The Refuge: Build, Dwell, Think

About the Restaurant

The Refuge is an upscale, artisan wine pub located in the ever popular downtown area of San Carlos on the main artery, Laurel Street. It captures the best iconoclastic dishes America has ever conceived, and the personal European nostalgia of its founder and owner, Matt Levin.

The menu is eclectic and cohesive. Our ultra-tender, mouth-watering pastrami, hand-carved and steaming hot, will be a Bay Area revolution. Nobody has ever served this type of pastrami in the Bay Area. It is made with respect to the bold traditions laid down by the great delicatessens such as Langer’s and Katz’s. The menu also features fresh house-ground Hamburgers, authentic Ribeye Cheesesteaks, fresh salads, seasonal soups, comforting desserts, and last but not least, house-made charcuterie and cured meats.

The wine selection at The Refuge is a soulful compliment. The Refuge brings wine down a notch. We offer wines meant to be enjoyed by the carafe with goblet-sized glasses, as well as wines designed for Austrian stemware. Our focus is on newer, European varietals that are well-made with outstanding quality and value. Our beer list has great classics from the roots of Belgium.