Oh dear! Maybe not the best place to go after a couple of margaritas at Fernando's! Stiff pours and good prices, lovely bartendress, and fun people at the bar ready to talk about...anything and everything! Clean bathroom, and attentive bartendress...maybe tooooo attentive lol kidding not her problem. Time for an Uber. read more

Antones Cocktail Lounge - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Mateo, California

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Small local establishment with a friendly staff and good selection of drinks. You can see that the place is popular with a loyal crowd that stops by to watch a game and grab some drinks. It's a dive bar - and they stick to what they do well read more

Here you'll find the fairy tale story of Antone's and the fairy godmother of libations, Ms Lisa. Enter Antone's, and you'll find yourself in the warm embrace of Lisa's hospitality--a modern-day Mother Goose of the mixology world. With a wave of her metaphorical wand, she conjures concoctions that dance on your taste buds like magical elves on your tongue's magical forest. As if she could read the very pages of your soul, Lisa knows precisely when your goblet yearns for a refill. She, the master storyteller behind the bar, wove tales with spirits and flavors, transforming the ordinary into extraordinary libations. Whether you are a seasoned patron or a first-time visitor, Lisa bestows upon you the magical aura of familiarity. She possesses the uncanny ability to make newcomers feel like cherished characters in a timeless story, while regulars swoon in the comforting embrace of a familiar tale. In Antone's, Lisa isn't merely a bartender; she is the guardian of comfort, ensuring every sip was a chapter in a delightful saga. Her warmth envelope's you like a cozy fairytale, and the echoes of laughter and clinking glasses resonate like the sweet verses of a lullaby. So, if ever you find yourself in need of an enchanted refuge, venture to Antone's and let Lisa, the benevolent Mother Goose of libations, whisk you away on a journey of flavors and fellowship. Cheers to the fairy godmother of Antone's, where every libation is a happily ever after. Just don't ever play Ozzy Osborne on her shift ok! read more

Was looking for a new place to watch the game and this place was great. Friendly staff and guests made us feel comfortable. Reasonably priced appetizers. read more

One awful experience really can ruin a place for you forever. Last Friday night was one of those "I would award zero stars if I could" kind of nights at Antones. But I'm throwing them 2 stars out of nostalgia for all the good times I've had here. I teach Salsa dancing around the corner, so over the years (pre-covid) I came here with students and friends from time to time after Wednesday night classes or after weekend dances for a nightcap (or 2 or 3...). Always low key, always friendly, always fun. Great deals on drinks. We would often pile into the corner booth and just chat. Sometimes we would throw some darts or shoot some pool. Occasionally we'd put some music on the juke box and have a little impromptu dance party. I even brought my little dog several times. Really good memories. This last Friday we wrapped up a Salsa event and like old times, came over to Antones afterward for a nightcap. 10 or so of us arrived between 1:00-1:10am. Everyone mild mannered, no one rowdy. We are still ordering drinks for our group when the bartender -- Jessica -- screams "LAAAST CAAAALLLL!!!" This bar closes at 2:00. She comes back to us and says, "I gotta be somewhere tonight." Maybe that should have been a red flag, but we finish ordering our drinks as a few of our group is already seated with drinks. 1:25am: We all are finally seated with drinks. Jessica is screaming again, "FINISH YOUR DRINKS, WE'RE CLOSING. I'M SO DONE! WE'RE CLOSING." We still have mostly full drinks, some literally just got theirs and sat down. Incredulous, we check our watches. It's only 1:25. Ok, we say to each other, let's just finish and we'll go. Meanwhile, Jessica is getting into heated exchanges with several patrons seated at the bar. The next 15 minutes is surreal. Several of Jessicas personal friends show up, evidently to escort her to wherever it is she's gotta be. These friends start going around to patrons rudely telling them "finish your drinks and get the f*** out." When two women approach our table to tell us this, we calmly respond, "We're drinking as fast as we can. We just got these. It's only 1:30." These women condescendingly reply, "Don't whine about it. You just need to chug your f***ing drinks and get the f*** out, we're closed." Everyone in our group is basically speechless, looking at each other. We're quietly talking to each other about what to do, when these women start back in with more of the same. We finally ask, "Sorry, but do you work here?" "No, but she [gestures at Jessica] is my best friend, and I'm friends with the owner." "Ok," we say, "please get the owner on the phone we'd love to speak with him." We just keep repeating that until they leave us alone. 1:40am Jessica herself finally comes to our table. She says, "We're closed now, leave your drinks, you need to get out." We reply, "We're almost done. It's only 1:40." Jessica says it's 2:00. Whaaaaaat??? She doubles down, "My bar clock says 2:00, and my bar clock decides when we close." At last, we give up. Maybe we should have given up sooner, but we bought 10+ drinks (and tipped well), we just wanted to sit and talk and enjoy our drinks, not get harassed for close to 20 min. As we're walking out, all Jessica's friends are sitting at the bar. "Byeeeeeeeeeee, thanks for coming!" one of her male friends mocks us, his voice dripping with sarcasm. Uggghhh. We exit, and the BOUNCER is profusely apologizing for Jessica's behavior. He's telling us she's usually very cool. He's telling us a close friend of hers passed away and they are going to the memorial, that's why they closed early. He's encouraging us to come back another time. He says he's gonna talk to her about tonight. Here's the thing. If all of that is true, there are so many better ways it could have been handled (as we told the bouncer, and he agreed). Jessica could have warned us when we were ordering our drinks that she would be closing early. We would have altered our selections appropriately. We would have told our other friends who were grabbing In & Out not to bother driving back to join us at the bar. Or later Jessica could have apologized for closing early and explained it was due to extenuating circumstances and please come back and visit them another night. I get that dive bars are not necessarily where you go for top notch customer service. Sometimes the bartenders can be a little salty. Totally fine. This was next level harassment, gaslighting, and just total inappropriate behavior for ANY place of business. Ironically, Antones website actually touts "the friendliest bartenders in San Mateo." It's a huge bummer, but I don't think I'll be returning. I can't bring students here knowing they could get screamed at and harassed. I'm gonna be looking for another local spot for our post-event nightcaps. read more

I loved this place before pandemic. We're promoters that have big socials every month just a few blocks away. Today was horrible experience. Jessica the bartender rudely kicked more than 30 customers out 30 min before closing time (literally kicked everyone out she said she has plans) . She also had about 6 friends with her that harassed customers in the bar's name to get the f out, literally the words they used to paying customers. This person should not work here anymore or people should not come here again. This kind of behavior is the worst customer service ever. I'm so sorry to leave this review.. i love the normal Friday night bartender. Management should kick this one out of it venue.. tonight the bar lost at least $250 for 45 min (time we, 12 people,planned to stay). read more

In response to Vladimir K's response I saw the entire incident last night. The bartender was 110% in the right to not serve any of your party. If you go to a bar in the state of California and do not have a US form of ID the only other identification they can legally except by law is your passport as proof of age. Your country ID is not acceptable. The bar owner and bartenders are responsible if the cops should come in and check IDs, which I have seen it done before the owner and bartender get heavily fined and possibly jail time. Furthermore to post someone's photo on a yelp review have a little more class. Your behavior was complicit out of line! If one of my adult children behaved that way, I don't care how old they are there would have been some ass whooping. read more

Best dive bar on peninsula. Cocktails (??)...that's not happening here....but great pours, people and enviro. Huge fan

Search for a bar with pool table and came across this gem. This bar is clean and the staff is friendly. Lisa, our bartender was welcoming and so sweet. Would recommend if your in the area. We enjoy our time here. read more

Antones Cocktail Lounge - a pool table in a bar - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Mateo, California

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Stumbled across this little neighborhood spot. Lots of regulars, pool tables are definitely full the majority of the night, so if that's your plan...good luck with that. Gets a little rowdy, heard a few altercations...but staff was friendly. read more

Quite a disgusting place to say the least, the bartenders are quite unpleasant and rude. In regards to the environment, it is pretty dirty and I don't recommend going here under any circumstances. read more

Saw this place across the street after I got done having some Mexican food an thought I'd check it out one day . The place has a great welcoming vibe. The bartenders are great. Great music, and a great selection of jukebox songs. great sound, I love it when they crank it uuup. THey have 5 tv's to enjoy whatever you like to watch on it. SOmetimes theres even food at this place. They have three pool tables, one of them is a bumper pool table. YOu can tell this place has alot of regulars. It reminds me sort of like cheers. The bathrooms are really clean and they have really good peanuts. I like the daquiris and the great beer selection. Very dog friendly, ha they've got there regulars here including dogs. Great dogs tho, you can have a cool conversation with them if ya get a lil tipsy. I love the comfy couches and stools, very cool. They also have a great selection of old school arcade games. read more

Man, this was the second time I went to this dive bar. First time, took me 15 min. to get a beer! This time the bartender was yelling at a lady for asking her to turn down the music during a playoff game. While I finished my drink, she bartender didnt shut up about it. Dont ask that Big Blonde bartender anything. RUDE. Beware of nasty bartenders there. read more

My favorite bar in the bay! Great service and has a lot of character. Definitely will come back!

It's a dive bar with a couple tvs playing sports and a pool table and rock music. Which is cool and all for grabbing drinks and f'ing around. But I though it was something a little more substantial based on reviews. read more

Antones is a cheers type bar for people in the italian neighborhood. antones decor is rundown and divey but it's all good. not too many people here in the day hours. (patrons must be working) 6 ish draughts and a regular bar. pours: stella (4.50) highlights: -couple flatscreens tuned to sports -pool table, soceer? table -long bar to sit at, beware of wobbly chairs lowlights: -bathroom is cramped. you can actually hit someone in the ass with the opening door if a guy's at the urinal.. -pipes make funny noises. -people here kind of reserved but they open up when they find you're not the devil or his disciple. read more

I've been coming here from time to time since I moved to San mateo 6 years ago. Its great not only because of the short walk distance to hillsdale garden apartments, But also because people who work here and come here are all so friendly and funny. So for the time I'm here, I get to escape the harsh environment. I always take my friends from out of state/country to get them exposed to the very local san mateo vibe. On the evening of November 21st, I came here with couple of my friends around the pool table area. I won't put description, but I seem to have forgotten my watch around the counter next to the pool table. I'm crossing my fingers that the watch is still at the bar and I can get it back. read more

This place is an old school bar; it even has that old-school bar smell. There is a video game cocktail table in the lounge, and it has all the old arcade classics on it.(Galaga FTW!) The juke box is expensive. It costs a dollar to play one song, and the more money you put in, the higher your song gets pushed into the lineup. There is an app for the jukebox. There is also a pool table and a bumper pool table. read more

We came here this afternoon for some beers & good times. It is definitely a neighborhood wityh it's share of regulars, most just there to have a great time & those few rauty ones. I love the old world atmosphere & music & we also got to watch the Giants game. They one of our favorites, Firestone 805 & a couple of us had a shot of Fire Ball. Audri, the bartender, is very nice & keeps the rauty patrons in check & is good at cutting them off when needed. They also have pool which maybe we will play next time. So, for wonderful drinks at low prices with friendly service in a casual old world atmosphere, Antwon's cannot be beat. Keep up the good work guys. read more

I love this bar. I've been coming here for years and it's never let me down. Great regulars in large groups, all of whom get along with each other just as well as themselves. Whether it's a morning full of friendly old timers, a busy Friday full of local industry workers or a chill Monday night with Dom slingin drinks, you're pretty likely to make a new friend and enjoy the atmosphere. Not to mention their well whiskey is old crow (!!!) For only 4.50! Also bumper pool! read more

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Came here on a hot day for a drink and Tyler made me a delicious margarita. I love the old-school vibe and the friendly regulars. The bar is dog-friendly so there are plenty of dogs to hang out with If you're not a people person. read more

Antones Cocktail Lounge - This bar feels like it hasn't changed in 50 years and I hope it never does! Tyler rules! - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Mateo, California

We were looking for place to stop for pre-dinner cocktails, and my husband remembered this place from many years ago.They've been around for a long time. It wasn't very busy the night we stopped in for pre-dinner drinks, just a few people (tat sounded like regulars.The bartender was friendly and really nice. Her drinks and attitude would definitely make me come back. I was happy to see they had separate bathrooms, (unisex can get nasty at bars.) The bathroom was immaculate. VERY pleasant surprise! Our drinks were REALLY reasonably priced, and pretty good. I like that this isn't a fancy bar, but it's not a dirty dive either. I'll definitely be back:) **They also had a few pool tables that were in good condition.*** read more

Like the people bar tender was awesome. Played pool and other games hot dog cart came was awesome good food great drinks great place hang out. Everyone very friendly and welcoming. read more

Fun times reasobable drinks and local. What more can I ask for? Plus the bartenders are great.

Within walking distance for me, awesome owner, and, get this . . . BURGER TIME. I mean, when was the last time you played BurgerTime? So fun. Nice vibe, friendly folks. I'll be back! read more

OK, it's a bit old, but it's well maintained. Even the bathroom was pretty clean. All the bartenders I've dealt with have been pleasant. The drinks pretty well made, and excellent for the price. The customer are a mix of old and young - barflies and professional types out after work. They also have had dogs there, which I love! read more

I'm a huge dive bar fan, so I'm pretty good at sniffing them out everywhere. This place is exactly what you expect it to be, and right there in quaint downtown San Mateo. The bartenders are hilarious, the patrons rotate every couple hours, and the drinks are good and inexpensive. read more

Always walk by the place being as it's close to home. Got dragged in by a friend one night, outside might look a bit shady but inside it's charming with pool tables and a well stocked bar. I'm not much of a drinker but I wouldn't say no to going back again. All the customers I interacted with were extremely friendly as was the staff. read more

Great neighborhood bar. Great vide great tunes good crowd. Pool table Playboy pinball in the back. Snacks a plenty:-)

Love this place! Use to live on 38th ave, jay I have known him for 37 years knew him from shoreview at market!

Had a great time there. Cool place to have a drink and chill watching a game. Definitely come back.

It's okay, I wasn't there long enough to have a major experience. I would like to check them out one more time. I will say, everyone seemed friendly that worked there and the crowd was decent. I definitely want to go back. read more

Possibly the worst customer service I have ever experienced. As if I needed rude, bitchy behavior when I'm trying to unwind -- not coming back. read more

Lots of regulars. Hardcore ones. Jukebox and drinks are actually a tad expensive considering the type of establishment, but I like it that it is never too crowded and you've got your basics: drinks, regulars, pool tables and a surprisingly decent and clean restroom all the time. Parking is pretty easy to find all the time. read more

Friendly neighborhood bar...great bartender's...Sunday afternoons and Monday nights good food always.

Went here for the first time last night after eating at Fernandos. Had I known Antone's was so cool, I'd have gone years ago. It's a a friendly locals spot. There's something about the interior that makes me think of various bars I've visited in the suburbs around Chicago. I think it's because it's cozy inside and there could be a blizzard going on outside and you'd never know - the inside feels completely isolated from the rest of the world. They had the Ms. Pacman table game, pool tables, bumper pool, a digital jukebox, tvs - lots of bar activities. The beers were cold and refilled promptly. Christy the bartender was really friendly and personable. We'll definitely be back. read more

Slow, unprofessional and bartender played music using our credits, so we left... out of town, go somewhere else

This is a good place to come to. A fight broke out last night and on a Thursday night always around good people! Like I told one guy last night Welcome To Antones! read more

Great dive bar! Bartenders are great, pool tables are always fun. People are super friendly every time I'm there and drinks poured The right way! read more