DRINKS Cella Restaurant While it may be a dining destination with a compelling wine list, don’t overlook cocktails at the bar. Cella’s team is adept at crafting drinks using fresh herbs and other seasonal ingredients. 525 Polk St., Monterey. (831) 920-1046, cellarestaurant.com Coastal Taste Lounge Set to open in 2026 as a hip cocktail lounge. 220 Olivier St., Monterey Compact Disco The vibe is triple D—as in drinking, DJs and dancing. It’s a cozy space. 420 Tyler St., Monterey. (831) 920-2518 Crown & Anchor British Pub This nautical-themed pub pours a rotating roster of British and Scottish ales on draught, plus single-malt scotches. 150 W. Franklin St., Monterey. (831) 649-6496, crownandanchor. net Duffy’s Tavern An out-of-the-way neighborhood spot that serves up beer, wine and pub fare, as well as that rare in-the-know feeling. Beer and wine only, but day-drinking is not frowned upon. 282 High St., Monterey. (831) 644-9811 Estéban Restaurant Estéban has a lot going for it—great food and one of the best patios. But it is also a drinks destination. The craft behind the cocktails is impeccable. The bar even has its own line of Maker’s Mark whiskey. 700 Munras Ave., Monterey. (831) 375-0176, estebanrestaurant.com Hula’s Island Grill Hula’s happy hour happens each day of the week, but it lasts all night on Tiki Tuesdays. So the island appetizers and the creatively named tropical drinks boast great value. There’s a second bar out back in a lively courtyard. 622 Lighthouse Ave., Monterey. (831) 655-4852, hulastiki.com Jacks Monterey Some of the city’s best craft cocktails include the house’s barrel-aged concoctions served to guests at the polished stone bar. The atrium patio adds to the seating options. Portola Hotel, 2 Portola Plaza, Monterey. (831) 6494511, portolahotel.com Kona Steak & Seafood The popular restaurant’s equally popular bar (“The Zen Den”) makes tiki drinks, cocktails like The Big Kahuna, truly fun—and enjoyable. The island vibe is present, but not overdone. 1200 Del Monte Center, Monterey. (831) 9202911, konamonterey.com London Bridge Pub Local beers from English Ales (naturally) on tap, as well as a selection of craft beers and wines. At Municipal Wharf #2. 256 Figueroa St., Monterey. (831) 372-0581, lbpmonterey. com Melville Tavern A casual tavern atmosphere with plenty of beer and wine makes this a locals’ favorite. 484 Washington St., Monterey. (831) 6439525, melvilletav.com Monterey Cookhouse Given the name and location, you might not expect Monterey Cookhouse to house a smart cocktail bar. But it does. 2149 N. Fremont St., Monterey. (831) 642-9900, montereycookhouse.com Montrio Yes, it’s a busy restaurant with a tiny bar. But if you can score a seat, let’s just say they make some of the area’s most original and worthy cocktails. 414 Calle Principal, Monterey. (831) 648-8880, montrio.com WWW.MONTEREYCOUNTYNOW.COM 59
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