DRINKS (“the zen den”) makes tiki glasses, island cocktails like The Big Kahuna truly fun—and enjoyable. But here’s the cool bit: It’s not a bar that falls prey to a theme, it’s just a really great bar with an island vibe. 1200 Del Monte Place, Monterey. (831) 920-2911, konamonterey.com London Bridge Pub Outside, sit on the heated patio and take in the sea air. Inside, select from beers on tap, pub fare (or both). Yeah, you can do that outside, too. At Municipal Wharf #2. 256 Figueroa St. Monterey. (831) 372-0581, lbpmonterey. com Melville Tavern A casual tavern atmosphere with plenty of beer and wine (and better-than-pub fare) makes this a locals’ favorite. 484 Washington St., Monterey. (831) 643-9525, melvilletav. com Monterey Cookhouse Given the name and location, you might not expect Monterey Cookhouse to house a smart cocktail bar. But it does. There’s also a dogfriendly patio and a diverse food menu. 2149 N. Fremont St., Monterey. (831) 642-9900, montereycookhouse.com Montrio Yes, it’s a busy restaurant with a tiny bar. But if you can score a seat…well, let’s just say they make some of the area’s most original and worthy cocktails. The mixologist values balance, with each flavor playing a role. And guess what? There’s another bar upstairs. 414 Calle Principal, Monterey. (831) 648-8880, montrio.com Pearl Hour One of the Monterey Peninsula’s hottest cocktail bars, Pearl Hour serves up a menu of creative, hand-crafted cocktails on a cozy back patio setting in New Monterey or indoors next to a stage that hosts some high-energy live acts, mixed in with dance performances, jazz and DJs. 214 Lighthouse Ave., Monterey. (831) 657-9447, pearlhour.com Peter B’s Brewpub The brew team has been working magic with classic beer styles and more inventive takes. So you come for the beer (and sports on TV). But the menu may keep you in place. Portola Hotel and Spa, 2 Portola Plaza, Monterey. (831) 649-2699, portolahotel.com Rockfish Harbor Grill Daily drink specials plus flights of tequila and mezcal are a good start. But there’s also a good list of classic cocktails and specialty drinks. Beer and wine, too. Fisherman’s Wharf #1, Monterey. (831) 324-4375, rockfishmonterey.com Savvy If Prohibition had passed today, Savvy is the sort of speakeasy that would fill the cocktail void. You want in? Go to the website and click www.montereycountyweekly.com 107 LIVE MUSIC ROCK THE ROW! The Salty Seal Hot Spot H S OCK THE ROW 653 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA 93940 (831) 920-2327 www.saltysealpub.com SaltySeal_2-3v_VG23_GK.indd 1 6/8/23 3:59 PM
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjAzNjQ1NQ==