Looking for casual but knock-your-socks off dining around Fisherman's Wharf in Monterey

[ChasingChe]

I'd love to find something that the locals flock to - that hidden gem that may not be the tourist hot spot, but that everyone knows and loves.

Staying at the Portola and they have a restaurant whose menu looks great. (Jack's) Do they perform?

We'll only have a day in town and I'd like to have a moment to taste monterey.

[ChasingChe]

You all are amazing. Off to read the links.

I'd love to also have a place where the girls can walk to get drinks in the evening. And, yes, we are indeed staying at the *hotel* :)

Thank you!

[heckonwheels]

There's a nice pub in the alley behind the hotel, actually connected to the hotel, called Pete B's, or something like that. I love to have drinks there when I'm in the area and the have a nice happy hour too.

[ChasingChe]

Would that be Peter B's Brewpub?
http://www.portolahotel.com/dining/pe...

It'd be great if that was a decent place to sit, being that it's so close.

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Peter B's Brewpub
2 Portola Plz, Monterey, CA 93940

[heckonwheels]

That's the one.

[Ed Dibble]

If you are at the Portola on Cannery Row, you don't want a something around Fisherman's Wharf. FW is a different locale than Cannery Row. If I had only one day in the area, I would definitely go to Passionfish, particularly if you like interesting seafood preps and a wonderful wine list priced at retail. Be sure to make reservations.

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Passionfish
701 Lighthouse Ave, Pacific Grove, CA 93950

[alanbarnes]

The Portola Hotel is on Portola Plaza at the foot of Fisherman's Wharf. Portola Restaurant and Cafe is in the Aquarium on Cannery Row. Although Chowhound's auto-link feature mapped the restaurant, something tells me the OP is staying at the hotel.

[PolarBear]

The map is totally screwed up, "E" for S&G places it at the foot of the tourist wharf, and "D" puts them between the cemetery and the NPS. I wonder if the address were changed to simply Fisherman's Wharf #2 it might come a little closer?

[alanbarnes]

I edited the address. It's in the right spot now and the duplicate has been removed.

[PolarBear]

Nice work, ab!

[Ed Dibble]

Thanks Alan. I lived in Mty for 12 years and now stay with friends when I visit, so I have no idea where the hotels/motels are. I'd still go to Passionfish, but that does make it more of a trip.

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Passionfish
701 Lighthouse Ave, Pacific Grove, CA 93950

[alanbarnes]

+1 on Passionfish. But if you need something within walking distance, try Sandbar & Grill on the commercial wharf (on the far end of the big parking lot from Fisherman's Wharf) or Massaro & Santos on the Coast Guard pier. Both serve simple preparations of good seafood in beautiful settings. Neither is tourist-free, but they're not as bad as the places on the Wharf.

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Passionfish
701 Lighthouse Ave, Pacific Grove, CA 93950

Sandbar & Grill
Municipal Wharf, Ste 16, Monterey, CA 93940

Massaro and Santos
32 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA 93940

[PolarBear]

+ 1 on Sandbar & Grill, thought someone had filed a report on their meal there recently but couldn't find it.

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Sandbar & Grill
Municipal Wharf, Ste 16, Monterey, CA

[NVJims]

See http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/7107...

[Ed Dibble]

For an older blog report with pictures:

http://mmm-yoso.typepad.com/mmmyoso/2...

[PolarBear]

That's the beauty of this place, they've been consistent and maintained their quality through the years. Trying to recall when I first ate there, know it's been over 20 years.

[Ed Dibble]

I ate there back in the 80s, then quit going for a while because I quit smoking before CA passed the no-smoking law and the place used to be very smoky. Some visits back to the area, I will just stop in for a cocktail or snack just for the view.

[PolarBear]

Yours is the one I was thinking of, thanks NVJ.

[gmk1322]

Go to Passionfish, it is the best. Search for it here to see numerous positive reviews.

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Passionfish
701 Lighthouse Ave, Pacific Grove, CA 93950