Top Rated Nightlife in Monterey

The only waterfront pub on the West Coast, this British-style drinking hole has over 60 international beers, indoor and outdoor seating, traditional pub games, a gift shop, and lots more. The interior is decorated in the traditonal British pub-style, with memorabilia all over the walls. The menu offers a variety of salads, as well as British dinners and Happy Hour specials. The friendly bartenders bring in all walks of life. See website for menu and more information.

Voted by Coastal Weekly as Monterey's best new restaurant, this place is, as the title suggests, for those who have a passion for large portions and living life to the fullest. The decor takes one back to the 1920s prohibition era where the martini was king. The menu includes aged prime steaks, several sandwiches and pasta dishes, as well as several big salads and more martini recipes than you will see anywhere else. A great place for lunch or dinner, and the service is excellent. The wine list features a variety of California wines.

With 24 beers and ales on tap, a vast array of single-malt scotches, live music on the weekends, and live soccer from the U.K. on Saturday mornings, this is the place to be if you want authentic British atmosphere. As for the decor, it is 100 percent British. The kitchen serves up the usual fare: fish 'n' chips, bangers, etc. There are even trivia contests and karaoke nights. All sorts of people come here, from British ex-pats to sports fans to singles looking for love. See website for menu, events calendar, and other regional locations.

This authentic British pub serves dinner until midnight and the heated outdoor patio is legendary. You will think that you are in London, as the decor is truly British in all respects. The grub is typical pub fare: fish and chips, meat pies, sandwiches and the like, most of which tips the scales under USD10. Twenty beers are on tap and there is an extensive selection of single-malt scotches. It is never hard to stir up conversation. The bartenders are great, and the place attracts all walks of life, from business professionals to college students. See website for menu, bar info, and more.

For a one-of-a-kind wining and dining experience, head to Jacks Restaurant & Lounge. Housed within the elegant Portola Hotel & Spa, everything, from the decor to the menu, is centered around an upscale nautical theme. Featuring a scrumptious collection of seafood and contemporary dishes, there isn't much served here that won't be delightful. Tease your palate with the signature Grilled Swordfish, Jacks Lobster Cioppino and Prawn Scampi, and complement it with a fine glass of wine. While the food might be impressive, the signature cocktails are absolutely irresistible. Concoctions such as the Portola’s Signature Aged Manhattan, Jacks Oakhear and Peach Basil Gimlet are certain to have calling for round two.

This British-style pub is small enough for an intimate date and large enough to provide a great time over a few drinks with a group of friends old or new. The truly British decor of the place gives it an authentic feel. The restaurant serves up traditional British fare and there are 16 beers on tap. With burgers named Picadilly and Trafalgar, as well as drinks called the Leprechuan and Red Silk Knickers, you cannot go wrong. Most sandwiches and burgers are under USD10 and the service is great!