54 THE BEST OF MONTEREY BAY ® 2025-2026 BIG SUR Bars Big Sur River Inn Dip your feet in the river from an Adirondack chairs, post up on the outdoor deck or at the cozy bar inside. A tradition of Sunday music brings bands down to the river all summer long to serenade listeners. 46800 Highway 1, Big Sur. (831) 667-2700, bigsurriverinn.com Big Sur Taphouse Part sports bar, with its game-friendly big screens, part neighborhood pub, part resting spot along the PCH, Big Sur Taphouse is just a good spot to hang out for a while—indoors or on the big back patio. 47520 Highway 1, Big Sur. (831) 667-2197, bigsurtaphouse.com Fernwood Tavern Fernwood draws an eclectic crowd. Locals, campers, travelers and artists all comfortably come together. There aren’t many places better for live music in the area. Or just grab a local draft beer and sip on the peaceful deck in the redwoods. 47200 Highway 1, Big Sur. (831) 667-2422, fernwoodbigsur.com CARMEL Bars Bar Napoli There’s a solid wine list and classic cocktails, along with a selection of beers. It’s part Old World corner bar, part American sports bar— and you can shop for wines or bottled craft cocktails. Dolores and 7th, Carmel. (831) 626-7373 Barmel Barmel keeps its slogan simple: Cocktails, food, music. Any of the three could be listed first, but craft cocktails and fine spirits do qualify for the top spot. Always a popular place, Barmel also has a cool lounge vibe. San Carlos and Ocean, Carmel. (831) 626-2095, barmel.com Brophy’s Tavern There’s a lot more to recommend this place than just a beer and burger: an expansive “upscale tavern” menu, cool service crew, a lively atmosphere and a bunch of flat-screen TVs. 4th and San Carlos, Carmel. (831) 5865566, brophystavern.com Bud’s at La Playa The renovated Bud’s is known for two things, one old and one new. The new is a list of spectacular specialty cocktails. But they kept the cherished Dime Time, a daily 10-minute happy hour called at the bartender’s discretion where drinks cost 10 cents and must be paid for with dimes. So pocket change is useful, after all. Camino Real and 8th, Carmel. (831) 293-6100, budscarmel.com “What are you in the mood for?” is a common question when people consider venues and drinks. Fortunately, Monterey County has something to fit any frame of mind. There are austere dive bars, brewpubs with lines of craft beers, upscale places with creative mixologists, places to watch the game or hang out on the patio. Some bars turn Bloody Marys into Instagram-worthy eyecatchers. Others keep things classic. Some have been around more than 50 years. Others are new and trendy. So the question is easily answered. DRINKS The C Restaurant + Bar
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