Monterey County isn't just an up-and-coming wine destination; it's becoming a great place for beer fans, too. June's Monterey Beer Festival features great beers from around the country as well as the world's first beer-themed short film festival. Beer-focused restaurants are also springing up throughout the county.
Why Monterey is the Ultimate Destination for Craft Beer
Long known for producing leading coastal California wines, Monterey County is now emerging as one of the Golden State’s most compelling destinations to discover locally inspired independent breweries. A staple of the Pacific Northwest, craft beer is currently drawing large numbers of travelers to the West Coast, as beer enthusiasts plan trips to visit craft breweries for limited-production, hard-to-find creations, only available in the regions where they’re brewed. Monterey’s independent breweries are currently each producing up to 40 to 50 new beers a year, turning the region into a bucket-list destination for beer enthusiasts year-round.
“Monterey County is the ultimate destination for travelers looking to experience some of the best craft beers on the West Coast and sample them in cool, relaxed settings,” said Tammy Blount-Canavan, President and CEO of the Monterey County Convention & Visitors Bureau. “Beer lovers are joining wine enthusiasts as loyal visitors to Monterey and discovering the vast diversity in flavor, style and fermentations of Monterey craft beer.”
Are you in the mood for a brew? Here's a baker's dozen of choices, all places that combine great beer and great atmosphere.
Alvarado Street Brewery
426 Alvarado, Monterey & 1315 Dayton St., Salinas
Since opening in 2014, Alvarado Street Brewery has quickly become a favorite craft brewery on the West Coast. Beers are constantly being updated and include a few staples like Mai Tai IPA, Peninsula Pilsner and a variety of sours. Alvarado Street Brewery's location in Monterey includes a restaurant and outdoor beer garden while the Salinas location is home to the actual brewing facility and drafts on tap.
After less than five years in operation, Alvarado Street Brewery’s beers have become some of the most sought-after in all of Northern California. Alvarado’s flagship Mai Tai IPA is a three-time Great American Beer Festival medal winner, including a 2018 gold medal. Their popular, hoppy beers are packaged in cans with bright, splashy labels depicting flamingos and nods to ‘90s pop culture. At festivals, their beers, with playful names like “Sur Real”, a nod to Monterey’s Big Sur and “Biggie’s Bon Bon Bonanza” are poured from taps on a converted jet ski. In another play on names, this time paying homage to one of Monterey’s most famous residents, John Steinbeck, the company’s new Yeast of Eden brewery & taproom recently opened in Carmel-by-the-Sea and serves only locally inspired, terroir-driven beers.
Sly McFly's
700 Cannery Row, Monterey
Pair your cold beer with some live music at Sly McFly's. As the oldest establishment on Cannery Row, this local hangout is one of the best spots for libations and nightlife in Monterey!
Post No Bills
600 Ortiz Avenue, Sand City
Tucked away in Sand City lies a beer lover's paradise. Post No Bills' artsy yet comfortable atmosphere is a great place to crack one open. You shouldn't have a problem finding a beer that you like with 15 beers on tap and over 200 bottles and canned beers to choose from.
Peter B's Brew Pub
2 Portola Plaza (at the back of the Portola Hotel and Spa), Monterey
There's only one place to go on the Monterey Peninsula if you wanta beer that's brewed on-premises: Peter B's Brew Pub. Peter B's, located on the edge of Custom House Plaza, Monterey State Historic Park in downtown Monterey, offers great pub food and hand-crafted beers. Watch sports games on high-def TVs or sit outside and enjoy a beautiful day.
The original craft brewery in Monterey, Peter B’s has been serving locally brewed beer for over 20 years. Guests can watch their favorite sports games on any one of the 18 big screens, but unlike a traditional sports bar, diners sip on a variety of award-winning craft beer brewed on-site like their signature Peter B’s IPA, brewed with Columbus and Citra hops and awarded the silver medal at the Great American Beer Festival. Led by Head Brewer Justin Rivard, Peter B’s brews a variety of styles that anyone, from a novice to a craft beer enthusiast will appreciate.
The Tap Room at The Lodge at Pebble Beach
1700 17-Mile Drive (inside The Lodge at Pebble Beach), Pebble Beach
Golfers looking for a beer head to The Tap Room at The Lodge at Pebble Beach. Decorated with vintage Pebble Beach memorabilia, The Tap Room has a well-curated selection of draft and bottled beers and some people say it's got the best burger and onion rings anywhere - try them and decide for yourself.
Fernwood Tavern
47200 Highway One, Big Sur
Have a beer at Fernwood Tavern in Big Sur and you just might catch a legendary indie act; Joanna Newsom notably played a surprise gig here and many other up-and-coming acts perform on Saturday nights. Both the staff and the clientele are friendly and the beer is reasonably priced.
Britannia Arms
444 Alvarado St., Monterey
Located in downtown Monterey, Britannia Arms is one of the top sports bars in town. It's got a broad selection of beers on tap, with specials on brews that go beyond the usual suspects. Wednesday nights are Karaoke night and Thursday nights are pub trivia; come early if you want a seat.
English Ales
223 Reindollar Ave., Marina
Founded almost 20 years ago by English-born Peter and Rosemary Blackwell, English Ales in Marina is known for serving fresh English-style ales. Today, English Ales has expanded upon their original mission to include brews with a hoppier flavor, such as the “Big Sur Golden” and “Monterey Bay Wheat” beers. Happy hour runs every weekday from 4:00-7:00 pm and on the last Tuesday of every month, join English Ales for “Firkin Night,” where guests are invited to taste from 10.2 gallon containers (Firkins) in which the beer has been fermented twice, resulting in a smoother and more delicate finish, available for just $3.50 per pint.
C Restaurant and Bar
750 Cannery Row (at InterContinental The Clement Monterey), Monterey
Enjoy expensive ocean views and a nice cold beer at the C Restaurant and Bar. Choose to sip your suds either on the outdoor patio or inside at their cozy bar. Stop by on a Friday or Saturday evening and catch a few live jams.
Knuckles Sports Bar
1 Old Golf Course Road (at the Hyatt Regency Monterey), Monterey
It's no wonder that Knuckles Sports Bar has been rated the #1 Sports Bar in Monterey County for eight years in a row. With an unmatched assortment of beers and ales and 24 flat-screen TVs there's enough to keep you entertained for quite some time. Don't skip the free popcorn and peanuts!
Carmel Craft Brewing Company
Carmel Craft Brewing Company operates on a one-barrel brewing system. This style of small production means the team is constantly brewing new and fresh beers, often releasing as many as three new flavors a week. This changing rotation of beer allows for Carmel Craft Brewery to experiment with untraditional flavors such as “Espress yo-self,” a coffee oatmeal stout featuring espresso from Carmel Valley Roasting Company and “Love Potion #42” a pink-colored fruit wheat beer featuring cherries and raspberries.
With a recently expanded tasting room and a new outdoor patio scheduled to open in the summer of 2019, this spot never disappoints beer lovers.