Alvarado Street Brewery & Grill
426 Alvarado St., Monterey, (831) 655-2337 1315 E. Dayton St., Suite E, Salinas, (831) 800-3332alvaradostreetbrewery.com
Perhaps a brewery seems unlikely as the best spot to be seen, but this restaurant and beer garden has quickly become an institution in downtown Monterey, and its second Salinas location is always packed. Beloved by locals and frequented by tourists, ASB’s beers are known by brew fanatics across the nation, and for good reason: they are delicious, even for those who would usually pick wine or a vodka soda. There’s a third location coming for Carmel Plaza, which just received the Planning Commission’s blessing. That means yet another gathering place – expect all three to be buzzing every night of the week.