Porterhouse in San Mateo has quickly become my top pick for Bay Area steak dining. I’ve had the pleasure of dining there twice, and both times, the restaurant delivered an exceptional experience. Searching Northern California for the perfect steak led me here, and its consistency in flavor and texture makes Porterhouse a three-star choice.
Walking into Porterhouse, you’re greeted by an intriguing mix of old-school California fine dining ambiance and a cooler filled with racks of aging beef cuts. The walls are adorned with original 1950s movie posters, adding a nostalgic charm to the atmosphere. The restaurant features a classy bar, a main dining area, and two smaller sections accommodating solo diners or reasonably sized wedding parties.
The menu at Porterhouse is straightforward yet satisfying, and it remained unchanged over the several months between my visits. On both occasions, I began with the carpaccio, a dish so delightful it’s the main reason I’m writing this review. The thinly sliced beef was perfectly seasoned, truly to die for.
For my main course, I chose the signature 20 oz porterhouse steak, cooked medium-rare. It was accompanied by creamy mashed potatoes and sautéed carrots that were sweet like honey and so smooth that I wondered if I couldn’t eat an entire dish of them alone. The steak was perfectly cooked, rich in flavor, and tender.
I ended the night with a Caesar salad. While the salad itself was good, the onion ring presentation felt a bit kitschy for my taste.
For drinks, I tried two cocktails this time around. The Ready Aim Fire (Mezcal, honey syrup, pineapple juice, lime, and habanero shrub) and the Spicy Margarita (Tequila, Cointreau, lime, agave, and spice). Both were nice, a bit too sweet but delicate.
Although I didn’t try the desserts this time, typical offerings such as crème brûlée and other delights were available on the menu. Maybe next time!
Porterhouse also features a variety of appetizers like the 36 Hour Niman Pork Belly, soups, salads, and other entrees including lamb chops, pork chops, seafood linguine, and cauliflower steak. Their sides include wild mushrooms, truffled mac & cheese, Brussels sprouts with bacon, creamed spinach, and grilled asparagus.
The total for my second visit, including tax, tip, drinks, and the meal, came to $175. While this is a splurge or special occasion meal for me, it feels like a justified expense given the high quality and portion sizes—particularly considering I took half of my steak home for another meal. It raises the question, though: do you tip on the tax? Given today’s dining costs, this price seems to be the new normal. Gone are the days of the $5 sandwich and the $0.99 bag of chips. However, the quality at Porterhouse makes the expense worthwhile, especially considering the leftovers extend the value.
Porterhouse delivers consistently excellent steak and a delightful dining experience. With its moderate pricing, it’s neither the most expensive nor the cheapest steakhouse in the area. The ambiance, service, and menu offerings make it a standout choice for steak lovers in Northern California. And for those wondering, yes, it was as good if not better on day two. The leftovers were worth the price.
Location and Hours
60 E 3rd Ave, San Mateo, CA 94401
Tuesday – Thursday: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Friday – Saturday: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Sunday: 4:30 PM – 8:00 PM
For more information, visit Porterhouse’s website.
