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San Mateo Local
A born-and-raised local's guide to San Mateo, California
Guides & updates

The latest from San Mateo Local

New openings, weekend picks, and honest local guides. Fresh takes on what's worth your time around town.

Around Town

A Perfect Summer Saturday in San Mateo

July 15, 2026

A local couple's blueprint for a great Saturday in town, from the morning market to a park picnic to dinner downtown. Steal it, or make it your own.

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Around Town

The San Mateo Citywide Yard Sale Is Back, July 25 and 26

July 11, 2026

For one weekend, the whole city turns into a treasure hunt. Here's how to sell your own stuff, or go find someone else's.

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This Weekend

Dance Mix in the Park, Weekend Jazz, and the Saturday Market

July 28, 2026

Your guide to this week around town: Mercy and the Heartbeats bring the dance mix to Thursday's free concert in Central Park, live jazz fills B Street all weekend, and the big Saturday farmers' market rolls on.

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Business Spotlight

Takahashi Market: A San Mateo Institution Since 1906

July 2026

The story of a family market that opened in 1906, came home after internment, and became the Peninsula's go-to for poke, Spam musubi, and a taste of the islands.

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New Openings

New in San Mateo: Summer 2026

July 1, 2026

A downtown brunch boom, a matcha bar, Korean BBQ, and more — the freshest spots to open around town.

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Best Of

The Best Coffee in San Mateo

Updated July 2, 2026

A born-and-raised local's short list of the independent cafes worth going out of your way for.

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Best Of

The Best Breakfast & Brunch in San Mateo

Updated July 2, 2026

Where locals actually line up for breakfast, from greasy-spoon classics to the new brunch crowd.

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Best Of

The Best Sushi in San Mateo

Updated July 2, 2026

From a Michelin-starred omakase counter to the neighborhood roll spot, San Mateo's Japanese food runs deep.

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Best Of

The Best Happy Hour in San Mateo

Updated July 2, 2026

Where to be at 5pm, from $2 oysters and $10 margaritas to a proper dive with cheap pours.

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Neighborhood

Best of 25th Avenue

Updated July 2, 2026

A short, storied block near the center of San Mateo, from a Michelin-legacy sushi counter to a 1972 barbershop.

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Best Of

The Best Tacos in San Mateo

Updated July 2, 2026

Al pastor off a real trompo, Sinaloa mariscos, birria, and a market counter locals swear by.

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Best Of

The Best Pizza in San Mateo

Updated July 2, 2026

Michelin-recognized Neapolitan, cult SF square slices, Detroit-style, and a late-night NY slice.

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Neighborhood

Best of Downtown San Mateo

Updated July 2, 2026

A walkable tour of the downtown core, from a Michelin sushi counter to the bakery everyone lines up for.

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Neighborhood

Best of Bay Meadows

Updated July 2, 2026

San Mateo's newest neighborhood, built on the old racetrack, from a beer garden to a pottery studio.

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