RESTAURANTS the menu, everything is worthwhile, including the cocktails. Open for breakfast and lunch, with popular bar bites after. You play here, you win. BEST RESTAURANT FOR TAKEOUT Michael’s 1126 Forest Ave., Pacific Grove. (831) 647-8654, michaelstaqueriapg.com 265 Reservation Road, Marina. (831) 8842568, michaelsgrillandtaqueria.biz 321 Main St., Salinas. (831) 754-8917 There are three locations, each with a different owner. But the readers say “Any time is taco time, any place works best.” Fortunately, you don’t have to roll dice and pray you get the right ingredients to make a taco. You just pick up a takeout order and let them customize your tacos. Zero stress and no surprises. And that’s not all: People can choose from an array of Mexican dishes besides classic tacos, including quesadillas, fajitas, burritos and more. The service is fast and the portions are generous, so you can have a feast, wherever you go. BEST APPETIZERS/SMALL PLATES Estéban Restaurant 700 Munras Ave., Monterey (831) 375-0176, hotelcasamunras.com Faro was a card game wildly popular in the 1800s. It was fast, for one, and several people could play at the same time. Modern diners have learned something from this ethic. Small, shared plates are a hit because a group can order a range of different items, not just meat and potatoes. As a Spanish-themed restaurant with a tapas playbook, Estéban was ahead of the trend. And the kitchen continues to lead the way—not only with an array of small plates, but also when it comes to larger offerings. Pizza and paella are shared dishes, after all. Don’t forget about tapas hour. BEST RESTAURANT FOR GLUTEN-FREE Hula’s Island Grill 622 Lighthouse Ave., Monterey (831) 655-4852, hulastiki.com Hula’s Island Grill is not a gluten-free restaurant, but it offers a nice gluten-free selection on the menu. So while gluten may be hiding in dishes at other places, at Hula’s there is no need to seek vainly for gluten-free options. This is your destination for gluten-free burgers, tacos, bread, buns and more. It is also a trip to a tiki bar with a big menu of fun, sunny, often rum-based cocktails. According to the menu, almost everything can be made gluten-free and friendly service does everything to please customers. Try ceviche, seafood, ribs or calamari. Those allergic to the pesky protein found in what seems like everything these days are simply spoiled for choices at Hula’s. BEST SEAFOOD RESTAURANT Monterey Fish House 2114 Del Monte Ave., Monterey (831) 373-4647, montereyfishhouse.com Let’s play a little Guess Who, shall we? Does this restaurant have oysters the size of a grown man’s hand? Yes. Does this restaurant have reason to brag about an oak-fired grill? Yes. Is this restaurant known to offer delicious grilled sole fillets? Yes. Is this eatery a no-frills establishment? Yes. Was it once featured in the on-going and wildly successful television series Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives, even though it is technically none of those things? Yes. Is it Monterey Fish House? Yes! 88 BEST OF MONTEREY COUNTY® 2025 montereycountynow.com/bestof Thank you for voting us BEST Bloody Mary five years in a row! five years in a row! Fresh Seafood • Steaks and Pastas Great Water Level View • Parking at the Door Lunch and Dinner Everyday Sunday Brunch Come Aboard! (831) 373-2818 Fisherman’s Wharf #2 www.sandbarandgrillmonterey.com ’25 A Local Favorite
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