So happy to have a cozy and modern cocktail lounge in San Mateo. I enjoyed the vibe and the wide selection of drinks! The only thing that could be improved is the food; the fries were not the best. read more

My partner and I came here to treat ourselves to celebratory drinks. The interior is very nice and we were seated upon entry by a very nice waitress. Unfortunately her shift was over very soon after. After that the service was extremely lacking. The drinks were nice but not strong. Would not come here for a special night, maybe just for casual drinks. read more

I came to this place on a Wednesday night to meet a date. I got there first and the place was more than half empty. I was told by a young guy there to pick any of the tables to sit at so I sat at one with 3 chairs. He then came back a few minutes later and very rudely told me I need to move because that table was for "larger groups". The place was completely empty and I didn't appreciate the way he talked to me. After my date arrived I ordered a couple drinks and was insulted by the waitress because my date ordered the "real drink". Yea I get that it may have been a joke but by then I already felt disrespected on a night where they clearly could have used all the business they could get. Overall it was not a good experience and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone. There's a lot of other better places in San Mateo where you'd get treated with respect. read more

Cute cocktail bar in downtown San Mateo. The store is very cute and cozy, and definitely a good place to hangout with friends. Lots of creative cocktail options on the menu. I tried one of their signature cocktails, the Opening Act. Flavor was great, though it could be stronger. My friends also had similar comments on their drinks: good flavors, but could be stronger. It is quite popular, and there was a short wait for 4 people at 9:30pm on a Friday night. That said, the bartender is happy to take your orders while you wait for a table. read more

Fogbird - Opening Act - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Mateo, California

Background: I'm a bay area native who loves cocktails, having tried all bars that San Mateo has to offer. Fogbird is the new(ish) kid on the block with an interior design that's better than the drinks they have to offer. I tried the "Pacific Paloma, and Cool in the Shade" and all I can say is that these cocktails were unmemorable in taste, but memorable in price for what you get. Look, i'm happy to pay $16-$25 for a cocktail (EVEN IN SAN MATEO), but at this price point, it should leave me in awe of how they made such an amazing drink. After the first sip, I knew I could make something better at home. All I can say is that San Mateo has better offerings such as Gao, Pausa, Avenida and Wursthall (Wunderbar) to name a few that have a better cocktail programs for your hard heard $. I hope the best for Fogbird, but i'll pass. read more

I forgot what drink I got but it was the Ube one. Very creamy and it similar to a Vietnamese dessert. You can actually taste the Ube paste, not powdery like some places do. Not too sweet and just like how I like it. Highly recommended read more

Local neighborhood bar. Nice design. Good cocktails. Loved the decor. The appetizers were good. Will def return

I really enjoy the ambiance and drink here, it's a place for group gathering for sure. However, it's very crowded so make sure you come here early or just prepare yo wait for at least 20 to 30 minutes for a table. read more

If only they had the option of giving zero stars as one is being gracious. Came here for date night with my husband and was completely underwhelmed. First off, this place is a knock off version of BarZola. Everything from the design to the menu to the atmosphere. Anyways, my husband ordered the Pacific Paloma, which we both thought, tasted like syrup and water. I ordered the Bougainvilla which tasted like sparking water with blueberry syrup. We then ordered two other drinks I believe it was the old sparrow and cardinal bee. Both drinks tasted watered down and not measured properly. Needless to say, overprice crappy drinks. The waitress never introduced herself (green hair) however she was short with us and had an attitude. She reeked of alcohol and cigarettes and to top it off, she went to the bar several times to make drinks but never once did I see her wash her hands. The woman had some sort of hand splint on, all I could think was how many germs that thing had on it as she's preparing drinks. Isn't it protocol to wash your hands in the hospitality industry? We were disgusted to say the least. We were there for over an hour trying to enjoy a night free from kids. If you're looking to enjoy a date night away from your children, this is not the place to go. The music was loud, almost like we were at a club, which made it hard to hear one another. Our drinks took forever to come out, which could have been because the staff is too busy, talking amongst themselves and taking shots instead of attending to the customers. I really wanted to like this place as we used to frequent Tiki but we will not be returning. Also, after looking on the website, I realized the owners of this place used to own 31st union- I wish I knew that prior to coming in as I will never support classless bigotry! If you're in the area don't waste your time or money here. Check out Wunderbar or Mortar&Pestle instead. read more

Food, drinks and staff are all great, particularly for San Mateo. Definitely try it!

Fogbird feels like an SF bar made its way to San Mateo. Sleek interior design and a decent selection of house-curated cocktails. Great place to sit down and enjoy a drink, and the staff will come to your table to take your order. While the cocktails are tasty, one nitpick is some of the spirit-forward beverages could be a bit more spirit-forward, and the large ice cube that accompanies many of the beverages does take up a lot of volume for a relatively pricy beverage. Overall a great addition to the San Mateo area. read more

This place is fantastic! The drinks were great, service was awesome, and the overall vibe is very cool while also being cozy! Would totally recommend. read more

I hosted my husband's surprise 40th birthday at Fogbird over the weekend and it could not have gone any better. The staff was extremely attentive with our large group (constantly checking in on drink and food orders), and the cocktails were amazing. Everyone said it was the best location for a party and I'm so glad I thought to reach out to Fogbird to host this milestone event. David (the owner) was also extremely responsive over email and made everything so easy - all I had to do was show up! Highly recommend Fogbird and their staff - it was a night to remember. read more

I'm going to boost the place by adding this pic here. Our bartender was just amazing tonight! Ladies, get down and have your cocktail fix! read more

Fogbird - Cocktails - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Mateo, California

It is a nice bar and the atmosphere is relaxed. It is however not clear why the door needs to be kept open at all times when it is 45 degrees outside. By closing the door, the patrons will no longer freeze to death. read more

This is by far the best place for drinks in San Mateo. Everything inside is brand new, and clean. The wait staff is super friendly and their drinks are top notch. If you're going on a date or looking to get drinks with friends, this is the place to go to in San Mateo! read more

Came in and put my name down on a Friday night. Was told 30 min. No biggie. Went to O'Neils to wait ot out. Came back and was told our table was given away because they don't take names on the wait list. (Even though there were several above mine.) Anyways, I'm not coming here again. Wish it was still the Tiki. read more

Lovely cocktail bar in downtown San Mateo. We sat at the bar and had a few drinks - all were well made and well balanced. Can't wait to go back. read more

beautiful place!! inside had really cool ambiance and service was amazing! got the dove i believe and it was just okay. not the flavor i thought it would be but overall still a great experience!! read more

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We came to Fogbird's early access after loving the owner's previous restaurant around the corner, 31st Union. Fogbird is a lovely addition to San Mateo -- delicious cocktails, yummy small bites, intimate ambiance, and friendly staff. Come check it out! read more

Fogbird - Menu (early access) 1/7/22 - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Mateo, California

great place, great vibe and great music. The cocktail menu has a simplistic and elegant design. Their drinks are delicately made, aestically pleasing, and delicious. great place for intimacy and chilling with people closest to you. Good place for a date. read more

Fogbird - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Mateo, California

Nice cocktails, mellow ambiance. Limited selection of wine and beers, but I liked the chill vibe.

The seasonally changing cocktail menu is always full of new surprises, and it's easy to make a meal out of what are described as "bar bites." The service is friendly, the ambiance is great, and now they are even open on Tuesdays. Fogbird is the perfect after-work cocktail spot for those days when you throw off the yoga pants and want to feel alive again. read more

Update on Review: my husband and I have been here before. We've had great service and even did tequila tasting. On Saturday (10/21) my husband called and made a reservation and went alone for a sangria. He came back pretty heart broken because again, we've been here and had great service. They decided to seat him and not serve him. They ignored him completely and served everyone else around him who came minutes after him. The place wasn't even full. We're never coming back and never recommending this place ever again. Plenty of people go to bars for a single drink and go on their way. I can't fathom why they didn't serve him. It seems they have a specific demographic in mind to be in this establishment. If you're "blue collar" as my husband's cap said, you're not welcomed here. If you're not white, I don't think you're welcomed here either. I called in and spoke to Sammy who had spoken with my husband over the phone to make the reservation. She was extremely shocked and embarrassed by her employees and was trying to make it right. We have yet to be contacted by the owner (which we were told would call my husband to make it right). In 2023, this is just appalling to experience in the Bay Area. Check your employees and correct their behavior. read more

Couldn't get any service, or acknowledgment while I was patiently waiting in front of the sign that says please wait to be seated! So we left and we won't go back! read more

Great food, ambience and drinks! They even allow kids. It was packed on a Tuesday at 5pm

Friendly staff but a bit pricey. $9 for a beer. Mixed drinks cost even more.

Fans of 31st Union will LOOOOCE this cocktail joint. Same happy atmosphere. Same super friendly service. Very San Francisco-y bar vibes/aesthetic without the uppity SF-ness in the heart of San Mateo. This new spot is about to blow up, but there's plenty of room for everyone! Great bar food, but even better craft cocktails! My new staple spot right in my backyard. I. AM. IN. lOVE. read more

Great ambience and decor. Loved the drinks I got - Pacific Paloma. The meatball and onion rings were good too.

Very pleasant vibes, with an expansive cocktail menu of delicious recipes. Props to our bartender Charlie who was happy to share his own twists on the classics, too! read more

Love this place!!! My husband had fantastic cocktails that reminded him of Hawaii, really yummy snacks. We had the charcuterie plate, the spinach artichoke dip, and then pretzel bites. All delish, and perfect to grab a drink and a snack before a movie or other dinner plans, or just make a meal out of what they have! Highly recommend, very cool spot!! read more

We sat outside and enjoyed the amazing weather. Very friendly server, great cheese plate and pretzels. Cocktails were ok- nothing out of the world. They could'veadded a tad more alcohol for the price :) read more

I've never been to a bar where they don't have ingredients to make a Long Island iced tea... drinks are too sweet.

Went to Fogbird on the hottest weekend of the year and sat for a bit to cool down with a couple of cool drinks. Nice and patient service staff, who were responsive and fasts and thoughtful about recommendations. Legit bar with the right ice and the right glassware for the type of drink (my pet peeve). read more

Good food and great drinks! Relatively decent pricing given the drinks are strong, but some of them are really small. Still highly recommend for a date spot or just out with friends. read more

I went into Fogbird last week and was served by someone named Nikki and aside from them, everything was perfect. However Nikki was extremely curt and disrespectful with us as well as other customers and other Fogbird employees. I watched her verbally abuse her peers as well as other customers, not to mention she would also loudly trash talk other customers after they left to the point where the whole restaurant could hear it. She has a major attitude problem and acts extremely entitled. I will not be returning in the foreseeable future for fear of having to witness that sort of behavior and disrespect again. read more

Drink menu was good. Bartender has talent and the staff were very attentive. Tasteful decor. Food was bar food, don't have high expectations for it. Willing to try other food items since the staff was cool. read more

I went here for the first time today and the server had great suggestions and offered great customer service even when it got busy.

A much needed cocktail bar in the area. Nikky was the cocktail waitress that was helping me. Kind, professional and knowledgeable. Explained which cocktails were more spirit forward which seems to be a lost art nowadays. Ended up going with an Oaxacan After Midnight and an Old Sparrow and enjoyed them both. Highly recommend this bar for anyone in the Peninsula area and will definitely be returning soon! read more

Wonderful staff, nice vibe, & stellar cocktails. While we'll miss 31st Union, nice to see much of that spirit carry forward in their new endeavor. read more