14 Best Cocktail Bars in Monterey

“I'll start off by saying I love dive bars. So naturally, Alfredos is my type of bar. It's a cash only bar with an ATM inside. They don't serve any type of food. They do, however, have a menu from a business that's right across the street. They do deliver! Awesome! Bartender and company are very friendly! 5 stars from me! Cheers!“

“Our visit to Stoke's Adobe last weekend produced the best meal I've had on The Peninsula in a decade! Restauranteur, Sarah Orr, has hit one out of the park. The dishes prepared by Executive Chef, Bryce Hansen, were flawless, my favorties being the seared scallops and truffle chicken. Loved the nod to former occupant and socialite, Hattie Gragg, with the inclusion of the Hattie's Old Fashioned on the cocktail menu :) Looking forward to our next visit and an opportunity to sample other items on their ever evolving menu.“

“If you’re visiting Monterey and want to step away from the tourist crowds for a drink, Segovia’s Tavern is exactly where you should go. This place feels like a rite of passage — a classic local bar with real history, friendly faces, and a vibe you just can’t manufacture.

Located just minutes from Cannery Row and downtown, Segovia’s offers a refreshing contrast to the more polished hotel bars nearby. The moment you walk in, you get that authentic Monterey feel: relaxed, welcoming, and full of character. It’s the kind of spot where locals actually hang out — which is always a good sign when you’re traveling.“

“I loved dining by candlelight. I had the camarones al mojo de ajo and it was delicious. Oh and the palomas were amazing!“

“Great view and great service. The fries and the coconut shrimp were phenomenal!“

“—->> IMPORTANT: read the whole review. The hotel is in a weird part of the neighborhood that made me think there might be some seedy businesses nearby, the small parking lot behind the building is accessed by an extremely narrow alleyway and I was afraid I might have trouble turning the car around, and the rooms are small. —- BUT —- The hotel has tons of charm and they work hard to make your stay memorable. Our room was thoughtfully appointed with hardwood flooring and a heated tile bathroom, supportive pillows, an electric fireplace, a wireless charger, a jetted tub, and Charmin toilet paper! The window opened out to a small hint of a balcony. As we were coming and going throughout our stay I was touched to see the cleaning staff spend so much time cleaning just one room, and even at one out I saw one of them polishing the baseboards. The breakfast was delicious, with freshly baked popovers hot out of the oven accompanied by butter and homemade jam. The lemon ricotta pancakes were very good — I had no idea lemon could taste fragrant and floral without being sour. The polenta was buttery and delicious. We got to meet the owner Nick, who was very nice. Tony checked us in and served us breakfast with a smile every morning.“

“We were visiting on a golf trip and stopped in here for dinner. Absolutely excellent food with outstanding customer service! Thank you for making our first meal on our trip a fantastic one! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️“

“Great service and excellent food! Right on the water“

“Our first visit to Lalla Grill Del Monte and it was fabulous! The food was delicious. Our waiter Tino was friendly, professional, and on top of everything. Later we went to the bar. It was fully stocked and the bartender, Rae, was the bomb! Worth a visit if you are in the area! Highly recommend.“

“Great service, great food and wonderful atmosphere.“

“Pearl Hour is one of my favorite places in town, a cozy, intimate bar with amazing cocktails, a great patio, and the occasional delicious food pop-up!“

“My husband and I spent several days last week visiting the Monterey Bay area and had several people recommend Lalla Grill Oceanside as a great place to dine. They were so right ... the food, the service, and the atmosphere were all top notch! Our server, Serena, was an absolutely delightful young lady and helped us order a selection of foods that were all amazing! The floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the water offered spectacular views. Next time we visit the area, there will definitely be a return trip to Lalla Grill!“

“We were a party of seven, two of them under 4 years old. One of our grandkids has food allergies. The staff was so attentive and careful with the preparation and service. It was above and beyond our expectations. We had dinner there two nights because they cared. Thank you Sea Root.“

“Wandered in around 11:30 on Saturday before they got busy, so we were seated immediately and didn't wait long for food. They do have entrees at multiple price points, so that's helpful, and portions are reasonable.

The fries came out hot and crispy but needed a hit of salt. The fish and chips cost more than I'd like but you at least get two big fillets, the breading is robust and crispy, and the fish inside is flaky and moist, so no complaints about the quality.“