Mortar & Pestle Bar — Restaurant in San Mateo

They really need a sign because for a good while, my friends and I couldn't find this place because there was a Curry Up sign in front. When you're in an alley looking for a place, you're going to look at the sign.... but walk past that sign and you'll see Mortar & Pestle printed on top of the door.

Interesting bar. It's got an indian flare to it, which is different but welcoming. Their cocktails are unique which made choosing which one I wanted all that much harder. I didn't know half the liqueur on that menu so I had to rely on their descriptions. Under each cocktail is a nice little blurb about the drink. I eventually found the Khaleesi (Yes, I did choose the drink because of GoT) But also because the description said something about it being bubbly and fizzy and also really easy to over indulge... and those three things sounded good to me! Some of their drinks come out in really cool cups, but mine didn't. The drink itself made up for it though. It was soooo good! It tasted like Autumn in a cup. The drink had some spice to it that gave it a unique flavor that was really enjoyable. Kind of like when you're drinking a chai tea, the spices really make the tea. I didn't get to try any of their other drinks but I was really content with mine. I'll just have to come back next time :D

The bartenders were super nice and friendly. Their service was a bit slow but they were gracious and in the end, I didn't mind it too much. If you're bored with typical bar drinks and want some fun boozy creations, then check...

Mortar & Pestle Bar has become a favorite spot of mine, a place I've visited 4-5 times and one I often recommend to friends. This unique bar stands out for its specialty cocktails, each with a delightful Indian twist that transforms traditional drinks into something extraordinary. My personal favorite, the Nimbu Pani Puri cocktail, is a brilliant representation of this fusion. It takes the essence of my beloved Indian snack, Pani Puri, and ingeniously incorporates it into a cocktail, creating a refreshing and innovative drink that never ceases to amaze me.

Each visit to Mortar & Pestle Bar is an opportunity to introduce friends to these inventive concoctions. The fair pricing and good service make the experience even more enjoyable. The staff are particularly helpful, always ready to assist in choosing cocktails, which is great for those who may be new to this fusion of flavors.

The food at Mortar & Pestle Bar complements the drinks perfectly. As the bar is located at the back of Curry Up, a national chain known for its amazing Indian fusion cuisine, the culinary experience is as impressive as the cocktails. The combination of great food and exceptional drinks makes this bar a must-visit for anyone looking for a unique and...

The location is great, with plenty of nearby restaurants and a movie theater, and a Caltrain stop. The staff was friendly but forgetful, needing to be reminded of orders. There's a large drink selection, but if you don't like whiskey you'll be lost as most of the concoctions are bourbon based. The food is good but slow to arrive from what's essentially an Indian takeout on the other side of the building. The worst part of the prep was that a bay leaf was wrapped up inside my roti bread; the bay leaf was necessary for preparing the chicken, but someone without a decent culinary knowledge would be in danger of a hospital trip with GI pain had a customer eaten the leaf.

The atmosphere is a nicely finished basement with low capacity. It's a quiet place to have a drink and talk with someone. It's worthy of a visit but needs improvement by the staff. Should you arrive and not like it, yet still need a place for conversation prior to you next event, Philz Coffee is next door; so, there's not a whole lot of reason not to stop in Mortar & Pestle and give it a try (alternatives...