Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Wunderbar

    4.6 (213 reviews)
    ModerateCocktail Bars
    Closed • Closed
    Updated 3 months ago

    Wunderbar Photos

    WUNDERBAR ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Hipster
    Casual
    Trendy

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Wunderbar

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Elaine Y.

    Brought some friends here because they really wanted the experience and overall, it was excellent! The ambiance was as mysterious as expected and they really liked the method of entry. Drinks were well priced and we liked Wunderbar's play on different classics though we would all agree that Wunderbar's version of most everything did lean a bit sweet. If you're a fan of mixology though, the combinations at Wunderbar will likely pique your interest. The bartenders will also readily answer your questions about each drink proving they were well versed in the concoctions. It was overall, well worth the return experience. I have a tendency towards forget about Wunderbar simply because of its basement location, but I think we'll make more of an effort to visit again before someone asks.

    Erick T.

    Hands down the best cocktail lounge in San Mateo! The drinks here are delicious and wonderfully prepared the Shogun is my favorite. The process of finding this speakeasy lounge is really playful and fun. Hint: follow the little bunnies down the stairs to the basement floor below Whisper (formerly Wursthall) and peek behind the red curtain. Service is top notch and incredibly helpful and friendly. The self service popcorn cart is a really nice touch as well. I'd highly recommend a visit here!

    dribks
    Essie L.

    Always a good time !!! Quiet, classy, good service!!! Seasonal drink is good too. Drinks giving out tiki vibe which I love.

    Mary Ann C.

    WunderBar has been one of my favorite speakeasy bars ever since my brother and I discovered it during the pandemic. Since then, we've kept coming back for one reason, their cocktails never disappoint. Every drink is expertly crafted, beautifully presented, and packed with incredible flavor. They're smooth, delicious, and dangerously easy to drink, you'll probably find yourself ordering another before you know it. If you're a cocktail lover looking for a hidden gem with creative drinks and a cozy speakeasy vibe, WunderBar is definitely worth a visit.

    Tien N.

    Speakeasy Wunderbar is a fun little hidden spot in San Mateo that's worth checking out if you're looking for a laid-back place to catch up with friends. Reservations are required, and once you get there you head down to the basement where the bar is tucked away. The space is pretty small, which actually makes it feel cozy and intimate. The staff were super friendly and welcoming, and we have self service to get the complimentary popcorn, which is a nice touch while you sip your drinks. Speaking of drinks, they're delicious. I ordered the Dream Catcher (ube + coffee + alcohol) and it was very yummy, sweet, unique, and easy to drink. Only downside: the basement had a bit of a funky smell that wasn't the most pleasant. Not a dealbreaker, but definitely noticeable. Overall, it's a chill, low-key spot with creative cocktails and a relaxed atmosphere. Totally recommended for chatting with friends over drinks!

    Bar inside
    Matt D.

    This lil speakeasy was great, honestly only giving this a 4 star because I don't want to make it seem like I 5 star everything lol. The staff was very welcoming and accommodated my family even though they were fully booked with reservations. Their drink menu has a variety of options catered to their dark fantasy theme. And it matches well with their cavernous pub aesthetic inside. I very much appreciate a themed bar and they avoid a cheap and tacky decor. I got their painkiller I believe and I tasted a few others. All tasted good and were not stingy on the alcohol. Bonus they give out free popcorn ! Definitely one of the more bars in San Mateo with true character

    Den area
    Michelle K.

    This place is usually pretty great! The popcorn is nice and fresh, not stale, and they have a popcorn maker. The drinks are good, very traditional with slight twists. It's underneath another restaurant so the entrance is hard to find, but it's got a very Alice in wonderland theme - just rub the rabbit at the door and you're in. 4 stars because the service is a little slow - but everyone was very kind, will continue to come back here

    King Louie
    Jason X.

    Great cocktail bar that adds a vibe that San Mateo downtown is low on. Great service and love how the menu is structured in pairs with a traditional cocktail and a similar-but-creative cocktail. Only complaint is that the entrance hallway can smell like trash at times since it's the basement of the above restaurant

    bengal tiger + holy water
    Donna T.

    I'm so sad that we didn't discover Wunderbar sooner, as they are expected to go on hiatus starting on 9/27. It feels like the kind of speakeasy you'd expect to see in a film, or the way you'd imagine a "true" one might be. Enchanting vibes start at the entrance, which is below Wursthall and behind a red set of velvet curtains. When you see a glowing rabbit amongst a bookshelf wall, you push the door to transcend into the magical Wunderbar that awaits. What struck me most was the sheer artistry of the drinks. Their menu is represented by a set of tarot cards: the white side consists of their traditional drinks and the flip dark side depicts their more inventive and unique cocktails. We sampled 6 different drinks and each of them were so distinct and exquisite; especially the bengal tiger. Once you've experienced cocktails crafted at this level, it's impossible to see cocktails the same way again. Service was fine; our server was pretty on top of noticing when we needed more drinks. We had a timed 2-hour reservation window for our high-top table and they definitely kept track of it. Lastly, they have a retro popcorn machine for you to grab free popcorn from which is a super cool feat. I really hope they return back from their hiatus!

    Laura O.

    Ok, this was actually a couple years ago. I just forgot to do a review then. This place is really fun. Inside is very dark and moody and the drinks were delicious. The servers were pretty quick and the bartenders made some nice drinks! It was fun getting inside the speakeasy!

    Intimate bar, well-stocked with good liquors
    Bennett L.

    Stumbled upon this bar purely by accident while searching for something else to do in downtown San Mateo on Yelp! and I'm glad that I did. It is a tiny, hidden treasure nestled underneath the [former] Würsthall beer hall (now the Whisper breakfast spot) on the corner of B Street & Baldwin Avenue in the heart of downtown San Mateo. Half the fun is just finding the place. I had no idea it even existed until I randomly found it on Yelp! but once I discovered it, I made a reservation to find out what it was about. First of all, it has no outside entrance. You have to access it by going through Whisper/Würsthall, then proceed down stairs into the basement- follow the white rabbit clues to discover the entrance. Admission is by reservation & online booking only. You book a 2-hour block at a table or at the bar, and you have to start drinking & get down to business right away. You are on a timer, and they remind you that your time is about to expire, so finish up and leave. It's not the kind of place that you can hang out at and relax and not care about time and get wrapped up in conversation or company, it's sort of like a version of speed-dating, speed-drinking, so order, drink, and leave. Kind of weird, never experienced anything like this before, but it was fun and had a nice atmosphere, I just wished that i could enjoy it a little bit longer. I guess the strategy here would be to book back-to-back two-hour blocks to ensure your spot for the night. Hard to get settled in, when they remind you that your time is about to expire. Almost felt stressful & a bit rushed, two hours at a bar can go by very quickly! Anyways, it's an Alice in Wonderland-themed establishment. It's a private speakeasy bar, only available by reservation and notice, you can't simply walk in off the street and sit down for s drink. Almost feels exclusive. It's dark, cozy, and well-decorated, clean, and warm. There are real books, trinkets, and decor to gaze around at & interact with. Felt like the setting of a Harry Potter book, with books, statues, pictures, and bookcases, like a library in Hogwarts. Music is good, volume is conducive to conversation & mood (not too loud, upbeat, and modern). The leather chairs at the bar were comfortable, and the side tables were small and cozy. In thr back, there's larger round tables for gatherings of 3-4. There's even a private nook that you can book for more intimate, larger parties of 5-6. The place was mostly full of 20-40 year old techie professionals unwinding from a long day at the office. Dress code seemed casual, yet also upscale & professional. No ball caps, athletic jerseys, sweatpants, or flip flops here, but I suppose that you could get away with it, but then you'd stand out. We sampled some pilsners & lagers from Scrimshaw & Almanac. They were priced very well from $4-8 per can. We also tried some of their terrific cocktails such as Shogun (Japanese whiskey), Poison Apple (brandy & scotch apple), and the Spirit Animal (spicy margarita with reposado tequila). Everything was made quickly, efficiently, and with a bit of pizzazz from a cordial, friendly, and attentive bartender. The rest of the support staff were busy bussing tables, cleaning utensils, and prepping ingredients. Everybody working here was really hustling to serve the ever-revolving crowd of thirsty patrons and customers. The drinks were delicious and price well for the level of service, atmosphere, and exclusivity here. Other than feeling a bit rushed to keep under our 2-hour reservation to make way for the parties, I really enjoy Wunderbar. It felt magical, cozy, enchanting, and intimate, and it really felt like an escape from the world above. It was so removed from everything above at street level, that I felt like I was in another world. And I was. I felt like I was in a book, on a journey, through time, space, and fantasy, and I enjoyed the escape. To top it off, they provide free popcorn to soak up all the alcohol that you can binge in two hours. The containers were nice & sturdy, and made to keep messes down to a minimum. Bathrooms also extremely clean, as were the bar surfaces, floors, and chairs. I can't wait to go back to try new cocktails & beers, and I want to bring other friends to share this experience. Ive been in San Mateo for over 50 years and I never knew such a wonderful place even existed, it's simply Wunderbar!

    Vibe
    Norris T.

    Nestled under Wurst Hall, this hidden speakeasy is a hidden gem where half the fun just to find it. You genuinely feel like you're stepping into another world when that secret bookcase door swings open (a tip: look for the interactive bunny!). The vibe is incredible: whimsical, magical, and utterly unique. Every detail, from the funky decor to the intimate, low-lit setting, makes you feel like you've stumbled into a fairytale. But the real stars are the drinks. As many of my group raved, these are top-tier craft cocktails. The bartenders are artists, mixing up "fantastical concoctions" that are as delicious as they are creative. It's easy to see why it's been called one of the best cocktail bars in the Bay Area. Perfect for a special night out or just when you need a little enchanting escape!

    Temple gate
    Rucha S.

    To enter Wunderbar, walk through the Wunderhall and head toward the area marked "Restroom." That's actually the hidden entrance! You'll find a small white rabbit on the staircase, a large red curtain, and a glowing rabbit tucked into a book nook. Wave at the rabbit, and the secret door unlatches--such a fun touch! You'll be greeted by the host once you enter. This is a reservations-only speakeasy, and bookings must be made through their website. The reservation is also tied to specific seating areas within the bar, so make sure to pick carefully. The space is quite small with limited seating, adding to the exclusivity. We had a 7:30 PM reservation and arrived around 7:20. The host wasn't very pleasant--he asked for the name on the reservation and pointed out that we were a bit early, though he did seat us. A little while later, he returned to explain the bar's concept: they offer both traditional cocktails and their modern interpretations. Unfortunately, we didn't find him warm or welcoming, which affected our overall impression. As for drinks, we tried the Sidewinder's Fang, Dusk Till Dawn, Temple, and Bengal Tiger. The drinks were decent, with Temple and Bengal Tiger being our favorites--subtle yet with a nice kick. There's also a cute little popcorn stand in the corner where you can grab complimentary popcorn. Overall, it was a good experience with creative presentation and ambiance, but we wish the host had been more friendly. That definitely impacted our rating.

    Bengal Tiger

    See all

    9 days ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    24 days ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 1
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Elaine Y.
    1044
    1698
    4642

    2 months ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 1
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Essie L.
    23
    170
    127

    12 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    7 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    1 year ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    7 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 3
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 1

    1 year ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 2

    5 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 2
    Love this 2
    Oh no 2

    1 year ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Pauline C.
    44
    135
    76

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Grey R.
    1220
    832
    13604

    2 years ago

    Helpful 127
    Thanks 47
    Love this 132
    Oh no 1

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 2
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 1
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Diana L.
    43
    177
    10

    4 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 6

    Wunderbar Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Wunderbar

    You might also consider

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Cocktail Bars 2,938 times last month within 10 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    Fogbird

    Fogbird

    4.0(204 reviews)
    0.1 mi
    •$$

    Fogbird is easily one of the best spots around for a mid- to late-night drink after dinner. The…read morespace is extremely clean, cute, and comfortable, creating the perfect ambiance to wind down your evening. The Highlights: Food & Drinks: They have a great selection of classic cocktails and an approachable menu of bar bites that pair effortlessly with the drinks. Perfect for a late-night snack! Just keep in mind that while they're open until midnight, last call for food is before 9 PM. Pricing: Very reasonable for the quality. Their Happy Hour is a stellar deal, with drinks ranging from $9-$13 and bites between $7-$14. Service: The staff is wonderfully kind and hard-working. With a small team (typically two servers and one bartender), service can run a bit on the slower side when it's busy, but the personal touch--like the bartender personally bringing drinks over to our table--makes a big difference. Seating & Group Size: Walk-Ins: You can easily walk in most days with a small party, though making a reservation in advance never hurts if you want to guarantee a spot. Party Size: Stick to smaller groups. We've tried coming with a party larger than 10 before, but it gets busy and is much better suited for small, intimate gatherings. Overall, a lovely spot with great vibes and sweet service. Will definitely keep coming back!

    Fogbird is definitely worth a visit if you're in downtown San Mateo. Their cocktails are creative,…read morewell-balanced, and full of flavor, making each sip enjoyable. The ambiance is just as impressive, stylish, cozy, and perfect for a date night, a night out with friends, or simply unwinding after a long day. If you're exploring downtown San Mateo, I highly recommend stopping by and giving Fogbird a try.

    Photos
    Fogbird - Angry Bird and Shirley Temple

    Angry Bird and Shirley Temple

    Fogbird - Nectar of the gods

    Nectar of the gods

    Fogbird - Happy hour drinks

    See all

    Happy hour drinks

    Flores San Mateo - 3 Tacos (Grilled Pescado, Carne Asada, Carnitas)

    Flores San Mateo

    3.9(439 reviews)
    2.3 mi
    •$$

    First time at Flores in San Mateo and we had such a great time! The food was really good, the…read moredrinks were definitely on point, and the service was even better. Our server was great, and Rodrigo, the manager, was awesome! He came by to check on us and made sure everything was good throughout our visit. Everyone was super friendly and welcoming, you can really tell they care about their guests. We really enjoyed ourselves and will definitely be coming back with friends. Definitely not our last visit! Highly recommend Flores!

    The service was a bit slow, it took a long time to get our drinks from the bar, and likewise, for…read moreour dinner choices to arrive from the kitchen. It was mildly busy, but not packed. The Margaritas we ordered were quite good. We had Guac and chips for a starter, and it was also very good, although I felt the were a bit stingy with the Guac. The chips were fresh and tasty. I had the Carnitas, which was a nice sized portion, but was dry and had little or no flavor. My wife had the steak fajitas, which she said was tasty, but the steak was tough and hard to chew. We were both full after our meal, so we didn't order a desert. This is the 2nd time we've eaten here, and I'd have to say that overall it's just average, but priced a bit higher than some comparable Mexican restaurants. The atmosphere was good, but despite having reservations, they sat us at a small table right next to the bar, so it was quite loud, and a bit cramped once they brought out our meals.

    Photos
    Flores San Mateo - Bar area was packed!!!!!!!

    Bar area was packed!!!!!!!

    Flores San Mateo - PLATANO MACHO

    PLATANO MACHO

    Flores San Mateo - Sandia marde Mia

    See all

    Sandia marde Mia

    Bar Underdog

    Bar Underdog

    4.3(59 reviews)
    13.8 mi

    Absolutely love love love this bar…read more It's quaint but lively and just a great overall atmosphere. Service has been spot on every time I have been. They have a super fun drink menu. And their small bites are too due for. The crispy chicken bites. The fruity pebble rice pudding. A must. Highly recommend

    Had an after-dinner drink to celebrate a buddy's milestone birthday. He already had Bar Underdog in…read moremind. I knew it was on California Ave. This was an old haunt of mine back when The Edge dance club was the place to be in this part of Palo Alto. Over the years I had still visited the area for its restaurants and the old camera store Keeble & Shuchat (closed for many years). Stepping into the very dark bar lit by small candles on the table I was immediately reminded at how old I was. It would say it was intimate, but it was a bit too loud to be that. However, it did have an intimate vibe. This joint's specialty (I assumed) was a menu full of house drinks. Sadly, I did not recognize any of them. I went with "You Should Try It" and it was fine. I could not describe what it tasted like, other than it was a mixed drink. My buddy ordered a "Vesper" but it didn't seem like the one Daniel Craig ordered in "Casino Royale". Service was okay and our server was very busy. Still, we got our drinks without having to wait too long. I had forgotten what it was like to go to a popular bar. Pic time.

    Photos
    Bar Underdog - Fru-ti Punch and Old Soul

    Fru-ti Punch and Old Soul

    Bar Underdog
    Bar Underdog

    See all

    Wunderbar - cocktailbars - Updated September 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...