scenic hills. Each has their own unique character, and the food and drink options at all of them more than make up for the absence of a view. Alta Bakery and Cafe 502 Munras Ave., Monterey 920-1018, altamonterey.com If you walk by Alta Bakery on any given morning, you’ll likely see a line stretching out the door filled with eager patrons looking for a delicious pastry and coffee. Or perhaps it’s an avocado toast, and later in the day, a pizza or salad and a beer. But for the uninitiated just walking by, they might not know that Alta has a sprawling outdoor area in the enclosed grounds of the restored Cooper Molera Adobe, which dates back to 1827. The patio offers tables in the shade or sun (if it’s out), and whether alone or with others, there’s no better experience in the county to get a taste of what Monterey was like in the 19th century, when it was both the Spanish, or Mexican capital of Alta California, and briefly, the state capital of California as it was brought into the American fold. The food and beverage options are can’tmiss—everything is excellent. Alvarado Street Brewery & Bistro Mission Street and 7th Avenue (Carmel Plaza), Carmel 293-8621, asb.beer Alvarado Street Brewery has exploded in popularity in the past decade, winning numerous awards at the annual American Beer Festival and expanding the reach of its flagship brewery and restaurant in Monterey to three other locations in Monterey County. Its outpost in Carmel is perhaps the most interesting, because it’s nestled inside Carmel Plaza and has a large outdoor dining area on the plaza’s ground level. And it’s not just that the bistro bustles—that’s not unique among Alvarado Street Brewery’s locations—but is because there are also scores of people milling about the plaza patronizing other businesses. It’s a place to watch people dressed casually in designer clothes enjoying the day. It’s a fun vibe, a place to see and/ or be seen. And of course, the beers are as good as it gets—and the dishes are compelling, as well. If you’re going to have a sun’s-out drink and meal in Carmel while also enjoying the fresh air and secondhand conversation, this is the place to do it. Plus, it won’t break the bank. Café Guaraní 111 Central Ave., Pacific Grove 747-1551, cafeguarani.com The “secret garden” in the back of Café Guaraní is an underappreciated gem just a stone’s throw from busy Central Avenue in Pacific Grove and just a couple of blocks from the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Encompassed by potted plants, the garden patio basks in the afternoon sun, but umbrellas provide shade for the sun-shy. And for those who really want to kick back, there’s even a hammock. The cafe serves Paraguayan cuisine, and aside from the superb coffee beverages, this is a place to try some authentic empanadas, yucca fries and yerba maté teas. It’s a peaceful, relaxing escape from the bustle of Cannery Row and Monterey’s Lighthouse 22 The Best of Monterey Bay ® EAT + DRINK 2024-2025 Estéban outdoors.indd 2 4/16/24 4:44 PM
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