DRINKS Alfredo’s Cantina Famed as a last-stop nightcap spot and daydrinking hang, this downtown watering hole dishes out no-frills drinks with old-school service. A cozy, cash-only dive. 266 Pearl St., Monterey. (831) 375-0655 Bayside Lobby Lounge It’s easy to focus on the view—sweeping windows open onto the beach and Monterey Bay—but don’t forget to pay attention to the cocktail menu. Draft beers and wines by the glass, too. In the Monterey Tides Hotel. 2600 Sand Dunes Drive, Monterey. (831) 394-3321, montereytides.com/dining Bulldog Sports Pub A little bit British neighborhood pub, a lot American sports bar. There are big screens on every wall, so you won’t miss any of the action. 611 Lighthouse Ave., Monterey. (831) 6580686, bulldogsportspub.com Cella Restaurant While it may be a dining destination with a compelling wine list, don’t overlook cocktails at the bar. Cella’s team is adept at crafting drinks using fresh herbs and other seasonal ingredients. 525 Polk St., Monterey. (831) 920-1046, cellarestaurant.com Cibo Ristorante Italiano Cibo is a fave for the upscale downtown crowd. After dinner, it evolves into a lively jazz nightclub. Great happy hour. 301 Alvarado St., Monterey. (831) 649-8151, cibo.com Compact Disco By night, this cozy downtown space becomes a unique lounge, one with the vibe of a disco. Yes, that means dancing. 420 Tyler St., Monterey. (831) 920-2518 Crown & Anchor British Pub This nautical-themed pub pours a rotating roster of British and Scottish ales on draught and single malt scotches, alongside hearty British fare. 150 W. Franklin St., Monterey. (831) 649-6496, crownandanchor.net Duffy’s Tavern An out-of-the-way neighborhood spot that serves up beer, wine and pub fare, as well as that rare in-the-know feeling. This is an oldschool, no-frills, friendly spot for a burger, a beer and some off-the-beaten-path day drinking. 282 High St., Monterey. (831) 644-9811 Estéban Restaurant Estéban has a lot going for it—great food, one of the best patios. But it is also a drinks destination. The craft behind the cocktails is impeccable. For weekend brunch they roll out a unique build-your-own Bloody Mary bar (a must). The bar even has its own line of Maker’s Mark whiskey. 700 Munras Ave., Monterey. (831) 375-0176, estebanrestaurant.com Hula’s Island Grill Hula’s happy hour happens each day of the week, but it lasts all night on Tiki Tuesdays. So the island appetizers and the creatively named tropical drinks boast great value. There’s a second bar out back in a lively courtyard. 622 Lighthouse Ave., Monterey. (831) 655-4852, hulastiki.com Jacks Monterey Some of the city’s best craft cocktails include the house’s barrel-aged concoctions served to guests at the polished stone bar. The atrium patio adds to the seating options. Portola Hotel, 2 Portola Plaza, Monterey. (831) 6497830, jacksatportola.com Kona Steak & Seafood The popular restaurant’s equally popular bar (“the zen den”) makes tiki drinks, 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 WWW.MONTEREYCOUNTYNOW.COM 59 ’13-24 Best Head Shop ’15-19 Best Vape Store Nor-Cal_1_2h_VG25_dg.indd 1 5/30/25 3:30 PM
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