Weekend playbook · family-made
A NOLA-flavored Peninsula playbook for Stanford move-in week
Live the next week like it’s Mardi Gras — just with better weather, earlier brunch, and a Caltrain schedule.
Staying in San Carlos for Stanford move-in? It’s Geaux Time with the Fralicks — a slightly biased local guide to food stops, hikes, downtown strolls, coastside drives, sports bars, family meetups, and easy Peninsula wins while you’re here.
Featured food section
A short list of casual “worth it” spots between Redwood City, San Mateo and Palo Alto — the ones we’d actually text you when you ask where to eat.
Burrito vs. Ramen decision helper
Need a quick call? Choose burritos if you want fast, filling, and easy. Choose ramen if you want a sit-down downtown San Mateo food stop. Choose Kajiken for something distinctive; choose Pancho Villa for a classic big burrito.
Fast, filling, easy to eat in a park or in the car.
Burritos / Mexican
San Mateo
Why go?
A classic San Mateo taqueria and a strong pick for a big, meat-forward burrito.
Order this: Pura Carne Burrito — all meat
Burritos / Tacos / Mexican
Redwood City
Why go?
A Redwood City Mexican staple and a reliable burrito and taco stop.
Order this: Carnitas burrito
Placeholder for another Peninsula burrito pick later — a favorite taqueria in San Carlos, San Mateo, Redwood City or Palo Alto.
All walkable in downtown San Mateo, all worth the short drive.
Ramen / Aburasoba / Soupless Ramen
San Mateo
Why go?
A standout San Mateo ramen stop specializing in aburasoba — soupless ramen tossed in oils and sauce.
Order this: Aburasoba / dry ramen
Ramen / Tsukemen
San Mateo
Why go?
San Mateo outpost of the famous Taishoken lineage, known for ramen and tsukemen.
Order this: Tsukemen or the signature ramen
Ramen
San Mateo
Why go?
Longtime San Mateo ramen favorite and the pick for rich, satisfying broth ramen.
Order this: Spicy garlic pork ramen or the house favorite
From a burger window under the oaks to ocean-view chowder — the places we'd actually send family.
Narrow it down
Local food hits
When
What
Mood & effort
18 ideas
Ramen / Aburasoba / Soupless Ramen
San Mateo
Why go?
A standout San Mateo ramen stop specializing in aburasoba — soupless ramen tossed in oils and sauce.
Order this: Aburasoba / dry ramen
Burritos / Mexican
San Mateo
Why go?
A classic San Mateo taqueria and a strong pick for a big, meat-forward burrito.
Order this: Pura Carne Burrito — all meat
Ramen / Tsukemen
San Mateo
Why go?
San Mateo outpost of the famous Taishoken lineage, known for ramen and tsukemen.
Order this: Tsukemen or the signature ramen
Ramen
San Mateo
Why go?
Longtime San Mateo ramen favorite and the pick for rich, satisfying broth ramen.
Order this: Spicy garlic pork ramen or the house favorite
Burritos / Tacos / Mexican
Redwood City
Why go?
A Redwood City Mexican staple and a reliable burrito and taco stop.
Order this: Carnitas burrito
Flexible Food Crawl
San Mateo
Why go?
Let the group choose ramen, dumplings, pho, boba, dessert, or another downtown favorite.
Nicer Local Dinner
San Carlos
Why go?
The lively downtown San Carlos dinner: steak, chops, seafood, good cocktails.
Burgers / Casual
Palo Alto
Why go?
Burgers, fries and shakes at Town & Country, right across from Stanford.
Historic Burger / Beer Garden
Portola Valley
Why go?
A 1850s roadhouse with picnic tables under the oaks. Burgers, beer, and history.
Ramen / Pho / Dumplings
San Mateo
Why go?
Walk B Street and pick as you go: ramen, dumplings, pho, boba, Japanese desserts.
Mediterranean / Casual
Palo Alto
Why go?
Fast, fresh Mediterranean near campus — great vegetarian option.
Nicer Local Dinner
San Carlos
Why go?
Contemporary American cooking in downtown San Carlos.
Italian
San Carlos
Why go?
Classic Italian on Laurel Street — pasta, veal, and a friendly room.
Coffee
San Carlos
Why go?
Local coffee and a snack to fuel the downtown walk.
Casual Waterfront / Pregame
San Francisco
Why go?
Casual waterfront food stop very close to Oracle Park.
Classic Waterfront / Pregame
San Francisco
Why go?
Classic old-school San Francisco waterfront burger and beer stop.
Coastside Seafood
Half Moon Bay
Why go?
Ocean-view seafood: chowder, the lobster roll, fish and chips, big views.
Casual Seafood
Princeton-by-the-Sea
Why go?
Cash-friendly, no-frills harbor seafood. Chowder and fried everything.