Vault 164Indulgence!I came here for the first time to celebrate the survival of a hectic work week. It was the perfect reward! Great food, great drinks, and amazing selection: Comfort food, healthy food, vegetarian and vegan options - even a gluten-free menu, upon request. I can take anyone here! My boyfriend and I had the roast chicken and prawn linguine, respectively - both excellent! The lump crab and artichoke dip is amazing and totally worth the 10lbs you gain by being within a 3ft radius of it. Cocktails were likewise pretty awesome ranging from an enjoyable but benign Bellini to the potent "Safecracker." I can't wait to come back and try more of the menu.6/9/2013 12:00:00 AMExcellent placeWe were all very happy with the service and our meals. We had several special dietary concerns including gluten free and were thrilled with the many choices. Waiter went out of his way to be sure we got all we needed. Only compliant is it is noisy. Would definitely return.5/29/2013 12:00:00 AMGluten Free Options!AMAZING! I finally found a restaurant that has embraced the idea of delicious Gluten and Dairy-Free options. The ambiance was great, the food was fantastic and the service is friendly. Definitely will be back.5/26/2013 12:00:00 AMThe service it's was good,The service it's was good, but she never came back to see if we need anything when we were eating,
I ordered the fish but it was kind of tasteless.but overall,we enjoyed our dinner and it was nice when I made an appt. I told them it was for my husbands a bd. they brought him a little cake. Very nice.5/25/2013 12:00:00 AMOh, RosalieFor the best wait staff person ever, ask for Rosalie. She is phenomenal! You want to just take her home with you.5/20/2013 12:00:00 AMStaff is amazing!!!I really loved my duck tacos. They were different but very good. The pesto flat bread was the best I ever had!!! I didn't care of my tuna tar tar though. It was bland. Besides the great food. The service was even more awesome! The entire staff (the hostess, server and bus person) were so friendly and terrific. I have been to a lot of restaurants and this tops the cake on being one of the very best in friendliness and service. Being nice really does go a long way in my book.5/18/2013 12:00:00 AMYou can bank on Vault 164We really had a very good meal at Vault 164 in San Mateo. First, it's an interesting building, lots of history, they kept some unique "banking" items, yet an intimate space. They showed us to a quieter table, because the place can be noisy. We had almond-crusted ono fish from Hawaii, which was excellent and beautifully presented, mine with fresh corn, green beans and tomatoes, and my husband's with gnocchi (garlicky!) too. The busboy staff is a little too eager to take plates away, but the staff is so caring that it didn't annoy us. There definitely is a talented chef in the kitchen. Go. Also, we didn't feel fleeced by the prices.5/18/2013 12:00:00 AMGirls Night OutThree of us were celebrating a birthday and had been looking forward to the evening. Our server, Azure, was spot on, giving us time to decide whether to "graze" or not, suggesting ideas and going out of her way to be courteous and fun. She entered into the spirit of our "occasion." We spent a delightful hour and a half tasting several appetizers and sharing apple pie.
It was very crowded but the noise level was ok. We wondered if the very high ceilings helped damp it down.
We definitely will return again. We saw lots of professional twenty somethings but also families with children. We three "middle agers" felt right at home!5/16/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat Atmosphere and FoodI love this place. My guys brought me here to introduce me to this place. I had a great time. I will come for the Vault's Banker's Hours Happy Hour. It is the perfect time because I get off work at 3:30 p.m.5/16/2013 12:00:00 AMGood Neighborhood FindWent for lunch. Good food great service. Brussel Sprout Chips make any body a fan even if they don't normally like them. Definately recommend and I will go back.5/14/2013 12:00:00 AMEcclectic MenuSecond time I dined at Vault 164, but first time for dinner. Menu is varied and unique, and a wide variety was ordered by our foursome: brussel sprout chips, salads, flat bread, stuffed pepper, grilled chicken sandwich on ciabata bread, and garlic flat iron steak were all fantastic. Pricing is reasonable on food, a little high on adult beverages: Coors light small draft at $5, and rather ordinary Pinot and Cab, short pours for $9 each. Bring a bottle of your own and pay the corkage.5/13/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat place to eatMy husband and I came here for dinner and it was fabulous. Food was to die for and the service was excellent. They did not rush us and food was spread out so we didn't feel we had to eat and get out of there. Will be back. It's a little pricey but worth it. Parking it hard to find to but if you are willing to pay the $9.00 for valet do it! It's worth it not to drive around for 20 mins.5/11/2013 12:00:00 AMNeighborhood GemHad a great time with friends last Sat. night. Parking was hard to find; valet may get full so be prepared. Do not skip the fried brussel sprout. We also had the duck confit taco served in a taro friend shell which was very tasty as well. I'd highly recommend the lamb shank, rib eye, and seafood linquini. The wine list is extensive, but I recommend you bring your own. A guy who claimed to be their 2nd tier sommelier/mgr who started talking to us cuz we brought our own wine. WRONG move dude..If you want to impress wine lovers and call yourself a sommelier, don't say Rodney Strong is one of your top favorite; especially, when the people you are talking to are drinking wines that are $100+ a bottle. Know your audience.5/11/2013 12:00:00 AMGood foodGood food and service. Menu a little pricey. Good desert.5/9/2013 12:00:00 AMfun spotGreat drinks and small plates. We shared from small plates menu had fried brussel sprout chips, amazing! A grilled artichoke, pork tacos in taro root shell, and bacon wrapped dates that were luscious. Wait staff was efficient, cheerful, and guided us well. It was a fun night, even for hard to please mom.5/8/2013 12:00:00 AMIf you are vegetarian..They have quite a few options. I had the grilled tofu and vegetables and it was excellent. The waitress was very helpful in making suggestions on how to modify other entree's to meet our desires.5/2/2013 12:00:00 AMAlways fun time at Vault 164.Always fun time at Vault 164. Fun Menu, Fun drinks & wine list and fun servers.4/27/2013 12:00:00 AMEverything was amazing!So happy I've discovered this restaurant! It's my new favorite spot!4/27/2013 12:00:00 AMPros - duck tacos, ahi stack,Pros - duck tacos, ahi stack, butter lettuce salad, mushroom risotto, cocktails.
Cons - just avg service, poor desserts.4/27/2013 12:00:00 AMOverall good dining experienceWe had a party of 4. We all had cocktails/beer/wine and rather than each ordering an entree, we shared several of the appetizers/small plate. Each item was very good! Our server was friendly and attentive. Our food arrived at appropriate intervals, rather than everything all at once. I like that. The only 2 negatives were that our table was right in the middle of the restaurant so next visit I will request a booth; and the bus staff was a little too eager to clear our plates and utensils (there was still food left on some of the plates).4/27/2013 12:00:00 AMA Dinner To RememberVery good service from greeter to the waitress! The decors were very nice. Went here with our 6&9 year old kids and they found the place "fancy". They loved the food, the big comfortable chairs, and the vault fixtures. Great menu and drinks and the prices very reasonable considering the bad economy. I would definitely come here again to try other items on the menu! God has blessed my wife and I 9yrs of happy and loving marriage. We couldnt have celebrated at a better place! God bless and Jesus loves you!4/20/2013 12:00:00 AMThe menu was interesting,The menu was interesting, the service super-attentive, and the food very good. The only downside was the inclusion on the gluten-free menu of items which celiacs couldn't eat, and no gluten-free dessert.4/19/2013 12:00:00 AMThe crispy calamari was notThe crispy calamari was not crispy and the server brought it back to the kitchen and refried it. It was better, but too much bell peppers rather than the calamari. The tuna tartar and Caesar salad was great. Overall, the food was good, our server was great. I'd recommend the place and would also come back.4/16/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat Neighborhood Find!We had a wonderful experience. Our server was very friendly and professional. We did not feel rushed and just enjoyed a nice evening. We'll be back.4/14/2013 12:00:00 AMExcellent food, excellent service!I went with a friend and from looking on the internet, I chose Vault 164, as the menu looked pretty delish. I had made reservations and we were immediately seated when we arrived. We decided to share one of the starters - burrata cheese and garlic confit with caramelized cherry tomatoes and ciabatta toasts. Wow! The textures and flavors excited my tongue and mouth :) For my entree, I ordered the garlic skirt steak with brandy peppercorn sauce which was served with a baked onion stuffed with creamed spinach and I chose the Vault style au gratin potatoes that came in a mini skillet. My steak was cooked perfectly and it was so tender! Both the spinach and potatoes were tasty. I'm looking forward to returning!4/13/2013 12:00:00 AMA great neighborhood gemThis is the second time now I've gone to Vault for dinner. In a nutshell - the place and staff continue to impress. This past Saturday evening we were walkins, though they were quite busy, they were able to get us a table within about 15 minute. Our server was fantastic - I think her name was Rosalie. I should also point out, the server we had the previous time, I think her name was Michelle, was also awesome. Also Kudos to the front of the house.4/13/2013 12:00:00 AMVault 164 a San Mateo GemUnique appetizers and specials. We had a group of four and everyone like their entrees. Nice wine selection. Waitress was very friendly and knowledgeable and made recommendations for the table. Provided birthday dessert for our guest of honor.
Overall, very nice time in a fun atmosphere with good food and good service.4/13/2013 12:00:00 AMWe went for lunch. But foodWe went for lunch. But food was delicious and the service was great!4/8/2013 12:00:00 AMDowntown San Mateo with Great Food.It was my first time in but will be back soon. Tasty food and a nice selection.4/5/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat food - loved the appetizers.Great food - loved the appetizers. Good wine choices, not terribly excited about the signature margarita I had. Waitress was very helpful and friendly.4/3/2013 12:00:00 AMWe ate an early dinner EasterWe ate an early dinner Easter Sunday. It was probably before the core of when the restaurant is busy. SErvice was attentive, food tasty3/31/2013 12:00:00 AMFine food in San MateoGood food and very fast and friendly service. The large room with the vaulted ceiling carries noise a lot but if you are lucky you can get a table in one of the corners which are quieter. Vault 164 offers a professionally run bar with many cocktails on the list and upon request. You should give the lichee martini a try. A large wine list with a good variety and choice between still and sparkling water makes for fine dining for wine enthusiasts too. The house special chicken dish is fantastic!3/30/2013 12:00:00 AMBeen here a few times already.Been here a few times already. Food is always delish! Drinks are so good. Highly recommend any of the flatbreads, the crab/arti dip, & crab cakes! I wish they would have the cioppino as part of the regular menu cuz it's so delicious. Had the fried chicken this time, it was good, a little greasy. Friends had the roast chicken and the scallops. All were very happy with their meals.3/30/2013 12:00:00 AMI've been to Vault 164 a fewI've been to Vault 164 a few times now and must say it is one of the better restaurants in downtown San Mateo. I recommend the brussel sprouts, burrata and the steaks as they are all done very well. While I enjoy their food, it isn't mind boggling good and it does not warrant the very steep prices they charge. I don't mind paying $100-$120 for two people (3 course meal with a bottle of wine), but $160 is a bit steep when the steaks are right there in quality with Broadway Prime, SM Prime, (dare I say) Izzy's. Overall, very good food but extremely pricey. Great date place if you need to impress a girl.3/27/2013 12:00:00 AMMariellaThe food and service was great. We ordered a Long Island iced tea and martini special....Outstanding !When we arrived we were seated in a quiet area but later they sat a group of 10 next to us and it was hard to have a conversation3/23/2013 12:00:00 AMDeeelicious....I totally recommend this place. The food is fantastic. The service is excellent. Everyone is very friendly. The brussel sprout chips are amazing. Yes, I'm sure that sounds odd, but you'd have to try then to believe it. I also recommend the Figs, Prosciutto and Arugula flat bread. Super yum. Dinner choices are also a must try. mmmmmm. Need I say more?3/23/2013 12:00:00 AMMy friend and I met for dinnerMy friend and I met for dinner at Vault 164 while our husbands were at a March Madness Basketball game. It was ideal for meeting downtown and enjoying good food and conversation.
Parking was difficult -- Downtown San Mateo is crowded or "jumping" in the evenings, even mid-week.3/21/2013 12:00:00 AMAmazing burger!Lunch: Crab dip is sour cream based; tasty. Calamari had nice dips but very small portion, padded with vegetables. Sandwiches were amazing, tho: mojito skirt steak on brioche was delicious! Even better was burger w/bacon & Gruyere. One of the two best burgers EVER, as good as Duck Club/Lafayette's Kobe burger! Great quality cheese, ground beef was lightly salted in the mixing (best method). On both 'wiches, bread was trimmed so the top and bottom were same thickness--something more places should do instead of 'padding it up' with puffy-top buns. But V164 misses on sides. Fries are second-rate, onion fries are flat shreds, mostly batter and grease. Desserts much too sweet, Midwestern-style. Service very good.3/13/2013 12:00:00 AMFelt a little rushed on aFelt a little rushed on a slow night by our waiter who was nice.3/11/2013 12:00:00 AMBetter the first timeThis was my second time at Vault 164. This experience was not as good as the first. The table was OK although we had a reservation and better tables were available.
I felt rushed the entire time. From drinks to deserts. I did not like the pace.12/22/2012 12:00:00 AMVault 164 rocks....The ambience is really good. It has a great feel to it. The food is excellent but the service is bit slow. Giving customers time is always appreciated. But, there is a time when too much time disrupts the flow of the experience. Definitely a place to come back to but they have to be cognizant of the wait time factor.
Don't get me wrong, I really like and have returned since this evening.9/27/2012 12:00:00 AM