San Mateo Prime

174 E 3rd Ave, San Mateo, CA 94401, United States
+1 650-558-8918
$$$ Steak house
(219 Reviews)
Price Range $50–100

Welcome to San Mateo Prime, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of San Mateo, California, where the sizzling sound of perfectly cooked steaks fills the air and the inviting aroma of rich, hearty flavors surrounds you. This upscale steakhouse has established itself as a local favorite, offering a memorable dining experience that expertly balances quality and affordability.

The cuisine at San Mateo Prime showcases the best of traditional American steakhouse fare, significantly known for its Prime Rib which has embraced the hearts of meat lovers everywhere. Guests rave about the tenderness of their cuts, made even better by delectable accompaniments like Garlic Fries and Creamed Spinach that tease your palate with each bite. If you’re feeling adventurous, indulge in the Buffalo Wings made with succulent chicken glazed in zesty Louisiana hot sauce, served alongside smooth ranch dressing, or delight in the creamy Crab Dip baked to perfection with real crab and artichoke.

The atmosphere at San Mateo Prime strikes the perfect balance between casual comfort and refined elegance. Picture yourself seated in a warmly decorated space, where the design complements the rich flavors and hearty dishes on the menu. The staff here are renowned for their friendly service, always ready to make recommendations or ensure your dining experience is nothing short of exceptional.

For an unforgettable dessert to wrap up your meal, don’t miss the Creme Brulee, a Spanish-inspired delight with a beautifully caramelized sugar crust that provides the perfect end to a lavish dinner. The Tiramisu and Pecan Pie also promise to entertain your sweet tooth, making each visit a complete gastronomic adventure.

Real customers have spoken highly of their experiences at San Mateo Prime. S Chin recalls how their Prime Rib consistently satisfies cravings, while Trung Bach appreciates the balance of excellent food and reasonable prices. Claudia Ramirez’s first experience was met with surprise at how fabulous the food was, highlighting the attentiveness of the staff. Angela Dao even goes as far as to compare San Mateo Prime favorably against the famed House of Prime Rib., noting the consistent quality and perfection of their cuts.

Whether it’s a special occasion or just a casual night out, San Mateo Prime is your destination for a truly satisfying meal. With its inviting atmosphere, delightful dishes, and stellar service, you’ll find yourself planning your next visit before you even finish your dessert. Each meal is a foray into culinary bliss, ensuring that every guest leaves with contentment and a full heart. Make your way to 174 E 3rd Ave, San Mateo, CA 94401 or give them a call at +1 650-558-8918 to reserve your table today!

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
No delivery
Highlights
Has great beer selection
Serves great cocktails
Serves great dessert
Has great wine list
Popular for
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves cocktails
Serves coffee
Serves comfort food
Serves spirits
Serves wine
Dining options
Serves dinner
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has bar on site
Has toilet
Atmosphere
Cosy
Romantic
Upmarket
Crowd
Good for groups
Planning
Dinner reservations recommended
Accepts reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
High chairs available
Parking
Paid street parking
Somewhat difficult to find a space
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

Closed

Tuesday

Closed

Wednesday

5:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Thursday

5:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Friday

5:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Saturday

5:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Sunday

5:00 AM - 10:00 PM

219 Reviews
S Chin

24 Aug 2025

When craving for Prime Rib, we would come here to satisfy our cravings. I normally order the San Mateo cut with linguini and cream of corn as my sides. I usually order mother the salmon with cream of spinach and cream of corn as her sides. Their Prime Rib and Salmon was not dry at all. Not as good as House of Prime but not bad. Would definitely come back. Update: 07/13/2025 Still my favorite location to eat prime rib. 2 reasons. Service, and easy to find parking. Of course, aside from the yummy meat. I ordered: San Mateo prime with linguine as a side and cream of corn. Yummy.

Trung Bach

03 Aug 2025

Very good place to go for a nice Prime Rib Dinner that won’t break the bank. Drinks were excellent, good wine selection by the glass, and prime rib was perfect. Service was attentive & great.

Peter Anthony Bulan

24 Jul 2025

Food was delicious and priced just right. I especially liked the service as the staff were friendly and made sure our company enjoyed our dinner. Will definitely go back for seconds!

Angela Dao

30 Jun 2025

I go to House of Prime Rib at least a few times a year, I found San Mateo Prime to be basically as good!! It’s hard to beat the HOPR ambiance but the food was fantastic and comparable IMO. They even seared my cut perfectly!

Claudia Ramirez

27 Jun 2025

1st time here, food was delicious, staff was very friendly!!! Ordered our dishes, with a bottle of wine. The meat was on point. No idea why I've never been here before, but definitely coming back.

Michael D

10 Jun 2025

Great place! Great prime rib! Very tender and juicy. The crème brulée was top notch! Service was friendly. The restaurant had a nice upscale feel and was well decorated.

Tiffany Chang

31 May 2025

Solidly delicious! The prime rib was great. The Yorkshire pudding and crème brûlée were also standout highlights. In my opinion, it’s not quite on the same level as House of Prime Rib, but it comes pretty close — and it’s way easier to snag a reservation.

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