Monterey’s bar scene isn’t just about drinks—it’s where craft cocktails meet plates of grilled octopus that taste like the sea whispered its secrets. We’ve bellied up to every counter (and sobered up with enough chowder to fill Cannery Row) to find the spots where the atmosphere pours as smoothly as the bourbon. And if you’re just here for the wine, we have a guide for that, too.
Woody’s At The Airport
$$ | (831) 373-1232 | WEBSITE
Plane watchers with delicate sensibilities, take note. The outdoor patio experience at this airport eatery is as immersive as it gets. You’ll receive friendly guidance from the staff to time your visit for peak takeoff and landing activity, then settle in with a plate of warm pancakes or perfectly cooked egg Benedict while the show unfolds overhead. Follow their lead, and for the next hour savor your state of aviation-fueled contentment.
Abalonetti Bar and Grill
$$ | (831) 373-1851 | WEBSITE
When the seafood craving hits along Monterey’s waterfront, Abalonetti Bar and Grill is your casual dining happy place. The calamari here is simple, like what you’d get at a seaside shack. It’s served with lemon wedges, tartar sauce, and coastal charm. Grabbing a window seat at this dog-friendly establishment and diving into calamari tacos with the ocean view is the best use of an afternoon.
Cibo
$$ | (831) 649-8151 | WEBSITE
The first thing you’ll notice about the Salmon Grigliato at Cibo is that it’s perfectly grilled with a crispy skin. The homemade ravioli, the calamari—it’s all here, and it’s what makes this spot stand out from the rest. The crème cheesecake is shimmering, and the Pizza Cibo is layered with melted cheese that forms one of those ultra-satisfying crusts that, combined with the vibrant ambiance, makes a memorable meal.
It’s also served with a heaping pile of attentive service and a side of live jazz that fills the bar area with blue LED light, creating a lively feel while the romantic dining area glows with lower lighting. Sitting outside on the patio allows for people-watching while enjoying great food and drinks, making it worth returning for more.
Jacks Monterey
$$$ | (831) 649-7830 | WEBSITE
Jacks Monterey excels in the art of the Monterey Bay salmon and coconut shrimp. The salmon here is perfectly flaky and moist, constantly sizzling away on the grill. The menu has predetermined options in the bowl department, like the Sesame Ginger with added salmon or the classic chowder with fresh herbs. But the consistent showstopper is the coconut shrimp, which comes crowned with a sweet ginger glaze.
Ordering that and a bowl of their famous chowder is a foolproof way to zhuzh up an otherwise boring weeknight.
Tarpy’s Roadhouse
$$ | (831) 647-1444 | WEBSITE
Tarpy’s Roadhouse is a Monterey roadhouse restaurant that’s been serving up great meals in its beautiful venue for years. The salmon is cooked to a perfect flake and is some of the best tasted, while the lobster pasta comes loaded with tender chunks and a creamy sauce. Order a side of the giant pretzel with melted cheese that’s never doughy, and the most delicious apple crisp ever.
The whole Tarpy’s experience is lively and might inspire you to watch the jet planes overhead, enjoy the fun outdoor seating, celebrate a graduation weekend, or all three.
Bulldog Sports Pub
$ | (831) 658-0686 | WEBSITE
The wings at Bulldog Sports Pub aren’t always easy to get your hands on—but any effort spent waiting for them is well worth it. The wings (always go for the double order) are the crispiest you’ll find in these 49 square miles. The beautifully golden skin peeks out from between your fingers, and every bite is packed with flavor from the tangy house sauce and perfectly balanced seasoning.
Bulldog Sports Pub is regularly open until midnight in the kitchen, or Tuesday nights for karaoke (they keep the patio heated for late-night gatherings).
Fin + Field Restaurant and Bar
$$ | (831) 647-4000 | WEBSITE
Fin + Field is a Monterey-based spot that knows how to make a damn good breakfast. Their buffet has crispy bacon, fluffy scrambled eggs, and fresh pastries to soak up all the morning vibes. Throw in an omelette station with juicy strawberries and melon from the fruit bar, and you’ve got the ideal place for a chill family meal or come-as-you-are marathon morning.
The white pesto pasta special is another highlight—perfectly cooked and reasonably priced around $18—making this spacious restaurant with its upbeat atmosphere a go-to for both early birds and lunch crowds.
the C restaurant + bar
$$$ | (831) 375-4500 | WEBSITE
The coastal restaurant The C restaurant + bar always buzzing with families enjoying a weekend meal or couples savoring the view. You’ll also spot at least one seafood dish on every table. The restaurant’s version of the Pacific Swordfish is perfectly cooked, described as ‘The filet of the Sea,’ and gets a fresh lift from the thoughtful accompaniments. This is the swordfish that’ll make you look forward to bringing the kids along instead of staying home and ordering takeout for the 5th time.
Alvarado Street Brewery
$$ | (831) 655-2337 | WEBSITE
When you’re overdue for a lively brewery experience, Alvarado Street Brewery is the answer. The popular local spot in Monterey, typically packed with beer-loving locals who came here for a chill $18 burger and a $7 pint, nails their version. The food, which is always praised as amazing and worth the price, is served in the fabulous brewery interior with its superb bar service. It’s walk-in only there, and you won’t have to wait for a reservation.
So it’s the ideal beer-and-bite meal for the days you want to pretend your taste buds have doubled while sipping IPAs or hard kombucha from a friendly server’s recommendation.
Dust Bowl Brewing Co. Tap Depot
$ | (831) 641-7002 | WEBSITE
The Black Russian Stout at Dust Bowl Brewing Co. Tap Depot (available year-round) pours with a rich, creamy head, deep roasted malt notes, and subtle hints of coffee and chocolate. Left alone, this stout is already so good that we don’t even think of it as a beer as much as the answer to the meaning of life—but if you pair it with the chicken nachos from Wedo’s food truck (available daily), it’s somehow even better.
Also, make sure to order a taster glass of the Dust Bowl Pils for contrast with your sturdy, comfortable seating on the heated patio.
