Reviews

John what a great lunch I had today with Marlene. The seafood fettuccine was amazing. I hope to get back there in a Wednesday for the lemon soup.

Love this restaurant; friendly family atmosphere, high-quality food, and the waiters, waitresses & bartenders are top notch....and I'd like to give a special shout-out to Rosemary.....she exemplifies what customer service is all about!!

John as usual your food is awesome. We just had your skirt steak ???? special. Thank you.

Awesome food and service.

Awesome

This is one of my favorite restaurants in town.
We have family celebration dinners here. I love the Caesar salad and the Paines Steak. The servers are very kind and attentive. I highly recommend

The Best ....
Steak or Seafood or Pasta ...
People friendly ....
Since 1929 ...
Prime rib the best .......

Let's just say you will have a delicious dinner and service I had a delicious steak with garlic mashed potatoes and some veggies my comadre had a shrimp pasta wow the sauce amazing you will not be disappointed.
Go for an early dinner enjoy a nice drink from the bar and have yourself a good size portion dinner

I'm shocked by the negative reviews. I'm from the Burlingame area and we have tons of upscale, solid restaurants. Paines could easily fit in up there. The food is great, high quality and reasonably priced. The atmosphere is on the nicer end. The hostess and waitstaff are all pleasant. There are a variety of dishes and presentation is nice. My only complaint is when they have large parties in the back room (I think you can rent it out) sometimes the music can be too loud and filter into the dining room.

I've lived in Hollister for 4 years and tonight was the first time I've eaten at Paine's... It will DEFINITELY not be my last!! The service was completely outstanding!! Our server was Ellen, and I have to say she was above and beyond any server anywhere! She was attentive without being obtrusive. She was fun and had the best personality And the food? Just WOW!! I had the Beef Ravioli and my amazing husband enjoyed the Prime Rib. We were so glad we went and as I said, we will be going back!! Thanks for the awesome experience!!!

We had a wedding reception dinner for 15 people. The New York Steaks were terrific and the service was as good as I have had in a long time. The waiter was quick, fast, and totally 'on the ball'.

The last time we in this restaurant was more than 12 years ago, and it was very below par. But now, it is a great place to eat...highly recommended.

I've lived in Hollister for over 15 years and I've NEVER been here... why?!?!! My mom and I were under the impression that it wasn't very good. I'll definitely have to tell her she was wrong!

I had dinner with a friend, and it was delicious. My steak was PERFECTLY cooked. This is the only place in town that has cooked a steak properly! I had a choice of baked potato, rice, or garlic mash. I chose the garlic mash potatoes and did NOT regret it. Yummmmm!

The steamed clams and mussels were awesome. My only qualm was that they were too salty, but now I know to ask them to not add salt. Tomato basil soup was tasty as well!!!

Our server was attentive and all smiles. I forgot her name, but she was the very tall one.

I will be coming here again! It was a pleasant surprise!!!

Good atmosphere, good food. We were a party of 7 and everything was so good. Michelle is so friendly and did everything right.

I've lived in Hollister going on 9 years. I've been to Paines for cocktails numerous times, but had never tried a meal. WELP, that changed. Went in and had appetizers and the Peppercorn New York which was very good, I mean it, GOOD! So happy to know that such great food with such friendly service is just around the corner. Happy I finally did myself the favor!

Prime rib At its best, Chicken Marcella, the best,
The best food, the best atmosphere, best customer service,

Oh, the Paines steak was always tender, last night it was a piece of leather. Both of us were disappointed. Garlic potatoes were ok and veggies good, but too much starchy veggies. Staff was great, didn't want to complain because we were starving and didn't want to wait for another order. I've been here a few times, it's always been great food so giving it 4 stars.

I've never been disappointed, I like the pork loin wrapped in bacon, awesome, good food, good service, Great owner.

This is a fantastic place to eat. Everyone in our party of 11 was fully impressed. I personally had the crusted trout-it was spectacular. No one walked away hungry, portions are very generous. The service was prompt and polite. If I could give John and his staff more than 5 stars I would.

Best Negroni in town must have . And they're fettuccine with sauted sefood is on point

Great food. The saganaki is fantastic. Good service. Great birthday or date night place.

My wife and I first learned of this restaurant during the Hollister Beer and Wine Stroll. So last night was our 32 wedding anniversary and we decided to go to Paines for dinner.
The parking lot was full, we were concerned that we would have a long wait, but most of the patrons were in the bar. We were seated right away.

The staff was very friendly. We were seated and handed a menu. When I opened mine, I noticed it was a lunch menu. No servers in the dinning room, so I went to the hostess station to exchange menus. The hostess was very apologetic.

Food:
We ordered saganaki (Greek flaming cheese) as an appetizer. It was very good.
Next my wife and I both got the salad. The lettuce was mainly iceberg, more in lines what I would expect from a lower end restaurant.
My wife ordered the seafood ravioli, they came said they only had the crab raviolis and asked if that was. Ok. My wife said yes. Our entries came, my steak smelled wonderful, and tasted great. Very tender. However the garlic mashed potatoes were flavorless, and the vegetable medley was slightly over cooked.
My wife's ravioli was good. They give you a choice of sauces, marinara, meat, Alfredo. My wife selected the Alfredo and commented that it would have been better with a lighter cream sauce which capers.
Portions are large.
Were were given a dessert menu and told they only have the cheesecake for cakes. We were too full but I want to come back and try their bananas foster and crime Burle

Wonderful anniversary dinner. Wasn't planning to eat in town but I'm glad we did. I've lived in the area for over a year and hadn't had a chance to try this place yet. The staff was attentive and the food was great. Not to mention, we showed up right as they were getting busy and they brought our food to us and all the surrounding tables pretty quickly.
I got the grilled salmon and my husband had fettuccine with seafood. Can't wait to try more from the menu.

I always enjoy their food. Everything choice is excellent and delicious.

Sitting in the bar at Paines Restaurant right now. Just finished dinner and 3 beers. I had the Cobb salad with Blue cheese and my buddy had the 12 once Sirloin. My Cobb salad was delicious 4 out 5... picture attached. Gord's steak was a solid 4 out of 5. He recommends to not have the sauce poured over the steak. Our servers name in the bar was Elaine. She was awesome. Nice work stranger. Owners lucky to have you.

Me and my mom eat there often for lunch. Never a bad meal, plus she loves the fresh coffee. The staff is always friendly!

This is our favorite restaurant to go to when we are looking to have a fancy night. Great food, great desserts!

Paines is a hell of a kitchen. If I could cook chicken breast like John does for his caeser I'd probably never leave the house. Simple food, perfectly cooked, and no BS. The NY steak sandwich eats like a burger- no toothpick needed ever. Paines is a treasure, and not to be missed when deciding where to eat in Hollister. Well worth a drive even if you're not in Hollister. Great local wines too!

Love Love Love going there! My favorite place!????

Delicious food, great service and a local hangout.

Paines is great. A great steak and also great appetizers and drinks for girls night out!

We got married at Paine's 10 years ago. My dad and his wife got married at Paine's a few years ago. My family has hosted several events there. I have attended several private and corporate events there. We love their food and their hometown hospitality. We love that they care about their service, food and how they are a staple in our community.

Paines has the best food! I have never had a bad meal or service.... My favorite is an off the menu request.... I believe it’s called Dave’s Calamari it melts like butter in your mouth ?

Amazing food! Our favorite family restaurant in town by far!

Great food and the waiters and waitresses are friendly......it's is the best!

My Favorite Restaurant in Hollister, good service, good food and that banana dessert is the best!

my husband and I came in for lunch. We were sat quickly and we attend to in a super gracious and welcoming fashion. We got pasta alfredo with basil tomato bisque and a sandwich with fries.

The Alfredo sauce was on point! OMG.. Pasta was cooked to pasta perfection!!

Basil tomato bisque was to die for.

Sandwich was on point the bread was fresh and taste as my husband puts it was amazing.

However those fries that come with the sandwich were bites of just heavenly.

We will be back. Most-definitely this our new spot pasta and more.

We have two rambunctious little boys so we order Paines to-go about once per month for a "grown up" meal without the stress of getting the rascals to sit still inside the restaurant.
They prepare to-go meals superbly!
Bread and butter, condiments, meals are cooked as requested and everything is hot and perfect!!
Thank you Paines!!

Paines is always great. We visit here once a year. Great food, great service. Had one little glitch in that we had a group of seven (7) with separate checks. Despite this 'gratuity was added' on each separate check due to the large group. None of us saw this and left tips on top of the total for each of our bills. It doesn't hurt the restaurants standing with us. Still, waiter would be well served to tell others in similar circumstances that 'gratuity is added'.

My wife and I had a delicious dinner at Paines last Monday night. With the help of our waitress Ellen, I enjoyed a delicious Caesar Salad, blackened prime rib which was absolutely fabulous, mashed potatoes and vegetables. My wife's fabulous dinner consisted of a yummy cream of chicken noodle soup, sandabs, baked potato and veggies. An absolute 5 star meal was topped off with a delicious serving of spumoni ice cream and wonderful coffee.

No question we will be back.

We recently held my granddaughter's Sweet 16 birthday party at Paines. We were very pleased with the exceptional service that the entire staff provided us. It was an amazing night and it was all due to the very talented people at Paines. OMG! the food was delicious and the way that it was set up was beyond what we had expected. If we could give you more than 5 stars, you certainly deserve them.

Paines is the place to for lunch, five stars!!!!!The service was fantastic, the food was phenomenal and quick out of the kitchen,my wife and I both had the calamari sandwich, WOW it super yummy, also had a cup of clam chowder, off the hook!! Our family had eaten at this establishment many times over the years!!! John dose an amazing job in the kitchen.... I guess we need to stick with what we know!!!! Give them a try, you will not regret it!!!!

Alway's a nice meal at Paines. Our service tonight was excellent, very polite and professional.

Wife and I enjoyed a birthday/anniversary dinner here. I had the veal, she had the chicken alfredo. Both were splendid. We went mid week and the place was not crowded. Good food, portions and service. Despite not having room for dessert, we were sent home with cake and ice cream. A nice plus! We will be back to sample more of the menu.

Had dinner out last night for my honey's birthday....everything was wonderful, from our very attentive server to the yummy food. The Veal Piccatta was made a little differently then what I am used to, but was very good! Thanks for making our evening out special and the cake, too!

Friendly staff, Leal wine, full bar, live music on Friday night, and the food was good. I ordered the Chicken Jerusalum, my husband had the prime rib. It was a bit pricey, but there aren't a lot of choices in Hollister.

Best place in town. Never disappointed! From the Calimari appetizer to the house steak and fresh fish dinner plate and then on the home made cheese cake. Always a hit!

I came here last night for a B-day dinner and I have to say the outside of the restaurant doesn't give the best impression but once you are inside its pretty and the staff greats you with a smile.

Service was quick and nice. The waitress was very happy and she made sure we knew about the specials and their prices (which a lot of places avoid talking about sometimes). Let me tell you right now that the portions are ENORMOUS. SHAREEEEE, trust me even if you have been eating air for the past 3 days it will still make you want to roll out of the restaurant.

My fettuccini alfredo was delisious, super creamy and the pasta was perfect. My boyfriend got a ahi tuna with wasabi sauce and rice and it was perfectly cooked and delicious and it was a beautiful plate. Over all it was all very good, 4 stars is only because I believe the place could use some renovation when it comes to the looks of it, other than that i would love to come again.

Really, really not bad. Everyone on my party liked their steaks. I had lamb chops, which were kind of small (just kidding, it's lamb, which is made out of babies, so...). The cocktails could be a little more generous: a good move might be just to buy bigger bar ware. My G&T came in a juice glass (ahem, how about a high ball glass?). Decent, tho' limited, wine list - nice selection of local wines. I'd go back...

The quality of food is always excellent, the service as well, and the prices are very decent for fine dining. I go every Thursday night for dinner.

Had dinner here with family. Everything was great Tomato basil soup, the calamari and the service.

We just recently moved to Hollister from Sunnyvale and we are extremely happy about the slower pace and even happier about the friendly people. Paine's was recommended to my husband by a golf buddy. We have already visited this great place twice. Great service and even greater food. Adrean was waiter and he took good care of us. We will surely go back!

Excellent wine selection for a small town Bar.. Have you tried the Saganaki !! Yummy'...go there you be the judge..

I don't usually do reviews on YELP but I can't pass this opportunity by. I had a goodbye luncheon today there for a dear friend of mine. I can't say enough for the help of the staff. Thank you, Kim, for making the planning so easy! Thank you to both Kim and Mary for serving us and for everything you did today to make this pain free and seem so easy. You
both worked so hard to make things nice for every lady in attendance.
The service was great, the food was wonderful as it always is. So many ladies came up to me afterwards to let me know just how much they enjoyed it and would come back. Many had not
been to Paine's for years and I know they will be back.
Thank you for letting us use the banquet room for our luncheon. It was set up so nice.
This is definitely the place to come to in Hollister. You can really count on them to make
it nice for you.

This is in response to Brian P"s review about 4 days ago . Every place you have visited you have wrote a bad review about. I don't know what you do for a living or if you're a business owner yourself but there a lot of hard working business owners in this town who employ people to keep people like you satisfied yet you have something bad to say about every place you go. does that make you wonder maybe it's not the business at all.... Maybe it's you

Great food and service with a nice local vibe. Try their locally produced wine selections!

The new Paines is great. Best food in Hollister. There's a true chef behind Paines food. Even the simplest items on the menu will exceed expectations. The bar area is rehabilitated making it very comfortable not seedy like other bars. They continued lunch lunch for us late into the afternoon.

Our first time here was about a month ago. My cugino brought my wife and I here to get some dinner after moving to Hollister. We all ordered the Prime Rib and it was good but my only gripe would be that the so called salted crust, wasn't very salty? They have a very good menu with many great looking dishes. We will be back for sure to try some others out! I have to add one more thing, they have a great bar and they have some of my favorite Gin!! As we left I said to my cugino, this is place is like Original Joe's and we like that!!

Everything is perfect & delicious! The atmosphere is friendly and amazing as soon as you walk in. The bartenders and servers are right on que and always have a smile. The sagonaki is exciting and tasty. I crave their homemade ranch! I've had everything on the menu and have Never been disappointed. Whenever I come home to visit my parents, Paine's is Always my first stop!

This place is absolutely great!!! Service is on point! The people there are excellent and the food is always good. I have been going there my whole life and always loved there food

We had reservations for 6 pm and the restaurant was full we got seated as soon as we walked on the door. I then asked our waitress Mary what she would recommend as per a drink she suggested a lemon drop yum It was perfect For dinner I had the prime rib it was melt in your mouth terrific then the banana foster for dessert omg I couldn't have picked a better dessert I just wanted to say Thank You Paines for a great night.

Good place!
Paines is a Hollister legend! It is the place to go if you want to see everyone in town and have a great meal and some awesome drinks! All the locals hang out at Paine's. Recommended!

Great experience
We had a fish special called Opa. It was absolutely terrific. Perfectly cooked and loaded with flavor.
My understanding is John is the original owner and is also the chef on weekends. Their staff was awesome. We just wanted to split something. The split portions were very big. No split charge either. Then she offered us ice cream for dessert...

Best Dinner in Town
I love having lunch or dinner at Paines Restaurant. The original owner and chef is now back cooking up a storm. Absolutely the best calamari you'll ever eat. Prices are very very reasonable & mosphere is nice. Service is good, portions are unreal, so much food.!

We had a delightful meal last night.  

Arrived and was promptly seated, waitress arrived right away and got our drink order back in no time. She took us through the specials and left us to sort through all the yummy choices.

Noise, light ambience was just right- comfortable and we were able to converse with each other (and friends stopping by) without having to shout- even though the place was quickly full.

Our orders were taken and arrived quickly; a couple pasta dishes and prime rib rare and another medium rare. The food was hot, generous portions (yea!) and our server knew exactly who ordered what.  The rare prime was actually, yah know; rare- a sadly too often surprise at other places that think all meat should be cooked like McDonalds does or something. Very flavorful and filling- yummy!

One of our group had a delicious cremated brûlée ( the rest is were too full) and prompt coffee.   We were doing a lot of talking and were there about two hours- never rushed a bit.

I recommend this place- you won't be disappointed.

A tad on the expensive side (for our area), but the food and service were excellent. Will go again.

We just got back from a lovely meal here.  We were reluctant to go at first because i read some bad reviews but we were very pleasantly surprised.  The decor snd ambiance were lovely, service was great and the food faultless.  We will definitely be going back... Stop by and try it out you won't be disapointed

Stopped in for dinner on the way home from a long trip. The staff was friendly and overall environment was clean and inviting. We had a very short wait even though the place was really busy. Loved Paine's!!! I had the Alfredo and it was creamy and pasta was perfectly cooked. My husband had a steak and it was tender and juicy ( I couldn't help but take a bite). Service was quick considering how busy they were. My understanding is they have new owners and they are doing an amazing job! Totally recommend this place & I definitely need to bring the rest of the family in! It will totally be worth the 45 minute drive!

Came in for lunch and this place looks awesome! New floors, tables, and no more "old" feel. Had the club sandwich which was  very tasty. Our server Barb was very friendly and attentive. Will be back!

Great soups. Food was delicious! A lil pricey, so come with some cash money! I've live here my whole life and its my first time here..I know lame lol. Anyway the food was great. Try it out!

I have never had a bad meal here! The service is great and the food is amazing. Love the calamari and all the pastas!

We were there  for dinner on May 5.  Great calamari steak also known as Dave's Special.   Greatly recommended by our server.    So tender only needed a fork to cut into it.   It was preceeded by a delicious Caesar Salad.

We'll be back.

I came for lunch and the dining room was very attractive, and updated. I had crispy chicken sandwich with tomato bisque soup. It was moist and tasty. It was a good size and there was a choice of breads for the sandwich. My friend had a BLT on sourdough. Very good. Clam chowder was their choice and it was very good.. Wonderful service.  This restaurant is worth another look soon.

Had dinner at Paines last night and I really enjoyed it!  The special was Prime Rib and it was done perfectly!  The service was great and the server was very pleasant.  I will be going back!

We had Mom's 80th birthday here.  There were about 70 in attendance.  Private dining room, cloth tablecloths and napkins.  It was buffet style.  The food was GOOD, hot and tasty.

Good place! by Ashley K. at InsiderPages
Paines is a Hollister legend! It is the place to go if you want to see everyone in town and have a great meal and some awesome drinks! All the locals hang out at Paine's. Recommended!

I'm not a frequent visitor of Hollister but I was in town since there was a golf tournament nearby.

Not being familiar with the town Hollister and all but it seemed like it was the place to be. They had a birthday party going on one side of the building AND it was Karaoke night at the BAR!!! It was quite the place to be. Lots of regulars and very nice people and staff in Hollister.

The calamari appetizer was DELICIOUS!!! I had the Prime Rib (Petite) it was HUGE, served with mashed potatoes... it was great! I couldn't finish the full plate... pricing is about right for the food that we ordered.
The rest of the party had a hamburger, fried prawns and chips and the fettuccine... everything was good.   Dessert... if you're a chocolate lover, the chocolate chocolate cake would be heaven. The strawberry pie is super gooood.

Next time I'm in Hollister, I'll be eating at Paine's.

Great soups. Food was delicious! A lil pricey, so come with some cash money! I've live here my whole life and its my first time here..I know lame lol. Anyway the food was great. Try it out!
Liked: Food, Service, Atmosphere
Disliked: Value

I have never had a bad meal here! The service is great and the food is amazing. Love the calamari and all the pastas!
Liked: Food, Service, Atmosphere

Original owners are back and it's Great!  You be the judge.

Living in Hollister, our options are limited heh. I have never once been disappointed in Paines. I love their Jerusalem Chicken and garlic mashed potatoes. With three small kids we don't get out very often and when we do, Paines has done us well, with a nice quiet atmosphere and a tasty meal.

My company held a conference here in their banquet room. The owner was very helpful, along with her courteous staff. The appetizers were a hit! Wi-fi was very convenient, and the bar right across the room gave our guests a chance to relax after the conference.

Just had a Fabulous dinner here!! My husband had the veal scalippini with delicious creamy garlic potatoes and the veggies were cooked just right.  I had the BBQ baby back ribs and they were delicious.  Loved everything ! We also had the delicious blackberry cheesecake, amazing!!! Service was excellent!! We'll be back next time we're in town!!!

Always enjoy our visit to Paines.  Anytime visiting Hollister Paines is a must.  Great calamari, tender and flavorful.  Enjoy their soups, veal, prime rib.  Service is very good.  Thank you Robin and Mike for turning me onto this gem!