We Happened to be across the street at Ghirardelli and needed to find some dinner before heading back to our hotel. A lot of the restaurants seemed to be more "sit down" and we were looking for something to-go at the time and we both happened to be very indecisive at the moment; in came this place. Jess wanted a Burger, this place happened to have burgers, then she saw the Feta and Tomato Sandwich; she was instantly SOLD!
Note: this place doesn't show prices on the menu outside the doors, neither do several of the other restaurants. Now i know why. Because if more people saw the price point out front, they would keep walking.
This is the true definition of a Pub. To the right once you walk in is the pool tables a bar and hang out spot, to the left is a self serve seating area where there's a bar, outside patio and some seating. Was a little confusing at first, signs are there but to out of town people like us, was hard to understand where to go. Definitely has the feel of an old school dive bar that also sells food. Waitress was super nice and very attentive when we sat down. Yes, we went from to-go to dine in, because the restaurant was quiet. At first. Then we saw the menu. $19 dollars for my burger and fries, extra $4 for cheese. Soft Drinks were $5 and they didn't say if they give "free refills" but it also didn't say no either. But i played it safe and opted not for a refill, so i nursed my Diet Coke. We placed our order and didn't wait long for the food to arrive.
Jess got the clam chowder and it was just "ok", i am not one for seafood but she had me try it anyway. It was more reminiscent of a creamy chicken and rice soup but with clams instead of chicken. But even with adding pepper and some Tabasco, it still lacked flavor. I'm sure "even as a non seafood lover" there's definitely better in town. She said the clams were tough and chewy. She also ordered the Feta and Tomato sandwich with a side of fries, the sandwich was true to the name and certainly didn't disappoint for someone who loves the two equally between two slices of bread. So she was certainly happy with her meal.
I on the other hand not so much. I asked for my burger medium. It was more well done. Plus side for them still making it juicy, but the size was rather small for $19 and the bun, although brioche, I love brioche, was burnt on the top and bottom. The veggies inside were rather plain and really didn't need to be there. The fries definitely tasted store bought, reminded me of the fries they used to serve with the old K-Mart burgers. Plus charging $4 for cheese and any other addition toppings seems outrageous to me. Close to $30 for myself and another $30 for jess, our bill came out to $65. What!? I feel like i just got robbed! lol.'
This town really does feel like it over prices everything! Not even because its on a tourist part of town, the whole town at this point feels like its price gouging everyone when it comes to eating out. With tip we paid $75 and change. Could've went to Chick Fil A and had a better experience for half the price. Heck even In n Out would've been a 4th of the cost for better quality. I'm Glad Jess enjoyed herself, but now i definitely see why nobody eats on Cannery Row. I personally would not come here again, nor would I recommend it to anyone else coming to Monterey. Jess even said the beers that a table behind us got, were super small and they're charging a hefty price for those also. If you're in a pinch, have at least $100 on you and don't want to travel out for food, then i guess this place or one of the other restaurants down here will have to do. But save yourself a HUGE chunk of money and go somewhere else.
Update: THANK YOU to Rebecca the Owner of this establishment for reaching out. As you will read down below, she was super informative and addressed all of my issues and concerns. Unfortunately I didn't see the HUGE sign until we walked down the hallway to the left, but there are signs stating seating to the left once you walk inside. Although I do feel for the owners having to pay high sums of money to keep people employed as well as rent and utilities, I do still stand by the fact that (not) just this location, but others in this town, should and could provide better food for the price point, no matter what the situation may be on the financial aspect. Yes you can go somewhere across the street and pay an extra $3 dollars for a burger and fries, but you can also find other mom and pop spots and pay way less. Don't take away from the fact that this location might be great for your tastes, but unfortunately for my own personal opinion, it was just not for me. But again HUGE Thank You for the quick response! read more