Who doesn’t love a good happy hour? You get inexpensive drinks, discounted food, and a great time to spend with your friends. There is a reason why they call it happy hour. Monterey is filled with unique spots where you can hang out, enjoy a drink after work, and just relax in a great location.
Here are our favorite spots that you should check out when it comes to impressive happy hours in Monterey.
Always remember to double-check dates, opening times, and weather conditions before traveling.
BEST HAPPY HOURS IN MONTEREY CA
Lalla Oceanside Grill
- Address: 654 Cannery Row, Monterey CA
Lalla Oceanside Grill sits right along the coast so that you can get a drink and a view during your Monterey happy hour. The grill sits along the historic Cannery Row, where you can find fabulous little shops and amazing places for dinner.
Grab some of their small bites and while enjoying happy hour at Lalla, which lasts from 4 pm to 6 pm. Locals recommend trying their Bellini Martini paired with the blue cheese steak bites.
Peter B’s Brewpub
- Address: 2 Portola Plaza, Monterey CA
We’ve mentioned Peter B’s Brewpub before, and that’s because this place is incredible. Their happy hour is from 4 pm to 6:30 pm daily, and they offer amazing special bites like garlic fries, Monterey Bay calamari, nachos, and $5 beers.
The cool thing about Peter B’s is they also cater to the night owls and offer a late-night happy hour as well. This happy hour is Sunday through Thursday, 9:30 pm to 10:30 pm.
Melville Tavern
- Address: 484 Washington Street, Monterey CA
Did someone say fried artichokes? The Monterey locals love Melville Tavern, and we can see why. The inside is on the smaller side, but their sizeable out-front patio is the perfect spot to hang out during the happy hour.
If you’re a beer or wine lover, Melville’s happy hour is specifically for you since their beer and wine have a hefty discount; we’re talking $4 beers. Their happy hour goes from Monday through Thursday, 4 pm to 6 pm, and don’t forget to get a side of fried artichokes while you’re hanging out.
The Sardine Factory
- Address: 701 Wave Street, Monterey CA
You can’t complain when happy hour is offered twice in one day. At The Sardine Factory, you can stop in for happy hour, from 5 pm to 6 pm or 9:30 pm to 10:30 pm daily.
Considered one of the best happy hours in Monterey, their happy hour menu is excellent and includes $8 signature cocktails, $6 wines by the glass, and small bite starters for $6.50; what more could you want. If you’re interested in a signature cocktail, go for the Baltino Mojito.
Cibo (One of the top Happy Hours in Monterey)
Address: 301 Alvarado Street, Monterey CA
If you’re looking for a good happy hour spot prior to a date, try out Cibo. They’re located in downtown Monterey and their happy hour is amazing.
During their happy hour, which is daily from 4 pm to 7 pm, you can enjoy live music. Their drinks and appetizers start at $3 but do take note that their food happy hour doesn’t start until 5 pm. Locals love the lavender lemon drop you can grab at happy hour, and you’ll probably love it too.
Sandbar and Grill
- Address: Wharf II, Monterey CA
Heading out to the Sandbar and Grill will not only give you a great happy hour but also spectacular views to go with it. Their happy hour goes Monday through Friday, 4 pm to 6:30 pm, and seafood lovers will love their fresh catch of the day while they’re visiting.
You can get draft beers for $4, wine by the glass for $7, and well drinks for $5. Their happy hour food menu is also great and includes bites like calamari, steamed mussels, fish tacos, and a soy-ginger glazed salmon.
Islands Restaurant Monterey
- Address: 300 Del Monte Center, Monterey CA
Islands will give you that island feeling when visiting. Their drink menu promises never-ending summer fun, and we couldn’t agree more. At the same time, try out a frose or enjoy one of the many margaritas on their menu.
They also offer draft beers and wine by the glass and, for the younger crowd, hard seltzers. This Monterey happy hour runs Monday through Friday, from 3 pm to 6:30 pm.
Alvarado Street Brewery
- Address: 426 Alvarado Street, Monterey CA
We’ve often talked about Alvarado Street Brewery, but beer lovers will enjoy spending a happy hour here. Located on the popular Alvarado Street, beer drinks can head out to their happy hour every day from 3 pm to 6 pm and grab $4 select draft beers.
Their small bites include everything pretzels, country poutine, and crab mac and cheese bites. Their outdoor seating is dog friendly, which is excellent for bringing Fido along, and you can order food to go, so grab and drink to enjoy while your food is cooking before heading out.
Turn 12
- Address: 400 Tyler Street, Monterey CA
Turn 12 has a great Mexican menu that will leave your mouth watering during happy hour. Their happy hour is Monday through Thursday, 3 pm to 7 pm, and Friday from 3 pm to 6 pm.
During that time, you can get $1 off select beers, $6 off cocktails, and signature drinks for $5. Their popular chile Verde skillet is only $10 during happy hour, or you can get $1 tacos that include chicken carnitas or carne asada.
Tarpy’s Roadhouse
- Address: 2999 Monterey Salinas Highway, Monterey CA
From 3 pm to 6 pm, Monday through Friday, you can head down to Tarpy’s Roadhouse to enjoy their happy hour menu. At Tarpy’s, you can get $6 cocktails, $5 draft beers, and $4 well drinks. Their bar bites have a large menu and range from $3 to $7.
And if you head out there on a Wednesday, the restaurant offers a free wine tasting for “wine down Wednesdays”. What more do you need?
Britannia Arms
- Address: 444 Alvarado Street, Monterey CA
This British-inspired bar is known for soccer, karaoke, and delicious pub food on their television. Locals love their generous happy hour, which goes Monday through Thursday from 3:30 pm to 6:30 pm.
Their draft beers cost $4, but they also offer margaritas, wine by the glass, and well drinks for $4 as well.
Looking for more things to do? Check these Unique Things to Do in Monterey for further inspiration!
Spending some time with friends at an excellent happy hour will turn any rotten day upside down. These unique happy hours in Monterey could be go-to spots for you soon, and you will love spending time at your favorite spot, either along the beach or in historic downtown.
Where to stay in Santa Monica
- Ocean View Hotel
- Stunning oceanfront condo
- Wyndham Santa Monica at the Pier
- Hotel Shangri-La
- Santa Monica Loews Hotel
Find more Santa Monica accommodation options on Booking.com.
Santa Monica is fairly easy to get around. We recommend renting a car and exploring all there is to see. You can find the best prices on rental cars by clicking here.
When you’re not discovering Santa Monica on your own, we suggest treating yourself to a tour. From private wine tours to kayak and SUP tours, cooking classes classes to tours of celebrity-owned homes, there’s a little something for everyone. Browse all the Santa Monica tours available on Viator by clicking here.
If you want to capture the memories from your trip to Monterey, we recommend hiring a professional photographer. A Flytographer photoshoot is one of our favorite souvenirs from our travels and we want to share them with you!