, frites … TBD. Location. 742 Polhemus Road. San Mateo, CA 94402. Get Directions. Contact.
Brian Wilcox
We had a great experience at Crystal Springs Tavern. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, and the service was excellent from start to finish.
We loved the wedge salad, the maitake mushrooms, and the fish and chips—everything was well executed and full of flavor. And don’t skip dessert…the cookie was the perfect way to end the meal.
You can really feel that the owners are invested, and it shows in both the food and the overall experience. We’re already planning to make this a regular spot.
… moreNick Cahill
Crystal Springs has needed a place like this for a LONG time. Proper cocktails, great food, and atmosphere that you could find is most big cities. Definitely worth checking out, I’ll be back anytime I’m passing through San Mateo again!
… morebrian beatson
Best new restaurant in San Mateo ! I been twice I ordered the fish and chips and Caesar salad ! I also had the pastas they are freshly made ! The desserts are really good !! Shout out to the owners !
… moreAshley Dolezal
Went recently for a girls dinner and it was delicious ! To start, we split the little gem salad and mushrooms (a must!). We all shared the burger and fries, chicken and special for the night- the trout. 10/10 on all the food. The service was great, atmosphere so enjoyable and noise level perfect for a good catch up session with friends. Will definitely be back!
… moreJimmy Lopez
In my opinion, this is the best new dining spot—if not the absolute best restaurant in the Bay Area. The service, ambiance, and cocktails were phenomenal, but the food is truly the standout. We shared entrées and were impressed by the freshness of everything. The chicken I ordered and my girlfriend’s fish and chips were both unbelievable and I will absolutely make a point to return soon. A 10/10 experience and highly recommended.
… moreKiyana Tabrizi
We loved our visit to Crystal Springs Tavern. The ambiance is warm, welcoming, and vibrant, with kind servers and perfectly made cocktails. Every dish shows incredible handmade detail: the fresh mussels and oysters, the amazing panzanella with mint, the tender pork chop, and the delicious fish and chips. I wish I could take a bowl of the homemade tzatziki home! Already excited to come back!
… moremike g
Dropped by on opening night at 6pm and the line was out the door. Came back Friday night at 8pm, and there was still a big line…but lots of happy faces. Finally got a table Sunday night, and the restaurant was still packed. We tried the hamburger, chicken, and fish and chips. They were all great. We also tried the oysters, mussels and carrot appetizers. Again, all great. Service was excellent and the cocktails awesome. Definitely going back.
One more thing…there are plenty of great restaurants on the peninsula, but it sure was nice eating at a place where you didn’t have to spend 10 minutes circling the block looking for parking or forced to park 3 blocks away.
… moreBruce B.
Until now, we were discouraged by the San Mateo dining scene. Both Viognier and 231 Ellsworth went under. We were resigned to driving to SF or Palo Alto for a great meal. No more! This new restaurant has some of the freshest and most carefully prepared food in the Bay Area. We found the hamachi to be perfectly and uniquely seasoned… the Village Pub, although excellent, is not nearly as good. The roast chicken rivals any on the East Coast, and the salads were obviously picked fresh that day. Get a reservation before everyone finds out’
… moreDude Kaushansky
Crystal Springs Tavern is an excellent new restaurant in this area.
We really enjoyed our salad, pork chop and limoncello tiramisu (never had such “limoncello” version before – loved it).
Looking forward to coming back here !
… moreDylan Bern
We started with the crudo, little gem salad, heirloom tomatoes, carrots, and mushrooms. Then had the burger, chicken, and steak. Ended with the tiramisu. Every single dish was lights out delicious. This restaurant is far and away the best in the area. Service was warm and they make you feel like you’re part of the family as soon as you walk in.
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