Seemor
Harry's HofbrauBWorth Trying
1909 El Camino Real, Redwood City, CA 94063
· Traditional American restaurant, Cafeteria, Restaurant
· 4.5/5 Google (3316 reviews)
Takeout · Outdoor seating
Classic cafeteria-style carvery with generous comfort-food plates, fast lines, and a lively bar; value is good, but service warmth and occasional dryness or blandness can vary.
Why it gets a B for overall quality
Harry's Hofbrau delivers dependable carvery classics with efficient cafeteria service and strong value for Bay Area pricing. Deep customer loyalty spanning decades reflects genuine appeal, yet inconsistent execution—occasional dry meat and bland sides and variable service warmth prevent grade A territory. A solid neighborhood favorite that excels at what it does without reaching exceptional distinction.
Restaurant Summary
Inside, it feels like an era preserved: trays clatter, carvers slice to order, and the bar hums with locals. Lines can be long but move fast, and service ranges from pragmatic to warmly helpful. One diner summed it up: "Comfort food done right, served fast" with a nostalgic cafeteria vibe. Cooking here leans classic carvery over flash. Think roast beef, turkey, and prime rib with gravy, mushrooms, and a spread of hot and cold sides. It suits diners who want straightforward, hearty plates rather than chef theatrics. Quality is generally solid, though a few report dry slices or bland soups late in the day. For families, it is easy: kids gravitate to turkey, mashed potatoes, and hot dogs, and there is a Children & Senior dinner with dessert and a drink. Vegetarians can assemble meals from many sides and salads, but vegan mains are limited. Expect cafeteria flow and quick seating for groups.
At a Glance
- Hearty carvery classics with fast-moving lines
- Good value for Bay Area pricing and portions
- Strong regular base and holiday traditions
- Service warmth varies at carving and bar stations
- Occasional dryness or bland sides, especially late day
What Sets It Apart
- classic_cafeteria_carvery
- historic_local_institution
- large_portions_value
What People Love
- Nostalgic, old-school vibe
- Juicy prime rib and roast beef
- Mushroom side that elevates beef plates
- Lines that look long but move quickly
- Reasonable prices for large servings
Points of Concern
- Service tone can feel curt at carving or bar stations for some guests
- Quality dips reported on peak holidays or late evening (dry turkey, wilted salads)
- Some sides and soups read bland; ask for sauces on the side
- Receipt or portion disputes surfaced in a few cases; check at the counter
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleCounter With Seating
Average Cost$28-38 per person
ReservationsNot required
What to Order
- Build a plate around beef or turkey plus mushrooms and mashed potatoes
- Vegetarians can combine multiple hot sides and salads for a filling meal
- Desserts like Boston Cream Pie or Apple Pie (~$6) are safe bets
Perfect For
- Casual dinners where everyone wants something familiar
- Holiday takeout or tradition night
- Post-game or after-work bar bites with hearty plates
- Solo, quick meals without the fuss of table service
Location Insights
Area: Busy El Camino corridor with mixed retail, auto traffic, and local residential catchment; casual, everyday dining.
Safety: Generally safe, well-traveled arterial road with steady foot traffic near businesses.
Nearby: Near shops and services along El Camino; convenient from US-101; bar area draws locals and game watchers.
Downtown Redwood CityDowntown Redwood City offers a lively dining scene with a variety of casual and family-friendly restaurants, bars, and cafes. The area is pedestrian-friendly with a community-oriented atmosphere, attracting a mix of locals and commuters. It is known for its accessibility and a blend of traditional and contemporary eateries.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday11:00–22:00
Tuesday11:00–22:00
Wednesday11:00–22:00
Thursday11:00–23:00
Friday11:00–23:00
Saturday11:00–23:00
Sunday11:00–22:00
Available: Takeout, Outdoor seating
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