A Guide to San Mateo Coffee Shops
Blue Bottle Coffee
Around the early 2000s, in nearby Oakland, a slightly disaffected freelance musician and coffee lunatic, weary of the commercial coffee enterprise and stale, overly roasted beans, decided to open a roaster for people who were clamoring for the actual taste of fresh coffee. His humble vision has since blossomed into a network of cafes across the United States, Japan, and Korea, with that being said, one of the more dashing installments among San Mateo coffee shops is Blue Bottle’s Bay Meadows location.
A modest space, this store’s warm familiar glow attracts both its community of artisans and innovators, and everyone else who happens to meander on by. Whether you choose to stay inside or take your single origin, blend, or espresso coffee out to stroll the fortuitously sunny streets, understand that just a few minutes’ reprieve in a cafe like this one can feel like a tiny vacation.
Fiero Caffe
An enchanting destination filled with natural light and situated along Historic El Camino Real, Fiero Caffe offers guests a true Italian culinary experience complemented by speedy WiFi, ample comfy seating, and scenic vegetation-filled views. Take a refreshing step back from the hustle and bustle of the bay area, sink into a cozy chair, and have a productive workday outside of the house, enjoy conversation with loved ones over a steamy mug of joe, or try a delicious pasta, secondi, or panini – no matter the occasion, Fiero will not disappoint!
Philz Coffee
Let’s rewind our figurative clock to the year 1978 – when Phil Jaber purchased a convenience store in the heart of San Francisco’s lively Mission District. During his off-hours, the young man blended and tested brews, attempting to formulate the perfect cup of coffee. After 25 years of experimenting, he finally decided to move his very own kitchen table into the convenience store, and thus, Philz Coffee was born.
While Phil’s humble java empire now spans all of California, with locations in Chicago and the Washington D.C. metro area, since the moment he operated his first storefront, he’s consistently stuck to a single fruitful principle: better the days of everyone who walked in.
3 Bees Coffee

Near and dear to the heart of downtown, 3 Bees is an independently owned java stop serving delicious coffee, espresso, and treats within a relaxing atmosphere accentuated by warm colors, dark wooden furnishings, and a rotating selection of local artwork.
Patio Coffee Shop

Patio Coffee Shop is practically tradition, considering the restaurant has been serving locals and visitors alike fresh brewed coffee as well as wholesome dishes from its diverse, mouth-watering breakfast menu (which includes vegetarian options) for years now. Bingo, this is the cozy abode where charming service can be expected, cushioned countertop seating is available, and plates packed end to end with all the usual fixings dapple tabletops.
If you enjoyed this guide to the best San Mateo coffee shops, be sure to check out our list of the Top 10 Coffee Shops in San Jose!