Best Cocktails in San Mateo Area 2025 Winners

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Top Cocktail Bars in the San Mateo Area

Shaken, stirred, and voted the best—San Mateo’s top cocktail destinations are celebrated in the Best of San Mateo contest for their expert mixology, standout ingredients, and unforgettable drink menus. Whether you’re in the mood for a perfectly crafted Old Fashioned, a seasonal signature, or something adventurous and off-menu, these local favorites are pouring the most talked-about cocktails in town. For happy hour or date night, these are the places to raise your glass.

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  • 2025 Winner:
    Best Cocktails

    FogBird

    Member: San Mateo Area Chamber of Commerce

    FogBird in downtown San Mateo offers a stylish cocktail lounge experience with soaring ceilings and original brick walls. Their menu features thoughtfully crafted cocktails, wine, beer, and bar bites. Customers appreciate the chill ambiance and excellent service, making it a perfect spot for gatherings and events.

    144 S B St
    San Mateo, California 94401
  • 2025 Top 5:
    Best Cocktails

    Pausa Bar & Cookery

    Pausa Bar & Cookery in San Mateo presents fresh, authentic Italian fare made from scratch, utilizing Northern California's bounty. Chef-Owner Andrea Giuliani crafts dishes complemented by an all-Italian wine list and craft cocktails. Patrons commend the amazing food, impeccable service, and wonderful atmosphere, making it a go-to for special occasions.

    223 E 4th Ave
    San Mateo, California 94401
  • 2025 Top 5:
    Best Cocktails

    Wunderbar

    Wunderbar Bistro in Hudson, NY, delivers progressive American comfort food at affordable prices. Their daily specials feature globally inspired dishes, and generous portions leave customers satisfied. Patrons appreciate the culinary creativity and inviting atmosphere, making it a must-stop on any culinary adventure.

    310 Baldwin Ave
    San Mateo, California 94401
  • 2025 Top 5:
    Best Cocktails

    The Barrel Bistro and Wine Bar

    Located in downtown San Mateo, The Barrel Bistro & Wine Bar offers a Mediterranean-inspired menu with Spanish, French, and Italian entrees. Since 2019, they've been serving seafood, meats, charcuterie, and an extensive selection of wines and cocktails. Guests enjoy the outstanding service, inviting ambiance, and diverse menu options.

    320 S B St
    San Mateo, California 94401

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Craft Cocktails & Signature Drinks in San Mateo

The San Mateo Area’s cocktail scene blends creativity, craftsmanship, and community—serving up everything from timeless classics to cutting-edge concoctions. These Best of San Mateo winners were voted by locals who appreciate quality ingredients, inventive flavor pairings, and the art of a well-made drink.

 

🍸

Signature Cocktails with Local Flair

 

Top cocktail bars and restaurants in San Mateo are known for original creations like:

 

  • Smoked bourbon sours and mezcal negronis

  • Gin-based drinks with cucumber, basil, or elderflower

  • House-made infusions like jalapeño tequila or rosemary vodka

  • Espresso martinis, matcha margaritas, and other trendy blends

 

 

🥃

Classic Cocktails Perfected

 

Sometimes you want the familiar done flawlessly. These spots are masters of the classics:

 

  • Manhattans, Martinis, and Old Fashioneds

  • Mojitos, Moscow Mules, and Margaritas

  • Sidecars, Sazeracs, and Whiskey Sours

  • Highballs, spritzes, and tiki-inspired favorites

 

 

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Premium Ingredients & House-Made Mixers

 

San Mateo’s best cocktail programs go the extra mile with:

 

  • Fresh-squeezed citrus, seasonal herbs, and house bitters

  • Craft spirits and small-batch liquors

  • Sugar syrups, shrubs, and tinctures made in-house

  • Creative garnishes and glassware that elevate the presentation

 

 

🎉

Ambience & Experience

 

Enjoying a great cocktail is about more than just the drink. These award-winning spots also deliver:

 

  • Chic, upscale lounges with ambient lighting

  • Rooftop or patio bars for al fresco sipping

  • Speakeasy-style hideaways and modern gastropubs

  • Live music, DJ nights, and social events

 

 

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Happy Hour & Late Night Offerings

 

Many of San Mateo’s favorite cocktail spots also offer:

 

  • Daily or weekly happy hour specials

  • Seasonal cocktail menus that rotate with the weather

  • Late-night service on weekends

  • Small bites, bar snacks, and curated food pairings

 

 

 

Explore the Best Cocktails in the San Mateo Area, as chosen by local patrons in the Best of San Mateo contest—and toast to creativity, quality, and unforgettable flavors crafted right here in your community.