Crystal Springs Tavern — Restaurant in San Mateo

Dropped by on opening night at 6pm and the line was out the door. Came back Friday night at 8pm, and there was still a big line...but lots of happy faces. Finally got a table Sunday night, and the restaurant was still packed. We tried the hamburger, chicken, and fish and chips. They were all great. We also tried the oysters, mussels and carrot appetizers. Again, all great. Service was excellent and the cocktails awesome. Definitely going back. One more thing...there are plenty of great restaurants on the peninsula, but it sure was nice eating at a place where you didn't have to spend 10 minutes circling the block looking for parking or forced to park 3...

Until now, we were discouraged by the San Mateo dining scene. Both Viognier and 231 Ellsworth went under. We were resigned to driving to SF or Palo Alto for a great meal. No more! This new restaurant has some of the freshest and most carefully prepared food in the Bay Area. We found the hamachi to be perfectly and uniquely seasoned… the Village Pub, although excellent, is not nearly as good. The roast chicken rivals any on the East Coast, and the salads were obviously picked fresh that day. Get a reservation before...

In my opinion, this is the best new dining spot—if not the absolute best restaurant in the Bay Area. The service, ambiance, and cocktails were phenomenal, but the food is truly the standout. We shared entrées and were impressed by the freshness of everything. The chicken I ordered and my girlfriend's fish and chips were both unbelievable and I will absolutely make a point to return soon. A 10/10 experience and highly...