The craft beer movement has exploded in recent years and Monterey County is no stranger to the epidemic. Check out the craft breweries and beer houses to grab a cold one throughout the region below. The Monterey Beer Festival is also around every summer for a culmination of all things suds, including over 80 beers up for tasting.
Beyond visits to world-class wineries, discover even more to sip and savor in Monterey County, a rising star on the craft beer scene. Take home growlers and crowlers of your new favorite cold ones after exploring the area’s hottest breweries.
Monterey's Breweries
Here are just a few of the incredible breweries that keep Monterey's beer scene vibrant and alive.
Peter B’s Brewpub
Whether you’re craving their always-on-tap fruity Belly Up Blonde Ale or the dark chocolate and cherry aromas of Stout Resistance, no craft beer scene tour is complete without a visit to Monterey County’s first microbrewery, Peter B’s Brewpub. Get your NFL fix during their Sunday Football & Breakfast and watch your favorite teams play on any of 18 HDTVs. Sit inside or outside on the dog-friendly patio while digging into banana pancakes topped with Nutella, walnuts and warm maple syrup. Later, go for an order of their fully loaded Macho Nachos paired with a fresh seasonal brew.
Alvarado Street Brewery & Grill
On Alvarado Street, discover the appropriately named Alvarado Street Brewery & Grill. The brewery is housed in a renovated Beaux-Arts-style theatre, originally built in 1916. It’s owned and operated by father-son duo John and J.C. Hill; the two pride themselves on their canned sours and continuously rotating selection of specialty brews. Head out back to their German-inspired Beer Garden, outfitted with comfy seating and fire pits. On weekends, their chef whips up smoked barbecue specials that you can wash down with any of their 20 house beers. Beer aficionados will enjoy an even more in-depth experience with a visit to Alvarado’s Tasting Room in nearby Salinas. Sample popular favorites such as Mai Tai and Minesweeper along with their latest experiments, while enjoying a front-row view of the brewing process in Salinas’ cool, industrial-style space.
Carmel Craft Brewing Company
Located in the beautiful Barnyard Shopping Village, Carmel Craft Brewing Company is Carmel's first official brewpub. Here you can enjoy a dozen hand-crafted beers that are manufactured on-site. Come and enjoy small-batch beers with food options provided by neighboring restaurants.
Post No Bills Craft Beer House
For a unique experience, visit Sand City’s Post No Bills Craft Beer House. Graffiti murals and event playbill posters cover the walls, giving the place a hip, urban industrial vibe. Step up to the gleaming stainless-steel bar to choose from a wonderfully curated selection of taps, hard-to-find bottled beers, hard ciders, wines and craft sodas. Tap your toes to the tunes that are often playing and chat with knowledgeable wait staff who geek out on talking about all things beer. PNB doesn’t serve food but invites guests to bring in their own or grab a snack from a nearby food truck.
Cannery Row Brewing Company
Although they don’t actually brew beer at Cannery Row Brewing Company, this is a must-see on any well-rounded Monterey County craft beer tour. Located near the Monterey Bay Aquarium, this family-friendly restaurant is the destination’s largest single-outlet beer establishment. Take a seat inside the spacious interior or hang out on the inviting back patio with its cozy fires and a great view of the bay and recreation trail. Choose from among 70-plus brews and 30 small-batch Bourbons to pair with tempting pub fare like cheddar bacon biscuits with chipotle maple butter and braised short rib grilled cheese.
And for a beer-infused dessert? Go for the double chocolate stout trifle with its decadent layers of chocolate cake, pudding, ice cream, marshmallow, stout caramel and pretzel.