Downtown, San Mateo

While along the San Francisco peninsula, Downtown San Mateo is the beating heart of the city. Its mostly known for its heavy business quarters, plethora of shops, restaurants, bars and entertainment options that make it a thriving epicenter for locals. And with it’s fine dining and shopping options within every block, you’ll likely stay here for awhile. The area is also known for its vibrant and booming community quarters. The district offers several luxury condominiums and apartment buildings within the neighborhood’s outer limits. This is a convenient and likable living option for those who can afford it.

For perspective locals, the area has the charm and quaintness of a mid-size town’s commercial hub. It provides everything from trendy shops, to gourmet markets, from business parks to chain stores and restaurants. East 3rd and East 4th Avenue are the main commercial strips of downtown San Mateo. Here, you’ll find some revamped business fronts and a couple dozen restored historic buildings which give it a charming feel. At 5:30 p.m. on weekdays, people come out of their business centers and flood the streets for fine dining, happy hour drinks or the cinema (Cinemark 12 Cinema is located along East 3rd Avenue). The streets are usually lighted up by then, making for an attractive holiday aesthetic. On weekends, the downtown area is usually buzzing with window shoppers and restaurant goers. But like any busy commercial center, Downtown San Mateo can be a challenge to park within its limits.

I like coming here, but more during the evening because its cooler and the street is lighted up with lots of small pretty lights. I'm a sales, and I travel around the bay area a lot. Of all the places I go to, this is one of the places I like to go to for meetings, because I get to try out all the different restaurants in this area. (^.^)v Especially around 3rd and 4th Avenue, there are a lot of restaurants and shops.
The area is clean and it isn't really crowded. On e Restaurant that I've tried is called Central Park Bistro. The food and service is great there, I had a great time there, and would definitely return there. I would totally recommend it to everyone.