*1833
500 Hartnell Street (831) 643-1833
Renovated to a victorian theme for it’s 2012 re-opening, this historic structure now hosts one of Monterey’s premier restaurants and most hip lounge suitable for adults of all ages. The yesteryear ambiance is charming and authentic, and the cocktail menu is the most extensive and tasty in town. Rare whiskeys and a selection of absinthes are also available.
*Crown & Anchor
150 W. Franklin St (831) 649-6496
This subterranean pub is a favorite place for a hearty late dinner of shephard’s pie and spicy hot wings with crumpled blue cheese. An English/ sailor theme dominates the dining room, and up front a large bar serves up anyone’s favorite drink while smokers love the heated patio. This is a locals choice consistently has a good crowd until closing time. The rear section allows diners to eat in relative peace and the service is always friendly.
*Sardine Factory
701 Wave St, Monterey (831) 373-3775
Open since 1968, the Sardine Factory boasts elegant dining rooms and an intriguing wine cellar dining room for the more high rolling parties. The best value, however is the happy hour they serve every day from 5-7pm in the cozy bar and fireplace lounge. The glazed chicken wings, sweet potato fries, fried oysters and bargain cocktail specials make for a very happy hour indeed. Located just off Cannery Row.
*East Villiage Coffee Lounge
498 Washington St, Monterey (831) 373-5601
For those who prefer a civilized yet bohemian night out, this social café’s stone wall rooms are covered with local art and photography. The café hosts live music and poetry by night. Belgian beers sold by the bottle and wine by the glass.
Lollapalooza
474 Alvarado (831) 645-9036
This spacious lounge serves delicious casual fare, including seared ahi and grass fed beef burgers with shoestring garlic fries. This popular singles spot gets loud and crowded on weekends.
Cibo
301 Alvarado (831) 649-8151
A somewhat mature crowd descends on this resto-lounge for live r&b music, italian cuisine, dancing and drinks.
My Attic
414 Alvarado (831) 647-1834
Housed in an Old Alvarado street adobe, this lounge features two bars and an array of cozy, oversized leather and velvet chairs. My attic implements a dress code requiring non-athletic shoes and a collared shirt.
Cannery Row Brewing Co
95 Prescott Ave (831) 643-2722
This new establishment serves up a good selection of cuisine including respectable salads, clam chowder , burgers and mexican food in a spacious bar, offset dining room and outdoor patio. While they don’t brew their own beer, they do host brewer events from the likes of Sierra Nevada and Stone. They have an amazing selection of both draught and bottled beers from around the world.
Alfredo’s Cantina
266 Pearl St (831) 375-0655
When you don’t want anyone to know you’re in town, there’s Alfredo’s. A sign warns you that the place will bury you alive in the event of an earthquake. Translucent amber windows keep the light out of this apparently mission-era watering hole. A jukebox, trippy wooden village bar mantle and low voices complete the picture.
nick's guide 