block or two up the hill there are no daytime limits. The street’s purpose may have a bigger impact. Restaurateurs often hear phrases such as “I didn’t know you were here” (Trongarchakaew installed a sharp yellow awning out front to prevent drivers from missing Curry Journey). Lighthouse Avenue was laid out in the 1870s as a conduit from Point Pinos Lighthouse to downtown Monterey. Its path through Monterey slowly developed into a retail buffer between the canneries and the workers who lived up the hill. The Presidio always presented a chokepoint—more so when a route through the base was closed following 9/11. With more traffic funneled onto the street, drivers have few opportunities to look around. Despite the issues, however, Lighthouse has become a food and drink destination. Of course, that has long been one of its roles. Wojtowicz notes that the building that hosts Oystertown was built in 1927 as a grocery store. Later it became a pizzeria and, most recently, a coffee shop and boutique store. But a small renaissance began when mixologist Katie Blandin opened Pearl Hour in September 2019, immediately earning Best New Business honors from Weekly readers. Bespoke cocktails and diverse events continue to attract a discerning crowd that remains late. Since then, International Market, which trades in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern goods—spun off International Cafe. Malinka European Market opened, stocking items from Central and Eastern Europe. Sunrise Cafe now welcomes a breakfast and lunch crowd. Bulldog Sports Pub received a remodel, as did Segovia’s, the strip’s longstanding dive, and Namaste India Bistro. 14 THE BEST OF MONTEREY BAY ® EAT + DRINK 2026-2027 831.574.3042 | mcintyrevineyards.com Join Us At Our Tasting Room at 24 W. Carmel Valley Rd., Carmel Valley Enjoy our wines at our Tasting Room or call and make a reservation for an Estate Vineyard tasting. Producing handmade, highly acclaimed Chardonnays, Pinot Noirs, Sparkling and Rosé from sustainably farmed vineyards in the Legendary Santa Lucia Highlands. WINES History, Heritage, Hospitality Stop in for a quick lunch and shop our market, for great domestic and imported goods! Open daily 10am to 5pm • 750 Cannery Row Suite 108, Monterey conigliodeli.com • 831-901-3175 f P Coniglio_1-3s_VG21_gk.indd 1 6/7/21 12:52 PM
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