Monterey in sunny California may not be a large city, but it has a lot to offer, including many great bars. Check out this list of the best drinking spots in Monterey’s old town.
Bigger is definitely better with Lalla, the short version of the bar’s name. Before becoming the amazing restaurant/bar it is today, Lalla was an empty bank in the middle of downtown Monterey. In 1997, the creators decided to open a bar that would expand the world of martini. The creators knew it was a good idea to open a martini bar in the area. Since it opened, visitors have been frequenting the bar and trying Lallapalooza’s special martinis.
A Taste of Monterey is home to some of the finest wines in Monterey. The market seeks to present, highlight, and promote Monterey County’s wines. Here visitors can taste wines every day. As they enter the place, they will feel as though they stepped into a wine museum. The walls overlook Monterey Bay, which offers wine lovers a great atmosphere.
Four years after the ratification of the 21st Amendment, the owners of the bar, Jason and Sam Coniglio, were celebrating their right to drink openly in Coniglio’s bar. During this celebration, they decided to open a bar on the bustling Alvarado Street. They named it, My Attic to signify the dawning of a new era. My Attic is a place for friends to mingle and forget about their worries while sipping a drink.
Carmel Ridge Winery believes wine brings family and friends together. When paired with food, wine tasting becomes an exhilarating experience. Matching wine and food can be a challenge, but this winery isn’t afraid and the results are great. Their passion for wine is evident in the wine selections. Signature combinations are Mushroom Sautee with Chardonnay, Beef Wellington with Boursin and Mushrooms paired with Carmel Pinot Noir. These entrees and wine pairings are perfect for wine and food lovers.
Sovino Wine Bar is a small bar dedicated to meeting every wine lover’s particular taste. The wine club believes wine tastings should be a wonderful experience. Each brand of wine is selected from Santa Lucia Highlands, Napa Valley, El Dorado foothills, San Ynez, and Paso Robles. Sovino wants its customers to enjoy the finest wines Monterey has to offer.
Schooners overlooks Monterey Bay and offers amazing seafood and contemporary American cuisine. The restaurant/bar’s goal is to celebrate California’s Central Coast. The chef, James Waller, creates entrees that foodies will love. Some of his dishes include raw and cooked seafood and wood-fire dishes. A cocktail menu and an impressive wine list are readily available for customers to browse.
The Crown & Anchor is a British pub whose owners believe a pub should offer more than drinking and eating. A pub should allow its customers to relax and converse with their friends and family. When a person enters a pub, they should feel as though they had walked into their home. This British pub welcomes everyone to enjoy its amazing English beers and the warm traditional pub atmosphere.
Restaurant 1833 stands on an allegedly haunted street, but this doesn’t stop visitors from frequenting this restaurant and bar. When customers enter the building, they will notice the dark atmosphere. It isn’t too dark, but the lights are dimly lit to create an English house vibe. The best part about this place is that they offer outdoor seating, which is great for customers who want to dine under the moon.
The C Restaurant + Bar is home to delicious Californian cuisine. The menu is filled with perfectly cooked steaks, vegetarian dishes and seafood specialties. While customers are dining in the fabulous restaurant, they can check out the Monterey Bay Aquarium. The seafood complies with the Aquarium’s Seafood Watch program. Every dish is caught and chosen for excellence. Other than food, the restaurant offers wine picked from Sonoma County, San Benito and Santa Cruz.
Located in downtown, Easy Street is more than a pool hall – it is a place where people can relax and have a good time. The hall features 12 Rebco tables with solid cherry and leather pockets. The cues are made of two pieces of maple joined together by a steel crew, pro taper and leather tips. Customers have a chance to not only play pool, but also play darts and shuffleboard and watch sports on the six flat screens. Most of the beers are imported and they are served from the bottle or draft.
