Inexpensive drinks, discounted bar apps and much-needed time with friends… no wonder we call it Happy Hour! To help you in your pursuit of happiness, we put together a list of some of the best happy hour spots in Monterey County.
Estéban Restaurant
Served daily from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m., enjoy Spanish-inspired small plates like bravas potatoes, croquettes, crispy calamari and rotating seasonal bites alongside sangrias, Spanish house wines and signature cocktails on the garden patio.
Recommendation: Empanadas & a pitcher of sangria — perfect for sharing before an evening stroll downtown.
Hula’s Island Grill
Locals love Hula’s Happy Hour for the delicious Hawaiian-Californian fusion food, laid-back surf shack atmosphere, and tasty tiki drinks. Happy Hour is from 4 to 6 p.m. on Sunday and Monday, 2 to 6 p.m. on Wednesday through Saturday, and Tuesday from 2 p.m. to close!
Recommendation: Hula’s Mai Tai & Kona Style Chicken Wings
Vesuvio
Vesuvio has a Happy Hour Monday through Sunday from 4 to 6 p.m., and on any given night of the week, the bar is busy with repeat locals and visitors alike. Come for the wood-fired pizzas, great drink specials and cozy fire pits at their Starlight Rooftop Lounge.
Recommendation: House-made Doc Pepe Old Fashioned Cocktail & Firenze Pizza
Lalla Oceanside Grill
For sweeping views of the Monterey Bay coastline, it doesn’t get much better than Lalla Oceanside Grill situated right on Monterey’s historic Cannery Row. Snack on delicious small bites and watch the sunset through the floor-to-ceiling windows during their daily Happy Hour from 4 to 6 p.m.
Recommendation: Bellini Martini & Blue Cheese Steak Bites
Il Fornaio
The bar at Il Fornaio is the place to be on a weekday afternoon! Choose from a variety of pizzas, antipasti, cocktails and wines by the glass for just $6 each. Happy Hour is hosted Monday-Friday from 4 to 6 p.m.
Recommendation: Get an entire pizza for just $6!
Peter B’s Brewpub
Nothing says “Happy Hour” quite like nachos and craft beer, both of which are found at Peter B’s Brewpub in downtown Monterey. Peter B’s Happy Hour is daily from 4 to 6:30 p.m. and offers specials such as garlic fries, Monterey Bay calamari, and $5 beers. If you're more of a night owl, check out their Late Night Happy Hour offered Sunday-Thursday from 9:30 to 10:30 p.m.
Recommendation: A Peter B’s specialty beer & Crispy Cheese Curds
Cibo Ristorante
Not only does Cibo Ristorante in downtown Monterey have a killer Happy Hour, but they also offer live music almost every night of the week. From 4 to 7 p.m. (5 p.m. for food), guests can enjoy specials on drinks and appetizers starting at just $3.
Recommendation: Lavender Lemon Drop and meatball sliders.
Sunset Lounge at Highlands Inn
The Sunset Lounge is part of the Zagat-rated restaurant at the Highlands Inn just outside of Point Lobos State Reserve. Catch spectacular views of the sun setting over the rugged coastline while sipping on a glass of wine and being serenaded by a live jazz group. The Sunset Lounge is open daily for Happy Hour from 4 to 6 p.m.
Recommendation: Highlands Chocolate Martini & Charcuterie Board
Melville Tavern
Melville Tavern is quickly becoming a favorite amongst the Monterey crowd. With a cozy atmosphere inside and a sunny, spacious patio out front, it is the perfect place to grab a drink and catch up with friends. The prices are also particularly favorable, with a featured beer and wine of the week as well as Happy Hour specials available Monday through Thursday from 4 to 6 p.m.
Recommendation: $4 Beer of the Week & Fried Artichokes
Sardine Factory
The Sardine Factory’s Happy Hour is so happy it’s offered twice! Happy Hours are offered daily from 5 to 6 p.m. and 9:30 to 10:30 p.m., with $8 signature cocktails, $6 wines by the glass, and $6.50 small-bite starters.
Recommendation: Baltino Mojito & Truffle Sea Salt Popcorn
Bonus Round: La Playa’s “Bud Allen Hour”
Search under your couch cushions because every Sunday at La Playa Carmel, you can get well drinks for just 10 cents! From 5 to 5:10 p.m., aka “Bud Allen Hour,” you can indulge in a delicious libation on a dime!
