Went to T2 last night for my boyfriend's coworker's birthday. I see that people have really been bashing on this place. But it really isn't that bad for what it is. I think people are comparing this place to the American bars, etc. But come on, it's owned by Chinese people. How awesome or modern is it going to be?
It seems like people all paid different prices for drinks (?). Our entire party got free rounds of beers (well, the boss paid for it), there was no cover charge, shots were $7.00 each, and cocktails were $9.00 each, so it wasn't horribly expensive, but not cheap either. However, their cocktail drinks are just ok. The bartender made me a green tea cocktail and it was literally a mixture of two shots of different alcohol, and then topped off with Itoen Green Tea. Not bad, but not very creative as well. As others have mentioned, there is no beer on tap. The bar is literally just a bar... No soda , no beer on tap.
This place isn't the nicest place. Dark room with lots of couches and very minimalistic decor. However, there is LOTS of room to sit. That's one plus I'll give this place. There is pretty much enough couch seating for everybody in the place, which can be a lot better than going to other bars and having trouble finding a place to sit. And this place doesn't get super packed.
Some funnier things I noticed are that they play music videos here.. And they all look like they were just recorded off of BET. Pretty "gangster" music for a Chinese bar. But hey, when you're getting buzzed, the music makes it more fun. Also, everything here is from Ikea. It's pretty funny taking shots, drinking cocktails, having chasers, ashing your cigarettes and thinking "damn, I have all of these cups at my house." Also, as Amy D. mentioned, the "signs" outside for this place are pretty ghetto. They simply printed "T2" on white 8.5x11 paper.. funny funny funny.
Another thing I know is that people hate the fact that they allow smoking in here, which isn't a problem since I am a social smoker myself. But if people have problems with the smoking, don't come here. Because honestly, almost all Asian people smoke. And it's cool to not have to get up and go outside in the cold to smoke. I almost think I'm in Asia again.
Overall, I'm giving this place three stars. It's one of those places where it is what it is. They're not trying to be a hip ultra lounge. On the contrary, it's just a more chill place for the Chinese kids to sit back, drink, and play their games while drinking. This wouldn't be my place to go out necessarily, but it's not bad for what it is. And I have to admit, it was sort of refreshing being around a bunch of Chinese people. A big change from the downtown SJ/SF scene.
The drinks are not cheap, but T2 is the only place that allow indoor smoking and KTV near San Mateo. Â I know the owner and the bartender there so maybe I am a bit biased. Different stroke for different people overall, but I always have a good time at T2.
Just know what you are getting yourself into, then you might just enjoy what it offers. Â
ps. i quit smoking though, stupid decision but I can relate. =)
Man, I totally agree with Amy D. and Brian P.
Was here for a friend's joint birthday party and had tons of fun but only b/c I was with all my friends! It got pretty packed later, but shit, 20$ cover charge!? NEVER again.
This IS an Asian bar, and usually for people who a) either drink ONLY beer or b) or straight alcohol...I don't know about you but I wouldn't call it a bar unless they had a REAL bartender instead of some person that can barely pour a shot correctly, has no TAP beer (are you serious?!) and suggests you mix your drink with aloe vera (which, coincidentally, tastes pretty damn good..i won't bag on that suggestion)
People do smoke in here, so it would definitely NOT be my choice of "bar" but then again who really comes to T2 in SAN MATEO, of all places, to party? I had fun but it got pretty annoying when some A-Z-N wannabe thug keeps spilling his bud light on my feet....
LAME
T2 is an Asian (Chinese) bar/lounge in downtown San Mateo, across the street from KFC. The building looks sort of empty and you would never know that there was a bar there, as the two signs they have are printed on 8.5"x11" white paper.
SMOKING IS ALLOWED and drinks are $$$. An Adios Motherfucker is $13. If I had to pay for more than two drinks, I'd have said adios motherfucker to T2. I mean, who charges $13 for a cocktail in freaking downtown San Mateo?!
When I was here for my friend's birthday party, our group of 25+ took over the area behind the bar with the sectional sofas. This is the best place to sit because there's windows that you can open for much needed ventilation and plenty of space for everyone.
P.S. Make sure to count your change at the bar, because the bartender almost jipped me $10.
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