Whaling Station Steakhouse
763 Wave St., Monterey
(831) 373-3778
Ask insiders and they go right to these not-so-secret ingredients that make the Whale the best for meat: the bar menu with prime-rib eggrolls, sand dabs and other goodies; the fact it’s no longer just a special occasion spot, with more items under $20 than ever; and the quality of the beef. “It’s the finest in the world,” restaurant partner Kevin Phillips says. The Station can be what you want it to be: A quick beer and a snack, or a big porterhouse steak for two, with a bottle of Silver Oak Cab, done with the same panache either way.