DRINKS Trailside Cafe and Beer Garden This classic neighborhood joint nestled in sunny Carmel Valley Village features a great selection of tap and bottled beers, plus a friendly atmosphere, with sports on TV and a rotation of local musicians. 3 Del Fino Place, Carmel Valley. (831) 298-7453, trailsidecafecv.com Marina BARS Casino Monterey Since 1970, there’s been a chance to win big at this cardroom. The adjacent bar might not help your odds at gambling. Also known by locals as Marina Club Casino. 204 Carmel Ave., Marina. (831) 384-0925, casinomonterey.com Salt Wood Kitchen & Oysterette This upscale bar and restaurant feels like it belongs in an urban destination, but it’s right next to the beach. The bar offers an extensive wine list and cocktails. 3295 Dunes Drive, Marina. (831) 883–5535, saltwoodkitchenandoysterette.com The Brass Tap Think of so many taps you lose count (around 60), plus a menu of cocktails and pub fare. Now consider walls that open fully, bringing the outside in, as well as a comfortable grassy game space with fire pits. The Brass Tap may be a franchise, but it features local beers. 99 General Stilwell Drive, Marina. (831) 3837404, brasstapbeerbar.com The General Something this cool makes Marina’s Dunes shopping center into a sports bar destination. Don’t overlook the classic cocktail menu. 120 General Stilwell Drive #110 (behind Dametra), Marina. (831) 274-4444 The Otter’s Den This comfortable sports lounge offers a full bar, pool table, dartboard and big flat-screens. Weekday happy hours offer a break from studies. The definitive college bar in Marina. 3166 Vista Del Camino Circle, Marina. (831) 8831227, ottersdenca.com Monterey BARS Alejandro’s You can order a classic margarita. Or you can go with one that is crystal clear. There’s no space here to explain the process, but it’s an indication of just how the bar staff combines traditional bartending with innovative mixology. 474 Alvarado St., Monterey. (831) 7174781, alejandros.co Alfredo’s Cantina Famed as a last-stop nightcap spot and daydrinking dive, this downtown watering hole dishes out no-frills drinks with old-school service. A cozy, cash-only dive. 266 Pearl St., Monterey. (831) 375-0655 Lobby Lounge It’s easy to focus on the view—sweeping windows open onto the beach and Monterey Bay—but don’t forget to pay attention to the cocktail menu. Draft beers and wines by the glass, too. In the Monterey Beach Hotel. 2600 Sand Dunes Drive, Monterey. (831) 394-3321, montereytides.com 58 THE BEST OF MONTEREY BAY ® 2026-2027 Be the first to know when tickets launch - join our newsletter at bigsurfoodandwine.org BIG SUR FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL THURSDAYSATURDAY | NOVEMBER 57, 2026 Photo: The DeLauras BigSurFood&Wine_1-2h_ED26_DG.indd 1 4/14/26 11:56 AM
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