In an ideal world, every bar and grill would offer more than just burgers and beers—think trivia nights or cornhole tournaments to rescue a dull evening. Since we’re not quite there, we’ve rounded up San Carlos spots where the food sizzles and the fun flows. Grab your crew and head to one of these eight gems, where you can savor a steak and still challenge friends to a round of darts without things getting too heated.
Scotty’s Bar
$ | (650) 561-4929 | WEBSITE
Scotty’s Bar & Grill in downtown Palo Alto is a solid spot for a chill vibe and good drinks. The bartenders are friendly, attentive, and welcoming, especially Sergio, who is amazing, welcoming, and super funny. The daily happy hour from 5-7pm offers great deals—think $6 craft beers and $8 well cocktails. The decor might be basic with its dark wood and neon signs, but the drinks are good, and the food is top-notch.
Visitors praise the quality of service and the insider knowledge provided by the staff, like which local brews pair best with the burgers. Whether you’re a local or a weary traveler, Scotty’s is a must-visit for a fun and enjoyable experience.
Grill & Vine
$$ | (650) 872-8141 | WEBSITE
Maybe you’ve heard about families finding a spot where the kids can color while waiting for their meal. That’s Grill & Vine. The restaurant, which feels like a casual neighborhood spot with large portions, has coloring sheets for children, and they’re available right away (unless the crayons are missing, but the staff quickly found markers). So go ahead and bring the family. It isn’t fancy, and it’s a good option for groups, because everyone will be equally full from the big plates.
The parking might be tight when you arrive, but you can always just grab a margherita flatbread and wait at your table.
Fire|Vine Grill & Bar & Windows On The Bay
$$ | (650) 340-8500 | WEBSITE
Fire|Vine Grill & Bar & Windows On The Bay is essentially the hotel bar you wish every hotel had, but with better food and in San Carlos. It isn’t fancy, but there are comfortable seats and good lighting that makes conversation easy. There’s also a clean, welcoming atmosphere with pleasant colors throughout the space. Stop by for happy hour if you want to try their house-made chowder.
The Refuge (San Carlos)
$$ | (650) 598-9813 | WEBSITE
Technically, eating a pastrami sandwich is a meal, and you can do that at The Refuge. But if that isn’t satisfying enough for you, you can also grab a seat on the covered patio with its pleasant view of the neighborhood. You can even turn it into a full afternoon, and no one will rush you. Just claim a table all the way in the back near the casual bar area, and relax for as long as you want.
Pool Garden Terrace at Rosewood Sand Hill
$$ | (650) 561-1500 | WEBSITE
Pool Garden Terrace is like a luxurious garden party. The only things missing are the private cabanas, the ocean breeze, and the exclusive guest list. And while those things might seem essential, they really aren’t. With a beautiful pool area, lush gardens, and a grand terrace, you don’t really need anything else. This place is upscale, and it’s a classic spot for a corporate event or any other kind of leisure retreat in San Carlos.
If you have a group or special occasion, you can reserve the venue spaces, and there’s usually the bar there serving something like chimichurri beef or afternoon tea.
Mission Bar & Grill
$$ | (650) 821-8304 | WEBSITE
Mission Bar & Grill is a straightforward bar and grill tucked into the San Carlos airport, offering fast and friendly service with tasty food like Cobb salads, burgers, and chicken strips. If all of this sounds basic, that’s because it is. But between the accommodating staff and efficiently prepared meals, it’s hard to have a bad meal here.
The interior feels like a kid-friendly, no-frills dining hall with simple tables and bright lighting, and there’s a cohesive team that ensures your needs are met. Food starts at around $18 for a burger and fries.
American Bull Bar & Grill
$ | (650) 652-4908 | WEBSITE
Cozy bar-and-grills in San Carlos are a rare find–and this one’s probably the only sports-fan spot in the area with weekend breakfast, mystery shots, and wings on another level. American Bull Bar & Grill is known for its welcoming staff and the loyal patrons who’ve mastered the art of chatting with locals over reasonably priced drinks over the years. In the evenings, they’re also known to break out the decent draft list and unseasoned fries for a perfect old-timey dive bar atmosphere.
Stamp Bar & Grill
$$ | (650) 226-5164 | WEBSITE
Stamp Bar & Grill is like a neighborhood party that never ends. But instead of loud music and sticky floors, this upscale, comfortable space in San Carlos has sports screens everywhere, protected outdoor seating, and a menu that changes with the seasons. It’s a perfect spot for family gatherings or group dinners, and it also happens to be one of the best bar and grill restaurants in the area.
There are delicious housemade pastas, amazing pork belly sliders, and attentive staff everywhere—including Ray and “Moose” with their friendly smiles in case you need a warm welcome.