DRINKS But the menu may keep you in place, especially at happy hour. Peter B’s was Monterey’s first brewpub. Portola Hotel and Spa, 2 Portola Plaza, Monterey. (831) 649-2699, portolahotel.com North County BARS 101 Wine Press Come for the local wines by the glass or a draft beer, stay for the barbecue (barbecue joints are not usually this sleek)—and the energetic vibes that make this place always lively. 8049 San Miguel Canyon Road, Prunedale. (831) 272-3025, 101winepress.com Aromas Grill This is a full restaurant with excellent food, but you can also keep it simple and pull up a seat at the bar, order a beer and watch news or sports on TV or chat with locals. 304 Carpenteria Road, Aromas. (831) 726-9999, aromasgrill.com Pacific Grove BARS Crema When Crema receives its liquor license— expected early summer—this spot will offer drinks with a view of Lovers Point and the bay. 631 Ocean View Blvd., Pacific Grove. (831) 375-1300, cremapg.com Monarch Pub & Restaurant A popular location that became downtown’s first establishment allowed to sell more alcohol than food when it opened, pouring beers and shaking cocktails in a city that was dry for much of its history. A large and friendly patio area. 617 Lighthouse Ave., Pacific Grove. (831) 324-4987 Pop & Hiss Nightlife in Pacific Grove? Pop & Hiss makes sure of it. Part record shop, part music venue and part bar with specialty cocktails (the trifecta), the downtown space brings in local and traveling acts. It may not be the quietest spot to enjoy a drink, but it is certainly fun. 215 Forest Ave., Pacific Grove. (831) 275-3303, popandhiss.net The Caledonian The space is refined and the cocktails clever (there are even breakfast cocktails). But it’s also a place to hang out with friends at happy hour and grab a beer. The selections of beer and wine are carefully curated, so the lists are not overwhelming, but still diverse. Kimpton Mirador Hotel, 150 Fountain Ave., Pacific Grove. (831) 393-4210, caledonianpacificgrove.com The PG Meetinghouse A coffee shop by day, a music venue by night, with a small list of beer, wine and seasonal cocktails. 599 Lighthouse Ave., Pacific Grove. pgmeetinghouse.com BREWERIES Hops and Fog Brewing Co. Hops and Fog is the first brewpub for the small town that was dry until deep into the 20th century. Expect excitement—it draws a crowd— good bar bites and beer, with a cool little back patio. The tap lineup changes. 511 Lighthouse Ave., Pacific Grove. hopsandfog.beer Pebble Beach BARS Hay’s Place One could easily argue that Hay’s Place features the coolest patio seating in the county. It sits on Pebble Beach’s par-3 course with an impressive view, fire pits and indoor-outdoor bar—in fact, the entire restaurant can be opened to the outside. Solid cocktails, too. 3253 Stevenson Drive, Pebble Beach. (800) 877-0597, pebblebeach.com Sticks Note: Closed for renovation. Reopening March 2027. The renovation will bring an upstairs swing lounge, with state-of-the-art golf simulators. The downstairs sports bar will be reimagined, with an updated menu. But expect the same casual 19th-hole atmosphere and amazing views. 2700 17-Mile Drive, Pebble Beach. (831) 647-7470, pebblebeach.com Stillwater Yes, it is primarily a restaurant. Yet the bar looks out on the famed 18th hole at Pebble Beach Golf Links. And this is the place for scaled-up craft cocktails and mocktails, as well as classics, beer and wine. 1700 17-Mile Drive, Pebble Beach. (831) 625-8524, pebblebeach.com Terrace Lounge Settle into the cushy chairs and enjoy an oldschool Jack Rose, Side Car, Rusty Nail, Rob Roy and the like while soaking in the views. A comfortable, drop on in vibe. 1700 17-Mile Drive, Pebble Beach. pebblebeach.com The Bench Cocktails get clever at this popular place that proves “comfortable elegance” is a real thing. Go with a specialty cocktail or a classic (or beer or wine if you must). Then turn and raise a glass to the view. 1700 17-Mile Drive, Pebble Beach. (831) 647-5000, pebblebeach.com The Lobby Lounge This spot is most famous for its sunset bagpiper and extraordinary views of Spanish Bay, but don’t overlook the local beers on tap and local wines that are featured on a lengthy wine list, alongside cocktails and bites from the adjacent Roy’s. 2700 17-Mile Drive (The Inn at Spanish Bay), Pebble Beach. (831) 647-7500, pebblebeach.com 62 THE BEST OF MONTEREY BAY ® 2026-2027 Voted Monterey County’s BEST FISH & CHIPS 13 years in a row! Come In and See Why! Wharf #2 • Monterey 372-0581 LBPMonterey.com ’25 HopsFog_1-6v_VG26_DG.indd 1 6/10/26 2:31 PM
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