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    Sandbar & Grill

    4.0 (1.7k reviews)
    Closed • 11:00 am - 9:00 pm
    Updated over 3 months ago

    Sandbar & Grill Photos

    SANDBAR & GRILL ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Good for groups
    Happy hour specials

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    Recommended Reviews - Sandbar & Grill

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    Reviews With Photos

    Happy hour menu
    Ida L.

    I was searching online and this restaurant was highly recommended. It's right on the pier with plenty of pay parking. There's also beach access and lot of people fishing off the pier. The restaurant at first was not noticeable since it's below the pier so you have to look for the sign. Once inside, there's a row of tables along the wall, giving a view of all the boats. The row of tables at the middle can still see the outside. The bar is located on the left side of the restaurant and it includes a good selection of alcohol and spirits. I came here at 4 for happy hour (4-6pm) and easily got a seat in the bar area. The bartender was super friendly and offered to make a martini that's not on the happy hour menu for a reasonable price. I also noticed him offering to make hamburger for another patron. This is what I called excellent service, when they can accommodate patron's needs. I got a bowl of clam chowder (5/5). It was thick with lot of clams and potatoes. I like the chowder thick so was good for me. It comes with bread and butter. The bread was soft and fresh. I also got the sand dab with fries. The fries were hot and crunchy, perfect for my taste. The fish was moist but kind of bland. It comes with tartar sauce but I think I would have preferred more flavors, maybe blackened. Since it was my birthday, the bartender give me a free dessert. I ordered the bread pudding with whiskey sauce and whipped cream. For anyone who likes whiskey, this is definitely the dessert for you because the flavor of the whisky is definitely overwhelming. Overall, I love the friendly service and most of the food. I would definitely come back to try the other items.

    Crab Cocktail. Loaded with large pieces of delicious crab.

    I totally recommend people make the walk down the pier. Just down from the hustle and bustle of Fishermans Wharf. We shared a Crab Cocktail and the Fish and Chips. Both had large servings and tasted amazing. It was plenty for us to share. Our server was so friendly. She made us feel welcome and well taken care of. The views of the marina were beautiful.

    Interior Scope.
    D.wight L.

    Seriously old school. But I was kind of looking for that, as I wanted a taste of old Monterey, nothing crazy bougie or hip. Building is on a wharf, just slightly above the water. Right in the marina where dozens of boats are parked. Window views of the marina are easy to be had, just one big long room really. Old school traits: the crowd on a weekday lunch was 80% seniors, most seemed local as I can tell by their banter. The rest of the peeps were regulars who seemed to have a routine. The menu is seriously basic seafood town ie chowders, louie salads, seafood that can be griddled, fried or sauteed. Solid cooks that can execute clean plates. And the clincher old school trait Sandbar had, was a bowl by the entrance/exit they gave away free match boxes with their logo. I haven't seen that in decades! It hit home for me cuz I used to collect restaurant/bar matchbooks in my younger years. So crazy to run into them again as they are no longer normalized. Glass Sauvignon Blanc ($10/5*) Perfectly chilled, fruity without being sweet, great balance. Went great with bites of the seafood throughout the meal. Clam Chowder ($8/cup/4*) Solid. Creamy and thick but not excessively stodgy. Good clams and potato ratio. But very herb-y, as in dry herbs cooked into the soup. Great with the sliced sourdough given upon seating. Calamari Appetizer ($14/3.5*) For some reason I thought this was going to be deep fried breaded calamari, the cut tubes along with a few tentacles. But this was thick, bite-sized squares cut from a big calamari steak. It was breaded in fresh bread crumbs and lightly fried, so no significant crispness. Just a mild and soft breaded exterior. I had to salt it and dip it in either tartar or cocktail sauce. It was fine but I was just looking for something more flavorful and crisp. I still enjoyed it, just threw me for a loop. Lunch Sand Dabs ($23/4*) I was torn cuz I wanted to try their special of the day which was a Halibut dish with a Tomatillo Butter Sauce; but I also wanted something very basic and local. It doesn't get any more Monterey than local sand dabs, which is like a small flounder that is mild and delicate. I also overheard multiple tables around me order it, so I simply couldn't dismiss the local's consensus. I did like that it was super plain where the fish fillets were allowed to shine. But after the first initial few bites, I was just wishing there were something else to elevate the fish, like a butter sauce or wine/parsley sauce. It did have a side of tartar sauce, which theirs is good with big hunks of capers and celery. But I just thought a warm sauce of some sort would have soaked into the fish nicely. Served with brown rice pilaf that had good flavor but was a bit too al dente for me, crunchy rice isn't my jam. But I took some of the fish home, and I made a quick 30 second garlic lemon butter sauce that indeed went well with delicate fish. So I was able to get some serious satisfaction after all. Irish Coffee ($15/5*) It was a cool and grey day, so I opted on this for dessert. Theirs is as old school as it gets, so it was perfect. Great way to end a meal, belly happy, sipping a well made coffee cocktail whilst watching the boats float on by. As a passing tourist, Sandbar did me just fine. They gave me the flavors and charm of Monterey without being around a ton of other tourist. More off the beaten path which is how I like to roll.

    Fish and chips
    Heather M.

    A family fav for years! Love this old school classic! Friendly service who have worked here forever! Great bread to start. If you like a very traditional clam chowder this is your place! The sand dabs are always killer and a huge portion. Great homemade tartar sauce. Loved that I could sub the fries for perfectly cooked veggies. The ciopinno was sooo good- FULL of seafood in a light broth with garlic bread. The special if the day was halibut stuffed with crab over scalloped potatoes and asparagus with a burre blanc sauce. Also huge martinis! We always leave here full and happy!

    Looking for a delicious bowl of clam chowder? This is the place. Great ratio of clams to herbs, cream and potatoes and seasoned well. So happy we found this place via a local woman we chatted with. Plus the view is nice and away from crowds

    The entrance to restaurant
    Heidi M.

    My husband and I had not been to this restaurant on Fisherman's Wharf in many years, but we went this evening and we are so glad we did! First of all, we were seated quickly and got a window table with a great view of the water. We both ordered fish and chips and our waiter even included a cup of Cole slaw for each of us, which I really appreciated! The fish was fresh cod breaded light and crispy, not greasy at all. The chips or fries were also nice and crispy. We both felt the fish and chips we had here were the best we ever tasted anywhere! The meal included complementary bread and butter which was also delish. A nice touch that we don't take for granted nowadays. Our waiter kept our drinks filled and made sure we had everything we needed. We will definitely come back on next trip to Monterey. Highly recommend!!

    Blackened Prawn Caesar Salad
    Dave V.

    So, the Sandbar & Grill is one of those places which are a genuine crapshoot. You walk up to a beat up shack just under the pier, and all too often, they rely on ambience and strong drinks to make up for mediocre food. That is not the case here. The food is amazing. I got the best cioppino I've ever had. Lorena/Lauren, the best server ever, added some jalapeño and linguini to my dish and gave me some chili flakes on the side to spice up my meal. There's nothing quite so soul soothing as a good cioppino. This broth had a nice body, good flavor, and there was enough fish and crab meat to keep that broth nice and thick all the way to the end. The scallops were sweet, light, and delicious. My permanent date had the blackened prawn Caesar salad and clam chowder. Normally, you think of blackened whatever, and it doesn't taste like anything but blackening spices. Not so at the Sandbar. The prawns stand up to that flavor quite well. So does the house-made Caesar dressing. Clam chowder done well is satisfying without being too heavy, and you can feel the song of clam flavor as soon as that broth hits your tongue. Seriously one of the best clam chowders I've had. Finally, I can't say enough about Lorena. She's my favorite kind of waitress: personable, friendly, and doesn't mind talking for a moment. By the end of the meal, it felt like we had a friend, and that's a valuable quality. Her busser was on point with my refills, but I didn't get his name. Next time I'm in Monterey, we're coming back.

    Clam Chowder
    Emily B.

    The best clam chowder I've ever had! Been coming here every time I'm in monterey - for almost ten years now - and it never disappoints! It's also in such a great location and has a chill, welcoming staff. The place where everyone knows your name vibes!

    Seared ahi tuna salad.
    Daniel S.

    $25 seared ahi tuna salad. 4 stars because the seared tuna was "bland"compared to the strong flavors on the plate. I actually wanted more chopped olives to add more briny bites into the mix. Still, a good, filling salad.

    Kids fish and chips
    Charles M.

    Come for the food, hope to get Laurene as your server! We ordered the Crab Louie, fish and chips, sand dabs, and calamari steak. All of the food was excellent but what made the meal was the service. Not sure of the spelling so apologies but Laurene was great with our kids. Helpful with any requests and genuinely the best server I think I've ever had in my life. She knows how to make a customer feel appreciated while not taking herself too seriously. We'll definitely be back the next time we are passing through! Thank you for making our lunch a memorable experience.

    Amanda M.

    I came here for lunch one weekday and got their steamed clams and sand dabs. The clams were steamed with lots of garlic, white wine, tomato and green onion. You could taste some of the white wine in the broth and there was some lemon as well. The broth was strong, but it went nicely with the clams. Decent amount of clams and no sand in any which was really nice. Also tried the sand dabs lunch plate which is grilled and comes with a side of french fries or brown rice. I however, opted with a side salad. The sand dabs came with a large portion, with some lemon and tartar sauce. The fish was soft and buttery, very good. It went nicely with the lemon and tartar sauce. If I had got fries, it would be just like fish and chips. In addition to the clams and sand dabs, they also have a warm bread basket with butter, which was very nice. There is paid parking next to the restaurant but it may be difficult on a busy day. I recommend parking at the larger parking lots nearby and walk over. The restaurant itself had a gorgeous views of the water as well.

    Calamari. Clam Chowder, Fish and Chips

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    Our server was outstanding!! Happy and full of great suggestions! My sand dabs were delicious. I'll be back for sure.

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    10 days ago

    Carli is the best server ever. Great food and views. Highly recommend. The clam chowder is to die for. A great locals hangout!

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    Sandbar & Grill Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Sandbar & Grill

    Any gluten free pasta? Do they serve sourdough bread?

    Yes they have gluten free pasta as well as other items on the menu. There French bread is phenomenal

    What time does happy hour start?

    I think it goes from 4-6. It is at the Bar only though.

    Do they take reservations for Happy Hour?

    Nope.

    Are dogs allowed?

    There is not outside dining so I cannot imagine them allowing dogs inside.

    Hi ! What time does the Sandbar offer their dinner menu options ? Hopefully by early to midafternoon or sooner ? I have my eye on a dinner option of divine looking scallops which are not shown on their lunch menu. Cheers !

    They usually don't serve dinner options till 4:30 pm but they do have a scallop option at lunch just ask the server they're very accommodating.

    When is the happy hour?

    4:00-6:30 pm on weekdays.

    How is the pork tenderloin? What does it come with?

    My son recently ordered this item and he loved it. He thought it was similar to European dish. Generous serving.

    Is there free parking nearby?

    No free parking. Parking on the wharf is paid by using an app. The restaurant does not offer validation. The fee is very inexpensive however.… 

    Is there a Happy Hour menu?

    Yes, and it's a good one!

    Are you able to watch the sunset from here?

    The dining room and bar don't face the bay. So you won't and can't see the actual sunset.

    Is there a walker or wheelchair accessible entrance?

    Unfortunately not. You have to walk down a few steps and it is a narrow area. There is no way a person in a wheelchair or walker could navigate the entry without MAJOR assistance.

    Is there high chairs available?

    Yes

    Do they take reservations?

    Yes, over the phone.

    There is any happy hour oyster?

    Nope

    Do otters actually romp?

    actually they do, great fun to watch them playing.

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

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    The Whisky Club - Old Carter in two expressions.

    The Whisky Club

    4.2(83 reviews)
    0.3 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.

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    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

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    Pearl Hour

    Pearl Hour

    4.0(121 reviews)
    0.7 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.

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    Pearl Hour - Aquamarine cocktail

    Aquamarine cocktail

    Pearl Hour - Cute touch

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    Pearl Hour - Cute abalone lamp

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    Alejandro's

    Alejandro's

    4.2(293 reviews)
    0.4 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.

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    Alejandro's - Salmon

    Salmon

    Alejandro's
    Alejandro's

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

    LindaRose Rooftop Bar & Grill

    4.2(41 reviews)
    0.5 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

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    View from the roof

    Sandbar & Grill - seafood - Updated October 2026

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