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Porterhouse opened its doors in 2007 and relocated to 164 S B Street in January 2023.
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DirectionsAbout San Mateo, California, USA
MoreSan Mateo offers an array of attractions and economic opportunities that cater to its residents and visitors. Central Park provides a tranquil retreat with gardens and recreational activities, while cultural landmarks like the San Mateo Performing Arts Center and Filoli Historic House & Garden enrich local arts and heritage. The city's economy thrives on technology, professional services, and healthcare industries, drawing major employers such as Franklin Templeton and Roblox. Its economic vitality is bolstered by proximity to Silicon Valley, fostering a dynamic business ecosystem. Comprehensive community resources are also available, including quality education systems, extensive library programs, and diverse recreational facilities. Efficient transportation options connect San Mateo to nearby cities, with Caltrain and SamTrans serving local routes, while the city’s safety measures contribute to its reputation for security. The climate is mild year-round due to the Pacific Ocean's influence, offering residents numerous outdoor recreation opportunities in its varied landscape. With a vibrant arts scene and diverse culinary offerings, San Mateo maintains a strong sense of community identity, making it an attractive place to live with a high quality of life.
Nominated for BestAround
Porterhouse, a steakhouse nestled in the heart of San Mateo since its move to 164 S B Street in 2023, has garnered attention for its evolution while staying true to its foundational values of quality and hospitality. The historic setting within the Bank of San Mateo building, imbued with classical elegance, complements its menu, which boasts dry-aged steaks, prime rib, and an impressive selection of wines from renowned regions. This blend of heritage and culinary innovation positions Porterhouse as a noteworthy contender for the "BestAround" accolade.
The restaurant's ambiance, a harmonious mix of old-world charm and modern sophistication, enhances its dining appeal, offering versatile spaces from intimate private rooms to expansive banquet areas. This versatility makes it suitable for diverse events, from intimate dinners to corporate functions. While some customers have noted wait times and minor inconsistencies in food presentation or portion sizes, these are overshadowed by the consistent praise for its exceptional steak quality, particularly the dry-aged cuts that have earned high marks from diners.
Porterhouse's commitment to using high-quality, house-made ingredients and French culinary influences sets it apart, catering not just to traditionalists but also those seeking a refined dining experience. The restaurant's private dining rooms, with their varying capacities, ensure personalized service and memorable experiences for all guests. Despite minor critiques regarding ambiance and service, the overwhelming sentiment from customers is one of satisfaction and loyalty, driven by the outstanding steak quality and the establishment's dedication to excellence. The dessert menu, especially the Bananas Foster, has been a highlight for many, further cementing Porterhouse's reputation as a premier dining destination in San Mateo.
About Porterhouse
Porterhouse, a steakhouse that has been a staple in San Mateo since its relocation to 164 S B Street in January 2023, continues to evolve while maintaining its core values of hospitality and culinary excellence. Opened in 2007, the restaurant's historic Bank of San Mateo building, with its classical roots symbolizing solidity, reserve, thrift, and stability, provides a unique backdrop that enhances the dining experience. The menu at Porterhouse is a testament to its commitment to quality and innovation, featuring dry-aged steaks, prime rib, fresh seafood, and an acclaimed wine list that celebrates the best of Napa Valley, Willamette Valley, France, and Italy.
The restaurant's atmosphere is designed to be both elegant and welcoming, with high ceilings, subdued lighting, and original film posters from the Golden Age of Hollywood creating a nostalgic yet modern ambiance. This setting, combined with attentive and knowledgeable service, makes Porterhouse an ideal venue for a wide range of events, from romantic dinners and corporate lunches to private parties and business meetings. The introduction of the art of dry aging in 2013 has further elevated the restaurant's offerings, particularly in its meat selection, which includes dry-aged and grass-fed Midwest beef.
Porterhouse's commitment to using house-made ingredients and French influences is evident in its menu, which not only caters to traditional steak enthusiasts but also appeals to those seeking a more refined dining experience. The restaurant's private dining rooms, ranging from the Bogies Room (capable of hosting up to 45 guests) to the Caprice Room (22 guests) and the Clark Room (16 guests), offer varying levels of privacy and capacity, ensuring that every guest can enjoy a personalized and memorable meal. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply looking for a unique dining experience, Porterhouse stands out as a premier destination in San Mateo, blending historical charm with contemporary excellence.
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What Customers Say
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Official Google Reviews
Customers of Porterhouse have reported a mixed but generally positive experience, with standout aspects including exceptional quality and preparation of steaks, particularly the dry-aged cuts which received high praise for their flavor and tenderness. The service has been varied; while some reviews highlight attentive and knowledgeable staff, others mention long wait times and occasional issues with food presentation or portion sizes. A few customers noted that the restaurant's ambiance, though pleasant, could be improved with better noise control and more private seating options.
Despite these minor critiques, many patrons have expressed a strong desire to return, citing the outstanding steak quality and the establishment's commitment to quality and service. The dessert offerings, especially the Bananas Foster, have been singled out as exceptional by several reviewers, contributing significantly to their positive overall impressions.
The restaurant's ambiance, including its vintage decor and lively atmosphere, has also been a point of appreciation for many diners, making it a popular choice for both casual meals and special occasions.