www.montereycountynow.com JANUARY 29-FEBRUARY 4, 2026 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 11 For a city fixated on preserving the character of its past, it is ironic that a neighborhood dive bar nearing its 100th year will be pushed out. Sade’s Cocktails was packed with familiar patrons and new faces alike for its last days open. Many locals planned to come every night until closing on Jan. 30. One night, the parents of owner Parker Logan stopped by. Another night, one of the bartenders shared how he got married at Sade’s a few years ago. Each night, every seat was filled as strangers and regulars swapped stories and speculated about the bar’s future. “It’s a little surreal,” Logan says. “People are coming for their last night, or their last string of nights.” About nine months ago, word came down that Sade’s Cocktails would be closing, at least at its current location. Landlords Maria Martinez and Lizete Fiallo decided not to renew the lease. Among the wine bars, boutiques and nice restaurants in what has evolved over the years into a bustling tourist town, Sade’s stands out for its ability to bring strangers together over an honest cocktail or a couple of beers. It no longer matches the surrounding aesthetic—and that’s precisely why people love it. “We’re here to have a drink and have a good time. It’s not about ordering some bougie cocktail,” Logan says. “It’s about sitting down, sharing travel stories or playing a friendly game of dice.” After news of the closure spread, Logan launched a GoFundMe to support relocation efforts, raising $15,100 as of press time. Inspired by a visit to Carmel in 2000, Martinez and Fiallo purchased the property (housing Sade’s, Demetra, Xandra Swimwear and an apartment) in 2018 but manage it from afar. Lease discussions have been contentious; according to Logan, the rent he pays—$271 per square foot—is above the average commercial rate. Martinez says Logan has been a good tenant but notes significant interest in the space, adding that they envision something “more consistent with the vibe of the rest of Carmel.” She also shares she has never been inside the bar. “We don’t want to rush getting something done quickly,” Martinez says, speaking to what will come next. “We want to settle things.” Sade’s Cocktails has moved once before, in 1994 from the location that now houses PortaBella, located on Ocean Avenue. Since then, the city has created only three use permits for late-night bars that serve alcohol only: Sade’s, A.W. Shucks and Barmel. In recent months, A.W. Shucks’ permit has come under scrutiny amid questions about whether it operates as a bar or a restaurant, and whether its permit accurately reflects its business. Barmel’s future is also in jeopardy following recent disputes with the landlords. For now, Logan is considering other locations. “I feel like I have an obligation to make this place survive,” Logan says. “It is that important to this city. I’m not going to let it go away.” Last Call Nearing 100 years, Carmel’s historic cocktail bar Sade’s is slated for closure. By Katie Rodriguez The property owners declined to renew a lease for Sade’s, a Carmel dive bar. The bar’s last day in operation will be Friday, Jan. 30; the lease ends on Jan. 31. NEWS “We’re here to have a drink and have a good time.” DANIEL DREIFUSS
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