Barmel
San Carlos and Seventh, Carmel | (831) 626-3400
Barmel is verifiably magnetic to Gen X’ers. Take, for example, The Simi Valley High class of ’81. Maybe they could sense the gravitational pull of Barmel’s pop culture-junkie bartenders who, in their 40s, make a better Moscow Mule than any 25-year-old mixologist; or those bartenders’ predilections for new wave and grunge playlists. Whatever it was, Simi Valley felt it, and they came, danced to “Rock Lobster,” conga-lined and conquered. And it gets even better for Gen X’ers who are single because over the last few years, Barmel has established itself as the go-to bar on the Monterey Peninsula for those who are not already spoken for. An always-rotating lineup of live music or local DJs, good food, solid beer selection and fairly priced, well-crafted cocktails create a welcoming vibe that attracts the region’s fun-loving singles set, not to mention the occasional bachelorette party. For those averse to public displays of affection, it’s best to look elsewhere.