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- 🍸 Wunderbar Updates, Parks Improvements, and Increased Development Funds
🍸 Wunderbar Updates, Parks Improvements, and Increased Development Funds
Check out the latest updates on Wunderbar and spots for live music this weekend!
Greg Kemper
October 09, 2025
Good morning neighbors!
Welcome to this week’s San Mateo Scoop! Your latest local update is here, packed with news, events, and fresh spots to explore around the local community!
In this week’s edition:
🛝 Foster City’s Parks Improvement Plans: What parks will see improvements and what to expect.
🍸 Wunderbar Hiatus: Updates for the Wursthall-adjacent bar.
🍻 Weekend playbook: Art & Wine Fair, Spooky Book Fairs, Dia de los Muertos celebrations, farmers markets and food trucks.
🌳 Foster City Plans Major Park Improvements
Foster City is preparing a sweeping plan to renovate and expand its parks portfolio, targeting outdated playgrounds, limited open space, and uneven amenities across neighborhoods. The project will include upgraded play structures, walking paths, improved accessibility for residents with mobility needs, and better lighting and safety features.
Public input has shaped the vision, with many residents calling for more flexible lawn areas, community gardens, and multi-use gathering spots. City officials aim to phase the work over several years to minimize disruption and balance costs. Once completed, the revitalized parks are expected to become central gathering hubs that foster stronger community bonds. Learn what’s changing and which parks are first in line here.
đź’ˇ San Mateo Continues to Grow Community Development Funds
San Mateo’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding is expanding again, with roughly $753,571 allocated in the most recent fiscal year to support affordable housing, neighborhood services, small business programs, and social aid.
City leaders emphasize that this increase is critical in a time of federal budget uncertainties, helping to sustain local support programs without interruption. The funds are being distributed to nonprofit partners for home repair grants, food pantries, legal aid, and workforce development services. Officials indicate that future allocations will continue to emphasize equity, outcome measurement, and community input. Learn how these funds are reaching residents and what’s planned next here.
Wunderbar Set to Take Fall Hiatus
Photo credit: Wunderbar
Following the closure of Wursthall on September 27, the owners of Wunderbar, an intimate cocktail bar existing downstairs in the same location as Wursthall, announced they would be taking hiatus for a few weeks beginning September 28. Wursthall owners decided to not renew their lease citing falling foot traffic. Follow their social media here for updates.
Burlingame’s Broadway Business Leader Steps Down
After more than a decade leading Broadway’s business community, John Kevranian has announced his resignation as President of the Broadway Business Improvement District, effective November 30. Despite stepping down, he says he intends to remain a vocal advocate and active business owner in the community. Read more about his decision and what it means for Broadway’s future here.
The Barrel Bistro and Wine Bar
246 S B St, San Mateo
Photo from The Barrel Bistro & Wine Bar
The Barrel Bistro & Wine Bar offers a refined yet relaxed dining experience in the heart of San Mateo, combining locally inspired cuisine with an extensive wine selection from around the world. The menu highlights fresh seafood, expertly grilled meats, and shareable plates, each crafted with attention to flavor and presentation.
Guests can enjoy weekend brunches with bottomless mimosas, handcrafted cocktails at the bar, or evening dinners complemented by live music on the patio. Designed for both intimate gatherings and lively nights out, The Barrel Bistro & Wine Bar invites guests to savor every moment. Learn more here.
No. 5 House: Chinese Dining in San Mateo
5 S Ellsworth Ave, San Mateo
Photo: No. 5 House
No.5 House brings a fresh take on Chinese dining to San Mateo with a menu that spans dim sum, hand-pulled noodles, braised specialties, stir-fries, crispy fried favorites, and comforting bento boxes. Their dishes blend authenticity with innovation, offering modern twists on classic flavors that satisfy every craving. From delicate dumplings and steamed buns to richly flavored noodle bowls and savory entrees, each plate is crafted to balance depth and comfort. A rising favorite in the local scene, No.5 House invites you to experience elevated Chinese cuisine in a warm, inviting setting. Check them out here.
Subscriber Pet of the Week!
 | Meet Sasha and Tommy! They are Siberian cats from San Mateo and are the grand-cats to one of our readers, Linda! |
🍂 Harvest Happy Hour | San Mateo Public Library | San Mateo | 10/9 | more
Celebrate the season with autumnal drinks, crafts, and mingling at this festive library happy hour.
🍪 Spooky Cookie Decorating Class | Devil’s Canyon Brewing Co. | San Carlos | 10/10 | more
Learn the art of cookie decorating while sipping craft brews in this hands-on Halloween-themed workshop.
🎨 San Carlos Art & Wine Faire | San Carlos Ave. & Laurel St. | San Carlos | 10/11 | more
Browse local art, taste regional wines, and enjoy live entertainment at one of the Peninsula’s most popular fall events.
🎶 Rock the Dock Concert Series | Port of Redwood City | Redwood City | 10/11 | more
Enjoy an evening of live music and bay views at this outdoor waterfront concert series.
đźš’ San Mateo Fire Open House | 1040 E. Hillsdale Blvd | Foster City | 10/11 | more
Meet local firefighters, explore fire engines, and learn safety tips at this family-friendly open house.
đź“š Spooky Book Faire | San Mateo Public Library | San Mateo | 10/11 | more
Stock up on fall reads and discover spooky literary treasures just in time for Halloween.
đź’€ DĂa de los Muertos Celebration | Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center | San Mateo | 10/11 | more
Celebrate life and remembrance through music, dance, and traditional altars at this colorful cultural event.
🌊 Water Lantern Festival | Foster City | 10/11 | more
Experience an unforgettable night as hundreds of glowing lanterns float across the water in this moving community celebration.
đźš— Cars and Coffee Peninsula | Breakers Cafe | Redwood City | 10/12 | more
Car lovers unite for a Sunday morning of caffeine, conversation, and classic cars.
đź’€ Sugar Skull Workshop | San Mateo County History Museum | Redwood City | 10/12 | more
Create your own vibrant sugar skull and learn about the cultural traditions behind DĂa de los Muertos.
🍎 The Fresh Market | Park Road & Burlingame Ave | Burlingame | 10/12 | more
Shop for local produce, artisanal goods, and flowers at this beloved open-air market in downtown Burlingame.
🌽 San Carlos Farmers Market | Downtown Laurel Street | San Carlos | 10/12 | more
Discover fresh seasonal produce, local vendors, and family-friendly fun every Sunday morning.
🍴 Off the Grid Food Trucks | Leo Ryan Park Meadow | Foster City | 10/15 | more
Savor a global mix of flavors from local food trucks while relaxing lakeside under the stars.
🎓 High School & College Fair | Twin Pines Senior & Community Center | Belmont | 10/16 | more
Students and parents can meet with school representatives and explore higher education options at this annual fair.
Tickets are on sale now for the eTc Bay Area Educational Theatre Company for their Addams Family shows running November 1-8. Click here to buy tickets.
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