If you've ever wondered, "Does Monterey have nightlife?", the answer is yes! While Monterey is best known for its world-class aquarium and historic Cannery Row, it also boasts a vibrant nighttime scene. Read on to learn about the various nightlife opportunities you can enjoy on your next visit to Monterey.
Bars, Pubs and Breweries
Monterey, California nightlife includes several craft breweries and unique bars to discover. Enjoy a wide selection of hand-crafted brews at Fieldwork Brewery or visit Dust Bowl Brewing Company's taproom to taste their craft IPAs, lagers and tasty tacos. If you're near Cannery Row, it's worth checking out some classic watering holes like C Restaurant + Bar and, for dancing, Sly McFly's.
Monterey also offers a colorful selection of sports bars where fans can gather to enjoy a lively atmosphere. Alvarado Street Brewery in downtown Monterey boasts an ample beer garden and serves up home-cooked grub, like house-smoked wings and loaded pretzels. If you don't want to miss a second of the action, check out Turn 12 Bar & Grill. This bar & grill not only has multiple TV's and a 50 foot custom pewter bar top, but it pays homage to to Laguna Seca Raceway’s 11 turns. It's a car enthusiast’s haven.
Compact Disco is also a great place to dust off your dancing shoes. They offer craft cocktails, local wines, craft beer, eclectic music and a retro-cool atmosphere for a lively night out.
Live Music
You'll find many places around Monterey to listen to live music and DJs and dance the night away. Wave Street Studios on historic Cannery Row is a dedicated music venue that hosts an amazing array of professional artists for weekly concerts and events. Cibo Ristorante Italiano in downtown Monterey is a local favorite, as they host live jazz, soul and funk almost every night of the week. Another great option is the Pearl Hour cocktail bar, which hosts live jazz bands on Wednesdays and Sundays and plenty of programming like DJ nights and burlesque shows.
You can also check out First Fridays at the Monterey Museum of Art, a free event every first Friday of the month with after-hours access to the museum and special music performances by local and international artists.
In Seaside, check out Deja Blue as they host many live music events from blues, R&B and jazz. If you're looking for some nostalgia, check out Pop and Hiss in Pacific Grove. It combines live music, craft cocktails and vinyls creating a lively, retro-inspired spot for music enthusiasts
Trivia Nights and Karaoke
For those looking to showcase their knowledge, Monterey's trivia nights offer the perfect opportunity for fun and entertainment. On Tuesdays, head to Other Brother Beer Co. to test your knowledge from a range of general trivia and themed trivia. On Wednesdays, Tipsy Putt offers Tipsy Trivia and winners have a chance to win prizes!
If you're hoping to show off your talent, look no further than O'Callaghan's in Carmel, which hosts weekly open mic nights. Links Club (famous for their indoor golf action) and hosts family-friendly karaoke nights on Mondays and Salsa Nights on Wednesdays.
No matter what kind of nightlife experience you seek in Monterey, you'll find it here! From trivia nights and dancing to kicking back at a sports bar or singing on stage, something is happening every night across our vibrant county.