Arts & Entertainment BEST MARTINI Bud’s La Playa Hotel, 827 Camino Real, Carmel (831) 293-6100, budscarmel.com How can the best martini not be a martini, except that it is one—kind of? The illusionists behind the bar at Bud’s have pulled off this crowd-pleasing act with a classic prepared from gin, vodka and Lillet. Yes, this favorite of James Bond in Casino Real is known as a Vesper, or alternatively, a Vesper Martini. It’s a stark, clean cocktail suitable for French cuffs and starched collars (although not a barker’s top hat). But even for those more casually dressed, the Vesper Martini at Bud’s elevates an evening. BEST BARTENDER Kaden Yamashita, Pop & Hiss 215 Forest Ave., Pacific Grove (831) 275-3303, popandhiss.net Jugglers at the circus are masters of legerdemain, meaning “sleight of hand” in French. Replace pins, balls or even chainsaws with spirit bottles and mixing liqueurs and the only one standing in the ring will be Kaden Yamashita from Pop & Hiss. The price of admission to any show in the back bar of this vinyl shop is worth watching Yamashita practice his craft, with a lineup of signature musically-themed cocktails—many of which were developed by the master bartender. Yamashita’s talents don’t stop there. When he steps out from behind the bar, he’s just as good with turntables in front of him. BEST LOCAL BAND The Money Band themoneyband.org “The noblest art is that of making others happy.” P.T. Barnum said that, probably in reference to himself. “A hyper-polished, zero-ego entertainment machine.” The Weekly said that, about The Money Band. Although the longtime local favorite plays covers, they are known for attacking the music and changing the tempo—whatever will make people happy and get them up on the dance floor. That is why The Money Band has such a following. BEST LOCAL MUSICIAN Katherine Lavin katherinelavinmusic.com Katherine Lavin does not play the calliope—at least not that we know of. But if she did, the noise machine would produce glorious music. Thankfully, the young guitar-shredding phenom can be spotted rocking out around Pacific Grove and elsewhere in Monterey County rather than on the road. But just like any circus, she won’t be hanging around forever and has plans to attend college at Chico State University this fall to major in music industry and pre-recording arts. So if you see her on the marquee, don’t wait to buy a ticket to the show. BEST COFFEE SHOP Alta Bakery 502 Munras Ave., Monterey (831) 920-1018, altamonterey.com Given the ever-present and lengthy line outside, you would think people were waiting to get into Barnum & Bailey’s. But they are happily waiting to get into the readers’ pick for best coffee shop in town: Alta Bakery. Alta has all the classics like a cappuccino and a mocha, as well as more interesting items like an espresso tonic and a latte with orange cardamon syrup. They also always have a rotating latte special with creative flavors of the season. BEST LOCAL THEATER PRODUCTION BEST LOCAL THEATER COMPANY Young Frankenstein Pacific Repertory Theatre 821 Monte Verde St., Carmel (831) 622-0100, pacrep.org As entertaining as the Broadway 2007 Mel Brooks original, Young Frankenstein turned the Founder’s Theatre into a creepy castle of Victor Frankenstein, the protagonist of Mary Shelley’s 1818 novel. Directed by PacRep’s founder and director, Stephen Moorer, the play featured 36 BEST OF MONTEREY COUNTY® 2026 montereycountynow.com/bestof ’26 THANKS FOR VOTING US BEST PLACE FOR DAY DRINKING AND BEST NEON SIGN 30 DUST BOWL TAPS | BEER TO-GO | FOOD TRUCK HEATED OUTDOOR PATIO & MORE! TAP DEPOT OPEN DAILY 290 FIGUEROA STREET, MONTEREY ON THE MONTEREY RECREATION TRAIL 831.641.7002 | DUSTBOWLBREWING.COM BEST PARK pointlobos.org Thank you to Point Lobos staff, docent volunteers and PLF supporters for your dedication to Point Lobos State Natural Reserve. Honored to be voted by readers as Best Park 10 years in a row! Photo Credit: Susan Lambert ’26 PointLobos_1-6_BO26_dg.indd 1 9/14/26 15:55
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