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    Prime BBQ

    4.7 (937 reviews)
    Closed 4:30 pm - 11:30 PM
    Updated 1 week ago

    Order Prime BBQ Takeout or Delivery

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    Business Info

    PRIME BBQ ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Trendy
    Good for groups

    Recommended Reviews - Prime BBQ

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    Reviews With Photos

    Scott L.

    Would be a four except the service is not friendly or professional. Water refiller ended up spilling water on one of our diner's - poured from too high of an angle and initial pour splashed on our companion, additionally Kimchee and Seaweed salad is one small double condiment size dish per table regardless of number of diners per table, a table of two gets the same portion as a table of five, we asked for one more but was told one per table, additionally servers bring out the food with no enthusiasm or smile on their faces. They will also rush you out after completing your meal. We tried a variety of dishes from appetizers like Fried Chicken Skin (addictive and likely bad for you but so are many other things), Skewers, Wagyu, Okra, Lamb, Chicken, etc... all the food was good, just a turn-off due to the service.

    Vermicelli Scallop w/ Garlic was the size of a nickel
    Dalengua T.

    Place is nice and neat, clean Food is tasty but portion runs small, real small. It's like kids meal when comparing to other bbq stick places. Server - all three running around: Forgot to light up our toaster Did not refill our water or drinks I was told I must do this and that on the menu in order to get the daily special. Customers spent $$$ on skewers would not care to do this or that for an extra one, your daily special meant to attract customers instead inconvenience drives customers away.

    Kim T.

    We were looking for a place to eat on the way home and saw this place which was perfect. My friend and family likes eating skewers but we usually never get to eat the Chinese skewers. This place happened to have both which was different for us. The skewers weren't overly seasoned where all we taste is the seasonings, which is a good thing. The food actually came out fast in our opinion. We usually have to wait awhile and only 1 ir 2 item comes at a time. They did come and check on us a couple of times, cleaned our table and gave us refills. According to my husband, it was slightly loud but we think it's fine. He just might be getting old. They did play some older music when we were there, which was nice. My little one actually enjoyed the food and they had cartoon playing on tv. We all agree that we would definitely come back and try it again one day.

    Carena N.

    A bit fusiony for a typical Chinese bbq place with some Japanese yakitori options. My personal favorites were the beef tongue (JP), chicken hearts (JP), Gizzard (CH), Lamb (CH), Beef (CH), Achoy, and Green chives. Semi sweet glaze over complimented well with some of the bitterness of the veggies. Spice powder on the side was also a nice addition! Barely spicy but good to add with the meat. Honestly everything was not bad. My biggest gripe though was that these hot plates were heated by two tea lights and basically did little to nothing. You can hold your finger there and it will feel barely warm at all. The food is already cooked so it's not like it did anything other than to "warm." There were other tea light candles underneath and if the other ones lit up, it might've actually did something. If I could, I would've lit them all up since I prefer my food hot. Otherwise, these hot plates are pure aesthetic, near zero function.

    Lotus Root ($3.75), Grilled Scallops ($2.99) and Enoki Mushrooms ($2.89)
    Calvin C.

    Prime BBQ was nice. We visited on a Sunday around 5:30pm and were seated quickly. There was ample street parking. Skewers ranged in price from around $3 to $6. We also ordered some side dishes for around $7 to $9, Cucumber Salad, Chicken Karaage, Grilled Eggplant, and Agedashi Tofu. After ordering the food came out quickly. They were all pretty good. For what you get, we found the side dishes to be the best value. The skewers were good, but some can be pretty light. Okra, for example, is $3.45 but only has three pieces. We liked the ribeye skewers which were $5.99 and had four pieces. Overall, it was good. But there are so many good places to eat in San Mateo. We'll probably try some other places before coming back to Prime BBQ.

    Grilled Oyster w/ Garlic
    Yikai L.

    Recommend the fried eggplant. Beef (chinese style) and beef tongue (japanese style) are also highly recommended.

    Interior
    Vanessa W.

    After trying both skewer spots on 25th Ave, Prime BBQ has the edge. The izakaya selection has a good variety of meats and veggies alongside rice dishes, and small plates that make it easy to share. The drink list is strong too, with plenty of unique teas, juices, and sodas. They also have a ton of sake and beer options. Service was friendly and attentive, and the decor is warm and cozy with a surprising number of labubus hanging around the bar area. The only downside is the price, which runs high if you are ordering multiple skewers and drinks. Still, for quality, variety, and vibe, Prime BBQ is a solid pick for a fun night out.

    Skewers
    Joanne T.

    Who knew a vegetable could become the star of the show at a bbq spot? While all the skewers here are excellent (especially the lamb) the fire eggplant fries are a must. I could eat the whole dish myself.

    Lychee Bacon
    Toby M.

    This place stands out from its skewer competitors around! Compared to some other places (one even down the street), Prime BBQ offers so much more variety, unique dishes, and even different flavors of the same meat to keep things diverse. Curry Chicken Katsu: pretty basic but we liked the offering of actual dinner plates instead of just skewers; rice was watery though Lychee Bacon: something we've never seen combined and it surprisingly works! We even ordered a second skewer Meats: out of all that we tried, I recommend the pork belly the most; second favorite was chicken skin but the one with the sauce on it vs. the plain one; chicken heart was also really flavorful They have daily specials - we came on a tuesday and got the buy 1 get 1 50% off ribeye skewer and that wasn't bad, just a bit chewy. There was a BOGO beer offer too. Service was sporadic. They do a really good job explaining each skewer they drop off so you know what you're eating, but we weren't checked on and it took us getting up and heading to the bar to even get a check.

    Yakitori Veggie Combo
    Addy K.

    Been here a couple of times now and overall it's been a solid experience. Prices are reasonable for what you get. The rubs on the skewers aren't too spicy, but they do lean on the saltier side. We ordered the yakitori set along with the lamb skewers; both were cooked well and came out quickly. Their grilled eggplant was also a hit. The decor is nice, the place is clean, and service was fast and efficient. Overall, a nice, quaint Chinese BBQ spot that's easy to come back to when you're craving skewers.

    Kevin N.

    Great spot for skewers and drinks at night. Staff here are super friendly and the place has a nice cozy vibe. They offer a mixture of Japanese and Chinese skewers and you can easily order via a barcode/app! Ordered a variety of skewers of beef tendon, beef ribeye, Wagyu, pork, chicken gizzards, scallop, Japanese scallop, enoki, shishito pepper, and cucumber salad. Everything was tasted great, seasoned nicely and had a good amount of spice to it. Would skip the tendon though, a lil too chewy for my taste. Had the consistency of mochi but otherwise would come again!

    Pinhwa S.

    Had such a great time at Prime BBQ in San Mateo! We ordered the veggie fried rice, cucumber salad, mentaiko stir-fried udon with shrimp, vermicelli scallop with garlic, grilled oyster with garlic, and a bunch of skewers -- shishito pepper, wagyu steak with uni, beef tongue, and chicken meatball. We also tried the Thai tea (with the cutest bear on top ) and a bottle of Kubota "Senjyu." Everything was tasty, but my absolute favorite was the mentaiko udon, the beef tongue skewers, and the chicken meatball. Also, don't miss their $2 lunch specials (Fri-Sun) for oysters, abalone, and scallops. Super cute space with Labubu decor and a big sake selection. Highly recommend!

    Anh T.

    Our friend really wanted us to try this place and I can totally see why! They have a large variety of items including yakitori AND chinese skewers. Their seasoning on the chinese skewers is sweeter and less salty than other places I've tried. They also have this jar of chili powder that tastes a lot like oxtail which was so unexpected. Only complaint is that food came out slower than preferred and it also took a while to get our check. Probably not a quick bite to eat if you have somewhere to go. Also I believe it's only street parking.

    Gyu Don

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    Business owner information

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    Derek S.

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    Prime BBQ Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Prime BBQ

    How are the private karaoke rooms priced?

    Is this a buffet restaurant?

    No. You look at a QR code menu then order via the menu. It is delivered to your table. Want more? QR code menu.

    Are reservations available?

    Yes, it is available. We do take reservation for parties of 5 or more people. You can call us at 650-458-3838 to make reservation. Thank you.

    Is it recommended to make reservations or is it first come first serve?

    During the weekend, if there is big group over 5 people, I recommend that you make reservations by calling us at 650-458-3838.

    Does it get smokey inside or is it well ventilated? Will clothes smell of dinner?

    The grilling is done in the kitchen. I do not notice smoke from the kitchen. Your clothes will smell like dinner to the extent as similar to other restaurants. Not from active grilling smoke at this restaurant.

    View All 6 Questions

    Yakitori Kokko

    Yakitori Kokko

    4.1
    (1.3k reviews)
    1.9 mi
    $$$

    This yakitori spot is definitely worth a visit, especially if you're dining with family or a group…read moreof friends. Parking, there's a small lot in front with only about three spaces if you're lucky but there is 3 hour street parking nearby. We made a reservation, and the restaurant was packed with families and groups, so reservations are highly recommended unless you're dining early. My favorite features is the outdoor patio seating in the back, which is pet-friendly and perfect. The yakitori is delicious, and they proudly use premium-grade charcoal, which really comes through in the flavor. That said, after several skewers, it can start to feel like you're eating variations of the same grilled meat. Thankfully, the menu also includes rice dishes and ramen, which help round out the meal and add some variety. HIGHLY recommend the wagyu. The beer selection on tap is good, and the overall atmosphere is lively and welcoming. The restaurant is also conveniently located just a couple of blocks from downtown San Mateo, making it easy to stroll around afterward. There are plenty of dessert spots, boba shops, and other places to explore nearby, which makes for a fun night out. Great food, great atmosphere, pet-friendly seating, and a vibrant neighborhood. I'd happily come back again.

    Best izakaya no cap Ramen good rice good yakitori good fried…read morestuff good appetizer good beer good Server friendly Worth to drive 7 hrs for this Busy weekend tho

    Photos
    Kokko's menu (updated on 1/9/2022)
    Kokko's menu (updated on 1/9/2022)
    Kokko's menu (1/9/2022 updated )
    Kokko's menu (1/9/2022 updated )
    Yakitori Kokko

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    Mokutanya

    Mokutanya

    3.9
    (2.5k reviews)
    4.3 mi
    $$

    Cute but pricey izakaya (it is owned by non-Japanese Asians!) They have a parking lot so don't park…read moreon the street like I did (alternatively, you could take Caltrain as they are right across the street from Broadway station!) The private booths are intimate, the lighting is dimmed, music is bopping (not to age myself, but it was bops from my high school years) Fitting, as I was getting dinner with my best HS friend! I love how you take off your shoes to get in the booths! So cute and fun. There were some families there and the kids were given coloring pages. Coming from SF, this is how you know you're in the suburbs. The skewers were delicious. A group of 4, we ordered 4 of each. We tried steak, chicken, takoyaki, fries (which were pretty much takoyaki fries), bacon-wrapped mochi, bacon enoki mushroom, unagi, fried chicken skin, Uzura Tamago (Quail Eggs), and more! Everything was good and flavorful. However, it ended up being over ~$70/person, so not cheap. I will say service was lacking. They didn't bring us the bill for over 20 minutes. Relatedly (in that it's negative), whoo boy was my stomach upset after! It was delicious, but at the cost of being greasy.

    A great, reliable spot if you're looking for a fun yakitori and Japanese tapas-style dinner…read moreexperience, especially one that closes decently late no matter the day. We came to Mokutanya for a casual night out. It was pretty late for a sushi spot to be open on a Sunday night (around 8:30 pm), and overall, it hit the spot. The menu has a lot of variety, and it's definitely a good place to share dishes with friends or a group. FOOD: 8/10 The skewers were the highlight for me and, I believe, one of their specialties. They were well-seasoned, nicely grilled, and served hot off the grill. I also enjoyed trying a variety of small plates, which made the meal feel fun and interactive. Some dishes were better than others, but overall it was a solid experience with good flavor and variety. We ordered their Raw Oysters, and it was decent. It definitely was not the freshest we've ever tried, but it was still good, thankfully. SERVICE: 8/10 Service was standard, but the staff was chill and easygoing. AMBIANCE: 8/10 The restaurant has a warm, lively, and slightly upscale-casual feel, great for groups or a casual night out. You can experience zashiki seating, where you take off your shoes before entering the dining area and sit down at low tables. The lighting was pretty dark, lol. Overall, it's a solid late-night option if you're in the mood for skewers, small plates, and a relaxed group dining experience.

    Photos
    Mokutanya
    Momo w/ Wasabi Wagyu Beef (Salt & Pepper) Wagyu Beef (Sweet) Momo w/ Yuzu Honey Glaze
    Momo w/ Wasabi Wagyu Beef (Salt & Pepper) Wagyu Beef (Sweet) Momo w/ Yuzu Honey Glaze
    Shochu

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    Shochu
    DASH Japanese Tapas & Sushi

    DASH Japanese Tapas & Sushi

    4.2
    (566 reviews)
    1.8 mi
    $$$

    The crispy fish skin combined with the aroma of eel creates a very delicious fried rice. I did not…read moreexpect to find such a good Japanese restaurant in a location that is quite far from the center of the food district. Besides the fried rice, the tuna and salmon sashimi are large, fresh, and high quality. Many times when I eat sashimi that is not very clean, it upsets my stomach and makes me want to use the restroom. However, the food here is both clean and fresh, and I had absolutely no discomfort after the meal. I also ordered chawanmushi and stir fried udon, both of which were very well executed. I would give full marks to this restaurant for both its sashimi dishes and main courses. The service is good, the environment is clean, and the dishes are priced normally, perhaps slightly on the higher side, but the value for money is reasonable. The only downside is that parking around this area is quite difficult. Overall, however, I would recommend this place to anyone who enjoys omakase and appreciates high quality Japanese cuisine. 酥脆的魚皮加上鰻魚的香味,交織成一盤非常好吃的炒飯。我沒有想到在這麼偏離美食街中心的位置還有這一家好吃的日本料理。除了炒飯之外,鮪魚和鮭魚生魚片大片又新鮮,很多時候我吃不乾淨的生魚片料理會想上廁所,這家的食物又乾淨又新鮮,我在餐後完全沒有不良的反應。我也點了蒸蛋和炒烏龍麵,也是表現的非常不錯,我對這家餐廳的生魚片料理和主食給予滿分評價,良好的服務,乾淨的環境,正常且略為高價的料理,但是性價比合理。美中不足的地方是這附近停車非常困難,不過總體來說,推薦給喜歡吃Omakase的各位老饕。

    Overall: 3 stars…read more Restaurant with a captivating menu full of inspirationally fusion tapas. I love the innovation and understand where some of the flavors are coming from, but I think a bit of finetuning would help the dish land better for me. Peach Shirome - The white cream adds a jarring saline forward combination to the sweetness of the peach and the leanness of the white fish. I think this dish could work if it focused on a more succinct concept. Chu Toro / Otoro - The fattinest of the bluefin really comes through in the cut, but it also tastes like the fish has been sitting there a while which starts to add a slightly unpleasant fishiness. Tuna Salmon Tower - Classic notion of Japanese style tartare tower that tastes very pleasant and smooth with richness coming from the fish and avocado. The fish needs to be diced significantly more so it can eat like a tartare though. Dash Taco - Intriguing bite that recreates the flavor of a taco instead with a more pleasant crispy seaweed shell thats more delicate all around from the tender salmon to avocado to the topped salsa. Food: -1 Presentation: E Price: E Atmosphere: E Service: E Menu: +2 Insta/Yelp/Beli: @amei_eats Insta/TikTok: @ameizing.race

    Photos
    Omakase x 2
    Omakase x 2
    Fish Tacos
    Fish Tacos
    Wagyu beef

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    Wagyu beef
    Sushi Maruyama

    Sushi Maruyama

    4.5
    (666 reviews)
    1.9 mi
    $$$

    Sushi Maruyama is a hidden gem with excellent quality fish and ingredients throughout their menu…read more Their omakase is one of the best I've had in the area, especially at this price point. The sushi chefs really know what they're doing and are incredibly kind and welcoming. I also really appreciate how attentive they are without being intrusive. They seem to know when to give you privacy and space and when to interact and engage with you. They're always friendly and working with a smile, which makes the experience even more enjoyable. This is definitely a place I'll be coming back to, and I'll happily use any special occasion as an excuse to return. I've already recommended Sushi Maruyama to several coworkers and friends, and I can easily see it becoming a go-to spot for me.

    I have been here several times during the span of 3 months, and I cannot believe I had not found…read moreSushi Maruyama earlier. This is especially surprising to me, since I am in downtown San Mateo literally every week. I will warn you, you may want to consider making reservations as their space is not particularly large and this is a popular restaurant. The service here is just like I experienced during my several trips to Tokyo in past years. The staff are all gracious, prompt, and very polite. Their fish is so fresh, soft, and top grade. I recently have had a fixation on all things Hamachi, so this is what I usually concentrate my orders on. Parking will be on the street and in the surrounding area. Quality fish does come at a cost and for this, their pricing is reasonable. I cannot wait to come back here soon.

    Photos
    Toro!!!
    Toro!!!
    The sushi of the day
    The sushi of the day
    Special Uni from Hokkaido Japan

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    Special Uni from Hokkaido Japan

    Prime BBQ - bbq - Updated August 2026

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