Note: Downtown Carmel businesses and residences do not use street numbers
Forge in the Forest
Junipero & 5th Ave (831) 624-2233
This pleasing restaurant and bar has a verdant, lounge-like brick patio with heaters and a firepit. Inside, the first level is a copper bar with antique blacksmith style fireplace and a sports screen. Downstairs is a white table cloth formal dining room. The bar menu includes delicious mussels, pasta and burgers. The happy hour menu is a steal, with sliders, seared ahi with wasabi sauce and duck empanadas to name a few. They have live music on Wednesday and Thursday in the high season and Friday and Saturday in the low season.
Mission Ranch Hotel & Restaurant
26270 Dolores Street (831) 624-6436
Owned by Clint Eastwood, this property brings country style hospitality and open, spacious feeling of a ranch to the edge of Carmel By The Sea. In a quaint farmhouse atmosphere the restaurant features several smallish dining rooms, a casual piano bar and patio overlooking a coastal pasture complete with grazing sheep. Tall aromatic eucalyptus draw your eyes to the changing sky at dusk, imparting a unique sense of place to the experience.
The Hog’s Breath Inn Restaurant and Bar
San Carlos Street at 5th Ave (831) 625-1044
The restaurant and lounge formerly owned by actor/director Clint Eastwood features extensive, terraced patio seating with fireplaces, and gnarled slab wood tables. They’ve got separate lunch, early bird, pub and dinner menus for both casual and upscale dining options. Also popular for after dinner fireside drinks.
The Running Iron
24 E Carmel Valley Road (831) 659-4633
Rustic isn’t strong enough a word for this time honored, country restaurant and watering hole. The hearty fare is thoroughly impressive and served in large portions. The experienced servers are welcoming and on top of it. Great Carmel Valley location to refuel after a hike at Garland Ranch.
nick's guide 