Crown and Anchor
150 W. Franklin St., Monterey | (831) 649-6496, crownandanchor.net
There are few things in life that can relieve stress like cuddles with puppies and kittens. A pint from this downtown institution is a close second and a reason it also comes in first for Best Pub. The underground location is the perfect cave for hiding from the work world, complete with dark wood accents and nautical décor, a decent-sized three-sided bar with seating close enough to commiserate with other patrons looking for a tall glass of Guinness and creamy veggie curry. Crown and Anchor mitigates the crowds with outdoor porch seating, keeping the convivial vibes alive well into the night, especially when you’re trying to decide where to have that nightcap (and if you’re into that sort of thing, a cig with your pint). Rather than a bar with a horrible band doing another cover of “Uptown Funk” or a place so packed it takes a half-hour to get to the restroom, The Crown finds the sweet spot for a late-night sipper. It’s a lively place to hear a hilarious drunken conversation.