Paul Martin’s American Grill Restaurant Review, San Mateo

Reviewer: Foodnut.com

Paul Martin's American Grill

101 Hillsdale Shopping Ctr

San Mateo, CA 94403

(650) 212-7400

Paul Martin's American Grill Website

Paul Martins American Grill San Mateo exterior decor

Why did we dine here? – Paul Martin’s American Grill is a new restaurant chain from the P in PF Chang’s. This new dining establishment open in San Mateo’s Hillsdale Mall in July 2013. They have a location in Roseville as well as 3 in southern California. Normally hearing the above would cause us to run, but we were nearby, so we gave it a go.

This restaurants focus is on local, seasonal, delicious. The interior is beautiful as is the padio outside. It will be interesting to see how a chain restaurant can serve local dishes in disparate locations.

Insider Tip – Give them time to gel.

Cuisine – American
Location – San Mateo
Opened – July 2013

Paul Martins American Grill San Mateo interior decor

Service – Paul Martin’s American Grill had just opened recently, so we didn’t expect any miracles. It was clear that they had a lot of servers running around. The kitchen was still working on pacing.
Verdict – Paul Martin’s American Grill served us a pretty decent meal in a dynamic environment. The food was better than expected, but not cheap. This is probably the best food option at this mall now! There aren’t many local, seasonal, places in San Mateo, so it is good to see another entry. Clearly one could drive up to the City and get better food at similar prices.

Paul Martin’s American Grill Signature Dishes – Brick chicken, cedar plank salmon, grilled polenta.

Paul Martin’s American Grill’s Menu has a wide variety of items. All the classic dishes you would expect along with a good amount of seafood and a Sunday 3 course prime rib dinner special for $29. This restaurant clearly marks gluten friendly as well as heart friendly dishes.

Website Paul Martin’s American Grill Menu

Paul Martin’s American Grill Food Picks:
Mojito Classic ($10) was strong and surprisingly good.

Paul Martins American Grill San Mateo corn quinoa chowder

Local Corn and Quinoa Chowder ($9) roasted corn, quinoa and amaranth, poblano pesto oil was served warm, it could have been hotter, but the flavors and texture hit the mark.

Paul Martins American Grill San Mateo Hanger Steak

Marinated Hanger Steak chimichurri style, housemade mashed potatoes ($23) looked nice and proved to be very good. The one flaw was the amount of spiciness in the sauce. Nice, rich mashed potatoes.

Paul Martins American Grill San Mateo Cedar Plank Salmon

Cedar Plank Salmon shallots and bacon, organic bloomsdale spinach, crimini mushroom jus ($24) was recommended by our waiter. It was also a worthy dish. Flaky, cooked correctly, and of decent size. The bacon added a rich touch.

Paul Martins American Grill San Mateo Brick Chicken

Pitman Family Farms “Brick” Chicken free-range chicken, mashed potatoes, herb jus ($21) is known as their signature dish. We are not ones to order chicken outside, but someone has to take one for the team. A very good version, not over-cooked, bathed in a nice jus. Clearly not up to Zuni quality, but solid.

Mac & cheese crispy prosciutto ($6) was a side dish with lots of quantity, rich cheese flavor, and decent pasta quality.

OK: (Order if you like this dish)
White Bean and Arugula Salad ($7) seemed more like a starter salad than side dish. This was also a bit on the vinegary side.

Pans: (We would not reorder these dishes)
Roasted Beet Salad ($13) red and golden beets, pickled cauliflower, cypress grove midnight moon goat cheese, caper-raisin dressing way too sour!

Do you agree with our review? Have you found other similar restaurants that are better?

Paul Martin's American Grill on Urbanspoon

Restaurant Map:


Paul Martin's American Grill Overall Rating: (Very Good 2.5)

Come Back?

Food Rating: (Very Good)
Service Rating: (Very Good)
Atmosphere Rating: (Very Good)
Value Rating: (Good)

Guide: 0 = poor, 1 = Below/Average, 2 = Good, 2.5 = Very Good, 3 = Excellent , 4 = Extraordinary

Alcohol:Beer, Wine
Attire:Casual
Parking:Street
Reservations:Yes

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