Carlos Club

The sign is cool the club was not
They need to do something different inside
KEEP the sign outside the neon is timeless
Just a hint to any investors if you piss off the locals here you will blow it
Lived in San Mateo for awhile and remember the nice comments about
the neon signage at this club and thought it was a cool sign my own damn self
Cannot believe the new owners would trash this particular neon sign.

I came in and liked the bartender and was glad that the someone else was going to once again try their hand at making the Carlos club a fun place to hang out like it once was many years ago. Taking down the sign tho. You just can’t do that. Leave the sign and light that thing up and I’ll change my review to a 3 stars like I would have.

Came here on a Saturday girls night out-​with out realizing the Carlos club is gone. The people who own Ruby Rangoon on laurel bought it and renamed it the RAIL. Overpriced, snooty attitude. At about 10:30pm it was DEAD. Not what us locals from San Carlos are looking for on a weekend to let our hair down and dance a little! I swear the bartender in a full blown suit offered us all local organic non gmo fresh pressed alcohol which is nice-​but seriously-can’t I just get a simple vodka soda or pale ale? Too fancy schmancy for the carlos club-​and I love to be fancy… but not here, not now, not ever. Sad sad day in San Carlos history! Bring back the Carlos club!!!

Blues no more. New owners. I’m sure this is going to be another average sports bar but not for me.

My girlfriends and I were so excited to get our dance on at what was always our sure thing on Saturday nights… Carlos Club. Emphasis on WAS. Below is a full review of our experience on July 12, 2014.
FRONT DOOR & SECURITY
The guys who work the front door and security are AWESOME!!! (You know those OTHER bouncers that stand around with a chip on their shoulder? The ones that look like they’re sick of dealing with drunk idiots, so they treat EVERYONE like a potential drunk idiot? Those guys are NOT here.) The door and security staff here are friendly and positive to the people that behave and take good care of us. The security guy even shared my concerns with the Bar Manager right away.
THE MUSIC
This is the kicker right here. If the DJ sucks, it sets the tone for the crowd and the bottom line. The more fun we’re having, the more drinks we buy… period. Here’s what I look for in a DJ…
1) Play songs through, rather than give us 20 seconds each of a bunch of songs (I hate dance floor blue ballz.)
2) Don’t be conceited about popular music. Stop worrying about your «street cred». Have the balls and be prepared to play songs we like to get sexy to on the dance floor, like Pharell, Gaga, Katy, Guetta, Kesha, Macklemore, etc. if you see that’s what’s needed.
3) Be immediately aware of when a dance floor is emptying out and change it up if you need to. Play what the CROWD wants, not what YOU want.
4) Know how to mix & blend songs well.
Carlos Club used to have a Saturday DJ that did most of this right. He wasn’t very good at mixing or blending the songs, but we were willing to overlook that because his song choices were pretty excellent. In the past, when we would get to the club, we’d start tearin’ it up and next thing you know, the floor was packed.
I talked to the security guy last night and apparently that DJ was moved to Friday nights. (Not sure how that all works out with the Friday Night Blues schedule though.)
Which brings me to last night’s 2 DJ crew. They had a bunch of friends with them. Even THEY weren’t dancing or trying to set the tone for the night. The DJs were dancing to their own music though. HAHAHA! I think it’s funny when DJs are the only ones dancing to their own music. Poor things… so oblivious to the train wreck of an empty floor right in front of their eyes.
Actually, it’s kind of sad. Especially when the only other group that was dancing to the few like-​able songs actually left the building… because the DJs couldn’t figure it out.
The security guy encouraged me to request what songs we would like, so I did. The DJs were willing to listen to what I had to say, which is a plus! But they just weren’t prepared to fill any of my requests, I named songs, then went to a full genre. Popular Music of any kind would’ve been nice. They had EDM and some old R&B/Rap Pop that we might like, but that was it. They got us up with a few songs but then it was downhill from there. So we left and got our drinks and dance on elsewhere.
THE SERVICE
Bartenders were on point as always. Service was fast and attentive. Wish they could make me a Moscow Mule or a Dark & Stormy though. They don’t stock ginger beer. I’m fine with it… it’s a small club in San Carlos after all.
THE PEOPLE
Mostly people in their 30s and 40s. I’ve seen lots of older people hang out here too. It’s a diverse crowd of mostly locals I would say the place is mostly Caucasion with some Latin and Asian and a smaller representation of African-​Americans. Pretty much an accurate reflection of San Carlos’ demographics. This crowd likes fun familiar music. I’ve seen it time and time again at this club, which is why the music choices were baffling last night. I mean COME ON, DJ! Have you even seen Carlos Club’s latest FB cover photo!!! They don’t look like they’re into your underground gangster rap/​hip-​hop! Do they?! Know your crowd, DJ!
THE AMBIANCE & LAYOUT
I love the beautiful neon sign out front! The club looks clean. It’s a small club, but the layout is excellent. The place caters to the locals, not the VIP crowd, so there is only one VIP booth and the rest is free seating. Pub tables are near the bar and it gives people a clear view of where they should be standing if they are not dancing. I can’t stand it when groups of people loiter in the middle of a dance floor with their drinks.
The dance floor is the perfect size for a club this size. If there’s a spill, they tend to it right away. There’s comfy free seating surrounding the dance floor, which is a welcome sight for girls who want to take a break to sit and drink but stay close to their dancing friends.
It never gets too hot because there’s great ventilation from the back door through the front door. I’ve had to wait awhile for the bathroom to open up. There aren’t multiple bathroom stalls here, but again, this is a small club so it passes. I’ve never seen a long bathroom line form here.

Don’t waste your time here… rude bartenders… place should have been shut down years ago…

By a man in his 50’s, «the DJ stunk. My iPhone could’ve done a better job. «
Good size tv’s. Total of 3.
I was here for a private party and I had a blast! The chef was phenomenal, the food delectable, the drinks did get more watered down as the night came to a close, other than that it was a great venue to celebrate with old friends and watch the san jose sharks play.
Overall I would definitely come here for another private event, or perhaps (if they have one) happy hour since it is right off Cal Train.

Yay! Friday night Blues jam in San Carlos!!! AMAZING musicians and a place to dance! Have been a few times now and, wow… look at that line-​up! Can’t wait for next Friday!!!

I used to like this place alot more. I liked the vibe better.
The karaōke is pretty decent. You gotta pay now on fridays which is weird. This is a pretty good place to watch the fights. Hell they let me pretty much take control of the tv and thats pretty cool.
ha last time I was here this guy bought me a beer and 12 shots. That was pretty cool.
The dj is pretty cool. I was feeling the vanilla Ice jam last time I was there.

This is San Carlo’s hottest dance club. If you want to see old white guys dance or if you’re into cougars this is the spot. Lots of cuties over 40. They play old school hip hop. Drink’s aren’t too pricey, and they have something like 8 beers on tap.

If you’re white, middle aged, maybe going through a mid-​life crisis and like to dance to Sir-​Mix-​A-​Lot this is the place for you.
I was surprised of how nice it looked inside considering the outside sign looks kind of sketch. Somewhat on the small side with full bar and lounge seating along opposite side. DJ was going bonkers with his old school music, that must have been the most amusing part.
The drink I ordered (I don’t even remember what it was — a cocktail maybe?) but it was STRONG. For whatever I paid, I really wasn’t expecting such a potent concoction.
FYI: Entrance is in the back, and exit is in the front (facing El Camino).

I like this place a lot. Small bar/​lounge in San Carlos that is entertaining and drinks are normally priced. They have good drink specials.
Ambiance is nice on the weekend. sometimes it gets very busy and very crammed in there. Music is always changing and keeps with the crowd.

Stopped in here a few weeks ago with several people. It wasn’t packed, so there was plenty of room to stand around, or sit in different spots.
Drinks were made well, and quickly. The bartender was friendly, (but not in a skeezy way.)
This place looks like a dive from the outside, (which i would have been fine with) but the interior is clean, and seems nicely updated.
A great casual spot for drinks in the area.

The place is nice inside and the drinks are good for the value, however, I don’t support bars that practice entrapment. The club bouncers are in cahoots with the local law enforcement so be careful when leaving especially when parked in the back parking lot.
I got my first DUI last year, and I wouldn’t wish what I went through on my worst enemy. I don’t support drinking and driving, but it’s a real cheap and unethical move to target people leaving your bar!

Local San Carlos Girl and have been going here sense they opened. However last Friday Night has changed my feelings on this club. They had a drawing at the front door for tickets for the Giants Game. You had to put your phone number and name down… Me being stupid and trusting a local club I put my information. Today I received a text message that stats «You are joining CARLOSCLUB alerts.» Which means that I will be receiving text messages when they have a so called «party.»
Have some respect for people who are coming to your place of business. Yes it was my fault for putting my information down. But I would of never have thought they would use my information for there business deals. If you want to run this type of business maybe you should go some place else. I have little to no respect for the owners of this establishment and you know who you are. This is something a used car dealer would do, oh wait YOU ARE!!!

ehh, the «dj» sits on his ass with his iTunes playlist. He doesn’t vary far from his playlist and after a week you can pretty much guess what song will be coming up. They typically charge a cover, and the drinks are hit-​or-​miss. After they remodeled it seems like they are trying to give the persona of a legit «club». My only guess is that the owner (s) have never actually been to one.
My friends enjoy this place but I’ll pass unless it’s mandatory.

I heart the Carlos Club! I had my Birthday party here last year and everyone laughed at the thought but ended up having a BLAST!
The venue itself has been renovated and looks much more modern than before. There is ONE womens restroom so expect a wait. Drinks are priced more on the reasonable side but they definitely don’t skimp on the alcohol.
I’ve been here a handful of times on a Friday/​Saturday night and there has always been a DJ from around 9 or 10pm ’til close. When it comes to the crowd, you’ll see it all. The cougars are usually always in full force lol! I’ve also been here twice on a Saturday during the day (during a Pub Crawl) and have had a good time as well.
If you go to the Carlos Club with good company and remember not to take yourself too seriously you’ll have a good time! Just have fun!

Let me preface my review by saying that I am a native San Carlos-​ian. Growing up here my entire life, no place in San Carlos, ESPECIALLY the Carlos Club should charge a cover. Especially for ladies. On top of that, how do they get off thinking they can require a dress code when the entire vibe is completely seedy and half the people there could be my parents age… which is fine, but sooooo not OKAY when they are hitting on you left and right. So, to deal with the nastiness you kind of have to get drunk off of the ridiculously overpriced drinks.
OH, and the bouncer. What crawled up his ass and died? I don’t know his name, but if you come across a bouncer there with a huge chip on his shoulder waiting to drop-​kick any customer that doesn’t act or talk the way he approves, then you have officially met the POS bouncer. He thinks he is the gate keeper to heaven, but I have two problems with this. Number one, he’s a flipping PRICK, no God here, and number two, the Carlos Club ain’t no heaven. Welcome to the dark side, kids.

Er. er…er.er-body up in da club! Club Carlos, man you are one crazy club. Oh this is my 500^th review! Anyways, this small cute club is mad crazy. People here like to get DRUNK! I personally love to dance and had a great time doing so. Mad props to the DJ for playing good songs.
Parking is tricky. But try to park as close to the club, especially if you are a lady. There is a nice ONE bathroom at the club for women, but if you’ve got to go, then better hit the alleys, cause you know us women take our time and not care about others waiting in the hallway.
Okay so my Club Carlos story. There was this horny white guy, let’s say late 40’s, trying to kiss any drunk girl he could. He was all up on this girl, who’s boyfriend had just stepped away from her to get some more drinks or a smoke? White dude was immediately in for the move, then I saw her tighten her fist and *WHAM. WHAM* right in his face. White dude had what was coming to him. I gave her a high five after wards. Oh and there was this Parisian guy or something guy with a huge smile on his face trying to dance with any girl he could, but he was too creepy for me, always smiling and shit. No thanks.
This place is a lot of fun for it’s size. I can’t wait to go back. There is a $ 5 cover charge to get in. But you get in and out privileges. Party on White Dude.

even though it’s remodeled and totally different, no kareoke on the weekends, it’s still a blast to come here! It’s who you’re with not where you are…
I had my bacholorette party here last night and have over 200 crazy pictures of all of us, they even let me get on the bar and dance. whoop whoop! Bar tabs are low, and drinks are strong! Thank You Carlos Club for many nights out as a crazy single girl, oh the memories! As the saying goes, what happens at Carlos Club stays at the Carlos Club!