BIGMallrat's Editorial Review
 A peninsula tradition for over 50 years, Hillsdale
Shopping Center
still reigns in San Mateo County. It even knocked the socks off San
Mateo Fashion Island mall, which was knocked down a few years ago.
Atmosphere
Hillsdale mall's interior is newly remodeled and
generally pleasant for shopping. The lower level is generally uncluttered
and spacious. Wide aisles on the second floor
make it easy to maneuver around other shoppers.
Stores
The area's first Nordstrom resides in this shopping
center. Banking on the area's affluence, many mid and high-end shops
call Hillsdale Mall home, including Aldo Shoes, Pottery Barn, Banana
Republic, and Crate & Barrel.
Food
A unique feature is that
you
have
to
cross
31st Avenue to get to Sears
and
the adjoining
food
court.
The easiest way is on the upper level. Otherwise, you have to walk
outside, cross the street, then walk back inside again.
Art
Don't miss the fascinating granite sculptures
of Beniamino "Benny" Benvenuto Bufano (1898-1970), originally
installed in 1956. You'll find seven animal
sculptures and a St. Francis on horseback; all but one inside and
on the lower level. The eighth is located on an outside plaza near
the food court. Tall totem pole-like structures mark each piece and
its name; best viewed from the upper level. Look for the stripped
green and yellow poles with a giant "H" on top (see top photo on
the right for an example).
Parking
Parking can be a bear sometimes, but you'll sooner
or later find a pretty good space. Most of the backside of the center
is a multi-level parking garage, so you may have better luck there.
Location
Hillsdale Shopping Center is located in San Mateo
CA on El Camino Real at Hillsdale Boulevard. It can be a little confusing
for the first-time visitor. Access from Hwy 101 isn't direct and
El Camino can be rather congested.
In summary
In generally, this shopping mall has many nice
shops and a wonderful selection. There really isn't anything that
stands out, but its fashion-oriented shops make it worth
a visit over and over again.
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