Drakes Restaurant
- Beside The Rail Sports Bar & Lounge
- Beside Cuisinett Bistro
- Near Delizie Cucina & Vino
The Delightful Drakes Restaurant of San Carlos
Drakes Restaurant is the history of San Carlos brought to life with amazing food.
“The history behind the restaurant name: In the 1920’s, Mr. Fredrick Drake also known as “Father of San Carlos” donated money to pave the way for the city. With Drake’s donations, San Carlos was able to begin developing the city’s infrastructure. Mr. Drake also named multiple streets, built homes and coined the San Carlos City slogan “The City of Good Living.” Join me over the coming months in starting this new chapter of my life in building a stronger community and to celebrate life!” – Christian Conte, Owner of Drakes
Exploring the Delights of Drakes: A Culinary Journey
If you’re in the Bay Area and searching for a spot that combines vibrant ambiance with an array of mouthwatering dishes, Drakes should be at the top of your list. This charming restaurant stands out for its diverse menu and exceptional service, making it a favorite for brunch, lunch, and dinner. Here’s a closer look at what makes Drakes a standout choice, based on a variety of glowing reviews.
A Brunch Lover’s Paradise
Drakes is renowned for its brunch offerings, which range from classic favorites to innovative creations. For a delightful start to your day, try the Salmon Avocado Toast—a generous portion that has left many diners raving. Another brunch hit is the Crab Benedict, which features fresh crab and a rich hollandaise sauce that diners have described as delectable. The Breakfast Burger, with its tender patty and bacon, is also a must-try, especially for those who appreciate a hearty meal.
Satisfying Lunches
When it comes to lunch, the Turkey Club Sandwich at Drakes stands out. Served on sourdough with real turkey and crispy bacon, this sandwich has earned high praise from those who consider themselves connoisseurs of this classic dish. Another lunch favorite is the Chilaquiles—loaded with guacamole, pico de gallo, and a generous portion of chorizo, this dish has been described as both savory and satisfying.
Dinner Delights
For dinner, Drakes does not disappoint. The Miso Salmon served over carrot puree and the Halibut Risotto with asparagus and mushrooms are both highlights. The salmon, in particular, has been praised for its perfect cooking and rich flavors. If you’re a fan of seafood, the Crab-Stuffed Avocado is another fantastic choice, offering a delightful combination of fresh crab and creamy avocado.
Drinks and Desserts
No visit to Drakes is complete without sampling their creative drink menu. The Love Me Sexy Cocktail, a bourbon-based drink with peach syrup, lemon juice, basil, and honey, has received enthusiastic reviews for its balanced flavors. For dessert, the Pizookie is a standout—a warm cookie topped with ice cream that’s perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.
Popular Dishes to Try:
- Salmon Avocado Toast
- Crab Benedict
- Breakfast Burger
- Turkey Club Sandwich
- Chilaquiles
- Miso Salmon
- Halibut Risotto
- Crab-Stuffed Avocado
- Pizookie
Whether you’re dropping by for brunch, lunch, or dinner, Drakes offers a delightful dining experience with a menu that caters to a wide range of tastes. With its cozy atmosphere, attentive service, and consistently delicious food, it’s no wonder that Drakes is a beloved spot in the Bay Area.
Resources
Drakes Official Website, Yelp
Discover Other Restaurants
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- Nothing Bundt Cakes: Where Pure Joy is Baked Fresh Daily
- Sunshine HK Cafe: Delicious Taste of Hong Kong in San Carlos
- Groovy Goose Coffee: You Local San Carlos Coffee Shop
- The Omelette House San Carlos : The #1 Most Delicious Omelets in town
- Impasto Pizzeria Ristorante: The Latest Neapolitan Pizza in San Carlos
See more restaurants and shops in San Carlos at San Carlos Life : Restaurants and Shops
Top Reviews
Megan A. | Daly City, CA 
“Delicious club sandwich! I’m very picky about my club sandwiches—it has to be on sourdough with real turkey (not lunch meat), crispy bacon, and avocado without a premium. Drakes’ turkey club gets an A+! It was exactly what I imagine a perfect club should be. You can choose fries, tots (my preference), or maybe salad (I didn’t listen closely because I was so hungry).
My only tiny complaint, which is just me being picky, is that I prefer triple-decker clubs cut into quarters with colorful toothpicks. But the flavor was the same, and let’s be real—it all ends up in the same place!”
Tina L. | Mountain View, CA
“I’ve passed this restaurant many times on El Camino Real, and it’s always busy, so I decided to try it. We went on a weekday around lunchtime to avoid crowds. The bartender seated us, and I ordered the chilaquiles with added chorizo. My sisters ordered the club sandwich and chicken and waffles. My chilaquiles were loaded with guacamole, pico de gallo, sour cream, and a generous portion of chorizo. My egg was cooked perfectly, and the dish was savory and satisfying. For $25, it was worth it!
However, the chicken and waffles were underwhelming—the waffle was soggy, and the chicken lacked flavor. The coffee was okay. I would come back to try more of the menu.”
Trisha R. | San Mateo, CA
“I have never been to this restaurant before. We came with my family to celebrate a special event, so the waitress had her hands full with a large party. She was very friendly and accommodated all of our needs. And there were a lot of needs! Lol. I had the basic breakfast with two poached eggs, sourdough toast, two sausages, and I chose a waffle, and it also came with tater tots potatoes. My meal was delicious. I also had a cappuccino and that was also delicious. The whole experience was great.
Everyone in the party’s food was excellent. I have nothing negative to say about this place; it was just a positive experience. They have a little area where there is a couch and chairs for the little kids to sit on while they get antsy. We will definitely be back, and I can’t wait to share another great experience with my fiancé. Nice job, Drakes!”
Stephanie F. | San Francisco Peninsula, CA
“I dined here last night with a large party and was very impressed with the quality of the food, the drinks, and the service! I ordered a Love Me Sexy cocktail to start, which has a terrible name, but trust me… it was delicious! You can’t go wrong with bourbon and peach syrup! Not too sweet, not too strong… perfectly balanced with lemon juice, basil, and honey.
I shared two entrees with a friend – the miso salmon served over a bed of carrot puree and the halibut risotto with asparagus and mushrooms. The salmon was cooked to perfection, and the carrot puree was loaded with butter. My friend loved it so much she said she could literally bathe in it! I don’t particularly love halibut, as I find it too firm, but it was good. The risotto had sliced mushrooms and asparagus mixed within that I really liked. We both enjoyed the entrees so much I forgot to take pics! I was pleasantly surprised at what a lovely dinner Drakes provided!”
Tiffany V. | Redwood City, CA
“Came for brunch and I’m obsessed! Can’t wait to go back. We started with the biscuit, bacon, and butter board – super yummy! Be sure to put that strawberry on everything, it makes it! I had the salmon avocado toast – it was perfection and the portion was super generous!! Husband had the corned beef hash, it was home style with real corned beef, he loved it!
To drink, I had an espresso martini and the earl grey martini, both were very well balanced and delicious. Overall, so happy with the drinks, food, and ambiance. It’s a very cute open-air restaurant with a slight Miami/tropical vibe… Love love love!”
Krissy W. | Boston, MA
“My friends and I made a reservation ahead of time for a Saturday morning and were seated promptly. It is beautiful inside! The details around the interior, down to the tables, make it a nice atmosphere for brunch. I ordered the BPR Builders Combo, which was plenty of food. Pretty standard diner fare, but everything in my combo was made well!
My highlight was the waffle – it was chewy (which I love, though some people prefer a crispy one) with a generous amount of butter on top. I’d come back!”
Amy L. | San Mateo, CA
“Came for a cheap happy hour dinner. Yum!!! Not cheap but still delicious. Earl Grey martini was delish! Coconut shrimp tacos were delightful. Mini poutine was yum too. Staff are friendly and helpful. Only complaint is just the confusion re: happy hour. Apparently, the kitchen is closed for anything but HH between 3p-5p. Full menu available at 5p. It was a little confusing. Glad we stuck it out though. Fun!”
Divya K. | San Francisco, CA
“This place is the best for happy hour. Food is delicious and a variety of drink options. Drinks are definitely not as strong / on the sweeter side. They’re able to accommodate large groups with long booth-style/open couch area seating. Happy hour is first come first serve. Large group gratuity included on check automatically. Spacious parking garage a couple blocks down.”
Aarin P. | Los Angeles, CA
“Manuel gave exceptional service today on a very busy day! Sunday 49ers fans everywhere and loud TVs, yet there was not one error on our order! Manuel got it right and made our brunch amazing! Thanks again, Manuel, for your positive and attentive customer service and care! Can’t wait to come back! Go Niners!!”
Nichole B. | San Mateo, CA
“One of my favorite brunch places in the Bay Area! They have so many classic options mixed with creative and unique options! If there’s anything you have to get for brunch, it’s the Chilaquiles. I’ve been here 10 times, and I almost always come back to the chilaquiles (add carnitas), because they make it with Guajillo chilies, which is so unique and sooo flavorful.
The OJ is always my go-to for pairing with any dish! Don’t forget to try a cinnamon roll! They’re huge and fluffy, and you can’t miss out! Service is good here because they offer great recommendations. The overall vibe is gorgeous because it’s a historical building.”
Update- found my new love: Spicy Chicken & Waffles. I am SPEECHLESS!!!
Rolly J. | San Mateo, CA
“First time here. Food was very good. Crispy country-fried steak was tasty—love the crispiness and meat sauce on top. Tater tots were crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Brunch Burger was delicious. The meat was tender and tasty. Added the bacon (of course), and it went perfectly with the entire burger. Breakfast burrito was a good size and shareable. Cappuccino was also good. Would definitely come back.”
Chrizelle V. | San Francisco, CA
“‘Twas my first time here for brunch, and I loved it! Amazing chorizo burrito! I was definitely impressed by how good it was! Also, I had the virgin piña colada, and it wasn’t too sweet—it was made just right! The staff was super friendly and very accommodating. Will def come back for brunch with friends!”
Karly B. | Vancouver, WA
“Came in late on a Thursday night, and I’m so glad I did! This is a beautiful space. Service was impressive, amicable, and quick… and as if that wasn’t enough to give high marks, the food sealed the deal. My cocktail was superb. The Drake burger was juicy and packed with flavor, and it came with a mountain of crispy, garlicky fries.
My delightful server made sure my glass never went empty and recommended his favorite dessert, the pizookie. I couldn’t refuse, and it’s a solid dessert choice. Seems like you can’t go wrong with a meal at Drake’s!”
Aiza C. | San Mateo, CA
“AMAZING FOOD!!! AMAZING LATTE!!! My grandma and I came here for lunch, and it was delicious! The prices are ok, and the service was great as well! The place is clean. I came here on a weekday, and it wasn’t busy. I’d really recommend this place! I’d come back here again!”
Kimberly D. | San Francisco, CA
“Cocktails were bright and perfect for Sunday brunch. I had a frose, which was delish, cool, and refreshing. Followed by the seasonal cocktail (Peach Bliss)—sooo yummy and equally refreshing with a nice kick. The food was excellent as well. I wish I remembered to take a photo before I devoured everything. LOL.
I had the California Benedict and swapped the bacon for Canadian bacon, which was no problem at all. Food came out hot and was scrumptious. Service was excellent. Freddie and Francisco were amazing—friendly and attentive. Will definitely be back soon!”
Julissa J. | Foster City, CA
“Oh man, this place did not disappoint!! Came here for the first time, started off with the Drake’s platter, and let me tell you, if there is one thing you have to get, it’s this platter—beautifully put together and so delicious. This would’ve been more than enough food, but we’re foodies, so of course, we ordered more! The burger was juicy, the salads were a hit, and the noodles were flavorful. Now onto the dessert: the creme brulee was on point, and the espresso martini was the best! If you’re debating on dessert, order an espresso martini—a great way to end the night.”
Side note: shout out to our server Daniel (hope I got the name right). It was his first shift working nights, and he was sweet, funny, and attentive. Miguel Angel constantly came by to refill our cups. Big thanks to the bartender too for those cocktails—I’ll be coming back for that espresso martini.
Jessica B. | Santa Clara, CA
“Food was delish, service was great. And I loved that we were able to make a reservation, so there was no wait. I got the crab-stuffed avocado, and it was soooo good. Everyone else in our group of six loved their food as well. We will definitely be back!”
Debi S. | Foster City, CA
“Finally got to Drakes for brunch. We’ve never been there before. Large place, with two stories. Service was great! Food was excellent! I had the quiche with salad. This was on the ‘lighter fare’ part of the menu. Ha! The only light thing about this baby was the lettuce! The quiche was a yummy, cheese-laden pie of deliciousness. My hubby had one of the omelets and loved it. My cousin had the smoked salmon toast, which was huge! Their portions are very generous.
Drink menu is excellent too. They have great mocktails, and my cousin’s hubby had a Bloody Mary, which he said was great. Prices are what you would expect—a good value. I will tell you though that it is noisy, so try to get a seat upstairs, especially if a Niner game is on. We will definitely be back!”
Brandon R. | San Marcos, TX
“Staying in San Mateo and decided to leave town for dinner. Could NOT have picked a better place, seriously. The environment was so quaint, comfortable, and stylish. My partner and I shared the truffle honey chicken, and it was most definitely the best dinner I’ve had in California so far (visiting from Austin for the week). Compliments to the chef!!
We sat at the bar and made some small talk with the bartenders, Felicia and Erica (wrote down their names just to give them a shoutout). These two were so friendly, welcoming, and a delight to talk to. They gave my partner and me recommendations on where to take our night after dinner. We listened to them, of course, and went to a piano bar in walking distance and had a grand time. Food and restaurant were amazing, but I wouldn’t be writing this review if it weren’t for Felicia and Erica—you two rock!!”
Diana M. | Redwood City, CA
“Highly recommended! Food is delicious, and the menu has so much to choose from. I had the grilled pear salad with Gorgonzola. It was so good! Their menu has refreshing cocktails, beer, and wine. Restaurant is clean, spacious, and our waiter was friendly and attentive. Prices are favorable.”
Elizabeth N. | San Jose, CA
“Second time at Drakes, and they haven’t disappointed yet! We recommend the Avocado stuffed with crab and the crab Benedict. Freshest crab you’ll ever taste!”
What’s Great about San Carlos?
