Izakaya Mai

For Californians seeking a diverse and authentic taste of Japan, look no further than Izakaya Mai in San Mateo. This popular Asian restaurant offers a comprehensive Japanese dining experience, blending traditional flavors with a lively, welcoming atmosphere. An izakaya, in Japanese culture, is a casual Japanese bar that serves alcoholic drinks and snacks, and Izakaya Mai truly embodies this spirit by providing a vast menu that goes far beyond just sushi.

Izakaya Mai has become a local fixture in San Mateo, drawing in crowds with its extensive selection of Japanese dishes, from comforting noodle soups and robust curry rice to various small plates perfect for sharing, and a selection of sushi. Whether you're looking for a quick bite, a full meal, or a place to unwind with friends over beer towers, Izakaya Mai offers a flexible and engaging dining experience that caters to a wide array of preferences, making it a true gem for residents across the Golden State.

You’ll find Izakaya Mai conveniently situated at 212 2nd Ave, San Mateo, CA 94401, USA. This prime location places it in the bustling heart of downtown San Mateo, an area renowned for its vibrant culinary scene and lively atmosphere. Its position on 2nd Avenue makes it easily accessible for locals residing in San Mateo and the broader Bay Area, whether they are commuting, enjoying an evening out, or exploring the city.

When it comes to accessibility, Izakaya Mai benefits from being in a well-established urban area. While street parking can sometimes be competitive during peak hours, San Mateo offers several City-owned parking garages and lots nearby. These facilities often provide free parking after 6 p.m. every day, on Sundays, and on City-designated holidays, significantly easing the parking situation for evening diners. Notable nearby garages include the Central Garage and Second and El Camino Garage, both offering hourly rates. Additionally, being in a central downtown location means it's well-served by public transportation, including Caltrain and bus routes, providing convenient options for those who prefer not to drive. This ease of access ensures that enjoying a meal at Izakaya Mai is a hassle-free experience for most Californians.

Izakaya Mai offers an expansive menu designed to cater to a wide range of tastes within Japanese cuisine. Their services include:

• Extensive Dine-in Menu: They provide a comprehensive menu featuring various categories of Japanese food, allowing guests to explore different flavors and dishes. Categories include Noodles (Ramen, Udon, Soba), Donburi (Rice Bowls), Japanese Curry Rice, Izakaya Tapas, Deep Fried items, Entrees, Nigiri (Sushi), Classic Rolls, Special Rolls, Roll Combinations, Sushi Combinations, Temaki (Hand Rolls), Deep Fried Rolls, Baked Rolls, and items from the Sushi Bar.

• Late-Night Hours: A significant highlight, Izakaya Mai is known for its late-night operating hours, remaining open until midnight every day (Sunday to Saturday). This makes it an ideal spot for those seeking a delicious Japanese meal or drinks after other establishments have closed.

• Diverse Izakaya Tapas: True to its izakaya nature, the restaurant offers a wide selection of small plates perfect for sharing. These include items like Okonomiyaki (Japanese pancakes), Hamachi Kama (grilled yellowtail collar), Pork Kakuni (braised pork belly), Gyoza, Yakitori (chicken skewers), Shishito Pepper, and various grilled fish options, providing a authentic "tapas" style experience.

• Sushi and Rolls: While some reviews suggest it's not their primary specialty, Izakaya Mai still offers a palatable selection of classic and special rolls, nigiri, and sashimi. Popular rolls include the California Roll, Oregon Roll (salmon), Miami Roll (tuna), and the "Crazy Monkey" roll.

• Hearty Main Dishes: Beyond the smaller plates, they offer substantial meals such as Japanese Katsu Curry Rice, various ramen options (including Izakaya Original Champon and Curry Ramen), and Donburi (rice bowls like Una-Tama Don and Beef Donburi).

• Bento Boxes: For a complete and convenient meal, they offer Bento Boxes with combinations of 2 or 3 items, served with miso soup and rice.

• Alcoholic Beverages: As a traditional izakaya, they offer an extensive selection of Japanese beers, sake (cold and hot), and shochu. The option of "beer towers" is popular for groups.

• Takeout and Delivery: For customer convenience, Izakaya Mai offers both pickup and delivery services through popular platforms like Postmates, Uber Eats, and DoorDash, allowing customers to enjoy their favorite dishes at home.

Izakaya Mai boasts several features that contribute to its popularity among California locals, despite some varying customer feedback:

• Expansive Menu Variety: One of its strongest features is the sheer breadth of its menu. From sushi and sashimi to various noodle dishes (ramen, udon, soba), hearty curry plates, and a comprehensive selection of izakaya small plates, there's truly something for everyone, making it suitable for groups with diverse preferences.

• Authentic Izakaya Vibe: The restaurant is often described as having a "nice izakaya vibe" or feeling like a "comfy cozy restaurant in Asia," with a dimly lit and well-decorated interior. This authentic ambiance contributes significantly to the dining experience, especially for those seeking a traditional Japanese pub atmosphere.

• Late-Night Dining: Being open until midnight seven days a week is a major highlight, providing a valuable option for late-night meals or drinks, a service not commonly offered by all Japanese restaurants in the area.

• Popular Signature Dishes: Certain items receive consistent praise. The "Crazy Monkey roll" is noted for its size and flavor. The Japanese Katsu Curry Rice is highlighted as "amazing value" and "flavorful with crispy and tender meat." The Hamachi Kama (grilled yellowtail collar) is also specifically mentioned as "perfectly cooked."

• Beer Towers Available: For groups, the availability of beer towers adds a fun, communal element to the dining experience, which is a characteristic feature of izakayas.

• Value for Money: Despite mixed service reviews, some customers find the portion sizes and pricing to offer "amazing value," particularly for dishes like the Katsu Curry Rice.

• Long-Standing Presence: Being described as a "classic San Mateo" spot that has "been here forever" (or at least for a significant period) indicates its established presence and popularity within the local community, suggesting a loyal customer base.

Izakaya Mai occasionally offers specific promotions, particularly through their online ordering platforms. These are designed to attract customers and provide good value for money. Based on available public data, here are some examples of promotions you might find:

• Sushi Lover Combos: Izakaya Mai features "Lover Sushi Combos" which are promotional bundles designed for fans of specific fish types. For example:

  • SALMON LOVER SUSHI COMBO: Includes 5 pcs. Freshly cut Salmon Sashimi + 4 pcs. Salmon Nigiri + Salmon maki + Oregon roll + FREE DRINK! (No substitution).

  • HAMACHI LOVER SUSHI COMBO: Includes 5 pcs. Freshly cut Yellowtail (Hamachi) Sashimi + 4 pcs. Yellowtail Nigiri + Negihama maki + Negihama hand roll + FREE DRINK! (No substitution).

  • TUNA LOVER SUSHI COMBO: Includes 5 pcs. Freshly cut Tuna Sashimi + 4 pcs. Tuna Nigiri + Tekka maki + Miami roll + FREE DRINK! (No substitution).

• Food & Alcohol Combos: They also offer combinations that pair a main dish with an alcoholic beverage, such as the "Izakaya Original Champon and alcohol combo," which includes creamy pork broth noodles topped with stir-fried veggies, pork, seafood mix, and fish cakes, served with a choice of alcoholic drink.

• Online Delivery Platform Promotions: While specific to the platform, services like Postmates and Uber Eats sometimes offer incentives like "free delivery on your first order" from Izakaya Mai, or through their subscription services (e.g., Postmates Unlimited).

It is always recommended to check their official website (if available) or their listings on popular delivery platforms like Postmates, Uber Eats, and DoorDash for the most current and active promotions before placing an order or visiting.

To experience the diverse Japanese menu and lively atmosphere of Izakaya Mai, or to place an order for pickup or delivery, you can use the following contact details:

• Address: 212 2nd Ave, San Mateo, CA 94401, USA

• Phone: (650) 347-2511

Given its popularity, especially on weekend nights, it's a good idea to consider arriving early or checking for current wait times if you're planning a dine-in visit during peak hours.

For California locals, especially those in the bustling Bay Area, Izakaya Mai in San Mateo stands out as a highly suitable and compelling Asian restaurant choice, particularly for Japanese cuisine. Its prime location on 2nd Avenue in downtown San Mateo ensures easy accessibility, with various parking options nearby and strong public transport links. This convenience makes it a practical spot for a spontaneous dinner, a planned gathering, or a late-night craving, fitting seamlessly into the busy lives of Californians.

The true strength of Izakaya Mai lies in its expansive and diverse menu. Unlike restaurants that specialize in just one area, Izakaya Mai offers a broad spectrum of Japanese dishes, from classic sushi and rolls (like the popular "Crazy Monkey" roll) to hearty ramen and udon bowls, satisfying Japanese curry rice, and an array of authentic izakaya tapas. This extensive selection means there’s something for everyone, making it an ideal destination for groups with varied tastes or for individuals who enjoy exploring different facets of Japanese gastronomy. For instance, while one customer might praise the perfectly cooked "Hamachi kama," another might rave about the "solid" chicken katsu curry or the hearty "buta nasu."

Furthermore, its lively izakaya atmosphere and late-night operating hours truly set it apart. Being packed on a Thursday night with "beer towers flowing" speaks to its vibrant energy, perfect for those seeking a dynamic dining experience. The ability to enjoy a full Japanese meal well into the evening is a significant advantage for many locals. While some customer feedback points to occasional service challenges, the overall sentiment regarding the food quality and the engaging ambiance suggests that Izakaya Mai provides a valuable and enjoyable dining option for Californians seeking a comprehensive and authentic taste of Japan right in their backyard.

Izakaya Mai

212 2nd Ave, San Mateo, CA 94401, USA