The Refuge Menu (Update 2025)

The Refuge, located in San Carlos, CA, offers a variety of options in the categories of cheesesteaks, gastropubs, and burgers. This establishment provides a range of utilities including delivery, takeout, and vegan options. Customers praise the pastrami sandwiches as some of the best they have ever had, with other standout items like the Reuben sandwich and garlic fries. The casual bar atmosphere and friendly service create an enjoyable dining experience for patrons. The diverse beer and wine selection complements the delicious food offerings. With ample seating, indoor/outdoor options, and special events like Tuesday trivia, The Refuge is a top choice for those craving a solid pastrami sandwich. Visit for a cozy and welcoming environment, exceptional food, and attentive service.

SOUPS, SALADS AND APPETIZERS

Original Pastrami Chopped Salad

Warm pastrami morsels, romaine, avocado, tomatoes, shredded swiss cheese, egg, pickled veggies, warm rye toast and honey mustard dressing served on the side (Veg Option)

Poached Pear Salad

Arugula, Baby spinach, goat and parmesan cheese, candied pumpkin seeds and truffle oil

Grilled Cheese & Tomato Soup

Served with fries

Kyiv Style Chopped Chicken Liver

Chopped chicken liver pate, toasted rye bread, White pickled pearl onions, pickled red onions, whole grain mustard, cornichons, & fried chicken skin.

Short Rib Barbacoa Nachos

Tender-braised Short Rib, cheddar, queso fresco, tomatillo avocado sauce, sour cream, cilantro, pico de gallo

Poutine

Legendary Canadian street food. French fries with cheese curd and brown gravy. (Add Bacon or Pastrami)

Refuge Family Meal

Pounds of our famous Refuge navel pastrami [served hot and sliced or unsliced slab(Please specify)], Side of Russian Dressing and Gulden's Spicy Brown Mustard, Pint of Cole Slaw and Sour Kraut, One Whole loaf of Rye Bread, slices of Swiss Cheese

Refuge Combo Meal (Dine In Only)

HALF pastrami sandwich of your choice (Half Plain, Half Reuben, Half Toasted Slaw , or Half Swiss & Mustard), fries, and an ice-cold pilsner! (cl Pour)

Reuben

Pastrami, sauerkraut, melted swiss, crazy russian dressing and toasted rye

The Toasted Slaw

Pastrami, coleslaw, swiss (not melted), crazy russian dressing and toasted rye

Swiss & Mustard

Pastrami, swiss, toasted rye and Guldens mustard

Soup & Sandwich

HALF pastrami sandwich of your choice (Half Plain, Half Reuben, Half Toasted Slaw , or Half Swiss & Mustard,) and a cup of our tomato Soup. Sorry, no substitutions for soup.

PASTRAMI PATHOS

FRESH GROUND CHUCK BURGERS

Lettuce Wrap

Cheddar cheese, beef patty, vine-ripened tomatoes, and red onions wrapped in iceberg lettuce. Served with side salad with side of balsamic vinaigrette.

Cheddar Burger

Cheddar cheese, tomatoes, romaine, and red onions

Pastrami Burger

Beef burger, sliced pastrami, melted swiss, sauerkraut and russian dressing served on a burger bun

Brie Burger

Brie cheese, mushrooms, tomatoes, oregano, and aioli.

Bacon & Bleu Cheese Burger (San Carlos Only)

Beef burger, crumbled bleu cheese, bacon, and ranch

Ohio Burger

Slightly sweet, circa late 's Akron, with caramelized onions and muenster cheese.

Mole Burger

Authentic mole sauce (Contains Peanuts), bacon, cheddar, pickled jalapenos, red onions, cilantro, sliced pickles

O.G. Cheesesteak

Just provolone cheese and our delicious sliced rib-eye

Western Cheesesteak

Bacon, fried onions, provolone cheese, BBQ sauce, cilantro, and ranch dressing

Wit Cheesesteak

WIT Caramelized onions, WIT cherry peppers, WIT Refuge cheese sauce

The Champ Cheesesteak

Mushrooms, roasted red bell peppers, provolone

Cheesesteak De Arbol

Avocado sauce, de arbol extra spicy sauce, sour cream, red onion, lettuce, tomato, cilantro, and cheddar cheese.

PHILLY CHEESESTEAKS

SPECIALTIES & FAVORITES

Impossible Burger (Contains Nuts, Romesco Only.)

Seared plant-based burger, melted provolone, avocado, lettuce, tomato, onion and romesco sauce. Served with fries

Tuna Melt

Albacore Tuna, onion, celery, dill, mayo and cheddar served on sourdough bread. Served with fries.

Fried Chicken Sandwich

Marinated chicken thighs w/ flour-based breading, coated in our house-made wing sauce, and topped with provolone cheese and ranch. Served on a burger bun with lettuce, tomato, and pickles. Served w/ a side of fries.

Pulled BBQ Brisket Sandwich

On a burger bun with cole slaw, crispy fried onions, and cilantro. Served with fries.