Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Alfredo's Cantina

    3.7 (119 reviews)
    Open • 11:00 am - 2:00 AM (Next day)

    Alfredo's Cantina Photos

    ALFREDO'S CANTINA ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Juke Box
    Divey
    Casual
    Moderate noise

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Alfredo's Cantina

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Deron R.

    Best dive bar in Monterey!! Don't be fooled, this is not a Mexican restaurant. the drinks are high octane and it's full of rummies. Everyone is chill and friendly, chat up your bar mate. Don't order any fancy drinks, hi balls or beers only. Don't be afraid!

    Don't take shrooms and look in the mirror.
    Bill S.

    The Mrs. and I visited Alfredo's Cantina on Tuesday night. It was a cold quiet night in Monterey. Perfect for visiting a dive bar. Alfredo's is located on the corner of Pearl and Houston in historic Downtown Monterey right next door to the Robert Louis Stevenson house. It's a small place with walls cobbled together with nothing more than rocks and mortar. In fact, there is a warning sign in the window that tells you the building isn't earthquake proof. We arrived around 5:30 and the place was quiet. The bar was occupied by some older locals. I've been to a few dive bars. I have certain exceptions such as sticky floors, torn barstools, dim lighting, chipped tables and chairs, a bar top engraved with notes to loves lost, a bathroom so small only one person can be in it at a time, and cheap strong drinks. Alfredo's can best be described as a well maintained dive bar. With the dim lighting and cheap strong drinks being the only prerequisites above that were met. The bartenders were friendly. Especially the lady that was behind the bar when we arrived. Drinks were $11 each which isn't bad considering we called our alcohol. The other patrons were very friendly. I could tell we were the only tourists in the place. The older crowd left around 6 and the younger crowd shuffled in when the bartenders had their shift change. There is a jukebox that will give you eighteen songs for $5. The selection is eclectic. Mostly older stuff. If you're in Monterey and want to go to a classy dive bar I highly recommend Alfredo's.

    Jim W.

    5 star dive bar! My kinda place - I've dropped in here a number of times over the years, I've been visiting Monterey for work and pleasure for awhile. The after work service crowd drops in as the local restaurants close - always a good sign. I've sat at the bar and talked with servers on my left and millionaires on my right - all drinking and chatting no pretense...the essential quality of a dive bar in my book: no pretense. Cheers! No food though. Snacks available. And if the patrons get drunk enough some of them will insist the huge mirror is another room, you can have some fun with that.

    Owner of the bar to the right
    Jennifer H.

    What an incredible spot!!! We came here on a Sunday night and was the perfect way to end our first day of our vacation. We got to meet the owner of the bar. Well he is actually the son to Alfredo but his father has passed away and he now owns the location. We got to share stories, be provided a free drink, and just ultimately be happy we decided to stop here. Everyone inside that night was truly super sweet and kind. My purse might of helped open up the conversations lol. The place has a lower light setting and quite small in size, but makes it feel that much more cozy. If you are in the area, come stop by.

    Lily O.

    The bartender was fantastic and so accommodating. Made the evening unforgettable. The atmosphere was perfect. There were no chairs when I arrived, but I was fortunate enough to snag a bar rail on the wall adjacent to the bar. When I looked about, I observed that the area is nicely designed in an art-deco style. However, there was no place to hang a coat ((add coat hooks, please!!)). There were a lot of people waiting to be served at the bar, but the bartender appeared to be slinging drinks swiftly enough.

    See all

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 2
    Photo of Liz J.
    0
    51
    184

    11 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Dan A.
    4
    49
    5

    5 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jim G.
    24
    74
    0

    11 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Bill S.
    215
    763
    2066

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 1

    5 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jim W.
    871
    1790
    922

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    chef darwin always cooks up the BEST stuff in town he opens up my pacifico and puts a lime in it before i even open the door.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Too expensive for an off the main drag, poor little, cash only dive bar. Bottle of Bud light and a well shot of tequila 16$.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Bartender of the night isn't very welcoming felt like damn outsiders walking in lol please be nicer we don't bite.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Classic Monterey dive bar (in the best way). Cool locals, good vibe. Great bartenders.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Heard it was a good local dive. Definitely not a dive and the bartender said they only served locals, despite us having just moved nearby.

    Business owner information

    Photo of Robert B.

    Robert B.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 4

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Lily O.
    20
    22
    7

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Brian W.
    115
    43
    42

    2 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Robert B.

    Robert B.

    I’m glad you had a great time

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 2

    1 year ago

    Walked in and bartender was focused on one group with a bar full of empty glasses. Not once did the bartender look our way

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Ron A.
    160
    43
    23

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of KS K.
    0
    31
    4

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jim G.
    102
    37
    6

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Libin D.
    157
    76
    9

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Ty Q.
    688
    127
    19

    3 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Robert B.

    Robert B.

    Please come back glad you enjoyed

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    15 years ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Robert B.

    Robert B.

    Love it thank you

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 2

    4 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Claire W.
    361
    30
    22

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    7 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Beer Z.
    53
    76
    16

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 3

    Ask the Community - Alfredo's Cantina

    Review Highlights - Alfredo's Cantina

    “It goes down fast which gets a few knowing glances when the bartender is back to your spot sooner than he expected.”

    Mentioned in 2 reviews

    Read more highlights

    You might also consider

    The Whisky Club - Old Carter in two expressions.

    The Whisky Club

    4.2(83 reviews)
    0.1 mi
    •$$

    Nice little lounge with a huge variety of whisky…read more I'm not much of a whisky drinker, but I fell in love with the Peach Old Fashioned. The guy working had the best customer service, and was very helpful with any questions we had. Highly recommend if you're looking for a drink in a calm/ relaxing setting.

    Had a very uncomfortable experience here…read more Two of my male friends had their IDs checked very quickly, primarily by verifying their dates of birth. When it was my turn, the employee subjected my ID to significantly more scrutiny. She rubbed the card, examined it closely, and even used a small table lamp to inspect it. She then asked me to state the address on my ID. I had recently moved and had just received a new ID, so I wasn't certain which address was printed on it. I explained that I had recently moved and had multiple addresses. She then told our group to leave. I understand that a bar has the right to thoroughly check IDs and refuse entry if they have concerns about an ID. My concern was the significant difference in how my ID was handled compared with my two male friends' IDs and how the situation was handled afterward. When we were leaving, the employee put her hands on my husband's shoulders and lightly pushed/shoved him toward the exit. I also felt that I was being physically moved out rather than simply being asked to leave. The entire interaction felt unnecessary and uncomfortable. I can't speak to the employee's intentions, but the difference in treatment was noticeable, and the physical contact while removing us from the establishment was particularly concerning. I hope management reviews what happened and ensures that customers are treated consistently and respectfully.

    Photos
    The Whisky Club - Buffalo trace old fashioned

    Buffalo trace old fashioned

    The Whisky Club - Everywhere you look...

    Everywhere you look...

    The Whisky Club - Another day in paradise. Scotch Old Fashion with McCallan's Honey

    See all

    Another day in paradise. Scotch Old Fashion with McCallan's Honey

    Pearl Hour

    Pearl Hour

    4.0(121 reviews)
    0.9 mi
    •$$

    It's the hour of the night…read more.. Came here to get drinks after dinner and didn't expect this place to have affordable drinks judging from the interior. Every cocktail was around ($11-$15). It's got that whimsical and jazzy bar feel with low lit seating inside, and a fire pit with lots of tables outside --- perfect for larger groups. Their menu is fun to look at and still have the classic drinks you'd get at the bar like Moscow mule and old fashioned, but with their own twist. I opted for the Modern Love with mezcal, amaro, passionfruit, and lime. Let's just say I was knocked outttt after sipping that...quite strong with no lime to be found but it was still a bit fruity. My boyfriend got the Cali Old Fashioned, which you can definitely taste the whiskey and bitters (with a whisper of citrus --- heavy on the whisper). Really cool spot and I'd love to come back! Had a fun time.

    I really like the vibe of this place. It's been open for about 7 years and I've frequented at least…read moreonce a year since then. They have always been consistent with their drinks and great customer service. I'm really happy they survived through the pandemic and are still operating in the 831. I really think Monterey needed a fresh vibe like Pearl Hour. So far my favorite drinks have been the modern love and after dark. The drink menu changes from time to time but the craftsmanship remains.

    Photos
    Pearl Hour - Aquamarine cocktail

    Aquamarine cocktail

    Pearl Hour - Cute touch

    Cute touch

    Pearl Hour - Cute abalone lamp

    See all

    Cute abalone lamp

    Alejandro's

    Alejandro's

    4.2(293 reviews)
    0.1 mi
    •$$$
    Locally owned & operated
    Outdoor seating

    My friends made a reservation at this Michelin Star restaurant and it was a 5-star experience…read moreindeed! From the food to the drinks to the overall chic and comfortable ambiance, it was an absolute treat! The service was impeccable for our party of 8. We had various tequila drinks and the chips, salsa, hot sauces (some quite hot!) made for an exceptional start. I ordered the salmon, which was sitting on a bed of cauliflower mashed potatoes and draped with an arugula salad, topped with a mache chili oil drizzle. The taste was as perfect as the presentation! The best salmon I've ever had, indeed. One of the guest had birria tacos served with a split bone marrow! Never saw that combination before! He let me try some and it was delicious! Overall, a perfect setting, a perfect meal and a truly 5-star evening!!

    Tried Alejandro's because it's part of the Resy dining network, and we wanted to use our quarterly…read moreAmex Platinum dining credit. If you're an Amex Platinum cardholder looking to burn Resy credits in Monterey, this Mexican restaurant is worth a try -- but manage your expectations. We had a reservation and were seated right away, which was a plus. Started with chips and guac and a couple of drinks, then ordered the chicken enchiladas and the skirt steak and arugula salad, adding shrimp to the salad. The food was fine, the atmosphere was fine, the service was fine -- nothing memorable, nothing bad. The real issue is price. Adding shrimp to a salad cost about $15, and our total with tip came out to around $140 for two people. For that price point in Monterey, I expected more from the food and overall experience. Would I come back? Probably not at full price. But if you have the Amex Platinum and quarterly Resy dining credits to use, it softens the blow enough to make it worth trying once.

    Photos
    Alejandro's - Salmon

    Salmon

    Alejandro's
    Alejandro's

    See all

    LindaRose Rooftop Bar & Grill - Caprese Salad with Balsamic Vinegar Pearls

    LindaRose Rooftop Bar & Grill

    4.2(41 reviews)
    0.7 mi

    Ambiance is a given, being on a roof looking out over Monterey Bay! Windy, chilly this late…read moresummer evening, but they have lots of heaters. Still, wear a jacket! The cocktails are so custom and totally delicious! Highly recommend "Cigarettes After Sex" (a little peppery and smoky). We ordered plates to share. One was a baked Brie with the best toasted bread - so good! The other was 3 shrimp tacos, which was beautiful but simple, and so flavorful! A just-right fluffy baked cheesecake topped off this light meal. The chef(s) and mixologists are amazing-impressive! Our server was fast and friendly and efficient, too.

    Beautiful ambiance and a relaxing vibe--this place really has that dialed in. The…read moreMediterranean-inspired appetizer board (hummus, pickled veggies, nuts, cheese) was a great choice and very well done. I stuck with a classic martini, but others in our party of five explored the cocktail menu and were impressed. The bartender was warm and welcoming and greeted us right away for our reservation. Unfortunately, the experience took an awkward turn at seating. We had requested a view and were about to be accommodated when another staff member (auburn hair) interrupted abruptly and loudly, insisting we not be seated up front due to other reservations. It was uncomfortable and felt unprofessional--especially in front of guests. As it turned out, she was our server. Throughout the evening, her demeanor didn't improve and felt out of step with the otherwise welcoming environment. Having spent over 25 years in the industry and as a restaurant owner, I know how important frontline staff are to the guest experience, and this simply didn't reflect the level this place is capable of. That said, this feels like the exception--not the norm. I've had pleasant experiences here before and will return, hopeful that this was just an off moment.

    Photos
    LindaRose Rooftop Bar & Grill - Rooftop bar with table firepit

    Rooftop bar with table firepit

    LindaRose Rooftop Bar & Grill - Salmon Dinner Plate

    Salmon Dinner Plate

    LindaRose Rooftop Bar & Grill - View from the roof

    See all

    View from the roof

    Schooners Monterey

    Schooners Monterey

    4.0(2.1k reviews)
    1.1 mi
    •$$$

    Great service always. Views to die for on the water…read more My spouse had chicken piccata which was over cooked and dried out unfortunately. I had pasta bolognese with short rib. Delicious! Good wine as well . Nice spot to dine with ocean views!

    Cocktails and seafood at the bar...YES PLEASE!!! Schooners is inside the Portola Hotel and I'd say…read morethe location, atmosphere and service are definitely what made this a 4-star visit for me. We sat at the bar, had a couple drinks and ordered a few things to snack on. Service was great--friendly, attentive and we never had to hunt anyone down for another drink, which is always a plus! We ordered the Schooners Seafood Tower, although "tower" is being a little generous lol. It's more of a seafood platter served over ice with oysters, shrimp, crab, mussels and tuna poke. Everything was fresh and the presentation was nice. Is it some huge over-the-top seafood tower??? Nooooo lol, but this also isn't that kind of restaurant and I wasn't expecting it to be. The tuna poke was probably my least favorite. It wasn't BAD, it just didn't do much for me and I've definitely had better. Now the Big Little Lies cocktail...that was another story!!! Delicious and I would absolutely order that again. We only stopped in for appetizers and a few drinks, so I can't really judge the entire menu without coming back for an actual dinner. Location, atmosphere and service get the 4 stars from me. The food? Jury is still out...looks like I'll have to go back and eat some more. Tough job, but somebody has to do it! ;)

    Photos
    Schooners Monterey
    Schooners Monterey
    Schooners Monterey - View from the restaurant.. Get here early and watch the sunrise.

    See all

    View from the restaurant.. Get here early and watch the sunrise.

    Alfredo's Cantina - cocktailbars - Updated October 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...