Jacks Monterey
Portola Hotel & Spa 2 Portola Plaza, Monterey (831) 649-7830, portolahotel.com
Jacks is a good spot to order a martini, and you know that just by looking at the place. This is no Long Island iced tea dive. No, it’s a swanky yet casual space that spills out into the Portola’s lobby and seems to suggest three-martini lunches, or maybe a martini-laden happy hour. On the other hand, there are signature cocktails that also rank among the region’s best. And it’s OK to be distracted by these. But when you take a look at that shimmering, crystal clear concoction – there’s a reason it’s the best.