The Refuge has been providing protection for many East Coast street food classics since 2008. The hand-carved, ultra tender, boldly flavored navel pastrami sends shockwaves throughout the gastronomic …
I just moved to San Carlos from NYC and the last thing I expected is to have Katz-quality pastrami, with no line, in the Peninsula suburbs! Truly incredible, and up alongside Katz's as one of the best things I have ever eaten. I will be back soon and often!
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Mark P
9 contributions
Didn't like
• 26/05/24
• DoorDash order
while the food is good, the portions are outrageously small for the price. The Orange-Bourbon Hot Wings and Hot Wings each only had 5 not huge wings in the order, and a New York deli would have never served such a skinny Reuben - and certainly not for over $30. If the prices were better, and portions better, I would order here a lot.
J
Jane C
4 contributions
Loved
• 19/05/26
• DoorDash order
The Reuben was delicious! Best sandwich I've ever had there... or maybe anywhere! The pastrami was tender and flavorful. Fries were also good . We couldn't eat them all. So many!
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Melissa L
Emerging Expert • 5 contributions
Loved
• 23/10/25
• DoorDash order
The most consistent restaurant I've ever eaten at, and my favorite in the Bay Area. The Pastrami #19 is quite possibly the best sandwich I've ever eaten and I would highly recommend it over any of their other many items even though I've yet to have something I didn't enjoy. While a bit pricey, I often have leftovers or leave extremely full as the portions are generous. They have, in my opinion, the best Fries you can possibly have, always fresh, hot, and perfectly salted. We go to the San Carlos location and the staff is so welcoming and friendly. The Refuge is a 10/10 in my book and have something for everyone but do be sure to try the pastrami.
C
Christopher L
2 contributions
Didn't like
• 10/11/23
• DoorDash order
DoorDash service was good, this review is for the restaurant. Brussel Sprouts were bland and flavorless. Short Rib Barbacoa Nachos were cold and meat was dry Im most disappointed in the Mac & Cheese $12 for a small scoop of what tasted like craft Mac and cheese that was more of a kids menu item than an appetizer. For the $70+ this cost me I will never be eating here again
