🥇Best of San Mateo Results Are In!

In this week’s edition:

• City Updates: San Mateo Safety Upgrades, plus the debate about AI in schools

• Business Updates: Alana’s Cafe changes hands, Juice and the Juice returns to Burlingame, and celebrating the Best of San Mateo

• Events: Rock the Dock, LoveLocal Downtown, and Open Cockpit Day

Best of San Mateo Results are in!

The Best of San Mateo celebrates people’s favorite business across San Mateo County and celebrates the excellence of over 800 businesses. In it’s inaugural year last year, over 22,000 local residents casted votes for their favorite businesses in each category. Here are a select few who won this year:

Best Museum: CuriOdyssey | San Mateo

Best Event Spaces: Devil’s Canyon Brewing | San Carlos

Best Bar: Fogbird | San Mateo

Best Dessert Shop: Sibby’s Cupcakes | San Mateo

Best Pizza: Amici’s East Coast Pizzeria | San Mateo

Check back next week for more featured business and congrats to all the winners!

Mariner’s Point Golf Center’s Lease Extended

Foster City has approved an extension of Mariner’s Point Golf Center’s lease through 2032, allowing the popular golf and entertainment facility to remain in operation for several more years. City officials said the extension provides stability while longer-term discussions continue about the future of the site and surrounding development opportunities. VB Golf has become a well-used recreational destination for Peninsula residents, drawing golfers, families, and event groups. For locals, the lease extension means the waterfront facility will continue operating without interruption while broader redevelopment conversations move forward. Read more here.

Joe & The Juice Reopens to Burlingame 

If you’re looking for a new coffee, juice, and sandwich stop, you may want to check out the return of Joe & The Juice in Burlingame. The popular café chain celebrated its grand reopening on Saturday, May 23  that featured local farmers market produce, free product samples, giveaways, live music, and a ribbon-cutting ceremony with the Mayor of Burlingame. The revamped shop offers another casual gathering spot for coffee, smoothies, sandwiches, and juices in the increasingly busy Burlingame dining scene. Read more here.

Alana’s Cafe Changes Ownership

A longtime downtown favorite is entering a new chapter as Alana's Cafe in downtown Burlingame has officially been sold to new owners, but regulars will still see many familiar faces. The new ownership group plans to retain the cafe’s employees and preserve much of the restaurant’s welcoming neighborhood atmosphere, helping ease concerns about major changes to the beloved breakfast and brunch spot. Located in the heart of downtown Burlingame, the transition reflects the continued strength and appeal of the city’s local dining scene, even as many independent restaurants across the Bay Area face economic pressures. For locals, the continuity means favorite menu items and longtime staff relationships are expected to remain part of the experience. Read more here.

Click here to feature your business in front of over 10,000 local residents!

Snacks Antojitos Mexicanos in San Mateo

Snacks Antojitos Mexicanos in San Mateo focuses on authentic Mexican street food, desserts, and snacks inspired by traditional antojitos found throughout Mexico and Central America. The menu includes tortas, huaraches, tacos, gorditas, pambazos, chilaquiles, and snacks like Tostilocos, esquites, and mangonadas layered with chamoy, Tajín, and fresh fruit. The restaurant is especially known for its colorful snack creations and aguas frescas, along with dishes that combine sweet, spicy, and savory flavors. Guatemalan influences also appear on the menu through items like shucos, a popular Guatemalan-style street hot dog. Its casual atmosphere and extensive snack selection make it a popular stop for everything from full meals to desserts and refreshing treats.

House of Kebab in Burlingame

House of Kebab in Burlingame serves a wide-ranging menu inspired by Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine, with an emphasis on grilled meats, rice plates, and traditional kebab dishes. The restaurant is known for items like chicken and beef koobideh kebabs, shawarma plates, falafel, and saffron rice served with house-made sauces and fresh salads. Many dishes reflect Persian and Mediterranean influences, balancing smoky grilled flavors with herbs, yogurt, and warm spices. The casual restaurant has become a popular local stop for hearty combination platters and generously portioned family meals. Diners can also find vegetarian-friendly options alongside classic meat-centered specialties.