The Refuge (San Carlos)

963 Laurel St, San Carlos
(650) 598-9813

Recent Reviews

Ashley Gurak

Pastrami is unmatched! So much good flavor and a very generous portion!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Half Reuben Sandwich Sandwich, Sandwiches, Pastrami Burger, Burger, Fries

Karim A

Great place to go for casual eating; a chill environment with hearty food and a terrific beer selection.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 4

Recommended dishes: Craft Beer

John Johnson

I must say I was underwhelmed with the pastrami although it’s probably because I had high expectations. Service was great as well as atmosphere. A little pricey for what you get

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 3

Service: 5

Rich Razon

The 2nd best pastrami sandwich I’ve had. $25 for a sando set the bar REALLY high for me, so had to give it 4 instead of 5 stars. Still, super tasty, enjoyed every bite. Went perfectly with the mustard on the table. Friendly staff.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

Michael F

The best pastrami sandwiches in CA I have ever had !

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Sandwiches, Burger, Fries

David Covarrubias

Pastrami was worth trying, very unique texture - almost like fatty tuna from a sushi restaurant. While the food was good, I doubt I’ll be back to pay $25 for just a sandwich again.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 4

Dave Miller

One of our favorite places for a good meal. Great sandwiches. Good place for a quick bite and place to watch sports. They have an interesting selection of beers.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Fries

A.C. Antonelli

The Refuge is known for its pastrami sandwiches and excellent rotating craft beer selection. Now, I’m from New York City, the land of Katz’s Deli pastrami sandwiches, so my bar is pretty high, and it would be blasphemy for me to even compare the two, but I have to hand it to them, it’s a pretty spectacular pastrami sandwich. Highly recommend.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Half Reuben Sandwich Sandwich, Sandwiches, Refuge Double Double Burger, Fries

Sebastian Pattom

One of the best Reubens out there

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

James Brawley

Pastrami burger was worth the visit.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Garvin Guan

Life changingly good Reuben (pastrami) sandwich, it pretty much melts in your mouth.I got the chopped liver addition also but wouldn't say it adds much so I'll skip the liver next time

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Bill Carpenter

Delicious house prepared pastrami. Excellent sandwiches: both classic and inventive. Extensive beer selection unavailable elsewhere. Extremely happy with the food and dining experience.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

M Gomez

Chefs love it!!! I have the privilege of working with some amazing chefs. At work we do daily taste of many different food items, and needless to say the chefs are very passionate about what they prepare and how they prepare it. With major confidence, I have recommended Refuge to all of them without fear they would be disappointed. Most of them have accepted my suggestion and none of them had anything negative to say about the place. They all love the food and the beer selection, and they all keep coming back for more! Refuge is by far one of my favorite restaurants to go to. This is a place that everyone should try, you will not find a better pastrami sandwich anywhere in California.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Half Reuben Sandwich Sandwich, Sandwiches

Fred Berkowitz

This place has the best pastrami in the bay area. Service was great too.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Sandwiches, Fries, Original Pastrami Chopped Salad

NicoleW

This is a great casual restaurant. Food was delicious & service was exceptional! If you're looking for a tasty Philly cheesesteak sandwich or comfort food this is the place!

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