Ten Great Places to Have a Beer
Monterey County isn't just an up-and-coming wine destination; it's becoming a great place for beer fans, too. June's Monterey Beer Festival features great beers from around the country as well as the world's first beer-themed short film festival. Beer-focused restaurants are also springing up throughout the county.
Are you in the mood for a brew? Here's a baker's dozen of choices, all places that combine great beer and great atmosphere.
Cannery Row Brewing Company
95 Prescott Avenue, Monterey
Cannery Row Brewing Company was the most buzzed-about restaurant opening of 2010. The main attraction is 73 beers on tap, with a similarly deep selection of bourbon and other liquors. It's no surprise, however, that the first restaurant established by the founders of Pebble Beach Food and Wine would also have stellar, posh pub grub. Don't miss the garlic fries and slow-roasted Buffalo wings!
Peter B's Brew Pub
2 Portola Plaza (at the back of the Portola Hotel and Spa), Monterey
There's only one place to go on the Monterey Peninsula if you want beer that's brewed on-premises: Peter B's Brew Pub. Peter B's, located on the edge of Custom House Plaza, Monterey State Historic Park in downtown Monterey, offers great pub food and hand-crafted beers. Watch sports games on high-def TVs or sit outside and enjoy a beautiful day.
The Tap Room at The Lodge at Pebble Beach
1700 17-Mile Drive (inside The Lodge at Pebble Beach), Pebble Beach
Golfers looking for a beer head to The Tap Room at The Lodge at Pebble Beach. Decorated with vintage Pebble Beach memorabilia, The Tap Room has a well-curated selection of draft and bottled beers, and some people say it's got the best burger and onion rings anywhere — try them and decide for yourself.
Santa Lucia Cafe
484 Washington Street, Monterey
Santa Lucia Cafe isn’t just for great German and Italian cuisine; they also serve beer from both countries, including eight taps of excellent German beer on draft. Santa Lucia’s also offers several domestic microbrews. Be sure to pair your favorite beverage with a bratwurst or some Wiener schnitzel!
Fernwood Tavern
47200 Highway One, Big Sur
Have a beer at Fernwood Tavern in Big Sur and you just might catch a legendary indie act; Joanna Newsom notably played a surprise gig here, and many other up-and-coming acts perform on Saturday nights. Both the staff and the clientele are friendly and the beer is reasonably priced.
Britannia Arms
444 Alvarado St., Monterey
Located in downtown Monterey, Britannia Arms is one of the top sports bars in town. It's got a broad selection of beers on tap, with specials on brews that go beyond the usual suspects. Wednesday nights are Karaoke night and Thursday nights are pub trivia; come early if you want a seat.
Jack London's Grill & Taproom
Dolores between 5th and 6th, Carmel-by-the-Sea
If you want to hang with the locals, try Jack London's Grill & Taproom. You'll rub elbows with Carmel-by-the-Sea's artists and businesspeople, as well as longtime locals who can tell you what the area used to be like. There's also a solid selection of local beers on tap.
London Bridge Pub
256 Figueroa St. (next to Wharf #2), Monterey
London Bridge Pub has great views of Monterey Bay and Monterey's marina; have a beer while you watch the sun set. Sit on the outside patio for a breath of fresh sea air along with your pint, or inside to watch the day's sports games on new flat-screen TVs.
The Crown & Anchor
150 W. Franklin St., Monterey
When you enter The Crown & Anchor in downtown Monterey, you feel like you've stepped into an old-time sailing vessel, albeit one with an amazing beer selection on tap. The decor pays homage to historic sailing vessels, and the bar features 20 taps, split between regional and British beers. Be sure to pair your beer with scrumptious deep-fried artichoke hearts.
The Otter’s Den
3166 Vista Del Camino, Marina
Recently renovated from top to bottom, The Otter’s Den is one of the best sports bars and lounges on the Monterey Bay. The kick back environment is a great place to chill with friends and catch the big game on one of their many flat screens. Every Tuesday from 6pm-9pm Sparkinzi and friends spin live soul and deep house music.
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