The Sardine Factory
701 Wave St., Monterey | (831) 373-3775, sardinefactory.com
Who knew that anyone could alter the stranglehold that Mission Ranch has had on this award for years? Could it be the old-school dark wood and brass decor? The sounds of David Conley’s throwback piano stylings every Tuesday-Saturday? The very affordable lounge menu from 5pm-closing? The double happy hour from 5-6pm and 9-10:30pm daily? The historic photographs of Monterey from as early as the turn of the last century that adorn the walls? Or maybe it’s the 30,000-plus-bottle wine cellar so aptly curated by stellar Wine Director Arvind Dutt? It’s probably all of this and more that makes the 53-71 set feel so at home here.