Formerly known as Waterdog Tavern, or The Tavern, Jim Burg’s opens its doors to the Carlmont Shopping Center.
The owner, Adam Light, also owns and operates Potrero Grill, Tapas and Taps, and Drakes in San Francisco. He also owned and operated Poplar Creek Grill in San Mateo from 2008 until 2017.
Light plans to improve the restaurant for customer entertainment and enjoyment. Along with the new televisions, the restaurant will host live music most Saturdays, similar to how The Tavern had.
The original owners, Anne Markle and Toby McMillen, purchased the restaurant in 2016, and they named it Waterdog Tavern after the Waterdog Lake and hiking trail nearby. The restaurant quickly became a town favorite for Belmont residents, such as Carlmont sophomore Lily Hinde.
“I used to go there with my family, and it was nice because we could bring our dogs. The staff was always really friendly and approachable,” Hinde said.
The name changes confused some residents, such as Randy Gerstbacher, who wasn’t aware of the name change.
“I met my sister there for lunch thinking it was called The Tavern, but when I got there I couldn’t find it. I eventually realized that it had turned to Jim Burg’s, but it was confusing in the moment,” Gerstbacher said.
The menu now follows a more American style but also incorporates other cultures’ dishes.
“It seems as if they’ve got quite a few Asian-inspired appetizers. We tried two of them — the popcorn chicken and the lettuce wraps,” said Belmont resident Norv Leong.
They offer party and event planning to accommodate all of Jim Burg’s fans. Whether it’s a full buyout or reserving a section of the restaurant, Jim Burg’s has it all.
The patio is the restaurant’s outdoor seating area and can seat up to 120 guests. It features waterfalls, firepits, televisions, and an open bar. The main dining room, The Village, can seat up to 60 guests and features a fireplace and TV. The private dining room, the Carlmont Room, holds up to 36 guests for a seated meal and 40 guests for drinks and appetizers.
More information about parties and private events can be found on their website.
Jim Burg’s is looking to expand their staff and is now hiring servers, cooks, hosts, food runners, and bussers. Applications can be submitted through their website.
“The whole vibe of the restaurant seems the same as Waterdog. I would bring my family again,” Leong said.
