Hidden Upscale Gem Has a Large Drink Selection, Awesome Cheddar & Bacon Biscuits And Looks Like New Orleans
Did I make wrong turn and wind up in New Orleans?
Am I walking in downtown Monterey or in the French Quarter?
While there’s little similarity to Alvarado Street and Bourbon Street, there is a place that looks as it were kidnapped on its way to the Big Easy. It’s Restaurant 1833 and it has the columns, the balcony, the appearance of being a house instead of a restaurant.
And a bar.
Oh yeah, there’s a bar. Quite a popular bar, in fact. It’s not Lallapalooza, Cibo or the Mucky Duck, or the other bars on Alvarado Street, mind you. It’s a high-end lounge (with high-end prices, $8 is the least expensive glass of chardonnay), more like a living room than a true bar setting.
The crowd is not young and jeans, not anywhere near what hangs out at, say, Britannia Arms. Think more Carmel or Pebble Beach, the Spanish Bay of Monterey. It has a cocktail menu that’s the size of Monterey’s phone book; I noted several rums, which is something you don’t see often in bars. Mostly its vodkas, sometimes tequilas and bourbon or whiskey in high-end establishments. It also has a wine cellar full of selections.
The most popular item on the menu, by the way, us not the braised lamb shanks ($29), truffle chicken ($39) or the bone-in ribeye for two ($75). It’s the bacon and cheddar biscuits. They are sensational. You get two large ones and they only cost $4.
There’s also a patio. It’s large and has fire pits, ideal for mingling and meeting. And that’s exactly what happens on Friday and Saturday nights.
Happy Hour is 5-6:30 p.m., and they put out free truffle popcorn. Cocktails are $5.50 and wine is $6.
There’s something else I noticed about Restaurant 1833. It has the absolutely hottest hostess in Monterey. She’s tall, thin and blonde, and I certainly hope she’s on duty the next time I’m at the place.
Finding 1833 is not easy. It’s at 500 Hartnell, just around the corner from the Monterey clock and transit center. It’s a couple minutes walk from Lallapalooza, away from the water. It’s website is www.restaurant1833.com.
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