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Refuge

Laurel Street, San Carlos, CA
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Ranked #16 of 64 restaurants in San Carlos
Cuisines: American
Good for: Outdoor seating
Most recent review
- 17 Apr 2013
Restaurant details
Good for: Outdoor seating
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16 reviews from our community

75% Recommend
    4
    8
    4
    0
    0
Rating summary
    Food
    Service
    Value
    Atmosphere
Date Rating
Sunnyvale, California
Contributor
15 reviews 15 reviews
13 restaurant reviews
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 17 April 2013

My husband and I came here this past weekend. We were happy to have found this place. Our rubens were delicious and the garlic fries were very nice as well. For non-beer drinkers, there were quality sodas with rich flavors. Unfortunately, the cheese platter contained some poor tasting chicken liver and extremely sour, inedible chutney. But portions were large and... More

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Contributor
13 reviews 13 reviews
11 restaurant reviews
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 10 February 2013 via mobile

Ate at this informal restaurant/bar this evening. There was a short wait for an outside table for one. Service was quick and efficient, which was fine with me. Had the Reuben sandwich, fries and a Diet Coke. The pastrami was quite good; for $16 for the sandwich, some onions and a pickle, it should have been! An order of plain... More

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San Carlos, California
Senior Contributor
24 reviews 24 reviews
11 restaurant reviews
9 helpful votes 9 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 27 January 2013 via mobile

If you want to have a good Belgian beer and a delicious pastrami, Refuge is the place to go. You won't regret it. It is quite busy so don't be in a rush. Take your time and wait. Bon appetit!

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san francisco
Top Contributor
143 reviews 143 reviews
85 restaurant reviews
60 helpful votes 60 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 13 December 2012

This place is great to stop in and have a beer and a bite! they have a wide selection of draft beers from mostly germany, but many other great beers as well. Stop in for a pint and check it out!

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SF Bay Area
Senior Contributor
23 reviews 23 reviews
10 restaurant reviews
12 helpful votes 12 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 12 October 2012

Pastrami is a signature item, in both killer chopped salad and sandwiches. It is house made, lean, flavorful. Better than top NY delis. Great Belgian beer selection on tap, with accompanying glassware. All menu items are surprisingly great for a little neighborhood joint. Cheesestakes, for example, take flavor to a new level. Save room for the pot du creme...chocolate heaven.... More

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Burlingame CA
Top Contributor
54 reviews 54 reviews
33 restaurant reviews
13 helpful votes 13 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 12 October 2012

Just went today for lunch - have been many times. Can't stop having the Koenigshoeven La Trappe quad Belgian beer and their Toasted Slaw sandwich. The pastrami is house-made and out of this world. They also make some of their own pickles and pickled onions. My husband loves the Reuben. There are a lot of good restaurants on this street... More

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Portland, Oregon
Contributor
20 reviews 20 reviews
12 restaurant reviews
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 17 August 2012

Three beers, two Vermont cheddar burgers, one cheese steak, $75. One person loved the burger, one thought it was so-so. My cheese steak, was a great deal of bun, much tomato sauce and some meat. It is the loudest restaurant I've experienced. This one doesn't get a return engagement.

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San Carlos, CA
Senior Contributor
36 reviews 36 reviews
19 restaurant reviews
10 helpful votes 10 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 11 August 2012

We stopped here for a drink on a warm Thursday night, and sat outside. The energy was high, and the server brought a bowl of water for our friend's door, which won me over! We would have eaten dinner there, but there were few non-meat items for people like me. They are famous for their pastrami. One non-meat item was... More

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Senior Contributor
40 reviews 40 reviews
32 restaurant reviews
20 helpful votes 20 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 15 June 2012

Went for a late lunch. Decor is rather plain but the food is excellent. Reuben is a favorite and did not disappoint. Huge sandwich with what seemed to be over a pound of meat. Delicious. Steak sandwich and burger were equally excellent.

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San Carlos, California
Contributor
19 reviews 19 reviews
9 restaurant reviews
9 helpful votes 9 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 12 April 2012

Fabulous menu..... best burgers and corned beef in town. Ambiance is loud. Can't carry on a normal conversation....need to yell to be heard. Order take out...it's your best bet.

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