I've been coming here for a while, and ever since they started doing food I keep thinking the same thing: this is probably the best burger on the Monterey Peninsula. It's a smash burger, super simple, and just insanely good. Brendan is an incredible chef (ever heard of Poppy Hall? ) and you can tell he really knows what he's doing. I've had it multiple times now and it somehow still catches me off guard every time. Seriously, go get the burger. read more

Pop & Hiss - Smash Burger - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Pacific Grove, California

Was in Monterey for the jazz festival and wanted to hit up a few record shops in the area. This place was super unique providing vinyl records, live music, food and a bar area in the back. I went in on a Sunday during the day and a trivia game was being hosted at the time. Majority of the records were used and at reasonable prices. Had a nice chat with Jeremy who was working in the record shop area and he mentioned that the business started out as a record store offering a few drink options and over two years expanded into what it is today. What a unique place to hangout in Pacific Grove ! Will be back when I'm in town again for sure. read more

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Maaan, I wish there was a place like this in the San Francisco/San Francisco Peninsula area. It is technically 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. read more

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Fantastic place, great record prices, great drinks and great live music! I had an evening to kill in Monterey and couldn't imagine a better way to have done so! read more

Cool spot with a record shop in front and a bar in the back. They buy and sell vinyls and seem like the perfect hang out spot with something for everyone. The front shop has a few seats where you can hang out quietly with a nice chill ambiance and the back is a much louder and livelier hang. Arrived around 7 pm on a Friday and a live Dj came out at about 8. We picked a seat outside which had a few fire pits and picnic tables. Sitting outside allowed us to still enjoy the music but also hold a conversation. This place seems very popular and I'd certainly come back. The vibes were exactly what I'm looking for as a 30 year old that enjoys an occasional night out. I did not snap a photo of the menu but they sell beer, wine and cocktails. There was a cool retro looking photo booth and caught my attention and I was upper bummed when I realized it was $7... unfortunately, I couldn't bring myself to spend $7 for two photos. read more

Pop & Hiss - Outdoor seating and fire pit - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Pacific Grove, California

Fun after hours speakeasy type spot. When everything else is closed it's a must do! Also had a good truck although we didn't eat it looked and smelled yummy. Great bartender on a Weds night as well! read more

A charming record shop in the Pacific Grove area. We came in the day after they had a Twin Peaks night, so there were still Twin Peaks-themed decorations in the area. There was a decent selection of vinyls, with a room with a photo booth and a bunch of photo strip copies. There was also a back room with a bar, with an open patio behind it. It was pretty quiet when we went into the shop, but the staff were friendly, and we had a pleasant time. read more

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I really should have taken a picture, but the burger and fries were delicious! They just started serving 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. read more

This was a great place, met the owners of Cannery Row Jump - a swing dance team - there, they turned me on to the place, and had a good time dancing and listening to music. And besides a bar and live music, they have great used record store in the front that carries all genres apparently. read more

Fun bar, people and owner/staff. My cousin and I watched a black and white movie while sitting at the bar. It was "Flash Gordon" which is older than ME but, was entertaining to watch and discuss. The patio is nice too. Planning to be there this Saturday to show off to my guests. read more

We meant to check out their record collection but got distracted by the electric live music! Strong cocktails, sweet bartenders, extra sweet and homely guests! Someone offered us mini cupcakes to celebrate someone's birthday. We got live country and rock music on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and the crowd was awesome. read more

I have been anticipating this record store's opening for quite some time and was so impressed with the space on our first (of many so far) visits. I saw a posting that they were having a DJ with a $1 cover and didn't know what to expect. Was this an 'unce unce' DJ with a dance floor or a chill DJ spinning tunes you don't have to yell over? Luckily this was a DJ playing complementing music to a Friday night catch up with some friends over a couple of well priced cocktails. There is a small seating area to one side of the shop and a good music selection on the other. The DJ played in the corner and a small bar staffed by a friendly bartender greeted you on the way in. I hear there is a music space in the back which may play music someday, but baby steps are probably in order given PG's typical apprehension with anything fun. This is an amazing place and I hope it remains a downtown fixture for a long time! read more

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Cool place, nice vibe. Good music selection and the people seem really chill. Recently went to a show here and the pizza was good. It can get a little loud and crowded but worth checkin' out. read more

Such a fun spot! Great record collection and great live music. They also have a fun photo booth inside. : )) Great energy, helpful staff, and unique finds. Will definitely be back! read more

We had an amazing time. They had a local dance troupe the night we were there and great music to dance to. Lots of locals.

What a fun place. Full friendly bar. Lots of outdoor space with fire pits. So glad this is here. Will Be back. read more

A new gem has appeared in pacific grove- prepare to be dazzled and delighted by this jack of all trades building housing not just a record store, but also a live music venue, bar, pizza pop up, lounge, and above all gathering place for friends. Always a good crowd of all ages, diverse musical talent, and strong pours. read more

Pop & Hiss - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Pacific Grove, California

Awesome live music last Friday, Canterbury Bells from SF were amazing. Great Pizza food truck in the back patio. read more

Super racist bartender. Went with my girl for our anniversary to enjoy the live music, and the bartender CLEARLY avoided us helping 5 white people after I CLEARLY told him we were next 3 times. We understand it's busy but it comes to a point when it's obvious. Bartender was an older fat white dude with gray hair and thick glasses. Complained to the manager but well see what becomes of it. read more

Great bar in PG. This is exactly what Pacific Grove needs to stay alive in the times! I vote this one of the top three spots in PG to sit outside in a beanie with dogs while listening to music, with a drink in hand! Lovely staff, they are so kind and accommodating. read more

Vibey little record shop that packs a lot into a small space. I'll admit, I've never understood the allure of records as all the analog sounds Pop & Hiss refer to can be digitally duplicated, but who am I to tell people how to spend their money! Anywho, the shop itself has a nice ambiance with maybe a dozen shelves of records to browse through while enjoying your beverage of choice. In my opinion the drinks are a bit overpriced for what you're getting and the records themselves (like all records) are absurdly overpriced. It's definitely worth a visit if you find yourself in the area and certainly worth it if you like vinyl. While it isn't necessarily my cup of tea, I can understand why others would be willing to pay the premium. Service: Not much to speak of, but it really is just a record store mashed up with a cocktail bar with live music. There is a small bar with a few chairs in the corner where you get your drinks and most of the patrons sit at tables further in the shop. The bartender was friendly and did a good job explaining what they had and what he could make, but given the small space your options will be limited. Drink: As I mentioned, you're not working with a lot of choice. They had a few local beers, some canned wine and your basic cocktail options. I ordered a vodka tonic which wasn't half bad but came in the tiniest plastic cup you can imagine and my wife got a local beer (Alvarado Mai Tai I think?). As mentioned earlier, it was overpriced but nothing crazy. After tip, the total came out to $24 for 2 drinks. Ambiance: This is the main draw of Pop & Hiss. If you like records and the inherently "cool" record store aesthetic this is a great place to chill out and have a drink. There was a live DJ in another corner playing a unique array of music from a variety of eras at volumes that wont have you screaming at the person across the table from you. Overall I enjoyed my experience and I am happy it exists in the otherwise quiet downtown Pacific Grove. I'm sure I'll return with my analog friends and I look forward to updating my review as it evolves! To Management: Replace the checkout desk with a larger bar area. I'm guessing you're making more money on the alcohol sales than you do on record sales and a larger bar would boost that. You could also just have people pay for their records at the bar. read more

Good ambiance, cool vinyls and awesome set up for a band to play with the bar in the back.

Great place to chill! Count them, not one but two stages, and if you didn't throw out your record player, they have an extensive collection of ever changing 33's. Live music, patio in back with outdoor tables (& firepits this is PG) taco or pizza truck, there's a spot for everyone. Hard to believe that there's such a hipster spot in sleepy 'ole Pacific Grove. read more

Amazing place! Great vibe, great live music ( we were there on a random Thursday), great drinks. Totally recommend for a dance out night read more

Pop & Hiss - Music stage - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Pacific Grove, California

Odd spot. Record store with no sign out front, a speakeasy type bar in the back. Definitely not our scene.

I just had to jump on here and say how much fun this store was! I went with my niece who's very into "vintage" these days. The nice thing about being her age is everything is new and exciting. So grateful I could be the cool aunt who has good taste in music. Thank you Pop & Hiss!! read more

Very eclectic and the old fashioned was delicious, the music wasn't our vibe but I'm told it changes frequently.

I went to a private party there. Fun venue. Apparently, in order to serve alcohol, the business charges "$.25 cover charge" to your first drink. When I ordered two drinks (one for me and one for my wife) the bartender added $1.00. If invited to another event, I'd probably go, but I'd avoid the bar next time. read more

Fun spot for a cocktail and browsing - nice staff too. Great addition to downtown PG.

What a fun night getting to listen to groovy records and enjoying a drink or two with my friends. I had the gimlet with a local 17 mile gin and it was spectacular. Pacific Grove definitely needs a place to go after 9 pm. read more

Pop & Hiss - Album cover - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Pacific Grove, California

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What a cool venue for live music and records! A lively place to have drinks and enjoy music is what PG sorely needs. The staff seemed to know their stuff when it comes to music albums, and there is a good variety of used stuff and new releases. Albums continue to arrive to their store pretty often, so if you come every week, you're bound to find something new. read more

The idea is creative and fun. Unfortunately when I attended the soft opening, the owner was too drunk to speak. By the end of the event, I got extremely sick. It is highly likely that someone slipped something into my drink. Soft opening was unorganized and unsafe. I hope the business improves. read more

Absolutely killer aesthetic. Nothing else like it for MILES. The owner has an extensive understanding of music and can help others curate their private collections. It's great to finally have something so unique and special pop into a town that is also unique and special. Can't wait to see the business grow! read more

This place was awesome! Loved the vibe, the drinks were good and the service was great!

great place to chill and vibe. love it! Bring your friends and have a lovely hang. 10 out of 10 would recommend!

The selection of music in this spot is phenomenal! The owner's love of music and creating a great vibe is visible everywhere! Staff is fantastic! what an amazing find! love it read more

What a cool place and location. Bartender, Jackson, is fabulous and makes the best drinks. A newer place that locals need to visit to feel what a fabulous venue this is. See you all there. read more

Great place to enjoy a drink and listen to some great DJ's spin some unique records. Looking forward to see this business and location grow!