• Banner 1
  • Banner 2
  • Banner 3

Welcome to Apple Fritter

At Apple Fritter, we celebrate the joy of breakfast and brunch with a warm, inviting atmosphere that makes every visit special. Located in San Mateo, our restaurant is known for its delicious and generously-portioned dishes, inspired by classic comfort food and modern flavors. While our namesake fritters may sometimes surprise you, they are just a part of our diverse menu, which includes crowd favorites like the Breakfast Sandwich and Churro French Toast. The friendly staff fosters a community vibe, making Apple Fritter a beloved gathering place for friends and families. Here, every meal embodies comfort, taste, and a welcoming spirit.

Apple Fritter: Reviews & Ratings

Pearl R.
Pearl R.

I came to this breakfast lunch place a couple years back and I really enjoyed their breakfast plate, but I was a little underwhelmed with the apple fritter since there was not a lot of apple and it was really sweet. However, I wanted to give it another shot so I came here with my friend and I really enjoyed the breakfast sandwich with the hashbrowns that I got. There was a lot of flavor and the food came out really fast. I also ordered the blueberry crumble doughnut and a banana fritter. Both donuts were amazing and I would definitely order the blueberry donut here again! The staff here are also really sweet and accommodating, but try to come on the weekday since the weekends are very busy!

Ray F.
Ray F.

Last week, my son and I offered to treat my son's co-worker to breakfast on the co-worker's last day at work. The co-worker selected Apple Fritter for our breakfast. I had dined at Apple Fritter a couple of times in the past, and each time I thoroughly enjoyed my meal. So, I was looking forward to a great breakfast. Apple Fritter did not disappoint. Everything ordered was delicious. A word about Apple Fritter... it is a popular breakfast destination. The food is tasty and the portions generous... and the restaurant has a genuine, easy-going vibe. While we waited for our selections, a group of retired gents were having their regular breakfast meeting at a table across the dining area. They appeared to be right at home. Customers coming in to pick up take-out orders would pause to chat with the restaurant's staff. It's a friendly place. On this day, it was raining. That might have kept some folks away, but that meant we had no problem getting a desirable table. With quality menu items like Westcoast Wrapper and Hipsterito... Apple Fritter can get busy. My son's co-worker ordered the Breakfast Sandwich. It is not a regular eggy sandwich on a bun. This sandwich features juicy bacon, arugula, tomatoes, and a garlic & mayo dressing. It was described as "Eggcellent!" The Breakfast Sandwich was accompanied by more tater tots than the law probably allows. For French Toast lovers, the Fritter's Tooth Fairy French Toast meal will satisfy any craving for fine French cuisine. Well, maybe not, but a generous helping of scrambled eggs and choice bacon as sides will keep you going well beyond lunchtime. I ordered the Brunchurrito. The combination of bell peppers, hashbrowns, black beans, salsa, and sour cream with some chicken apple sausage in the mix were prepared to perfection. I took photos of our plates before we started eating. When we finished, there was nothing left to photograph. I heartily recommend Apple Fritter for breakfast. If there are some folks queued up at the counter... chill... there's a reason so many people like this restaurant. It's easily worth the wait.

Thei G.
Thei G.

me and my brother come here in the mornings the donuts are really good and always a pleasure coming back as the sandwich is really good and like how it's very affordable and the service is also really good would recommend coming

Rod N.
Rod N.

30 minutes from SF on 101. Minimal traffic. Got there at 10:00am. Found parking in the little lot. Got a table inside. There was always a free table. And all the tables outside were open. Staff was friendly and efficient. The food was WONDERFUL! I had the Spicy Hash with Hot Links, eggs over easy. Perfect. Popped the yolk and it ran all over. Just the right amount heat This will definitely be a come-back-to destination

Tanya D.
Tanya D.

For a place called Apple Fritter, you would think those would be available for purchase but they weren't, which was a bit disappointing. We came here on a busy Saturday morning. We stood in line for about 20 minutes and had to find a table inside. There is a quick turnover so we were able to find a spot after we ordered our food. Once you order you receive a number and they will bring your food to you. The place is funky with a lot of fun pics on the walls. All plates had very generous portions and food was good, so I understand the long lines. We each ordered our plates. I was able to try the sandwich, scramble and some tots. All tasted really good. The churro French toast was delicious, but I could only have a couple bites after our large meal and because it was so rich and sweet. All in all, good breakfast spot. I would come back again and hopefully can that Apple fritter I was craving lol.

Vince M.
Vince M.

I've been wanting to try this place after it was featured on the show "Check, please". We visited this place on a weekday at 10 am and it was super crowded. The parking lot is tiny and parking is limited. There was a long line to get into the restaurant, but good thing the line goes fast. After ordering our food we were lucky to find a seat inside because the restaurant is small with limited seating. We ordered the awesome brekky sandwich, the stuffed Nutella French toast and the regular French toast. Everything was really good. The Nutella French toast was tasty and the breakfast sandwich was delicious. The egg was cooked well and the bacon was crispy and I liked the added touch of garlic and mayo with the brioche bun. The sandwich came with a side of delicious hash browns. The only disappointment that we encountered- they ran out of their famous apple fritter donuts. We were really looking forward to trying their apple fritter. Many of the people waiting in line were also so disappointed. We ended up buying a box of their others donuts. They had a large variety of donuts to pick from. The donuts turned out to be really good and the highlight of the trip. I don't live close to this restaurant, but If I am ever in the area I will definitely stop by apple fritters for the donuts. However, I think their apple fritter donut will always be a mystery (no matter what time you go) due to the limited quantity that they make.

Matt L.
Matt L.

Been to Apple Fritter dozens of times at this point and finally decided to leave a review after my most recent visit! Quality, service, and ambiance are consistent. Food: Bird's Nest Since I usually come here after going to the gym, this has been my go-to plate because it's packed with protein and always consistent! Ground beef, sautéed onions, melted cheese, and hash browns - obviously it won't have the most dynamic flavor, but they season well and serve big portions! For the price, this is the most bang for your buck considering most brunch places don't give as much but charge more. Definitely need to try the pastries at some point! Service: No matter how busy this place gets, which is BUSY, the food always comes out quickly and they have never forgotten to give me cutlery. Additionally, they always ask if I need anything else before taking my order number away. Love the service here and hope they get the recognition they deserve! Water is self-serve and they have condiments on every table. Ambiance: The establishment is eclectic for sure. The interior is a mixture of paintings, cat decor, trinkets, and a cardboard cut-out of Keanu Reeves. There is an old TV hanging in one of the corners of the restaurant that plays cartoons from the 90s (think Looney Tunes). I would say they make good use of the space as there's an ample amount of indoor seating available despite being small. There are a few outdoor benches in the event that the indoor seating is full. Parking: My only pain-point!! The parking lot is small, so it's usually difficult to get a spot within the premises of the restaurant. I'm assuming that most of the kitchen staff take the parking, rightfully so, but it does contribute to this problem. You can park down the street in one of the nearby neighborhoods, but you will have to do a little walking. Tips: (1) If you want parking on premises, avoid busy times (10am-11am) if possible (2) The restaurant only accepts take-out orders after 1:30pm. (3) Large groups (5+ people) may have a hard time finding seating altogether, so arrive early

Caili C.
Caili C.

We came here for Sunday brunch and it definitely was busy. We had to wait for a bit for a spot in the parking lot and then waited ~30 min in line to order. I wish they had more than one ordering counter as that was what was creating the line when there was plenty of empty tables inside and outside. Ordered a bunch of donuts to try but unfortunately all the fritters were sold out by 11:30am. The cinnamon roll and plain old fashioned were our favorite - the cinnamon roll is a yeasted donut and so so fluffy! For food I got the sausage hash with pineapple pork sausage which was good but I wish the hash browns were crisper. Definitely larger portion sizes but the food was pretty average. Come for the donuts though!

Location

  • Apple Fritter
    1901 S Norfolk St San Mateo, CA 94403 United States Hotline: (650) 525-9125

Welcome to Apple Fritter, a delightful breakfast and brunch destination nestled in the heart of San Mateo, California. This charming establishment offers not just a meal but an experience, where flavors meet comfort in a lively and inviting atmosphere. With a menu centered around both hearty mash-ups and classic favorites, Apple Fritter caters to a diverse clientele looking to start their day on a tasty note.

While the name might suggest a spotlight on apple fritters, the selection here is much broader. Apple Fritter excels in a variety of mouthwatering dishes, with standout options like the Breakfast Sandwich loaded with juicy bacon, arugula, and a delectable garlic mayo dressing, served alongside generous portions of crispy tater tots. Patrons rave about the Brunchurrito, which harmoniously combines bell peppers, hashbrowns, and flavorful chicken apple sausage.

Dining here is not just about the food; it’s about the community experience. The eatery radiates a friendly vibe where regulars catch up over coffee, and newcomers are warmly welcomed. Customers often find themselves in a laid-back environment, complete with outdoor seating and quirky decor that adds to the charm. As one reviewer noted, “It’s a friendly place,” encapsulating the homey feeling Apple Fritter offers.

Accessibility is also a priority at Apple Fritter. The establishment is wheelchair accessible, with ample parking options, ensuring everyone can enjoy the offerings with ease. Plus, the incorporation of technology, like QR code menus, enhances the dining convenience, making it easier for guests to indulge in their favorites.

Your visit isn’t complete without sampling the acclaimed sweets. Though some have noted the elusive apple fritter itself, the range of donuts and creative specials adds a sweet ending to your meal. Guests have praised options like the Blueberry Crumble Doughnut and the rich Churro French Toast, showcasing the restaurant's ability to treat your taste buds all day long.

If you're looking for a place that combines quality food with a relaxed atmosphere, Apple Fritter is certainly worthwhile. Whether dining in or opting for takeout, prepare for an enjoyable experience where every meal is crafted with care.

So make your way to 1901 S Norfolk St and discover why Apple Fritter has become a beloved breakfast spot in the region. Don't forget to check out their specials, bring a friend, and immerse yourself in the delicious offerings that await!