www.montereycountynow.com APRIL 23-29, 2026 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 41 CHILL The recently released cocktail menu at Pop & Hiss—the combo record store, bar and music venue in Pacific Grove—is full of hits, from the upbeat gin drink Genius of Love to the bluesy bourbon-based Love Me Like a Man. But even in a collection of solid jams, one stands out from the rest: The Born to Run is the boss of them all. Served on ice with a candied lime, the Born to Run is refreshing and smooth, with a slight smoky bite, thanks to the 400 Conejos mezcal, which stands out as the frontman of the tiki cocktail, accompanied by the rhythm of the walnut bitters, the bass of the Brovo Lucky Falernum and the percussive pineapple juice. Although named after the classic Bruce Springsteen hit, Born to Run pairs well with smooth jazz or a chill DJ set commonly featured at Pop & Hiss. The sippable concoction is just boozy enough to complement your conversational skills but not so strong that you’ll lose your cool or act a fool. And if you’re popping in to add the next record to your collection, it serves as an excellent companion for digging through the crates. Pop & Hiss bartender Kaden Yamashita, who co-created the venue’s debut cocktail menu, which was released at the end of March, calls the Born to Run “user-friendly,” and says it’s a drink for people who don’t traditionally imbibe mezcal. For a mezcal lover like myself, the Born to Run is the cocktail I was born to drink. Pop & Hiss, 215 Forest Ave., Pacific Grove. Open Wednesdays-Sundays. popandhiss.net. Chart Topper The new cocktail list at Pop & Hiss draws inspiration from classic tunes. By Aric Sleeper SEND IDEAS TO: chill@montereycountynow.com ARIC SLEEPER ♦ 3 Card Poker ♠ Century 21st No Bust Black Jack ♣ Texas Hold’em ♥ FULL BAR! BLACKJACK BONUS POINTS PAYS UP TO $20,000 SMALL TOWN BIG PAYOUTS! 1-800-Gambler • GEAR-000383, GEAR-000376, GEAR-000375 The Marina Club Casino ensures the safety and security of all guests and team members at all times, while providing exceptional service. 204 Carmel Ave. Marina 831-384-0925 casinomonterey.com ♠ ♣ ♥ ♦ Just minutes from Downtown Monterey Where Monterey Comes To Play FRESH. LOCAL. TASTY. Fisherman’s Wharf FRESHEST SEAFOOD with PANORAMIC VIEWS Open Daily at 11:30am • At the end of Fisherman’s Wharf #1 www.rockfishmonterey.com • 831.324.4375 $92/Adult | $82/Senior (65+) & Military $42/Child (5-12 years old) 4 and Under Complimentary Prices Exclusive of Taxes & Gratuity For reservations, please email rica.dulay@marriott.com or call (831) 647-4018 Mother’s Day Brunch SALADS Caprese | Caesar | Hummus Artisan Bread & Cheeses CRAB CAKE STATION DESSERTS SEAFOOD DISPLAY Chilled Jumbo Shrimp Stone Crab Claws | Oysters OMELET STATION ENTREES CARVING STATION Prime Rib | Glazed Ham Mahi-Mahi | Chicken Alfredo Lasagna Seasonal Vegetables Mushroom Risotto Strawberry Shortcake Dubai Chocolate Brownies Carrot Cake Trifles MONTEREY MARRIOTT FERRANTE BAYVIEW ROOM MAY 10, 2026 | 10AM-2PM COMPLIMENTARY CHAMPAGNE TOAST COMPLIMENTARY TWO HOUR VALET PARKING MENU HIGHLIGHTS
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