A solid place to go to for a meal you know is going to be good. The menu here is fairly limited which allows them to focus on not compromising on quality. We tried the following during our meal: * Kanpachi Kinilaw - a bit of a spicy kick, super fresh crudo, a flavorful mix of fresh, light ingredients * Bread & Butter - can't go wrong here, warm bread with creamy housemade butter * Radiatore Alla Zozzana - house made pasta, freshly made red sauce with housemade sausage. sausage has a bit of a kick but still kid friendly. * Dry-Aged Tavern Burger - cooked perfectly, a mix of different types of meat, including some steak pieces in it, which was interesting. gooey cheese and house sauce on top tied it all together. served with fries on the side. *Fish + Chips - one big chunk of freshly battered and fried fish. great for splitting between kids. For dessert, we split the Limoncello Tiramisu and 2 chocolate chip cookies. We thought the tiramisu would have more of a lemon forward flavor profile but it was much more subtle and pretty close to a traditional tiramisu with a hint of lemon woven in. The chocolate chip cookies were warm, soft, with a nice sprinkle of salt on top. Overall, great meal and would highly recommend. read more

It has been a LONG time since I had a burger like this. A long time ago I used to go to Viognier for their burger which I easily considered the best in San Mateo County. When they changed their meat, me and my friends were just so disappointed. The place is now gone, but I had been waiting for another burger that comes around that comes close. This burger doesn't look like anything special, there isn't a lot to it, but the ingredients speak for itself. One bite, and it gave me flash backs of that Viognier burger. I'll be back over and over again as this burger doesn't change. Ask for some extra burnt onion aioli on the side for the fries The restaurant itself is fairly small and fills up quickly. The items can sell out nightly. While that part is annoying, it means they aren't over buying and the ingredients are fresher. They are buying based on expected sales, not bulk. When we went the pork chop, half chicken and Zabaglione were sold out. We had the chicory salad, kentucky fried mushrooms, Radiatore pasta, burgers, and one person got the steak frites. Everything we tried was great. I'd order any one of those again. The pasta had a kick to it which I liked, but if you don't like a little spice, maybe avoid it. We ended with the lemoncello tiramisu. While the other two really liked it, I thought the texture was great, but I thought the lemoncello overpowered the dessert and prefer a more traditional tiramisu. For drinks, we tried the espresso martini, amaro sour, and oaxacan old fashion. The old fashion is the only one I tried that I wouldn't get again. I love mezcal, but this cocktail didn't seem to represent it well. The smokiness was lost, the flavors were muted, just not a lot going on. read more

Crystal Springs Tavern - Burger - New American Near Me - San Mateo, California

SO LOUD!!! Bring earplugs!!!! I couldn't hear table conversation and I had to wear my AirPods just to stay sane. The inside has no noise absorption so any loud group (as would be expected at a tavern) leads to extremely unpleasant loud environment for dinner. Though the food was slow to come out because it was coursed, the service was very polished and high attention to detail (asking if we wanted larger share plates between appetizers vs entrees, pacing the courses). The waiter was clearly very experienced and service quality felt more like fine dining rather than a tavern so it was just a strange environment where it was super loud like a dive bar but nicely decorated with excellent service like a fine bistro. There is mid size outside patio with space heaters and is dog friendly. It is part of the parking lot so not the most pretty but nice to have an outside option. The food was pretty good and beautifully presented. The menu reflects the same dichotomy where there's "bar food" like fish and chips but it is also unexpectedly elevated. My favorite item was the ceviche. Note closing time is quite early for a tavern - it closes at 9pm and last call for food is 830p. Bottom line - food and service were excellent but I can't see myself returning because of the extremely unpleasant noise. It's likely a good place for large groups cause it's so loud. read more

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Food was good. Restaurant is cozy and loud. We were at a table in the corner and could barely hear each other. The acoustics were unlike any restaurant I've encountered. Maybe we'll get takeout next time or sit outside. I saw they have a tiny patio (for when the weather is good). read more

I loved this spot, I thought the food was great! We ordered the steak frites, little gem salad, and my fiancé got the burger. Cocktail and wine pours were heavy, we loved that LOL! Everything was great except the burger was just okay, it was undercooked and it tasted average for the price. Our serve Gabe was great, very attentive. Will definitely be back! read more

We just found this gem on Yelp in a super rainy night. The food was delicious. Megan who ran the front with the bartender (watched him create bomb cocktails) and the best cappuccino I've ever had). Megan was a 10/10 for her patience and service. She was fabulous at recommending our meal. We went with a bottle of Chardonnay and the wedge salad to share. Both delicious. The handmade bocattini and mushrooms were delicious but heavy on the butter. The steak frites were also good but ran into several grizzle bites. They do have the BEST fries ever. Tiramisu was over the top with a hint of orange. Spectacular we loved it. It was cozy and charming in a rainy night. We were relaxed and encouraged to enjoy while we watched the football game. Absolutely going back. read more

Three for three! Great batting average. My third time eating here and absolutely delivered. Bread for table was a nice start. Kanpachi was fresh and delicious. Endive salad was great. Radiatore was memorable! A couple of Plineys and that's a wrap. Seriously- very nice service and owner. Great playlist on the speakers, too. Big Chill-ish. Also, compared to my last review, the lighting, noise, and ambience seemed a lot better. Not sure what a 5 star is but this is definitely 4+ and right near home! Well done for a Tuesday night! read more

Yum! Everything our group of four ordered was absolutely delicious--by the end of the meal, every plate at the table was spotless. The service was friendly, welcoming, and attentive, though a bit slower than I would have preferred (probably because I arrived hungry and ready to eat!). The tavern was packed, which made for a lively and energetic atmosphere. It was definitely on the loud side, but we still had no trouble enjoying a great conversation. There's outdoor seating available as well, although no one was dining outside during our visit. I'm already looking forward to coming back and bringing my family. If our experience was any indication, I have a feeling they're going to love it too. read more

Great quality food and menu. We were looking for a new American tavern with just this type of food. We ordered the crudo (a must try!), baby gem salad, fried mushrooms and the juiciest burger! The staff was so kind, service was great, and ambiance was perfect for a little date night. Looks like they had a great selection of drinks with a full bar. Can't wait to come back and try the rest of the menu! The mussels, pork chop and steak frites looked good too. read more

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First time visit. This is in the location of the old Field Club we really liked and we were pleasantly surprised. The atmosphere is nice - the photos on the wall are old golf pics. I asked a waiter & a part are actually from the Crystal Springs gold course. We didn't have a reservation on a Friday night but the Tavern wasn't crowded & we were seated right away. Within the hour however, the place was packed, including a 10+guest party. It was quite loud - not sure if it was due to the larger group of guests or the acoustics of the place. We got water (I appreciate it being filtered) right away, ordered our drinks & food. It was delicious. Particularly the pork chop stood out: it being combined with little Manila clams was amazing and the veg (we were quite sure we got leeks instead of fennel?) was delicious . Great. The burger didn't leave anything to wish for either: we loved the thinly sliced pickles, they tasted house-made (can't believe I'm gushing about pickles on a burger but yeah). Would like to return soon to try more of the menu. read more

Crystal Springs Tavern - Grilled Berkshire pork chop stood - New American Near Me - San Mateo, California

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Started off with a paper plane at the bar, delicious and refreshing! I realized I should have looked at their cocktail menu - so many looked delicious, definitely trying one of those next time. We had the little gem salad, bucatini, mussels and burger. the burger truly stands out. aimplicty at its best. Perfectly melted cheese, pickle, light sauce and delicious meat. Oh and the friea - killer! Especially dipped in the muscle sauce... I ate way too many. I'm not a huge fan of tiramisu usually - I don't know what the chef is doing but I couldn't stop eating it. so good! Highly recommend you swing by read more

My first time to dine here for my pre birthday and a friend's post birthday. I had the Kanpachi Kinilaw as starter was pretty awesome and Grilled Berkshire Pork-chop as my entree cooked with Manila clams and fennel. I don't know what sauce it's mixed but my plate is empty as proof, that's how good it was. Thumbs up to the chef read more

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Our first time dining to this place. Crystal Springs Tavern is definitely the place to check out! Its good taste, service, & the excellent vibe was pleasing. Our group of "30" occupied half of the place and everyone's plate was full in the beginning with good food but all emptied at the end. Every bite was delish! The mussels are a must try and of course their famous Fish & Chips! Kudos to the Chef/Owner read more

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I cannot say more amazing things about this restaurant! From someone who only loves San Francisco restaurants, I must say I'm so happy to finally have a great restaurant in the San Mateo/peninsula area! The food is top notch, with its "Michelin" touch!. EVERYTHING on the menu has been amazing. read more

Drinks only after having dinner at rainbow - group was looking for after dinner libations -- thank you Yelp for this find! 1 star: we love the location (across the street from crystal springs plaza) -- good possibility for our new watering hole! They just opened - Nov 7th! 2 star: love the vibe of the place walking in 3rd star: we only had drinks which were great --- big tv - spacious dining area --. Food looked tasty (will return to try) and nice surprises on the menu ! No shock pricing - it's comparable/average prices for Bay Area. 4th star: lots of parking, noise level loud bc it's a fun tavern! 5th star: friendly staff --- met the owners Matt & Max --- our group will definitely be retuning -- no complaints read more

Food was average but high priced. The evening we went the restaurant was very crowded with two large birthday parties. The noise level was very high. The acoustics in the room are very bad, we could hear each other across the table. I don't think I will be going back soon. One positive was our waitress was very nice and attentive. read more

Found this place on Yelp. The location sounds familiar but the pics look different. This used to be a different restaurant before. It wasn't too good when I came here then. Since new owners, I figured I give it a try. Seems they opened only recently. Not bad at all. Reasonably priced for now and decent portions. More importantly, food was tasty. Wish it was a little more upscale inside. The service was only okay. The young waiter was definitely brand new. Maybe even first waiter job. You can tell he was very nervous. I definitely come back again on a hot day and sit outside the outdoor area is still there. read more

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We went here on a relatively quiet Friday night with a group of four. All of us had ordered the burgers but three out of the four orders came back with mistakes such as raw meat, cheese on the burger, when no cheese was asked for. We really wanted to make this place work because it's a newer restaurant in the area and we always try to give them the benefit of the doubt. I'd say there's some room for improvement and happy to try it again down the road. read more

Just tried this Restruant last night for the first time. The feel inside was welcoming and had a very good vibe. The cocktails were awesome ! And to eat I had the fish and chips and the steamed mussels with the charred rye bread and both were amazing ! We plan on visiting this Restruant again soon. read more

Lively, service was great! We had been wanting to try for a while, our friends suggested for a double date night! The food was quite tasty too, we tried the burgers and fish & chips! I had a great Vesper Martini. read more

Crystal Springs Tavern - Vesper Martini - New American Near Me - San Mateo, California

Peninsula residents, support this place! Great setting with plenty of seating but more importantly, the food is phenomenal. The kids ordered the radiatore with guanciale and the wife and I split the peri peri chicken. All was flavorful, unique and delicious. Drink selection was excellent as well. In an area screaming for this level of quality, creativity and flavor, we need to support the ones who are committed to delivering this type of experience and food. Will definitely return often. read more

Amazing food. Great drinks. Awesome vibe. A true San Mateo gem. Everything was actually delicious. We came with a big group so tried 80% of the menu and everything was so good from the appetizers to the burger to the fish and chips and the 48 hour brined pork chop. It's a must try - will be coming back again and again! read more

Crystal Springs Tavern - New American Near Me - San Mateo, California

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Don't go here if you are celebrating a birthday. Went for a 90 birthday told them ahead of time. Restaurant did nothing, no cake, no dessert, no candles. Owner said we dont do that and we dont serve cake. He was very rude. Dont waste your money on this place. read more

What a great hidden gem with incredible food ! Wonderful neighborhood spot with a full bar and a varied menu. We had the wedge salad, roast chicken, steak frites, and mussels. The wedge salad was delicious with crisp bacon, blue cheese, and picked shallots. Chicken was moist and tender with nice mildly spicy sauce. Steak frites was a generous New York with a big portion of excellent fries. My big pile of mussels was perfected with the spicy sauce and tasty rye bread. Cocktails were reasonable and the wine pour was great. Nice bourbon selection. Antica vermouth would make the Manhattans perfect. Definitely going back! read more

The food was good, but it was so loud inside that I could barely hear my friends chatting. Knowing that this local place is not family friendly as it used to be when it was the Field Club, I wanted to try it for an adult dinner, but the sound level was really uncomfortable. That's a bummer because it is something that I rarely notice, unless it is a very loud bar or a club, where that makes sense anyway. read more

Hands down one of the best local taverns around! From the moment you walk in, you're greeted with a warm, neighborhood vibe that instantly makes you feel at home. This place absolutely nails the balance between laid-back tavern atmosphere and top-tier food and service. Perfect spot for casual dinners, catching a game, or just grabbing a drink with friends. If you're looking for a go-to tavern with great food, great people, and great vibes, this is it. Can't wait to come back! Highly recommend read more

Absolutely loved it. The Radiatore, Arugula Bucatini, and burger were the standout favorites for us. Highly recommend!

Food was delicious, server was very nice. It is loud, wish they would add something to dampen the sound. Will be back, can't wait for nicer weather so we can enjoy the outdoor seating. read more

The food was good. Nothing great but good. The service was not good at all. It wasn't the server because she explained there was only one "chef" there but 40 minutes to get food is unacceptable. They brought us our entrees and then 10 minutes later lo and behold our appetizer showed up. I was trying to flag down the waitress to cancel the appetizer but my efforts went unrecognized. When another server brought the appetizer I was trying to tell him it was unwanted at this point. He said he was sorry and wouldn't put it on the bill. It was on the bill. I didn't feel like arguing so I paid the full amount, left a decent tip, and left. It is a non-repeat unfortunately. read more

The food, cocktails, and service were excellent and all in a casually elegant setting. This is a new treasure that I look forward to visiting often in the coming years. read more

First time here since it opened. Pleasant inside, service very friendly. Four of us enjoyed cocktails- Oaxaca Old Fashioned was excellent as was the Tavern Martini. The Caramelized carrots and Maitake Mushrooms were delicious. Excellent crisp on the mushrooms. Favorite of the night was the Arugula Bucatini - absolutely delicious. Fish and Chips were good but I think would have been better if made with cod rather than snapper.All in all very happy to have in the neighborhood and look forward to returning, read more

Great food, drinks and service! Under new ownership, this place has a new friendly, inviting and uplifting ambience. I had fish and chips, which was the best I've ever tasted. I've traveled all over the world and had fish and chips in several places, especially in England, and this by far was the best. Even when the fish was cold, (generous portions allowed for a second meal the following day) the light batter remained crispy. My dining partner had a burger with lettuce wrap, and the chef was very accommodating. The beef reminded her of the rich grass fed beef from the Midwest. There is a great choice in wines, and the martinis were excellent. The bartender is a great conversationalist. It's very refreshing to go to the Crystal Springs Tavern, it has a very different atmosphere than prior owners and is much more welcoming. read more

Crystal Springs Tavern is such a great find. It's in a super convenient spot and the inside is cozy and welcoming. The menu has a little bit of everything, and the steamed mussels were great. Service was on point and we didn't have much of a wait at all. read more

Food is excellent, the menu has adequate offerings. Service was superb. Ambiance provides very good atmosphere for dining. It can be a little loud, because of the concrete floor. read more

Tried an unusual menu item : Arugula Bucatini (house made) with Chanterelles.......it was incredible! Possibly the best pasta dish I have had in recent memory.....hit all the right notes. Will definitely be back....soon! read more

It is a little neighborhood gem, but agree with some other reviews that it's quite loud. The service was aggressive - they took plates away as soon as you finished them even while you were still eating off other plates and certainly before the table had finished. Not super supportive for our dietary constraints which included severe gluten intolerance. Kind of made it seem they'd rather you not be there if you can't just eat everything. That said, the cocktails were super yummy and the outdoor seating is great. read more

So glad we have our neighborhood gem! Good food and wine list, customers of all ages, family friendly, lovely ambience. Love the vegetables! I'll be here often. read more

We have been wanting to check out this neighborhood place and finally did it with a friend's family. The place was warm and welcoming and pretty busy on a Friday night. We ordered burgers, a few pastas, fish and chips and the chicken. It took a while for the food to come out but all were tasty. The chicken came out pretty late but the staff was very apologetic and comped the dish. It was very busy at the restaurant and maybe they were short staffed. Overall we really enjoyed our meal and would absolutely come back. The bar looks beautiful and would be a good place to get a drink! read more

A Grand Slam!! Great food, great atmosphere, great service! After being opened for only two weeks, The Crystal Springs Tavern, has knocked it out of the Park! A quaint restaurant with a huge welcoming atmosphere. A "Must try! From the Kumumoto Oysters to the heirloom tomato salad. We tried both pastas on the menu, which were incredible! Finished off with a hot crispy chocolate chip cookie! A great bottle of Caymus Cabernet! Super Special! Bon A-petite! read more

I've been here three times since they opened. All three times I've ordered their pork chop. Probably one of the best I've had. Always consistent. Drinks are really solid. The service is top notch. The ambiance is also nice. The place is a bit loud but it makes it perfect for large gatherings and kids. I hope they keep doing well. read more