Paul Martin's American Grill

101 Hillsdale Shopping Ctr, San Mateo, CA 94403, United States
+1 650-212-7400
$$$ Restaurant
(893 Reviews)
Price Range $30–50

Welcome to Paul Martin's American Grill, a vibrant dining destination located in the heart of San Mateo, California, at the bustling Hillsdale Shopping Center. This American grill is celebrated for its commitment to quality, comfort, and a welcoming atmosphere that makes it a perfect spot for any occasion.

Step inside and you'll find a spacious interior adorned with a chic yet casual decor, offering both indoor and outdoor seating. The ambiance strikes a delightful balance between sophistication and comfort, ideal for unwinding after a busy day or celebrating a special moment with loved ones. With attentive and friendly service that has received high praise from patrons, you can expect a memorable dining experience from start to finish.

As you explore the menu, prepare your taste buds for a journey through classic American dishes that are both comforting and innovative. One standout feature is the extensive wine list, featuring delightful options such as the Josh Cellars Rosé at just *$12*, or the exquisite Frog's Leap "Shale and Stone" for *$76*. Whether you prefer a chilled rosé or a robust Chardonnay, there's something to complement every dish perfectly.

For those looking to elevate their dining experience, the happy hour menu—available until 7 PM—offers fantastic options. Customers rave about the Buffalo Cauliflower Bites and Deviled Eggs that pack a punch of flavor, making them a must-try starter. If you appreciate heartier fare, the Salmon Sandwich comes highly recommended for its generous portion that promises satisfaction.

However, all dishes are not without criticisms; some diners noted inconsistency in the entrees, such as an overcooked filet mignon. Yet, the sides, appetizers, and desserts generally shine, with the Chocolate Cake often stealing the show with its rich, indulgent flavor that leaves guests craving more.

As you peruse the menu, you'll find reviews revealing a mix of delightful dishes alongside some room for improvement, making this establishment appealing to both casual diners and discerning foodies alike. To experience the allure of Paul Martin’s American Grill is to enjoy a lively atmosphere, where seasonal ingredients are celebrated in each delectable bite.

In the end, whether you are just popping in for a quick happy hour drink or planning a more leisurely meal with friends, Paul Martin's American Grill is a place where flavor meets hospitality. So, gather your companions and immerse yourself in a delightful dining experience filled with American culinary tradition.

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
Has outdoor seating
Offers kerbside pickup
Has no-contact delivery
Offers delivery
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
Highlights
Has fast service
Has great beer selection
Serves great cocktails
Serves great dessert
Has great wine list
Popular for
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves cocktails
Serves coffee
Serves comfort food
Serves happy-hour drinks
Serves happy-hour food
Serves small plates
Serves spirits
Serves vegetarian dishes
Serves wine
Dining options
Serves brunch
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has bar on site
Has toilet
Has Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Trendy
Upmarket
Crowd
Family friendly
Good for groups
Popular with tourists
Planning
Brunch reservations recommended
Dinner reservations recommended
Accepts reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs available
Has kids' menu
Parking
Free multi-storey car park
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Plenty of parking
Openings Hours
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Monday

11:30 AM - 9:00 PM

Tuesday

11:30 AM - 9:00 PM

Wednesday

11:30 AM - 9:00 PM

Thursday

11:30 AM - 9:00 PM

Friday

11:30 AM - 10:00 PM

Saturday

11:30 AM - 10:00 PM

Sunday

11:30 AM - 9:00 PM

893 Reviews
Zeke Lyles

10 Sep 2025

On the corner of the mall. Very spacious area with indoor and outdoor seating. Happy hour is now until 7pm. One of the best happy hour menus we have come across. Tried several items my favorite being the Buffalo cauliflower bites and the Deviled Eggs. The sammon sandwich was nice in size and fulfilling. The meatball was dry and bland. Ordered the Rasberry martini and the Old fashion and of course a few Side Cars. The house happy hour drinks are artful and hit the spot. We will return. It does start to fill up fast around 6pm. I say check it out.

Murillo Pontual

07 Sep 2025

Great place to grab a steak. Service was top notch, food was delicious. I highly recommend it. The chocolate cake was unbelievable good.

Jessie Bushong

22 Aug 2025

We found this place randomly and were happy we tried it. It had an inviting outside patio visible from the street. When we went in, we found the place casual but classy and well-appointed. Service was friendly and attentive. Food and drinks were wonderful!

Andrew Jaru

16 Aug 2025

Pretty standard fare for American classics done decent. They do a fine job keeping people far enough apart, though the dine in area got a little too crowded an hour into the dinner rush. Servers seem to cycle often, so we didn't quite know who was our original waiter. Food was a mix of highs and lows. The sides, dessert and appetizers were great. The entrees not so much. My filet mignon was overcooked and the ribs were underseasoned. Most of the flavor came from the sauce they covered it with. If you're at the Hillsdale shopping center and want to dine-in this is as good an option as any of the others.

James Patterson

12 Aug 2025

Fantastic time! We arrived at 6pm on a Friday and the place was empty (see pics). When we walked by around 8-8:30, it was packed. Food was delicious (little cold, but we were outside), solid portions, service was super awesome and friendly (every single person), and it was very reasonably priced for this area. 2 dinners, 2 soft drinks, an appetizer, and a dessert came out to $75 before tip. Definitely recommend if looking for a fun and affordable date night.

Marcela Ma

25 Jul 2025

3 stars because I expected more out of this place. Atmosphere is chill, service was outstanding now the food fries-basic but no it definitely needed a little more time in the fryer, calamari I wanted to cry- not airy light batter this was sad!!! The seafood pasta…. I didn’t see sauce, lack in flavor a very disappointed dish, biscuit save yourself the trouble go to red lobster instead, chicken tenders-that thing was so thin I didn’t even know what to call it-not a tender, the burger I didn’t try but I was told it was good so that saved the day. Dessert.. chocolate cake Was not tasty I mean they could’ve at least added some fresh whip to that thing. All in all I would give this place a C- and that’s being generous and I will not come back.. this is not my first experience there. If you want some more than just mediocre food go somewhere else!

Wook Chung

09 Jul 2025

Decent food for a decent price. Obviously they strive to be the casual upscale positioning and many of their dishes have the flair of an upscale restaurant. The cracks in the armor show in areas like the quality of the lettuce or the grade of the steak. Yes, the food is put together with care and the best it could be. But with limited freshness and quality of the ingredients, there is a limit. But again, it's all about the overall package. You have good, lively atmosphere with good brews, cocktails. And overall your party will have a good time.

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