Indian Summer

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.

Buffalo trace old fashioned

Everywhere you look...

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

Pearl Hour

4.0(121 reviews)

0.5 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.

Aquamarine cocktail

Cute touch

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Cute abalone lamp

Alejandro's

4.2(292 reviews)

0.3 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.

Salmon

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Alfredo's Cantina

3.7(119 reviews)

0.4 mi

A long time dive bar in the heart of downtown Monterey. There a lot of regulars here during the…read moreday and it is super lively at night with locals and tourists alike. Service at the bar is general pretty good during the day but be patient in the evening and on weekends. No food at this location but drink up. Close to downtown Monterey and hotels. Come see where the action is in Monterey.

Not a friendly place, and the place stinks of cigarettes. It has a shady feel to it. They allow…read moreindoor smoking. A $7 beer turned into $11 because of $4 atm fee. Don't recommend at all.

High noon

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Don't take shrooms and look in the mirror.

Alvarado Street Brewery

4.1(2.3k reviews)

This is an amazing location to stop by! It is a local favorite, great selection of beers and they…read moreare preparing for Oktoberfest so they rearranging the outside seating to beer-hall seating (I hope they keep it! It is better for conversing with others and seating more people). Make sure to keep an eye out for their seltzers!! They are only producing random small batches and they are AMAZING. The Daytona seltzer with pineapple, orange, and banana tasted like a Jamba Juice smoothie. They sold out within the first week of releasing it. I bought personally 6 4-packs and have been saving them for special occasions after finding out they sold out.

The beer has always been better than the food but it's a brewery, what do you expect? If you don't…read morelike the pizza, have another beer! Would be 5 stars but inflation hit this place hard lol. I'll be back, but I feel like they could offer a bit more value for the price.

Howzit punch

Quesabirria

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Classic Pils - always good

Pop & Hiss

4.4(35 reviews)

1.8 mi

I really should have taken a picture, but the burger and fries were delicious! They just started…read moreserving them a few days ago, and there was only the one burger on the menu when I was there two days ago. But what a burger! A double smash burger with the right amount of jalapeños on a brioche bun with potato wedges. Everybody that was there that night was talking about them, and I think that burger is in the running for best on the Peninsula. Not kidding. The band was great too, and I always pick up a record or three. Great selection, and every record I've purchased, all in the last six months or so, has been in great condition. Played with no issues. The staff and patrons are all friendly to boot. Cheers.

Maaan, I wish there was a place like this in the San Francisco/San Francisco Peninsula area. It is…read moretechnically a record store, with a large sitting area to the left, with a stage up front, you can rent out, for a little event. But if you go past the stage, it'll lead you into a bar, with more seating and another stage! If that wasn't enough, if you keep going back, there's a huge courtyard with even more picnic tables and fresh air,WTF! This past Friday we had a family reunion here. The staff was super cool and we were allowed to cater it. I had the greatest time at the bar with the barkeep, along with the rest of the family. Whatever it is, you guys are doing, you're doing it right and I hope to visit you guys again.

Small bar with wine, cocktails, and beer. Don't forget the records!

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Entrance

Stokes Adobe

4.5(408 reviews)

0.4 mi

•$$$

My girlfriend and I ate hear yesterday and loved it so much we came back to eat again the next…read morenight. The Food here is AMAZING. Our service Oscar was the best. Super sweet. Checked on us multiple times throughout the night to make sure we were doing great. Thank you Oscar!! The ambiance is also incredible. We love sitting by the fire pits. 10/10

We wanted a special dinner so my husband surprised us with a reservation here. The restaurant is…read morecute and the service was excellent. I did wish the food was better to make the cost more worthwhile. Maybe our expectation was a little high. We ordered: Drinks: husband had the old fashion (very good), I had grey goose martini (perf prepared) Duck Liver: very generous portion for $21 but it's not for everyone Caesar salad: delicious. Hint of egg in the dressing and it was just the right amount (I didn't taste anchovies which I don't prefer) Crispy potatoes: I can see why it's a favorite Crispy cod: small portion, I had a taste and it was ok for me Pork chop: beautiful presentation. Not as tasty as some of the ones I've had elsewhere Overall, we enjoyed our experience, but wished the food was more wow.

Inside, you can choose different rooms to sit in

Crispy potatoes

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Duck terrine

Compact Disco

3.9(51 reviews)

Family-owned & operated

Veteran-owned & operated

Epic lil disco in Monterrey honoring the house/ disco scene perfectly. Perfect addition to the…read moresleepy lil central coast town. Drinks are great music is better!

Jesse is an amazing bartender. We are from out of town and he treated us so well even gave us…read moresuggestions of other bars, but we came back because he's so welcoming. Great bar! Great service!! Thank you Jesse! The ambiance is dark, but I love it.

They are on the guestlist.

The hallway has become the place to take photos for some reason. And we approve!

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Always awesome when the Naval Post Grad folks come by

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.

Rooftop bar with table firepit

Berrytini

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View from the roof

The Crown and Anchor

4.1(1.4k reviews)

Three of us stopped by here on 3/8/26 during a road trip…read more It's everything one would expect out of a British-themed pub. It had good beer, character, and friendly bartenders. It reminded me of a couple of Irish pubs in and around Bedford and Boston, Massachusetts.

We couldn't decide on what to have for dinner after a long day of meetings and decided to swing by…read morethis pub near our hotel. It was very busy but we were able to get seating for 6 last minute. I ordered the Mule and it was great! I also ordered fish and chips! I'll be honest, I wasn't expecting this much food but no regrets as I was starving. I did appreciate that they had a kids menu and while the pizza wasn't much to write home about (definitely frozen pizza), my kiddo enjoyed it nonetheless.

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Inside restaurant

Honey BBQ wings. Yummy!

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New York Steak sandwich.

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29 reviews that are not currently recommended

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AnyTwo W.

2 years ago

My recent visit to INDIAN SUMMER MONTEREY was an unforgettable experience that I simply must share. Nestled in a cozy, walking distance from the beach, this Indian food haven has everything you could ask for in a dining experience - delectable cuisine, a welcoming atmosphere, and an attentive staff that truly cares about its customers. The menu is an extensive celebration of Indian culinary heritage. From the rich, creamy Butter Chicken to the Garlic Naan, every dish is a testament to the chef's expertise and passion for Indian cuisine. The flavors are authentic and well-balanced, making each bite a delightful journey of taste. The vegetarian options are equally impressive, with the Paneer Tikka and Baingan Bharta standing out as must-tries. One of the highlights of the restaurant is the hookah lounge. It's the perfect place to unwind after a hearty meal. The selection of flavors is extensive, and the quality is top-notch. The staff is knowledgeable and attentive, ensuring that your hookah experience is as enjoyable as your meal. read more

JIMMY D.

15 years ago

Thanks for the aggression and for calling me names. This pretty much shows that what level of dignity you carry and your family background. I'm sorry that I really ticked you off by criticizing you. But one thing I have to agree with you. One of their waitress is out of it. She must be new to the place cause i didnt see her couple of times when I've been there before. She had the worst of the attitude and she kept disappearing from the sight. Also she had hella tattoo on her arm. Must be from the biker family. I myself being a tattoo fanatic have a lot of them (and ya I do have a harley.) But when I'm working I hide them- professional issue. Lol. Apart from that I always have a great time when I'm there. My waitresses always have been great, I mean better than most places I've been to. The manager is a young man but he's on top of his game. read more

Del M.

16 years ago

I went there last Monday, it was pretty quite. I like their outdoor seating with the fire place. I love Indian food, i ordered chicken tikka masala, and the server ASKED me, "Would you like your meal to be mild, medium or spicy?" I said spicy and the food came as i said, it was perfect for my palates, i can feel the burn and by the same time i can taste each and every ingredients that is included in my meal. Their Garlic Naan is awesome, So fresh, so warm. Then i also did order a hookah after my meal and enjoyed all the rest of my evening. This place is very good, juss like their other place in alvarado "KARMA CAFE". I salute both INDIAN SUMMER and KARMA CAFE for being their for us with their quality food and service. Thank you!!! read more

Fadi A.

393

18 years ago

i have never really had a great experience there but seeing how it is the only hooka bar within 30 minutes of the monterey peninsual i tried it out the hooka water was so dirty it was black the manager told me a few stories about the cleaning of the hookas first they told me that they clean them every few days then they said the clean them every few weeks then he told me they dont really clean them anymore becuase it takes to long...seriously!! this botherd me and the group i was with we paid for our hookas and left i dont recommed going here unless you want a outside seat by the fire and a drink...the seating is nice and the servers are pretty nicte too they seem understaffed so i do give credit to the servers read more

Christine S.

15 years ago

The manager of Indian Summer, Shishar, and his crew pulled out all the stops for my son's wedding rehearsal dinner for over 70 people in August. Everyone had a wonderful time and we are still hearing how memorable an evening it was. The Chief outdid himself and carefully supervised the serving of his absolutely delicious and flavorful appetizers and dinner dishes. The warm, freshly made naan was particularly tasty. We took over the entire large tented patio. It looked so lovely with white table cloths and blue and white china place settings. The wait staff, led by Randi, was attentive and eager to please. Thank you to everyone at Indian Summer for making the occasion so special! read more

sam k.

18 years ago

You should try this place its really GOOD!!!! I've been here a couple time for lunch buffet and dinner - the food was equally good both times. I am an Indian and I should tell you that it was one of best places for Indian food. The food really tantalized my taste buds reminding me of India. I went there once on a Friday night for a Hookah available in many different flavors(amazing) and after that I enjoyed the drinks at the bar and the DJ was awesome, he played music from all parts of the world - Indian, Spanish, Arabic and what not. Simply an amazing place... I simply loved it. :) Pros: Ambiance, Food, Service, Hookah bar Cons: Reservation needed on weekends specially.... read more

David K.

17 years ago

Poor service Average food. Please read on..September 2009 long weekend - 4 adults, 2 todlers (app 3 yrs) show up for dinner..Waiting for 10+ minutes for someone to acknowledge our presence..Finally given a table and served very ordinary food. No water served..Had to get up to seek out a waiter and remind twice about water (the kids were thirsty)... ..ALL this while the owner/person in charge was sitting right across from us talking to some other "guests". - Since we were party of 6 ( including the kids) the tip was added to the tab - so why even bother with service - btw,I am of Indian origin and know about good Indian food read more

Brandon M.

15 years ago

I had a party of about 6 or 7 people last Friday and we ordered Fish Tikkas, Chicken Misalas and a bunch of naan and basmati rice. VERY good. Our waitress, Alexis, was very honest, open and made sure she had everything we wanted down. She was sweet and gave us way better service than some of the other girls we once had before. To make sure we were 100% satisfied made her our favorite waitress! If you want more than just great food and tasty hookah I recommend having Alexis as your waitress! Hookah was amazing, very fruity just like we like it. Wonderful time this time around! read more

Sarah O.

16 years ago

I have been coming to Indian summer for a couple years now and I am very happy to say the service seems to be getting better! As always the food is great especially the homemade naan. Mmmmm I could eat a whole basket myself. They also have a new DJ and do beer pong! Plus more heaters. Basically the place is totally getting renovated so if you have not come in lately, check it out! Or buzz off so it does not end up like the duck! ;) read more

Lola J.

12 years ago

This place is dirty and the management are rude - to busy with their friends to care that the hookahs are filthy and the service is poor. No wonder the servers don' t seem to want to be there because they are despicably treated. No one is checking ID because it is filled with under aged military and high school kids . The place seemed to be somewhat better managed last summer but not much read more

Bryan C.

6 years ago

this place is disgusting. i would rather smoke crack than ever come here again. the hostess clearly was a "pick me" kind of girl because she only let the boys who flirt with her in. little did she know we would have been the biggest bill this place would ever see. the way it's run i wouldn't doubt they cater to minors. This place needs to be shut down. ASAP. read more

Tonya M.

975

292

514

7 years ago

Best hookah Lou he in MontereyCounty. The only hookah Lounge and the best service. Jackie is an amazing host! This authentic lounge is straight out of Nepal and Josh nailed the locals as a guest list with military and educated people looking for a new place for their food and cocktails. Love it! Thanks Jackie!! We will be back! read more

Jade D.

7 years ago

Best hookah In Monterey Ca TRue hookah fans only All the complainers are people who can't afford a night out Jackie hoats the best Lou he for locals Anyone who complains has no clAss Come, smoke, drink, laugh and enjoy Hookah is for relaxing and they got it right Love it! #Monterey #latenight read more

kim l.

18 years ago

I've eaten at a number of Indian restaurants in the San Francisco Bay area and I have to say that this is still some of the best Indian food Ive ever had! This is currently my favorite restaurant in Monterey. Very fun place. You can get a hookah with flavored tobacco! Great drinks. Good prices. read more

Rose P.

12 years ago

Watch your bills, they can easily rip u off which they did to me and my friends. They charged each extra $10 at least. Very disappointing, I like this place but I think I'm gonna have a second thought. read more

Danny Dorado C.

8 years ago

Over priced watered-down alcohol and the manager a what appeared to be a early 40s trump supporter accused us of smoking marijuanna Indian how ever the hostess was really nice and friendly read more

Abhai C.

9 months ago

It wasn't even opened while yelp said it was. Very un professional. Please update your service hours. 1 start because yelp doesn't allow us to go down further. read more

JOSH W.

124

12 years ago

Think I was here for the length of a quickly consumed jack and coke. Overflowed with underage military. Place is kind of dirty and desperate. read more

Neel S.

11 years ago

No service here. Made an order of fries and it never came so I asked another waitress to get them and they never came. I just left after that read more

Victoria W.

6 months ago

Witnessed a chef washing knives in the public bathroom at a friend's party here..... I was mortified

Indian Summer - cocktailbars - Updated September 2026

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Stonies Taphouse & Bistro

3.4

(335 reviews)

We were lucky enough to have a late lunch here but the key highlight to the meals was not just the…read morefood but the phenomenal service we received. Fred went above and beyond to make us feel like we were not only patrons but family. It's rare to have an experience like this and because of the service we received from Fred we will be loyal Stonies customers.

I was dubious given their 3 star rating but that wasn't my experience. I had the brisket macaroni…read moreand the pulled pork grilled cheese and they were both delicious. The macaroni was my favorite though. I also had a flight of beers and was very satisfied! Waiter was great too

The Glasshouse

4.3

(21 reviews)

We came in under stressful circumstances -- in town for our son's car accident -- and The…read moreGlasshouse was exactly the calm, welcoming spot we needed. The space itself is modern, with a long bar and a separate lounge-like area -- great vibe. Diego was the only one there when we arrived, and he was incredibly friendly and empathetic. He recommended the skirt steak (great call), and my wife loved the homemade flautas. Their food is cooked with beef tallow which is healthier and more flavorful than some seed oils (I bbq and cook so this stood out.) They have a rotating selection on beer and ciders. After hearing why we were in town, he offered us a round on the house before heading out -- we later found out he's actually the owner, though he was way too humble to mention it himself. Kiara took great care of us the rest of the visit -- attentive, warm, and genuinely took time to check in with us during a hard day. Small businesses like this, run by people like Diego, deserve to succeed -- especially when you can tell they're taking care of visitors who aren't even from the area. We'll be back next time we're in Salinas, hopefully under better circumstances!

The husband left dinner plans up to me, so I decided on The Glasshouse. I wanted to try something…read moredifferent and new. We walked in around 9:30 pm and the place felt great--well-lit, lively, music playing, and people chatting. We found a small table tucked in the corner near what I assume was the restroom. A nice gentleman asked if we'd mind him moving the table for us, which actually worked out better for me. We ordered two chimichurri skirt steak sandwiches--mine with fries, his with onion rings--and I got a mouthwatering water melon lime 5% cider. Everything hit the spot. We both got full after half a sandwich and took the rest home. I totally recommend this place. Don't skip the chamoy rim on the drink--the tanginess pairs perfectly with the cider. We'll definitely be back.

Las Islitas Grill

3.3

(64 reviews)

Took the family down to Monterey for a few days to escape the heat. We booked a hotel that was…read morewalking distance from this place. By the time we checked in, it was after 7 PM. Everyone was tired and hangry. Las Islitas was the logical choice. The kids wanted hamburgers and nuggets with fries. My wife wanted a carne asada super burrito and some empanadas. Me? I wanted some menudo. It was a Sunday, so I was hoping it would be on the menu. So I went to go get the food to go while the family stayed at the hotel. I took maybe five steps out of our room towards this place. I swear, I could already hear the music blaring. By the time I walked in, I knew it was a good idea to take the food to go. Hours later, my ears are still ringing. They had some karaoke going in inside, and everyone looked like they were having fun. But these people were legitimately trying to wake the dead with a side of salsa. Another bummer for me was that the whole menu was in Spanish. I scanned the entire menu but couldn't find menudo. If any place would have menudo on its menu, it would be a place like this. I asked the guy taking orders if they had it. Nope. Do not pass go. Do not collect any hangover food. So I ordered a super carne Asada burrito and doubled the order of empanadas (it comes with three per order). The food came out in about 15-20 minutes, and the people working there were pretty nice. The carne asada super burrito as pretty good. I'd probably give it a solid 8 out of 10. However, the empanadas were AMAZING. They were hot, crispy, and had great flavor. Be sure to order them with cheese. I could have just eaten five or six of them and been totally satisfied. So overall, I only took off one star for the lack of menudo and the earsplitting music inside. Otherwise, the food was really good. Definitely worth a shot if you're in the area.

The food is always on point great atmosphere. Great Service. Come and have a great dinner.read more

Los Portales Mexican Restaurant

3.0

(8 reviews)

Really good food prepared to order. We appreciated their chip, salsa and condiment bar too!…read more Fast, friendly service. Spacious, clean restaurant. Los Portales has duel entrances, one in the rear off the parking lot, the other off the street.

I loved my experience here!! The food was delicious, my favorite was the grilled shrimp, they were…read moreso plump, fresh, and full of flavor!! We also had some of their other items like the Menudo and I can honestly say that it was one of the best menudos I've had. The broth was a perfect color and had so much depth!! Definitely making this a go to spot!!

Papis And Beer

3.1

(9 reviews)

I hate writing negative reviews. It feels very much like a bar, that realized it had to serve food,…read moreso it pulled together a lackluster lineup of hot chicken items: strips, toast, fries and Mac and cheese. These places are a dime a dozen now, and unless they have that special something, they won't shine too bright. The food was mediocre at best... frozen fries, and overcooked chicken strips. The seasoning is just dumped on and not spicy - the "Medium" was a Carlitos mild. Service was also bizarre... sauce was plain and cheap ketchup. $17 for a mediocre meal... ouch. I applaud the effort. Cool logo, and the Chavela was good... but you're going to have to come with a really amazing food item to hook people. Suggestion?: house made pickles that blow peoples minds. Maybe deep fried pickles or something that the other places don't have. Maybe just chicken that's cooked perfectly and has some spice. You gotta be better than Carlitos, Angry Chikz, and Canes though - and that my friends, will be difficult. The worst part? The location. There will NEVER be enough parking. Every restaurant that has been there failed - big red flag. I wish you luck, but the writings on the wall. I probably won't eat there again, and wouldn't recommend unless you're already drunk.

I read about the opening of this place in the local paper but, because they're not open on Monday…read moreor Tuesday, it took a while to get in. When I did catch it open I found a real dive bar vibe that I really like. Sure, 8 big screen TV's, but I was there in the afternoon so it wasn't really noisy. Lots of good beers on tap, which helped pass the time while I waited for my order. I ordered just a chicken strip and sauce, to judge the baseline. I expected chicken like they serve at Carlitos down the road, breaded and spicy. I was surprised by a strip that was really an entire chicken breast with a coating like fried catfish, not a batter, but a coating with texture and flavor. The chicken was well cooked, moist, and very flavorful. The "original" sauce was kinda ketchup/mayo sauce, but it did actually add to the experience. I'm a fan. I'll come back and ramp up the heat one sauce at a time until I find the balance between hot and flavorful.

Nakwon Korean BBQ House

3.8

(285 reviews)

Great customer service and solid Korean food! We came here for lunch and it wasn't busy at all so…read morewe were seated quickly. We ordered the bibimbap, bulgogi plate, yugaejang, and soondubu. Everything came out hot and fresh and was seasoned well. It tastes like your Korean grandma cooked it. My only complaint is that the kimchi served in the banchan was too sour/old. If you've never tried, give it a shot. It won't blow your socks off but you should leave satisfied and full!

We have lived in Marina now for 8 years. What took us so long to come to this restaurant? It was…read moreearly in the day around 4:00 PM. We were greeted kindly and were told to sit anywhere. A former Arby's building yet very clean. We were the only people there. Early right? Don't let that fool you. The food is delicious! We had some juicy potstickers and a wonderful meal that we shared. #33. See the photo. A delightful warmed clay pot filled with deliciousness. It had 6 different cold yummy things to taste that were set around it. Like kimchi is one example. The prices are a bit high yet dishes can be shared too. They only had dark meat for chicken. Oh, if you want another experience get to the table top grill. It looks like fun! Our server Joey was great too!

Saigon Noodles

3.8

(288 reviews)

Our favorite go to place for Pho . Servers are always friendly and attentive. Chicken pho has great…read morebroth and Vietnamese coffee is always amazing . Very clean and great service. Forgot to take pictures.

I was a big fan of this place when it first opened and used to rave about their pho. Unfortunately,…read moremy visit on 5/2 was a huge letdown. From the moment I walked in, the service began with a bad start. The staff were chatting and joking behind the counter and too distracted to notice me. I had to grab a menu myself and ask in a loud tone if I could sit anywhere just to get their attention. Once seated, it took nearly 10 minutes for a server to come by. I ordered a boba drink and pho with brisket. The server returned after another 8 minutes to say they were out of both the boba flavor I wanted and the brisket. After I reordered, the replacement boba arrived extremely sweet -- basically tasted like watered-down sugar syrup with almost no tea flavor. The pho was even more disappointing.. the broth was watery and bland, there was very little beef, and the bowl was light on noodles and toppings. It felt like a shadow of what they used to serve. It's sad to see a spot that was once one of the best pho places in Salinas (in my opinion) decline this sharply. The restaurant was unusually empty, and the few other customers looked just as unimpressed. I understand rising food and restaurant operating costs, but cutting quality this much will only drive more people away. I rarely leave negative reviews and I don't consider myself to be such a picky eater, but this experience was genuinely disappointing. I'm not sure I'll be back.

Bankers Casino

3.5

(82 reviews)

Bankers Casino has become one of our go-to spots whenever we're grabbing drinks or attending an…read moreevent nearby, especially since they're open late. Their food is seriously underrated. The shrimp tacos absolutely live up to the hype--they really are the talk of the town. The tortilla is perfectly crispy, with crispy cheese on the outside that adds the best texture and flavor. The shrimp is seasoned well and full of flavor, and the salsa brings a nice kick that ties everything together. Definitely a must-order. And somehow the pancakes are just as impressive, fluffy, soft, and delicious. They're the perfect comfort food, especially later at night. The services is also great and very fast. If you're looking for a late night spot with surprisingly great food, Bankers Casino is it!

so smol! but good amount of tables and restaurant booths and happy hour on sundays :-)read more

Annie’s House

4.5

(127 reviews)