62 THE BEST OF MONTEREY BAY ® 2025-2026 DRINKS 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. Peter B’s was Monterey’s first brewpub. Portola Hotel and Spa, 2 Portola Plaza, Monterey. (831) 649-2699, portolahotel.com Liquor Stores Clay’s Liquor Clay’s Liquor is the second location of a Salinas store that has been a go-to for 50 years. Bonus: it is handy to both Cannery Row and Pacific Grove. 898 Lighthouse Ave., Monterey. (831) 375-5488 The Whisky Club You name it, they likely have it. The Whisky Club stocks rarities and collector whiskeys, as well as more approachable bottles from all around the world. The owner is like an encyclopedia of malt. Tasting events are held on a regular basis. 425 Alvarado St., Monterey. (831) 241-6713, twc11.com NORTH COUNTY Bars 101 Wine Press Come for the local wines by the glass or a draft beer, stay for the barbecue (barbecue joints are not usually this sleek)—and the energetic vibes that make this place always lively. 8049 San Miguel Road, Prunedale. (831) 2723025, 101winepress.com Aromas Grill This is a full restaurant with excellent food, but you can also keep it simple and pull up a seat at the bar, order a beer and watch news or sports on TV or chat with locals. 304 Carpenteria Road, Aromas. (831) 726-9999, aromasgrill.com PACIFIC GROVE Bars California Seltzer Company You can order pizza and beer at this space. But why not pizza and seltzer? They serve a line of craft hard seltzers with flavors like hibiscus lime and berry rush. 631 Ocean View Blvd., Pacific Grove. californiaseltzerco.com Monarch Pub & Restaurant A popular location that became downtown’s first drink-first establishment when it opened, pouring beers and shaking cocktails in a city that was dry for much of its history. A large and friendly patio area. 617 Lighthouse Ave., Pacific Grove. (831) 324-4987 The Grill at Point Pinos This is a destination for golfers but also for locals because you can get a beer or classic cocktail or be adventurous and take advantage of their innovative mixology. A bar bites menu is available in season. 79 Asilomar Blvd., Pacific Grove. (831) 375-1313, grillatpointpinos.com Breweries Hops & Fog Brewing Co. Hops & Fog is the first brewpub ever for the small town that was dry until deep into the 20th century. Expect excitement—it draws a crowd—good bar bites and great beer, with a cool little back patio. The tap lineup changes. 511 Lighthouse Ave., Pacific Grove. hopsandfog.beer Liquor Stores Drinkies Liquor They have a nice selection of anything you might want when it comes to alcohol. 192 Country Club Gate Center, Pacific Grove. (831) 915-4451, drinkies.net Pacific Grove Bottle Shop Searching for craft beer? This is the place to go. There’s also a wine bar and a handy spirits section. Located in the Fairway Shopping Center. 1112 Forest Ave., Pacific Grove. (831) 372-6091, pgbottleshop.com PEBBLE BEACH Bars Hay’s Place One could easily argue that Hay’s Place features the coolest patio seating in the county. It sits on Pebble Beach’s par-3 course with an impressive view, fire pits, and indoor-outdoor bar—in fact, the entire restaurant can be opened to the outside. Solid cocktails, too. 3253 Stevenson Drive, Pebble Beach. (800) 877-0597, pebblebeach.com Sticks Yes, Pebble Beach has a sports bar, with a classic menu, plenty of beers on offer and lots of TVs to catch the big game in a casual setting with amazing views that may prove a distraction from the television. 2700 17-Mile Drive, Pebble Beach. (831) 647-7470, pebblebeach.com The Bench Cocktails get clever at this popular place that proves “comfortable elegance” is a real thing. Go with a specialty cocktail or a classic (or beer or wine if you must). Then turn and raise a glass to the view. Note: undergoing renovation in 2025. 1700 17-Mile Drive, Pebble Beach. (831) 647-5000, pebblebeach.com The Lobby Lounge This spot is most famous for its sunset bagpiper and extraordinary views of Spanish Bay, but don’t overlook the local beers on tap and local wines that are featured on a lengthy wine list, alongside cocktails and bites from the adjacent Roy’s. 2700 17-Mile Drive (The Inn at Spanish Bay), Pebble Beach. (831) 647-7500, pebblebeach.com The Tap Room The Tap Room is a casual and classy spot that offers fun with whiskey, a generous beer selection and views of the putting greens and ocean. What could be better? Note: undergoing renovation in 2025. 1700 17-Mile Drive, Pebble Beach. (831) 625-8535, pebblebeach. com SALINAS Bars Casa Sorrento It’s a quaint pizzeria by day, but when night rolls around, Casa Sorrento is host to a variety of music. It’s arguably the liveliest venue in the city. 393 Salinas St., Salinas. (831) 757-2720, casasorrento.com Alvarado Street Brewery
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