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The Refuge
Sandwich Spot and Burger Joint$$$$
San Carlos
The sandwiches at The Refuge is a can't miss
"Pastrami Reuben, Goofy fries & Bourbon Bread Pudding"(7 Tips)
"Best Pastrami sandwich I ever had."(10 Tips)
"Try the Champ Cheesesteak With Garlic Fries"(7 Tips)
"Hardcore pastrami fans must also try the pastrami burger."(6 Tips)
96 Tips and reviewsFilter:
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- pastrami
- goofy fries
- burgers
- beer
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Tati ☆☆☆☆☆☆February 20, 2015Everything at this place is good. had chicken wonton soup pear salad Reuben san. garlic fries and the Triple beer. Cool place, nice staff and awesome food. Underberger digestive drink is great :)
Jeff ZAugust 18, 2012Amazing food, great selection of beer. I just wish our waiter (Oski) had been more friendly. He made us feel *very* unwelcome. :( Questioning a return trip now. How sad. I really used to love it here.
OMG: the Pastrami Reuben: house-made pastrami, sauerkraut, Swiss on toasted rye -- which paired brilliantly with a malty-chocolaty draught Viven Smoked Porter. Very, very tasty!
WhiskeyAvengerJune 26, 2018The pastrami on rye or the Rueben on rye are fantastic. I’d walk from SF for one. Plus the great beer selection is a worthwhile bonus.
Priscila de AlcântaraJune 22, 2016Pastrami sandwich is pretty good, you can split it . The garlic fries are delicious 👌
The Reuben is a must with a side of chopped liver. Goofy fries are garlic-y and delicious. Don’t forget to wash it down with a Kwak 👍👍- Food NetworkJanuary 28, 2015Brined for a week and then smoked, the pastrami on the Toasted Slaw sandwich is as tender as it gets. Hardcore pastrami fans must also try the pastrami burger. Read more
- Best Pastrami sandwich I ever had. The Pastrami salad is surprisingly good, too. Actually - get anything with that tasty & butter-soft Pastrami.
Been a longtime fan of The Refuge! Great beer selection (heavy on Belgian selections) and fantastic pastrami dishes. Try the Goofy Fries!
Sara TaylorDecember 11, 2017So many beers to choose from! Outdoor seating that’s dog friendly. Not a ton of vegetarian options, but their veggie burger is solid.
High quality Pastrami sandwiches. Not a lot of draft options but lots of bottle choices
Des TurnerApril 17, 2013Must have the Pastrami sami and a beer. Please leave room for the Pot of Creme chocolate dessert (OMG!) The real deal for chocolate and creamy, will take a while to finish very decadent.
Consistently excellent sandwiches (Toasted Slaw, Pastrami Burger) plus great selection of Belgian beers
Ashlyn AiuNovember 17, 2017Get the pastrami burger! I don’t even like pastrami that much but it’s killer on this burger. They also have a great beer selection.
Excellent draft and bottle beer list. The pastrami burger is stupid good.- SFGate ManagerJuly 16, 2012The beers are lovingly described, and served in appropriately specialized glasses, and the pastrami (top it with chopped liver if you're feeling extra decadent) is first-rate.
Edward MateoSeptember 30, 2016If you love pastrami, this is the place to go. My wife and I will be back as soon as we can.
Chantel WeedenFebruary 18, 2018Pastrami with cole slaw. Garlic fries and the ginger sour ale. Amazing!!!
Will KivinskiOctober 9, 2013I probably violated every rule by getting a ribeye cheesesteak on my first visit. No regrets... It was bomb! So are the goofy fries.
Love the cheesesteak and the goofy fries. Be adventurous with the beers. Gets packed and they aren't happy about people crowding around the bar. For long wait times, head to Ale Arsenal next door.- Allagash Curieux which is their Triple Ale aged in Jim Bean bourbon barrels for 8wks. Very smooth and fruity with a smooth almost citrusy finish.
While you're here, try the #19 Pastrami Sandwich, a "sweet" Ohio burger or maybe a Pastrami burger. You can't go wrong if you add garlic fries tothe order
LongMay 21, 2013If you really love the pastrami here, you can always order the pastrami steak, which is off the menu.
Brianna ScheffApril 30, 2013The best pastrami sandwiches/salads. Rueben or if you're not counting calories go for the pastrami burger!
HarshFebruary 7, 2015Get a couple friends together for the fressers platter to make your own pastrami and chopped liver sammies
Alana RenfroMarch 15, 2013Amazing! I ordered the white cheddar burger medium and it came out rare so be careful!
This is on the short list of places where I would choose to die - very happily, indeed.
First time here? Don't even look at the menu. Order a pastrami sandwich and a plate of pickles.
Venkatesh HodavdekarMarch 29, 2015I had the OG cheesesteak sandwich but it was fairly disappointing. Try something else if you are considering it.
Rick GilchristSeptember 22, 2012Ask for the bottle list and READ it... Awesome finds for the lay drinker!
tim rechinSeptember 14, 2011
Scott McReynoldsFebruary 17, 2012Try the Ribeye Cheesesteak - We all shared. Brie burger still the fav
Matt McGunagleJanuary 11, 2016Best Reuben sandwich I've ever had. Bring the bros and celebrate life.
Charlie AyersApril 26, 2011Try the Brie & mushroom burger with seared foie GRAS added to it, served medium rare
Y LSeptember 24, 2011Pastrami Steak Frites is awesome. Heads up, this place is jam packed on Fridays at lunch hour.
Try the Pastrami Steak - Not on the menu but it's awesome good!
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Open until 9:00 PM (Show more)
- Mon–Thu
- 11:30 AM–2:30 PM
- 5:00 PM–9:00 PM
- Fri
- 11:30 AM–2:30 PM
- 5:00 PM–10:00 PM
- Sat
- Noon–10:00 PM
- Sun
- Noon–9:00 PM
(650) 598-9813
Features
Reservations
No
Credit Cards
Yes (incl. American Express)
Outdoor Seating
Yes
Food & Drink
Menus
Brunch, Lunch, Dinner
Drinks
Beer
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