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Came here this weekend to celebrate Oktoberfest! I wanted to get some German beer and Wursthall was the closest location to us at the time. Although this was not my favorite German restaurant in the Bay Area, it was convenient in San Mateo. Sad they would be permanently closed down this week! My family and I decided to come here one last time instead of going to my favorite German restaurants in SF or in RWC so we could enjoy one last beer, wurst sausage, and pretzel from Wursthall. The place was packed! We came here a few times and this was the most business we had seen here! The workers were kind and offered two high chairs for us. Instead, we asked to sit in the kid's table so our toddlers could draw and sit in those cute, tiny chairs, while the adults enjoyed the one liter beer in the boot! We ordered the pretzel with pepper and honey! It was tasty! We also got the Porchetta wurst so the kids could eat it. It was good but I preferred the curry one. The place was super lively this past Saturday! Guess everyone wanted to enjoy German beer/food for Oktoberfest too or because they knew Wursthall was closing! The speakeasy bar downstairs was covered by the curtains but heard it was staying. Prices were a bit higher than other German spots. Overall, it was a good closure to try Wursthall one last time!
I've been a fan of Wursthall ever since I moved to the Bay Area! During COVID, I remember watching Kenji's videos filmed in the Wursthall kitchen, so walking in for the first time a few years ago was like a dream. I'd come around pretty frequently to work in the corner with a beer. It's such a nice casual space that also offers really delicious food. The service is always quick and friendly, and the beer selection never disappoints. I'm really going to miss this place when it closes next week. Seeing it absolutely packed this past week has been crazy and so heartwarming - it's amazing to see the hall full and the business getting the love it deserves. Thank you for everything, Wursthall!
When with family friends to farewell Wursthall. Walking in a big hall of all the long table chairs just like the first time, hearing everyone next to you, laughing. Burger, hot dogs, pretzel, and draft beers. If you are planning to go, I believe they only open to the end of the month. Everyone in the restaurant still works really hard, super nice, services arre good. We Ordered Pastrami & Swisswurst with tater tot, loves sauerkraut so this is my pick. Al Pastor is interesting pinapple balance out the spicy. Wood-Fired Pretzel is not very exciting for me, it's not bad but feel like missing something, it's soft inside but not crispy enough. Overall I would say I will miss this place.
Seriously, if you're looking for a fun night out with good vibes, this is it. The place has this awesome, lively beer hall energy that just makes you want to hang out and chill with friends. And the food? Ugh, so good. You absolutely have to get the any one of their house-made sausages. I had the bier wurst and curry wurst, both super flavorful and juicy. Basically, everything feels like really solid, comforting German food but done super well. Plus, their beer list is legit. Like, if you're into beers, the bartenders here will make sure that you'll be happy. And hey, knowing Wunderbar (their cool hidden speakeasy) is just downstairs is a bonus if you're feeling adventurous after dinner!
Wursthall is not your average German beer hall. This casual restaurant serves a menu created in collaboration with cookbook author J. Kenji Lopez-Alt and features bold, flavorful, globally-inspired dishes. My favorite item was the Impossible Turkish-ish Sausage, a housemade vegan sausage spiced with cumin, Urfa Biber chile, and sumac, served in a toasted bun and topped with arugula, sumac onions, pickled chilies, and vegan mayo. The spices added a delicious flavor to the vegan sausage (which was convincingly meaty), and the toppings added a contrasting freshness. Another creative, non-traditional sausage was the Al Pastor Wurst, a pork sausage spiced with cumin, oregano, and chilies, and topped with roasted pineapple and chile aioli. Finally, we had Kenji's Korean Hot Chicken Sandwich, a breaded boneless chicken thigh tossed in chili oil and Korean spices, served with yogurt ranch slaw and pickles on a brioche bun. The chicken thigh was super crunchy and flavorful, and the spicy kick was contrasted by the creamy slaw and crunchy pickles. Each entree came with a choice of side, which was hit-or-miss. The Sauerkraut was overly salty; the Haus Potato Salad was made of (slightly undercooked) potato slices in a mustard, red onion, and dill dressing; but my favorite was the Chickpea & Carrot Salad, a simple but tasty mixture of chickpeas, cucumbers, carrots, red onion, cabbage, and dill in a delicious dressing. We also got a side of their Blackened Ginger Curry Ketchup, which was nicely spiced and far superior to any curry ketchup I've had in Germany! Overall, the food here was a step above by any measure, and everything came at a good value with no frills service (ordering is done solely via QR code). Good-bye, Wursthall! So sad that you're closing, and you will definitely be missed!
wursthall was a great spot for dinner for my family and me! the restaurant was packed and had a great social & cozy vibe. it was very family friendly and looked like there were some team events too! the staff were all extremely friendly and had us seated really quickly. the food was amazing- I ordered the pastrami & swisswurst, which tasted just like a reuben but even better. we also had the bier bratwurst, kenji's korean hot chicken sandwich, sauerkraut kasedilla, and pretzel. everything was great and had amazing flavors, especially all the sauerkraut! overall, would definitely come back for drinks with some friends or to catch a giants game!
Like others, sad to see this place close on 9/27. Always enjoyed the vibe. The food and beers on tap were delicious. The pretzel was always my son's choice. We came back one last time and I had the bier bratwurst. I should've gone with tater tots but it was still tasty. Service was on point even though it was slammed!! We shall need to drive to RWC for good german cuisine now. So long Wurtshall! auf weidersehn!!!
Really chill spot to grab some beer and food with a group of friends. I love how this place has a lot of natural light and has ample seating. Service was great and we got our food right away. Was not the biggest fan of the potato's but the main entrees were memorable.
Usually I come here and order the wursts but this time I ordered the spicy fried chicken sandwich and the portion were huge. There was a lot of coleslaw and the chicken was very spicy but the flavors were there. Also, I got a side of potato salad, and that portion was huge as well. This place also is known for their beers , so don't forget to order a glass of beer with your wurst or entrees!
Has been one of my go-to spots when I'm in the mood for some top-notch sausage and a refreshing draft beer . The atmosphere is cozy, inviting, and perfect for a casual hangout or a lively evening with friends. Favorites: - Radler: The perfect blend of beer and lemon soda, refreshing and delightful. - Quesadilla: The spicy sauce it comes with is absolutely awesome and adds a fantastic kick. - Pretzel: Soft, salty, and served with a delicious dipping sauce. - Sausages: Rotating pool of flavors but they had a chicken and mushroom one that they had when they first opened but haven't come across it in years. That was the best! They also had a speck topping that was killer as well. And don't miss out on the speakeasy downstairs! Wunderbar (Reservations only) It's a Wonderland-themed gem where you can slice into the wonderland experience with creative cocktails and an enchanting ambiance. It's the perfect way to round off a visit to Wursthall. Highly recommend giving this place a try. You won't be disappointed!
It has been a few years and I think that Wursthall has found its stride. The pricing has become more in-line with what society is and I thought it was good quality. Beer list has improved and had many good options to choose from. The environment has found itself as well as it attracted a nice Friday crowd on the rainy day I visited. + The sausages are top notch + Burger was good + Fries were good I do not recommend the Korean hot chicken chicken bites. I felt they were dry and the breading was dry as well leading to just blah dry chicken. I'd go again when in the neighborhood.
Had a late night bite at Wursthall with the husband and group of friends, and was not disappointed! Once you are seated, scan the QR code at the table to order and pay; the husband and I ordered the Smashed Cheeseburger and Pesto Chicken Bratwurst. Food came out quickly, and overall everything tasted well. The Smashed Cheeseburger was fulfilling and tasty, but I have to admit it wasn't anything too spectacular. The Pesto Chicken was good and I was pleasantly surprised by the flavors. The restaurant is spacious and bright with communal tables. Atmosphere was chill yet lively, and staff was friendly. All in all, solid food and vibes.
First things first, that mac& cheese was insanely good. The potato salad was a close 2nd. The food overall gets high marks. The soda has transitioned to be one of my favorite drinks now. The only issue I had was the seating. I was fortunate to hit the spot before it got to busy. Other than that, I loved the place
The porchetta sausage did remind me of actual porchetta flavors. I thought the gremolata was too acidic for me, though. Especially paired with the potato salad and deviled eggs. Don't get me wrong, everything was good. Their fried potatoes are perfectly crispy and were excellent with the curry sauce. read more
Cool and laid-back place for beers and German food. It's like a beer hall style with a bunch of communal tables (both indoor and outdoor), which is fine unless you need some privacy because I could totally hear other people's conversations, haha. Food: had a chicken schnitzel that came with 2 or 3 pieces of thin fried chicken and a side of salad. Not sure if it was authentic but it was decent. My friend's bratwurst looked yummy I will have to try it next time. read more
1 year ago
Wonderful restaurant with a great beer selection and tasty German dishes. It definitely captures the vibes of a beer hall with the steins on the wall and the long communal tables, I dig the authenticity. The currywurst was phenomenal and paired beautifully with my lager. Although I'm not the biggest fan of digital ordering and menus, I will say that it was efficient, we were in and out of the restaurant in about an hour. I hope to return (and stay a bit longer) to make a bigger dent on this beer menu! read more
My husband has been wanting to try this place out but I'm allergic to red meat so I wasn't interested until I saw their expansive menu. I ordered the Spetzle+Cheese which was one of the best Mac&Cheese's that I've had. It's more than a simple noodle and cheese, its packed with complex flavors and a hint of beer. The roasted beet salad included mandarins, goat cheese and arugula. It paired well but It could have benefited with a more flavorful and generous portion of vinaigrette as it was lacking something. I've seen good things about the chicken so I am looking forward to coming back. It's also my husbands missions to try every single sausage on the menu to find the best one! read more
Very nice beer hall/restaurant with ample indoor/outdoor lighting in the heart of downtown San Mateo. Service was quick and staff were friendly! I came by for a late weekend lunch around 2pm and there was no wait. The pretzel was pretty dry once it sat so I recommend chowing down on that one quickly. The cheese sauce was a great pairing. I had the "shareable" curry wurst. I say "shareable" because it felt like a meal in itself and was very filling. Flavor was strong and good but halfway through I was over it and the sauce was overpowering the whole dish. Wasn't the biggest fan of the porchetta. I don't have much to say about it but was way too strong with the pork + rosemary flavor for me. It felt like it needed more oomph to the dish. Potato salad was also meh and needed more salt at the very least. Overall, wouldn't mind coming for the vibes, beer, and maybe thrice fried potatoes. read more
My husband has been wanting to come to Wursthall for ages and we finally made our way here this past weekend and this place did not disappoint! We started off with a pretzel with the beer cheese dip - it was perfectly warmed with a light sprinkle of salt to really make the flavor pop. For our mains, I ordered the bier bratwurst with a side of the thrice fried potatoes while my husband got the korean hot chicken sandwich with haus potato salad. For each of our dishes, there was so much going on in terms of flavor but it all worked. My bratwurst was a combo of sweet and savory and the bun that it came on tasted like it had been freshly made and was perfectly toasted. Absolutely amazing and it was super easy to eat every bite. The way they do the seating/ordering is also very efficient here. There is plenty of seating, both outdoor and in, each with its own QR code. You scan it and place your order and the code is linked to the specific table you're at so the servers know exactly who to bring the food out to. You can also pay through the QR code at time of order so no waiting around for the check when you've finished your meal. read more
Got here just before noon on Saturday. Sat inside where there were plenty of tables. Got the curry wurst and pastrami wurst and spatzle. Everything was amazing. Curry wurst was the sausage on top of their fried potatoes with a lot of the delicious tomato based sauce and cumin seeds. The pastrami wurst definitely reminded me of pastrami sandwich with healing sauerkraut and just right amount of thousand island type of dressing. Got a side of potato salad which was tart and mustardy as jt should be. Spatzle was delicious and like decadent Mac and cheese but better. Out of all the carb sides, I finished this one up. Nice selection of beers- got a sour. Metered Parking spots right outside. Picnic style tables outside too that are shaded. read more
3 stars for the food by itself but one extra star for service and structure of service! (This review has been sitting in my draft for months because I hate writing these kinds reviews but I hope it's helpful.) My husband is a big fan of Kenji so we were excited to finally make the trip up the peninsula and give his restaurant a taste. Bring that he's a celebrity chef, our expectations were steep and we were comparing it to Ludwig's, which is our fav. Classic Pretzel: Can't not get a pretzel! A lot smaller/thinner than I was expecting. It was just aitte; nothing special. We did get the cheese sauce, which was tasty. Comparing it to Ludwig's, this doesn't compare. Kenji's Korean Fried Chicken: I guess what makes this "Korean" is the seasoning? It was so salty and overboard with the dry seasoning but the chicken itself was good. Pretty disappointed with this one considering it's a signature item... Bier Bratwurst: Husband thought this was the best bratwurst he's had in the Bay. I didn't really like the flavor. I think the beer flavor was just too extra for me and took away from the savory flavor I was expecting. The side house potato salad was delicious, though. Nice tangy flavor with lots of chopped shallots and perfectly cooked potatoes. Chicken Schnitzel: Is it sad that I liked the salad way more than the schnitzel? The side salad is the BOMB--loved the lemon/citrus-y dressing and simple toppings. The chicken itself was juicy but it was not well seasoned and it was missing the crunch on the breading. I was most disappointed with this one because it's my favorite dish...but I'd totally get that salad by itself. Again, I prefer Ludwig's schnitzel. Service was clutch. COVID precautions were taken seriously here. Ordered through our phone and the food came out incredibly fast with minimal interaction needed from the staff. Outdoor seating was well shaded, spacious, and spaced out. Felt safe coming here with the whole crew--baby and doggo included. Parking on the other hand is a betch... I don't think I'd make the trek to come back but it was definitely worth a try. Not a place I'd recommend for German food but possibly for drinks and socializing. read more
Ordered: 13. oz Oozlefinch n00d w00ter Fruit Punch Seltzer (~$8): rendition of Oozlefinich's opaque seltzer bursting with apricot, guava, papaya, pineapple, and passionfruit purées with finishes of vanilla Aya's take: We had less than an hour to kill and decided to stop by Wursthall for a quick drink. I'm not gonna lie, I still think about this seltzer. It was unbelievably refreshing, light, and the various fruits really came out with every sip. This is the perfect Spring/Summer drink! Great lighting, spacious tables, and selection of drinks. I highly recommend! read more
4 years ago
Wursthall is a cute beer hall located on a busy corner in downtown San Mateo. Nice option for a casual meal. The interior is very spacious and clean with many seating options. You scan the QR code on your table to place your order, and a server will bring it to you. Our food and drinks came out quickly. - Porchetta Wurst (4/5): We liked the green sauce and the crunchy topping. - Pastrami and Swisswurst (3/5): This was just okay. Nothing horrible about it, but wouldn't order again. - Sides: Potato salad was yummy! The chickpea carrot salad needed more crunch. It had a couple carrot slivers and that's it. - Brownie (5/5): Surprisingly good! I loved the salty crunchy pretzel bits on top. read more
Ordered garlic special wurst + thrice fried potatoes. Wurst was good. Potatoes were crispy but can be bit too much carbs. Would prefer salad option. Modern interior, pretty full on Tues night. Bit loud inside. Our party of 5 sat outside to enjoy the nice evening. Liked that you can use QR code to individually order and pay. Don't have to worry about splitting the bill! read more
3 years ago
This place is a 10/10! They served the best smash burger of all time! Honestly it was the best burger I've ever had. The meat was seasoned and cooked so well. It could've been more crispy from more smashing but it was so good. The potato wedges were cooked perfectly as well. They had crispy exteriors and the fluffiest interior. They weren't seasoned at all though but that's okay because they provide salt and pepper and ketchup. The wurst dog wasn't the greatest menu item but it wasn't bad at all. The potato salad was nice and vinegary. The acidity cut the greasiness of everything else very well. The service was okay. I think because the restaurant is order by phone with QR codes at each table, it didn't feel as personable. However the food was fast to come out. This is definitely a must try and they have a speakeasy downstairs! I would go again. read more
Came in for a quick drink 30 min before closing. Ordering is done via qr code which was pretty fast and easy. The food came out very quick. Too quick. The beers came out in less than 2 minutes and the food came out in 5. We ordered the hot chicken and the currywursrt. The chicken was crispy, but very dry. I wouldn't consider it spicy even with all the seasonings on top. Even drenching the whole pieces of chicken in ranch couldn't salvage how dry and stringy it was. The currywursrt on the other hand was great. I've had my fair share of currywursrt in Berlin, but this one was bursting with flavor. There was plenty of sauces on top with a lot of curry flavor. Underneath were whole chunks of fries potatoes. For the size of these potatoes, they were extremely crunchy! Probably one of the crunchiest potatoes I've had from a crunch to size ratio. read more
My friends and I decided to try this place on a Saturday night. Two of them are big Kenji fans (chef of restaurant) and wanted to check it out. We ordered: Non vegetarian: chicken schnitzel Vegetarian: impossible turkey sausage To share: spaetzle & cheese, pretzels And a couple of beers for everyone The impossible sausage was phenomenal. Super flavorful and tasty. The spaetzle was yummy and we loved the crunch from the buttery bread crumbs. We sat outside, and were pleasantly surprised by how warm our seating area was thanks to the outdoor heaters. Service was quick and efficient, and we really liked the contactless ordering. We also ran into one of the founders of the place, and he was super kind and friendly. Overall, while this place is kinda pricey, the food is pretty good, with good beers as well. read more
Came here twice now for lunch -- one time on a Friday and once on Sunday. We always come as a party of 4 adults plus 1 toddler. Both times there was sufficient seating inside. The outside seating is pretty popular. Overall the place is well kept and clean. We've brought drinks from outside before, since most of us don't drink beer, and they were fine with it. Ordering is easy, through the phone. There are high chairs for little toddlers. There's also a super cute little kids area with crayons and big paper. The bathroom is downstairs and I'm not sure if there's an elevator. Something to explore next time. There's also some seating upstairs. Not all dishes are slam dunks, but there's a couple yummy and unique items that make me want to continue to come back and explore. In particular, I would definitely come back for the curry wurst and kasadilla. I wouldn't order the Korean chicken again. read more
2 years ago
Butcher's Special: Garlic Chard $16.00 I got the chickpea and carrot side, which I highly recommend. - I got the garlic chard because I asked which one was the most unusual. I wouldn't say it was too unusual, but it was good, especially the sausage itself, which was juicy. I also liked the bread that was buttered and lightly toasted. Kenji's Korean Hot Chicken Bites $11.00 - I got this to go because it was a lot of food otherwise. Flavor was good. I ate it the day after, and it was still good. Parking is in public lots around downtown - $0.75/hour, max 10 hours. In one hour, I ate here, then walked around a bit before returning to the car. I went downstairs to the bathroom, where I found the speakeasy that operates if you're there later in the day. read more
I've been meaning to check out this bar and was excited to go with my friends last week! We went around 7:30 pm on a Friday and it was crowded and we had to wait around 15 minutes for a seat inside. The outdoor seating was spacious but the heat lamps weren't very warm and we weren't dressed warm enough to sit outside but next time we definitely want to try sitting outside. The service was great as they constantly asked us if we needed anything else (more drinks and water). The ambience was very energetic and we enjoyed our experience. We didn't order any food but it smelled and looked amazing so we definitely plan to come back for the food. We ordered a fruit punch seltzer, orange sour, and cider. I don't recommend the seltzer as it tasted watered down but the other two drinks were good! The only aspect I would change is that I wish they close later. On a Friday night they closed at 9 pm so last call was at 8:30 pm. Overall, I highly recommend checking out this bar for a fun Friday or Saturday activity with your friends! read more
This is a casual experience that you'll do on your own. To start with, you'll need to find parking in the area but it's possible. Once you get in here you'll scan a QR code to order. There's a decent selection of wursts and the flavors are good. The service is quick too in case you're in a hurry. You can also hang for beers if you're up to it. My son and I both had the porchetta while my wife had the curry wurst. read more
5 years ago
Really tasty family lunch in a great location! Scene: Saturday right as they opened at 11:30. Had our pick of the outdoor tables - there's two areas, both in front of the restaurant and also to the side! Love that there's a ton of outdoor tables, unlike other places who claim "outdoor dining" but it's just two rickety small tables. Thanks to the super friendly staffer at the door who helped find a good table for us with a shady end spot for my husband's wheelchair. Scan the QR code to order at your table and staff bring out the food soon after. Bathroom situation: a bit of a pain because you have to go to the back of the restaurant, down some narrow steep stairs (there was an elevator though!) then down a hallway. BUT bathrooms were spotlessly clean and THANK YOU for having a step stool at the sink for the kids (in both men/women's bathrooms!) Changing tables in both bathrooms too. Our order: * pretzel, peppered honey butter and added a side of spicy queso: it was good, but a bit pricey. Honey butter has a great flavor from the pepper! Queso was tasty but it's a fairly small portion for the added on cost. * bier bratwurst: 1 each for the kids, bc they love bratwurst. Love the griddled split top buns, which my youngest declared was like eating buttered toast (he loves toast). They inhaled their meals. My eldest kept snacking on the fried potatoes. * chorizo verde: tasty! I think it could've been a tad more aggressively spiced but it was still delicious overall. Potato matchsticks on top provided a fun textural contrast. The buns really are good here, and aren't just a dry tasteless covering for the meat. * curry wurst: clearly I like heavily spiced things - this was tasty! Super filling with the bed of fried potatoes. Love the flavorful curry sauce. Plenty of cumin and mustard seeds (bloomed in oil) sprinkled on top for a great crunch and flavor. * slaw (side): this is on the lighter end. I appreciated the fresh crunch of the veg after all the other heavy items. Could've used a bit of a heavier hand with the salt, but it was a refreshing addition to all the meat and carbs. * potato salad (side): German style with dill and red onion, round slices. Could've also used a bit more salt, but it was tasty! Overall the food was tasty snd the sausages were all high quality. Great snap to them, juicy texture inside, zero gristle or hard bits or overly chewy casings. Staff were all super friendly and helpful, outdoor seating was top notch, bathrooms were clean and accessible. I appreciated that I saw zero plastic - cups/trays/flatware were stainless steel. The kids loved the sausage holders to keep their buns upright. It was overall pricey for our family, but I could also see why it was pricey due to the quality of the food and overall place. Will still come back as an occasional treat for all of us! read more
Cool beer hall in downtown San Mateo. Had a key lime beer that was tart and refreshing. Also noshed on Korean chicken bites, spicy but not overwhelming. Plenty of beers from which to choose and their food menu has variety too. read more
4 years ago
Cool, casual space for some German-inspired fare (or some hot chicken and burgers). There's plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. A couple of TVs are inside so a good place to catch some sports games too. For lunch, we ordered three items and didn't really have any complaints about anything. My favorite item of the meal was definitely the Currywurst. Super packed with flavor! And the potatoes even maintained a slight crisp despite all the sauce going on. The pretzel also deserves some mention - as described, it was soft and chewy on the inside and paired well with the honey butter dip. Ordering is via QR code at the table, which can be annoying if you want to add more items (like we did for more beer), but I personally don't mind the lack of personal service. In fact, different servers came by promptly to clear a plate or glass every time they saw that we finished our food/beer. Kind of weird, almost felt like they wanted us to leave. The wait for our food didn't take too long at all - probably about 10 minutes - but I did notice that food came out much slower after a couple larger groups came after us, so wait times will probably vary. All in all, I had a good time and would consider going back for sure. read more
5 years ago
This place is so fun!! I came here with a few friends Friday and we sat outdoors with lots of space away from other people during times of pandemic The weather was amazzzing and the food delicious!!! I feel like the photos speak for themselves. Overall what we ordered: Bier Bratwurst over potatoes, bratwurst and classic pretzel!! Also the staff are friendly and sooo helpful!!! Thank you!! Enjoy!!! read more
3 years ago
Basic pub food, wieners are tasty and tender, buns are soft as well. Prompt service and basic ambiance. Great for gatherings on the budget. Great beers ! I loved the Hefeweizen read more
4 years ago
This place is great to grab casual drinks with friends and hangout. It's a huge space so you won't have to worry about waiting (unlike most of the places in downtown SM). Their drink menu changes pretty frequently. I'm not a huge beer drinker but I am a fan of the Sours that they serve. I am a huge fan of their food! The sausages are flavorful and come with a nice toasty bun. I ordered the Al pastor while my boyfriend ordered the Bier Bratwurst. I give the Al Pastor a 7.5/10. It came with too much sauce on top but I enjoyed the pineapple on top. The bratwurst was a 10/10!! You cannot go wrong with a bratwurst with sauerkraut and mustard. I must say that their potato salad stands out to me the most because it has more of an olive oil base without any mayo. I will definitely come back to try out more of their food menu. read more
5 years ago
This place really knocks it out of the park. Even though it's on the pricier side, the food is actually really worth it. The atmosphere is great, even during COVID! They have QR codes on the tables that make it super easy to order from the table, and the long rows of tables set up on the street give it a nice feel reminiscent of a beer garden. Their food is amazing, too! We tried their Currywurst and their Bier Bratwurst, both of which were juicy without being greasy and packed with flavor. (Both use the same bier bratwurst for the sausage.) The Currywurst is drenched in a curry sauce that, with its sharp ginger and bright spices, really sets off the bratwurst, and the fried potatoes have a crispy, golden crust that envelops the creamy, pillowy interior. The Bier Bratwurst's toppings did a great job of highlighting the base flavor of the sausage while lightening the dish overall, as did the side we chose: the Chickpea & Carrot Salad. The salad was really bright and fresh, with dill and herbs that, again, helped to set off and highlight the bratwurst. I tried the cider they had on tap, and while I've forgotten the name, I haven't forgotten how crisp and slightly tart it was. With the wursts and the warm sun, it was really refreshing. read more
2 years ago
If you're searching for some good beers and sausages then this is the place for you in San Mateo! Ofc I discovered this restaurant during a pandemic and it was a great discovery :) They had a huge tent set up outside and you can easily order using the QR code on the picnic tables to reduce your interactions with staff. It was super easy to order and pay on the phone and food came out quick. Ordered the wood fired pretzel, chorizo verde sausage with potato salad, and hot italian sausage with thrice fried potatoes. My favorite was the chorizo verde sausage and the fried potatoes. I recommend you to skip the potato salad cause I wished we ordered the fried potatoes for both sides. The potato salad was the only item we didn't finish. But overall food was delicious and would love to come back and try more sausages! They have the option to order sausages to-go to cook at home too. There are other items on the menu: sandwich, salad, snacks, and there's a cute kids menu available too. I'm interested in trying their korean hot chicken sandwich next time :) read more
3 years ago
We have been here many times including the opening week when Kenji Alt-Lopez of Serious Eats was here welcoming patrons and autographing his book, Food Lab. If I were to rate the place back then, it would have been a 5- . You know how we see the world now right? Pre-Covid and Post-Covid and here add-on Pre-Kenji and Post-Kenji. Today it's a much different place if you go back expecting that week of their opening. Perhaps it's between 3 and 4 stars but why not grade up. It's an inviting place in a convenient downtown San Mateo right across from CalTrain station. Service appears very impersonal, which is disappointing as post-opening, there was this certain friendly positive vibe with a buzz. Today, the ambience is really determined by the crowd. And having survived Covid restrictions, we are just glad it's still here and with some outdoor dining options. Food wise, it's hit or miss. We miss the thick milk bread like hot dog buns of earlier times now replaced with hamburger burgers buns which are ehhh okay. Tried along with various beers; Grilled chicken sandwich K style chicken nuggets Quesadilla Summer salad Deviled eggs Chickpea salads -Sandwich was fine, perhaps chicken a bit dry. -K style chicken nuggets were very dry and way too red hot. -Quesadillas- again too hot. Perhaps tone down the red heat and allow the diners to choose mild to hot spectrum by side of salsa not super heat the quesadillas themselves. -Summer salads - ordinary and average -Devil eggs - good as we remember them -Chickpea salads - needed some fresh herb or splash of lemon. Beers and drinks remain fun for casual gatherings. We are willing to come back again to see how this place evolves without the celebrity chef who once drew the foodies from all over. We wish the crew good luck and hope they carry on with lofty sights to keep their food fresh, inventive and worth coming back to. We didn't take too many photos as our orders didn't go through at first - me bad - neglecting the the final click distracted chatting with friends. You get the picture- it's that kind of place - a casual beer garden. read more
5 years ago
I was a little disappointed in this place after waiting so long to try J. Kenji Lopez-Alt's restaurant. Rundown of what we got and how many stars I'd give each dish: - Deviled eggs: 3/5 - Hot chicken bites: 2/5 - Bier bratwurst: 4/5 - Porchetta bratwurst: 4/5 - Stella's brownie: 5/5 Overall just disappointed in the inconsistency across dishes. The brownie was amazing and everything you could ask for, but the hot chicken bites were not crispy at all and just overcoated in cayenne pepper and just felt kinda lazy. Good restaurant vibes so I still want to come back to try some of their other menu items and see if they're better. read more
2 years ago
Guys, please don't overcook the wings, food was good were excellent. Service came with an attitude, but overall OK. read more
3 years ago
I really wanted to like this place. I've always loved German hot dog pubs for the beer and fat juicy bratwursts. We came here for lunch and wanted to try a bunch of stuff, so naturally, we over ordered for the two of us. The establishment - a pretty casual restaurant with bench seating inside. It reminds me of wurstkuche in Los Angeles which I loved to frequent. Unfortunately, this place was a disappointment in comparison. I think it's because they try to do too much. Deviled eggs 4.5/5 - the meal started off hopefully with with some creamy deviled eggs. Flavor was on point, just very ordinary Korean Fried Chicken 2/5 - I probably should have known better than to go to a German pub and order Korean food, but since they had this and the Korean fried chicken burger, I thought maybe they did it well. The pieces were dry and flavor was alright. Curry wurst 4/5 - this was probably the best dish. The bratwurst was really juicy and tender. The sauce was pretty good too. My complaint with this dish is their thrice fried potatoes, were somewhat crispy but dry Pastrami wurst 3/5 - nothing special. Just a beef hot dog with some sauerkraut and russian dressing on top. Pretty disappointing Brownie 3/5 - this wasn't bad, not great either. The brownie was on the slightly bitter side, presumably because they used bitter sweet chocolate (which I don't have a problem with). However, in my opinion they should have used vanilla ice cream to even out the bitterness instead of whipped cream. The caramel went well with it and the pretzel bits were pleasantly crispy and provided a good texture to it. This place is fine if you don't care much about having a delicious meal. It's easy and convenient. But living in SF, this wouldn't be my first stop when I'm in the area. read more
6 years ago
It's a bit pricey but also a worth it experience. I'd say to go for it! They have many tables outside and heaters if it gets chilly. I decided to go with the bier bratwurst which is composed of ground pork sausage, a nice bun, topped with sauerkraut and bavarian sweet mustard. Delicious! The sausage had a good snap to it and was paired super well with the tangy sauerkraut and amazing flavor of sweet mustard! I loved it. It was harmony. The bun was nice and toasty too. The dilly slaw was pretty good. It is pretty tangy and composed of shredded cabbage and red onion. The haus potato salad is sliced into discs and is also tangy from the vinegar, sprinkled with mustard seed, and red onion. Both very good! The wood fired pretzel is very chewy and delicious with the honey butter dip. The butter is a little hard to dip into though. I washed it all down with a nice and citrusy, hoppy beer by Barebottle called scurvy fighter. read more
More info about Wursthall
310 Baldwin Ave
San Mateo, CA 94401
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(650) 931-4282
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http://wursthall.com
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Ask the Community - Wursthall
Is Kenji Alt Lopez still part owner?
Hi Gordon, no looks like he gave his shares to his former sous chef (see https://www.reddit.com/r/seriouseats/comments/oszuh0/comment/h6ungy4/). Hope this is helpful!
Are you guys playing the warriors game tonight?
No we're playing the Laker game instead
Yelp says it's good for groups. I have a group of 15-20. Will they fit?
Yes, they have long picnic style tables inside and outside.
Do they fill growlers?
What happened to all the umbrellas outside? Bring then back please!!!
Can you order cocktails now?
Yes! Wursthall opened their cocktail bar (Wunderbar) last year and it's serving cocktail for dine-in and to-go orders.
Is indoor or outdoor seating available during COVID-19 now?
Outdoor seating only! On benches (physically distant)
Do they put up the TV volume during sports events?
I've been there during sporting events and I've never heard the sound on on the TVs.
Do they have gluten free buns?
Hello! This Sunday 7/14/19 Wursthall is hosting a pop-up with Misfits Bakehouse a gluten and grain…
Any baby friendly seating options?
High chairs are available and can be placed at the end of tables or in place of chairs in certain sections of their communal seating.
What time does the kitchen close?
Upon closing. Normally try to order 15 minutes before they close though, general rule of thumb for most restaurants
Will you be open Feb 14 for lunch? Thank you
I don't think they are opening for regular service until 2/17 or 2/24.
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Why does Yelp recommend reviews?
56 reviews that are not currently recommended
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