bars and nightlife
Bernardus Lodge
Wickets lounge hosts nightly live jazz, mixes great martinis and cultivates a wonderful atmosphere. The bar offers views of beautiful Carmel Valley. 415 Carmel Valley Rd., Carmel Valley, 658-3550.
Big Dog Sports Restaurant
Beer and burger, rum and wraps �“ you can get it all at this sports-themed bar and restaurant that celebrates Carmel’s love affairs with canines. The Barnyard, Carmel, 625-0340.
Britannia Arms
A popular spot among the college-age crowd. Impressive pub-style setting, featuring many domestic and imported beers, liquors, and fine live music. Enjoy the roomy interior and social atmosphere. 444 Alvarado St., Monterey, 656-9543.
Bulldog British Pub
Brits and Americans alike flock to this English pub in the New Monterey business district. The Bulldog’s got 16 domestic and international beers on tap, a big screen TV and late-night food, including burgers, salads, fish and chips, bangers and mash and shepherd’s pie. A great stop for the partier at heart. Full bar as well. 611 Lighthouse Ave., Monterey, 658-0686.
Bullwacker’s Patio Pub
Nothing beats having a beer outside on a warm summer evening. The people at Bullwacker’s know this, and that is why this restaurant and bar on Cannery Row has a big outdoor patio with a handful of fire pits. On weekends, bands and acoustic musicians perform outside on a small stage. 653 Cannery Row, Monterey, 373-1353.
Carbone’s
This biker-friendly local institution boasts live entertainment and a terraced outdoor patio with an inviting fire pit. Enjoy a small but spirited dance floor, darts, pool and a full bar. 214 Lighthouse Ave., Monterey, 643-9169.
Characters Sports Bar and Grill
One of our readers’ favorite sports bars, and no wonder. This quintessential hangout boasts a dozen 19-inch TVs, a big screen, 16 beers on tap and an extensive menu. Live evening entertainment from Motown to disco to karaoke, enticing lunch specials, and savory bar snacks. 350 Calle Principal, Monterey, 647-4023.
Cibo Ristorante Italiano
Locally renowned for its legendary martinis served in oversized 9-ounce martini glasses, Cibo is a favorite meeting place for singles in their 30s and 40s. It’s a fun, crowded hangout with an urban attitude. Live jazz, funk, and Latin music are featured in the evenings. 301 Alvarado St., Monterey, 649-8151 or www.cibo.com.
Club Octane
This spacious upstairs nightclub offers high-powered, high-tech, DJ-spun house, techno and trance music for your dancing pleasure. If dancing isn’t quite your thing, check out the Lava Lounge on the first floor, blaring all manner of rock music. 321 D Alvarado St., Monterey, 646-9244 or www.cluboctane.com.
Crown and Anchor Pub
The English proprietors of this authentic pub take pleasure in bringing royal England to Monterey in the form of traditional nautical decor, 20 beers on tap, fine single-malt Scotches and a full menu of hearty British and American food (sandwiches, meat pies, fish and chips). A heated outdoor patio rounds out its charms. 150 W. Franklin St., Monterey, 649-6496.
Doc Rickett’s Lab
With college night and drink specials, Doc’s is pulsing at the seams on a typical weekend night. A full sushi bar is available and the stage is always holding up either a karaoke crooner, a comedian, or a group of singles dancing to a hip-hop DJ. 180 E. Franklin St., Monterey, 649-4241.
Easy Street Billiards
Monterey’s easiest place to play pool is Easy Street Billiards, featuring 13 tables. Enjoy a brew and listen to the jukebox while attempting to sink the elusive 8-ball. Appetizers like taquitos and cheesesticks are available for the hungry pool shark. Amateur drop-in tournaments, call for details. 511 Tyler St., Monterey, 333-0825.
Eddie’s
You never know what you’ll get at this favorite haunt of local characters �“ a rock show or a Central Asian belly dancing band. Either way, it’s a great slice of local life and a guaranteed good time. Full bar. 2200 N. Fremont, Monterey, 375-6116.
Edgar’s Restaurant
All manner of high-quality food and beverages can be found at Edgar’s at Quail Lodge. Seafood, pizza, hamburgers and a wide variety of appetizers for both lunch and dinner are all served in a “relaxed 19th hole atmosphere.” Dining is available indoors and outdoors and there is also a walk-up patio bar overlooking the golf course. 8000 Valley Greens, Carmel Valley, 620-8910.
English Ales Brewery
A rare find: In a comfortable neighborhood setting off the main drag in Marina is the brewery that gives this region its preeminent local beer. The vibe is friendly and the barkeeps pour cask-conditioned, hand-pulled ales, including the widely acclaimed E.A. Pale Ale. 233-A Reindollar Ave, Marina, 883-3000.
Hyatt Regency Inn
One of the best deals in town for jazz lovers, the Hyatt features regional jazz artists every Friday and Saturday evening in the lounge, where patrons can enjoy wine, a cocktail and a nibble indoors or al fresco. 1 Old Golf Course Way, Monterey, 647-2098.
Jack London’s Bar & Grill
A friendly atmosphere and New Orleans-accented pub grub make Jack’s a locals’ favorite �“ but two nice rooms and a handful of courtyard tables leave room enough for visitors in the know. The burgers, grilled chicken sandwiches or nightly specials can be enjoyed at a cozy corner table or at the bar with a view of the ball game. Dolores and Fifth, Carmel, 624-2336.
Knuckles Historical Sports Bar
Two satellite dishes and 13 TV monitors show all the sports action. Burgers, pizzas, sandwiches, salads and free popcorn and peanuts abound. For those who aren’t satisfied with the typical beer bottle, Knuckles offers 25-ounce mugs. Add two pool tables to the mix and you have a fun hangout for sports enthusiasts. Hyatt Regency, 1 Old Golf Course Way, Monterey, 372-1234.
London Bridge Pub
Located a few steps from Monterey harbor, London Bridge Pub is one of the most welcoming bars around. Inside, choose from 15 beers on tap or an extensive menu including fish and chips, burgers and homemade desserts. Outside, sit at a picnic table under a heat lamp and look out over the docked boats. Municipal Wharf #2, Monterey. 655-2879 or www.lbpmonterey.com.
The Lounge at the Sardine Factory
Remodeled and revamped in 2004, this casual room with its couches, cozy corners and live music has become Cannery Row’s newest stylish watering hole �“ made more sophisticated by the terrific small plates from the legendary restaurant. 701 Wave St., Monterey, 373-3775.
Maiden Publick house
Overflowing with personality, this Big Sur pub and sports bar features 95 craft and European beers and a full bar menu. Next to the Big Sur River Inn. Village Center Shops, Highway 1, Big Sur, 667-2355.
Mission Ranch
Historic Mission Ranch, purchased and restored by Clint Eastwood, is a popular meeting place for singles. Three fireplaces, green postbeam ceilings and expansive views equal any on the Peninsula. A wonderful place to enjoy a Scotch or two; the piano bar charms nightly. Come on Sundays for a “jazz-champagne” brunch. 26270 Dolores, Carmel, 625-9040.
Monterey Live
This state-of-the-art, intimate performance venue can accommodate up to 100 spectators. The gorgeous Spanish-accented room hosts everything from performances by dance ensembles to concerts by acoustic groups like San Francisco’s The Waybacks. Full bar, food menu, espresso drinks. 414 Alvarado St., Monterey, 646-1415 or www.montereylive.net.
Moss Landing Inn
The Whole Enchilada serves bar customers until 9:30pm. After that, burritos are served from the kitchen. Pool table, live entertainment on the weekends, karaoke, and five beers on tap. 7902 Highway 1, Moss Landing, 633-3038.
The Mucky Duck
No need to fly to England �“ you can get the same friendly, authentic neighborhood pub atmosphere here with 21 international beers on draft and 70 whiskeys. The Duck’s expanded menu features traditional British pub favorites along with upscale cuisine. Relax in the garden patio or warm yourself on chilly nights around the open-pit fireplace out back, where there’s often a DJ playing. 479 Alvarado St., Monterey, 655-3031 or www.muckyduckmonterey.com.
Pelican Tavern
A full bar, starring local wines and a nice selection of draft beers, complements both the ocean view and a delicious lineup of proud dishes like Angus steak bites, hog-wrapped jalapeños and Maryland-style crab cakes. A great family-friendly atmosphere makes it the place to catch the game after the little league game. Tin Cannery, 125 Ocean View Blvd., # 126, Pacific Grove, 647-8200.
Penny Farthing Tavern
It’s not a bar, it’s a pub. This very British establishment offers 22 beers on tap and a menu of British and American food served until 10pm every day of the week. Patrons can enjoy a game of darts in a warm and friendly atmosphere or even sing karaoke. 9 E. San Luis, Salinas, 424-5652.
Peter B’s BrewPub
A full-view, in-house brewery features 12 Carmel Brewing Co. beers �“ seven of which are exclusive to the restaurant, including a pilsner, stout, and raspberry and wheat ales. Watch the brewmaster at work from the comfort of red leather booths. Enjoy sourdough pizza, buffalo wings, or a turkey burger. Open seven days a week. Portola Plaza Hotel, 2 Portola Plaza, Monterey, 649-2699.
Planet Gemini
Comedy is king at Planet Gemini, which doubles as an exciting dance club featuring rock, Latin and R&B music. Up-and-coming comedians work the crowd, and the dancing can’t be beat. 2110 N. Fremont St., Monterey, 373-1449.
Shane’s Irish Bistro
The only Irish pub in Monterey County, Shane’s Irish Bistro has Harp and Guinness beers on tap along with pub fare like lamb stew. The cozy pub also has outdoor seating. 401 Lighthouse Ave., Monterey, 646-2005.
Sly McFly’s
Sly’s is a crucial player on the Central Coast music scene. Local musicians jam here during the week, national talent comes through on weekends, and both locals and visitors enjoy the full bar and menu. 700 Cannery Row, Monterey, 372-3225 or www.slymcflys.com.
The Tap Room
More than a golfer’s pub, the Tap Room includes a mix of locals, tourists, and celebrities. A casual but classy romantic interior and generous selection of bottled and microbrewery beers make it a fun weekend destination. The Lodge at Pebble Beach, 1700 17-Mile Drive, Pebble Beach, 625-8535.
