Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1047605
While the majority of restaurants typically offer some sort of happy hour menu, they are, like most things in life, most definitely not all cre- ated equal. So, what makes for a great happy hour? Is it the food, the drinks, the atmosphere, the prices…or will anything do? Putting aside those occasions where one simply requires a drink and a quick bite, my wife and I set out in search of a handful of outstanding happy hour locations along the Monterey Bay. It took several months of dedicated research and analysis—someone had to do it—but ulti- mately it came down to five standout locales. Each is unique in and of themselves, and each was selected for different reasons. While we continue to explore new possibilities, it is always nice to have a handful of tried and true spots you can count on for an enjoyable evening. Chic Eats Montrio Bistro on Franklin Street in Old Monterey ranks perhaps the highest—in our humble opinion—for a combination of amazing drinks, great small plates and a bartender who works with such speed and skill that it's like watching a Cirque du Soleil show. There's a small "cozy" bar, offering only about eight seats for "the show," so it is highly suggested getting there early to grab a seat or two. There are a handful of small tables within the bar area as well. This is the place for those evenings we want to be a bit fancy on our evening out. Like the main restaurant, the drink and food offerings change frequently while still offering some old favorites. With cocktails such as the Rusty Bolt—an Islay scotch based drink—and the Wag the Dog being personal favorites, and food such as the daily fresh hearty soup and the oatmeal crusted Brie, you are prac- tically guaranteed not to be disappointed. Local Charm Sur restaurant, tucked into Carmel's charming Barnyard Shopping Village, is another gem by long- time Chef/owner Billy Quon. The vibe during the happy hours could be straight out of "Cheers." It is where one can catch some sport events on the television while conversing with some of the sea- 156 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • H O L I D A Y 2 0 1 8 6 156 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • H O L I D A Y 2 0 1 8 During happy hour at Hula's Island Grill, Tiki drinks include Hula's Mai Tai, Painkiller, Hula's Hurricane, The Pink Bikini During happy hour at Hula's Island Grill, Tiki drinks include Hula's Mai Tai, Painkiller, Hula's Hurricane, The Pink Bikini i During happy hour at Hula's Island Grill, Tiki drinks include Hula's Mai Tai, Painkiller, Hula's Hurricane, The Pink Bikini ' During happy hour at Hula's Island Grill, Tiki drinks include Hula's Mai Tai, Painkiller, Hula's Hurricane, The Pink Bikini G During happy hour at Hula's Island Grill, Tiki drinks include Hula's Mai Tai, Painkiller, Hula's Hurricane, The Pink Bikini i During happy hour at Hula's Island Grill, Tiki drinks include Hula's Mai Tai, Painkiller, Hula's Hurricane, The Pink Bikini i During happy hour at Hula's Island Grill, Tiki drinks include Hula's Mai Tai, Painkiller, Hula's Hurricane, The Pink Bikini i During happy hour at Hula's Island Grill, Tiki drinks include Hula's Mai Tai, Painkiller, Hula's Hurricane, The Pink Bikini i During happy hour at Hula's Island Grill, Tiki drinks include Hula's Mai Tai, Painkiller, Hula's Hurricane, The Pink Bikini i During happy hour at Hula's Island Grill, Tiki drinks include Hula's Mai Tai, Painkiller, Hula's Hurricane, The Pink Bikini ' During happy hour at Hula's Island Grill, Tiki drinks include Hula's Mai Tai, Painkiller, Hula's Hurricane, The Pink Bikini i During happy hour at Hula's Island Grill, Tiki drinks include Hula's Mai Tai, Painkiller, Hula's Hurricane, The Pink Bikini i During happy hour at Hula's Island Grill, Tiki drinks include Hula's Mai Tai, Painkiller, Hula's Hurricane, The Pink Bikini i During happy hour at Hula's Island Grill, Tiki drinks include Hula's Mai Tai, Painkiller, Hula's Hurricane, The Pink Bikini i During happy hour at Hula's Island Grill, Tiki drinks include Hula's Mai Tai, Painkiller, Hula's Hurricane, The Pink Bikini ' During happy hour at Hula's Island Grill, Tiki drinks include Hula's Mai Tai, Painkiller, Hula's Hurricane, The Pink Bikini i During happy hour at Hula's Island Grill, Tiki drinks include Hula's Mai Tai, Painkiller, Hula's Hurricane, The Pink Bikini i During happy hour at Hula's Island Grill, Tiki drinks include Hula's Mai Tai, Painkiller, Hula's Hurricane, The Pink Bikini i During happy hour at Hula's Island Grill, Tiki drinks include Hula's Mai Tai, Painkiller, Hula's Hurricane, The Pink Bikini i During happy hour at Hula's Island Grill, Tiki drinks include Hula's Mai Tai, Painkiller, Hula's Hurricane, The Pink Bikini i During happy hour at Hula's Island Grill, Tiki drinks include Hula's Mai Tai, Painkiller, Hula's Hurricane, The Pink Bikini and more. Among the pupus are sweet potato fries, crispy coconut shrimp rolls and Hawaiian ceviche. and more. Among the pupus are sweet potato fries, crispy coconut shrimp rolls and Hawaiian ceviche.