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New Restaurants, Businesses Coming to Burlingame Ave, and El Camino Improvements
Opening timelines, what new restaurants you should try, and how the construction will improve El Camino.
Greg Kemper
January 22, 2026
Good morning neighbors!
Welcome to this week’s San Mateo Scoop! We have exciting updates for you this week, including several new restaurants, new businesses coming to Burlingame Avenue, and a construction initiative to improve El Camino across 14 cities.
Let’s dive in!
In this week’s edition:
Construction Updates: Grand Boulevard Initiative to Improve El Camino Real and BART delays in January
Restaurants Galore: Great food coming to the San Mateo Area in the new year
Burlingame Avenue Update: New stores expected to open their doors.
🚉 BART Riders Alert: Expect Delays Through January
Late-night BART riders heading between San Mateo County and the San Francisco International Airport should plan for some extra travel time this month. Officials say ongoing train control modernization work will cause roughly 30-minute delays on Millbrae-SFO-San Bruno runs nightly after 9 p.m. through Jan. 29. The upgrades are part of a larger project expected to continue through summer, so checking updated schedules before traveling is a good idea. Riders are encouraged to use BART’s online trip planner and leave a little earlier than usual. Read more here.
💰 San Mateo Eyes Possible Sales Tax Measure for 2026
San Mateo is considering placing a sales tax measure on the November ballot to address a growing budget shortfall and ensure funding for city services and infrastructure. The city projects a structural deficit of about $5M–$7M annually over the next decade as costs rise and key revenues like property transfer taxes slow.
A proposed quarter-cent sales tax would require only a majority vote and could help fund repairs and public services, according to a recent city survey showing modest voter support. Officials continue to study the proposal and plan to decide by this summer whether to move forward. Read more here.
🚧 SamTrans Launches Grand Boulevard Initiative to Improve El Camino Real
SamTrans is leading a new effort called the Grand Boulevard Initiative (GBI) to reimagine El Camino Real as a safer, more vibrant street for everyone. The initiative brings together SamTrans, Caltrans, local cities, regional transportation agencies, and community groups to coordinate improvements that make the corridor easier and more comfortable to walk, bike, drive, and take transit along.
Plans under GBI include safer crossings, wider sidewalks, separated bike lanes, enhanced bus stops, transit-priority signals, and pedestrian-friendly features like street trees, all aimed at boosting safety and accessibility for people of all ages and abilities. The project covers 14 cities along El Camino Real and is entering early planning stages, with a coordinated Caltrans Project Initiation Document underway that will guide future design and construction. Read more here.
New Businesses Coming to Burlingame Ave
Burlingame Avenue is slated to welcome several new business in the coming months, including Amado (high-end Mexican food), Almondette (cafe and patisserie), Trad Bone Broth, and Arcteryx (outdoor apparel). This will provide some new spots and stores to try out in the coming months!
Korean Fusion Restaurant Whisper Soft Opening January 22 in Former Wursthall Space
A Korean fusion brunch spot, Whisper, is planned for the former Wursthall space. The restaurant is slated to have their soft opening January 22 in the old Wursthall space, bringing modern Asian fusion brunch. Check them out when you get the chance!
🍱 Buri Buri Burlingame
Photo: Buri Buri
1100 Howard Ave, Suite D, Burlingame
Buri Buri in Burlingame is a casual Japanese restaurant and sushi bar with the option to mix and match sushi rolls to fully customize your experience and get a taste of everything. Its moderately priced dishes make it a great choice for a meal out without breaking the bank.
Click here to feature your business in front of over 10,000 local residents!
🍣 Kodawari Japanese Cuisine Opens in San Mateo
33 42nd Ave, San Mateo
Photo: Kodawari Japanese Cuisine
Kodawari Japanese Cuisine in San Mateo is a contemporary Japanese restaurant where quality sushi and thoughtful dishes make for a special yet welcoming night out. Their menu highlights include chirashi don deluxe, miso salmon and premium beef katsu, alongside fresh sashimi and creative skewers that showcase both sushi bar classics and inventive takes. With a modern but still approachable atmosphere, it’s casual enough for a date night or dinner with friends but feels a bit elevated compared to your average sushi spot. Whether you’re in the mood for nigiri, rolls or Japanese-inspired skewers, Kodawari delivers satisfying flavors with a local twist.
🌮 Guadalajara Grill Coming to Belmont Plaza
At Guadalajara Grill, you’ll find classic Mexican favorites served up in a casual, friendly setting that’s perfect for lunch or dinner on the go. This neighborhood gem is loved for its flavorful shrimp tacos, hearty burritos and other staples like carne asada and enchiladas, all paired with chips and fresh salsa. It’s laid-back and unpretentious, making it ideal for a quick bite or family meal without fuss. Regulars praise the generous portions and authentic Mexican flavors that keep folks coming back.
🎤 Music and Open Mic Night | Belmont | Twin Pines Manor | 1/24 | more
Enjoy live music and open mic performances in a welcoming community space.
🎭 Auditions for ETC’s “The Music Man” | San Carlos | Bay Area Educational Theater Company | 1/24-1/25 | more
Auditions for ETC’s upcoming production of The Music Man are coming up soon. Registration is required!
🧧 Lunar New Year Celebration | San Mateo | Downtown | 1/24 | more
Celebrate Lunar New Year with performances, festivities, and activities throughout downtown San Mateo.
🎲 Trivia Night! | Half Moon Bay Brewing Company | Half Moon Bay | 1/27 | More
Geeks Who Drink host trivia! Free to play, 6:30–8:30 PM.
⚽ Indoor Soccer (Futsal) w/ Mechi | San Mateo | Hillsdale High School | 1/25 | more
Join Mechi for weekly futsal games! Fast-paced, great energy, and a chance to keep playing all winter long.
🍷 Sip n Shop for a Cause | San Carlos | Rouge Wine Bar | 02/04 | more
Sip, shop, and support a good cause during this community-focused evening event.
🏕️ Summer Camp Fair | San Carlos | Parks and Recreation | 02/07 | more
Meet camp providers and explore summer camp options for kids of all ages.
🏃 Sports Warm Up | San Mateo | B Street | 02/07 | more
Get moving with sports activities and warm-ups along B Street.
🧧 Lunar New Year Celebration | Belmont | Twin Pines Manor | 02/08 | more
Ring in the Lunar New Year with cultural performances, crafts, and family-friendly fun.
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