Alvarado Street Brewery and Grill
426 Alvarado St., Monterey
655-BEER, www.alvaradostreetbrewery.com
With bold IPAs, refreshing blondes and a crisp German Kolsch, 2-year-old Alvarado Street Brewery has quickly become the number one spot for local beer. Brewing 10 barrel small batches one at a time, owner and head brewer J.C. Hill has developed a lineup of dozens of fresh takes on standards like the Das Pilsner! and the Alta California Ale, as well as eclectic creations like the Citraveza and the Mai Tai Pal Ale. Only five to 10 are offered at a time, but every time you go there’ll likely be a new beer to explore. As they add a beer garden next month and a production facility in Salinas, this hero is turning into an Incredible Hulk.