Making My Way to Monterey With Its Fun Bars

It’s Not Wild and Crazy, But The Mellow Monterey Nightlife Is Entertaining

Not every place you visit has to have a whoop-it-up, never-ending party scene.

Sometimes it’s nice to be in a spot where simple is sweet. Where you don’t have to worry about lines, cover charges, doormen and hanging with “hipsters.” (Actually I can’t stand that term; you see it from people who don’t know about nightlife and then write about bars on occasion. The same applies to “scenesters.”)

Well, you won’t encounter any of those things in Monterey, CA. And while I love going crazy in crazy places (Mynonos comes immediately to mind), I really enjoy chilling out in this small central California coastal city.

Monterey is beautiful. You can see kelp floating on the surface of its blue ocean, with seals and otters as numerous as tourists.  It’s so quiet you can hear the breeze blowing.

The bars reflect its simple surroundings. I enjoy starting out for drinks and dinner in the bar area of Lallapalooza in the city’s small downtown. I then head down to Cibo, which has a small live band. Speaking of bands, there’s also Monterey Live, which has been featuring live music for more than 50 years.

This trip, I may also venture over to Cannery Row at night and check out some of those places. In particular, Peter B’s Brewpub is on my radar.

Of course, I’ll also have a pint or two at the London Bridge, a British pub within stumbling distance of my friend’s boat, which is my home when I’m in Monterey. I’m going to Monterey for nearly a week, and am looking forward to it . As always.

For a review of the best Monterey bars, click here.