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    San Mateo County Event Center

    3.0 (90 reviews)
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    Car show
    Susan D.

    We are here for an outdoor event. I was amazed at how clean the restrooms are. There was even an attendant keeping everything sparkling. The grounds and courtyard eating area were also immaculate. We will gladly make the drive for events here.

    Outside
    Ranjan P.

    The first thing they need to do is when people enter the parking lot and pay the parking fee, to advise people that credit cards, debit cards, Venmo, ApplePay, etc. is NOT accepted. The only thing they'll accept is ... wait for it ... cash! Yup. In this era, cash is apparently king there. So basically, you can pay for parking, get to the even, have no cash because who even carries it anymore? And worst case scenario, have to head back because the parking fee is non refundable. After a lot of hems and haws and missteps, if you're lucky, somebody might tell you there's an ATM around the corner at which point you sigh a relief and head there. But guess what? The machine is malfunctioning and doesn't work and isn't giving cash. So now you've paid for parking but can't get into the event. Not a great set up. Ifd you manage to get inside for whatever event you're at, the inside is what the organizers will make of it, e.g. it's a cavernous massive empty box of a place and people can make more or less of it. We went for tje gem and jewelry show and it wads a sad sight to see. Rows and rows of sameness everywhere. One stall was horrifyingly hysterically funny: they were selling bags/purses with a huge sign "We don't sell knock-offs." In front of the sign are purses with "Hermes," "Chanel," "Chloe," "Gucci" ... and they're less than a hundred bucks. Sure a mini kelly for $50. But it's not a knock off. On the plus side, there's a small coffe/tea/snack kiosk where you can get snacks and sit for a bit. Not sure if this was put on by the event people or if it's always there. Either way, it's a welcome perk.

    Anime car display
    Shirley M.

    Came here for the K-Play Fest/Anime Impulse/Sneaker expo this past weekend and it was a decent experience. This review is just for the venue and not really the event. Pros: 1) Given that there were 3 sub-events in one, you can imagine how long the line was to get into the venue initially - fortunately, the line moved steadily and security was pretty organized and quick about checking bags, scanning QR codes, generally moving things along. 2) The space was well utilized and I never felt like there was overcrowding. Maybe because we went on a Sunday and there were less crowds to begin with, but we were able to move freely in almost every part of the venue. 3) It was a hot day but mostly everything took place indoors and it seemed well-ventilated. Bathrooms were easy to find and no long lines to wait in. Cons: 1) I don't recommend parking here for events. It's usually $15 or more and really not worth it if you're only planning to stay a few hours. On Sundays, street parking is free and you can probably find a spot next to the venue or a couple blocks down. Don't waste your money on parking since it's harder to get in and out when you're leaving so you're not saving much on time anyway. 2) There could have been better signage, especially when it comes to getting into the venue. We almost walked the entire way around to get to the entrance but if there were signs in the parking lot/outside the venue, this could be avoided. QR codes should also be posted further down the line to get inside for those who didn't purchase their tickets in advance. Also instructions about re-entry could have been clearer - we didn't know until we were leaving that we could get a hand stamp to come back in.

    Jack R.

    I'm one of those people that are pro vaccine, so if you're not or don't want to hear about it then stop reading right now. Reservations only for the Covid 19 shot...... San Mateo has opened up a Mass vaccination site here at the San Mateo event center and though it's been a slow roll out for California (we're behind many other States in terms of how many people have been vaccinated so far), I'm thankful that they opened up this place and for how smoothly this went. San Mateo county contacted my handicapped mother to say her turn was due and I'm thankful that she was able to get her shot because 1) she is handicapped 2) she is a stage 2 Cancer survivor So she's definitely at a higher risk group. Reservations are done online and it's a drive through vaccination center that took about an hour to weave in and out of. They herd you indoors and line your car up at one of many stalls, have you roll down your window, and then you wait for 20 to 30 minutes depending on your risk level outside to make use you don't have an adverse reaction. They have fire, police, and medics on hand in case you have an adverse reaction. They gave her a card to take home with the details of the vaccine as a reminder for this shot as well as her second upcoming shot. They were administering the Moderna vaccine at this site in case you want to know. This was smooth and efficient and I can't wait until they open this up for every tier so that younger folks like me can get their vaccine when it's our turn. Everyone wore masks and as drivers or if you have a patient everyone has to wear a mask at all times and it is enforced.

    Parking Supervisor Nash and his unacceptable behavior this morning at SMCC. I have been attending Young Women Volleyball Club games both with both the WCVA and NCVA at the SMCC for the last 4 years. Each year I come here, I have seen and encountered your attendant Nash. My first encounter with him was the first time I came in 2019, he became extremely aggressive toward myself while with my young daughter about my positioning of my car. While I remained calm, he finger pointed and yelled, threatening to tow my car and made it a point to target my car the entire weekend. I called about his behavior after this incident and reported that this man disregards human kindness with his disrespect and engages in dangerous behaviors toward women. Coming to SMCC after that, my daughter has shared that she is filled with anxiety because "the mean man with the neon hat is there". Up until today I have tried to stay away from engaging or being near this man. This morning, I arrived just after 7am to find the line for the parking wrapped around. Historically there is a drop off line for the girls to go in at. Parents like to grab coffee or food outside the center and kill time so the drop off line in extremely convenient. So when I saw the 1st lane open - WITH NO CONES- NO MARKING- NO EXIST ONLY SIGN, I assumed this was the drop off line. When I turned into the parking lot- there were still NO SIGNS to show the driver this was a designated lane of any kind. I did not try and enter the parking lot at anytime. I simply pulled over to let my 2 daughters out of the car. Once I stopped and my daughters were getting out of the car, NASH comes burling out of his booth screaming at me and my daughters to MOVE, MOVE, MOVE you get out this is an exist, do you see the trouble your causing, sticking his fingers inches away from my child.... He is irrate! I get out of the car because this is a grown man screaming at my daughters and I am trying to calm him down. He continues to yell and say I cannot come in, when I am not trying to come in, now I am asking him to move so I can turn around and get out, which he refuses. The other cars now have come behind me- all filled with women and children, and he is NOW yelling at us all. He is taking my picture, telling me he is calling security that my daughters will be kicked out of the tournament. Now my daughters are crying and I am still trying to figure out why this man is so angry. I kindly speak to the other Mothers in the line and we figure out how to work together to reverse out instead of him allowing us to turn around- he kept pointing his finger at me saying "you caused this - you caused this". His co-workers tried to calm him but continued to say he was the manager and they couldn't do anything. They all agreed that he was out of line and that he should not speak to women and children like that but also stating he "didn't talk to them like that". Justin, I would like to discuss with you the severity of my experience and the experience of the young women and small children that come here to watch, grow, and confidently continue their craft of sports. We play at a high-level and PAY a painful amount of money not just for our daughters to play but for us to be in the facility. We pay for NASH TO BE HERE- AND WE DO NOT FEEL SAFE. WE HAVENT FELT SAFE AND WE ARE CONTINUALLY BULLIED AND HARRASSED BY THIS MAN. I look forward to hearing from you about your plans of action as well as mine. I have no problem bringing in the City, County, convention center board, ACLU, the Womens Volleyball leagues, and the league of Women Voters, NAACP, and a plethora of others willing to assist in the protection of women and girls sports events and not be a victim to harassment and threatening the threatening behavior of a uncontrollable man with severe aggression toward women and childre

    john j.

    A great venue for the local volleyball championships. Tons of courts and plenty of restrooms. They also have a snack bar and plenty of parking. Easily accessible from the 92 freeway and the 101. Be sure to bring a jacket in the winter, cement floors tend to keep the place nice and cool.

    Lauren S.

    I will be coming back for Aloha Festival if it is here next year. I missed it when it used to be in the Presidio, but oh well I still had fun. Spent a grip on food and accessories. I'm officially an Island girl now! The SMC event center has good bones for events like this, plus plenty of room left over for a personal party with friends. You'll have to convince SECURITY, but after that you might be alright!

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    No in and out for the 15 dollar parking is just lame...why? This place is raking it in.

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    Page 1 of 3

    Ask the Community - San Mateo County Event Center

    Review Highlights - San Mateo County Event Center

    This makes our 3rd of 4th time attending the Aloha Festival in San Mateo.

    Mentioned in 4 reviews

    Read more highlights

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    Bayview Dining Room

    Bayview Dining Room

    (2 reviews)

    My now husband and I knew we wanted to get married here. We had both our ceremony and reception at…read morethis location. We did the ceremony outside with the beautiful water fountain as our backdrop and the weather was perfect (especially since we both lived in Daly City at the time -fog central). Allison was a great help, she was quick with her responses through email and phone. Would definitely recommend for anyone who likes a more modern look!

    We are so glad we picked CSM and the Bayview Dining Room for our wedding ceremony and reception…read more Unlike some of the other venues we toured, the dining area is big and airy. It has floor-to-ceiling glass windows/walls that provide great views of the bay and blue sky above. Our guest list was pretty small, so we had tons of extra room, but the set-up staff made it work really well, filling the space with extra bar tables and couches with coffee tables to provide a variety of areas for mingling and lounging. Between the patio, the main dining area, the dance floor, and the bar/lounge areas, our guests had tons of space and options, and they used it all. We had our ceremony here, too. The fountain provided a very nice backdrop, and the balcony allowed our photographer to get some neat shots of the ceremony and all our guests from above. We were lucky to have pretty much perfect weather on our big day, and our guests couldn't stop talking about the view. They loved taking pictures on the patio with the bay and blue sky behind them. Both prior to and on the big day, Allison was great to work with. She was easily accessible via email, quickly answered any and all questions, and was very friendly and accommodating. On the day itself, the setup and catering/bar staff members were great, too. They were efficient, friendly, and helpful. We were very pleasantly surprised with the quality of the food, both at the tasting and on the wedding day. Many of our guests shared how much they enjoyed the meal - especially the ice cream sundae bar! On the booze front, we provided the alcohol and mixers for the bar, which likely saved a lot of money; the corkage fees were very reasonable and the bar staff were friendly and kept the drinks flowing. Overall, CSM and Pacific Dining were a great choice for us. Having our wedding at a college felt a little unorthodox at first, but it suited us so well. The space was excellent, the rates were very reasonable, the food was great, and the staff was friendly and helpful. We had a fabulous day, and if we had to do it over again, we wouldn't change a thing.

    Peninsula Golf & Country Club - Restaurant bar

    Peninsula Golf & Country Club

    (24 reviews)

    If you're looking for a multigenerational, family‑friendly country club on the Peninsula, PGCC may…read morebe the perfect fit. The club offers several membership levels tailored to different needs, and the facilities are well‑maintained, and cared for by a staff that works hard to keep everything looking great. We joined in 2019 because we didn't have a swimming pool at home, and our kids wanted to enjoy the summer weather. The newly renovated pool had just opened, and it was incredible to see how many families were out enjoying the patio, the Terrace Café, the diving board, and the overall energy of the space. We chose the Clubhouse membership because I'm not a big golfer, but I still appreciate being able to join friends for an occasional round as a guest. The food at PGCC is exceptional. Whether you're craving American, Italian, salads, or something quick and easy, the club is often a better option than going out. It's less crowded, the staff is friendly, and service is quick -- perfect for families. During the off months, they open up the Terrace cafe for kids and children with activities there so the parents can enjoy finishing dinner while they play XBox, color, or games with monitored lifeguards there. The Wellness Center is another standout. It's clean, modern, and fully equipped. I actually canceled my Equinox membership because the club's gym and fitness classes meet all my needs. They offer yoga, TRX, cardio dance, barre, and more -- truly something for everyone. The locker rooms are great as well, and having a personal locker has made it easy and convenient to keep my gear at the club. PGCC recently added new pickleball courts, and they've quickly become one of the most popular social spots. They bring a fresh, active vibe to the club and help break the old stereotype of country clubs being stuffy or outdated. The club still maintains a traditional dress code, but I appreciate it -- it creates boundaries, preserves the elevated feel of the environment, and teaches our kids about manners, respect, and etiquette. The grounds are beautiful, the facilities are well kept, and the overall experience is consistently excellent. If you're looking for a family‑friendly, active, community‑oriented country club with events and amenities for all ages, PGCC is absolutely worth checking out!

    I did manage to take some photographs of the bar inside the club house and the views that you have…read morefrom the main window. Enjoy!

    Pinstripes - Chicken & Avocado Club Pizza

    Pinstripes

    (913 reviews)

    $$

    As long-time patrons of Pinstripes, this review is seriously overdue…read more No business is perfect. Service issues happen from time to time, but what truly keeps customers coming back is the people. We wanted to recognize three team members who have consistently made our family's experience exceptional. **First, Kaydy, the Kids Club Coordinator.** For the past two years, our family has attended countless Kids Club events, and Kaydy has been the heart and soul behind so many of those memories. She greeted every family with a genuine smile and brought so much energy, warmth, and passion to every event. You could tell she truly loved what she did. It wasn't just another job--it showed in every interaction. When we recently learned she would be leaving, we were honestly heartbroken. Before the recent changes to the Kids Club program, events were consistently packed and often fully booked, and we have no doubt Kaydy's dedication played a huge role in building that loyal following. Pinstripes is losing an incredible employee, and any organization would be fortunate to have her. **Next is Ray, the upstairs manager.** Ironically, our first few visits to Pinstripes years ago could have been our last. We experienced recurring issues with our bowling lane and service that left us frustrated. Fortunately, Ray stepped in each time with professionalism, urgency, and genuine care. He resolved every situation quickly and made us feel heard rather than dismissed. The biggest testament to his leadership? After those early visits, we never encountered problems of that magnitude again. We truly believe his attentiveness and commitment to the guest experience played a major role in that. **And finally, Monica, the hostess with the mostest.** If you've been to Pinstripes, you've probably seen Monica constantly helping guests with a smile. She's hardworking, attentive, organized, and always makes us feel welcome. No matter how busy it gets, she takes the time to acknowledge people and make sure they're taken care of. As long-time customers, we can confidently say that while food, bowling, and bocce bring people through the doors, it's employees like Kaydy, Ray, and Monica who keep families coming back. Thank you for making our family's visits so memorable over the years. Your hard work and dedication have never gone unnoticed.

    We visited Pinstripes for Mother's Day brunch and unfortunately it wasn't the experience we were…read morehoping for. The restaurant seemed very understaffed, and throughout the two hours we were there, many of the food items stayed empty for long periods without being replenished. Since the buffet was split between two levels, our entire family, including those helping with a newborn, constantly had to go downstairs just to find available food, which was also limited at times. The protein selection felt pretty minimal with mainly prime rib and ham, while most of the buffet consisted of carbs and desserts. On top of that, three of our family members ended up experiencing stomach issues afterward, which we suspect may have come from the chocolate fountain area. We've celebrated Mother's Day here before and were really looking forward to coming back, so it was disappointing to leave feeling let down. Hoping this was just an off day, but sadly we probably won't be choosing Pinstripes again for future Mother's Day celebrations.

    San Mateo County Event Center - venues - Updated July 2026

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