Guidebook for Monterey
Food Scene
The almond croissant here are so amazing. Seriously, they're ridiculous...just get one. You'll thank us for it later.
25 locals recommend
Parker-Lusseau Pastries
539 Hartnell StThe almond croissant here are so amazing. Seriously, they're ridiculous...just get one. You'll thank us for it later.
East Village Coffee Lounge
498 Washington StBest Americano in town. Good people watching as well.
Good people watching if you can get yourself a seat by the window.
24 locals recommend
Carmel Valley Coffee Roasting
246 Crossroads BlvdGood people watching if you can get yourself a seat by the window.
Solid seafood here. They have their own fishing boat, so you know you're gonna get it fresh. No heavy sauces, no fancy pants sides. Just fish, well prepared. As it should be.
16 locals recommend
Sea Harvest
100 Crossroads BlvdSolid seafood here. They have their own fishing boat, so you know you're gonna get it fresh. No heavy sauces, no fancy pants sides. Just fish, well prepared. As it should be.
Nice outdoor seating with fire pits. The crab cakes here are pretty solid (get the sauce on the side though, as it's a bit overpowering). The ribs are also pretty solid.
14 locals recommend
Em Le's Old Carmel Restaurant
Nice outdoor seating with fire pits. The crab cakes here are pretty solid (get the sauce on the side though, as it's a bit overpowering). The ribs are also pretty solid.
Nice outdoor patio. Impressive German beer selection. Forge Burger is quite nice. One of our top recommendation choices in Carmel.
22 locals recommend
Forge in the Forest
5th AvenueNice outdoor patio. Impressive German beer selection. Forge Burger is quite nice. One of our top recommendation choices in Carmel.
Really nice breakfast. A bit on the pricey side, but they have some creative plates. Good for breakfast or lunch. Haven't experienced it yet, but the pizza here is apparently quite authentic.
59 locals recommend
La Bicyclette Restaurant
7th AvenueReally nice breakfast. A bit on the pricey side, but they have some creative plates. Good for breakfast or lunch. Haven't experienced it yet, but the pizza here is apparently quite authentic.
This place has been here forever. It gets quite busy on the weekends. Super large portions, cash-only. I recommend sharing. Good place to start the day exploring Carmel.
27 locals recommend
Katy's Place
Mission StreetThis place has been here forever. It gets quite busy on the weekends. Super large portions, cash-only. I recommend sharing. Good place to start the day exploring Carmel.
Large portions, excellent location if you plan on going to Cannery Row/Aquarium. The Blue Germ Pancake is our favorite (just order 1).
55 locals recommend
First Awakenings
300 David AveLarge portions, excellent location if you plan on going to Cannery Row/Aquarium. The Blue Germ Pancake is our favorite (just order 1).
Drinks & Nightlife
The only dive bar in the fancy schmancy downtown Carmel area. Definately worth a visit. The bartender gets a little testy if you order a fru-fru drink. Just stick with a draft beer. They often have live music as well.
38 locals recommend
Barmel
Carmel WayThe only dive bar in the fancy schmancy downtown Carmel area. Definately worth a visit. The bartender gets a little testy if you order a fru-fru drink. Just stick with a draft beer. They often have live music as well.
Tiki themed restaurant. The only place in the Monterey Bay where you can order a gallon sized drink with a volcano in the middle. Please Uber should you partake in said debauchery. Good Happy Hour selection as well.
102 locals recommend
Hula's Island Grill
221 Cathcart StTiki themed restaurant. The only place in the Monterey Bay where you can order a gallon sized drink with a volcano in the middle. Please Uber should you partake in said debauchery. Good Happy Hour selection as well.
Can't say that we frequent this place all that often, but should you ever feel the need to revisit your raunchy college days, look no further. It's a bar. Smells heavily of spilled beer. You'll find the 20 somethings of the area hanging here. Occasional riff raff on the back patio.
12 locals recommend
Bull and Bear Whiskey Bar and Taphouse
479 Alvarado StCan't say that we frequent this place all that often, but should you ever feel the need to revisit your raunchy college days, look no further. It's a bar. Smells heavily of spilled beer. You'll find the 20 somethings of the area hanging here. Occasional riff raff on the back patio.
The Crown & Anchor
150 W Franklin StA surprisingly legit English Pub. Decent fish and chips.
Entertainment & Activities
It's world famous for a reason. Unless you have some phobia or disdain of sea life, you really should check it out. It's awesome.
668 locals recommend
Monterey Bay Aquarium
886 Cannery RowIt's world famous for a reason. Unless you have some phobia or disdain of sea life, you really should check it out. It's awesome.
Parks & Nature
One of our favorite, (super easy) hikes. 2 hours tops and you can get around pretty much the entire park. Hiking trails right on the edge of the Pacific with an awesome backdrop of the forest.
309 locals recommend
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
62 CA-1One of our favorite, (super easy) hikes. 2 hours tops and you can get around pretty much the entire park. Hiking trails right on the edge of the Pacific with an awesome backdrop of the forest.