Old Fisherman’s Grotto
39 Fisherman’s Wharf, Monterey (831) 375-4604, oldfishermansgrotto.com
Just a few blocks from Fisherman’s Wharf is Colton Hall, the site of California’s constitutional convention in 1849. The constitution written inside the hall was put to a vote in the first general election held in California, on Nov. 13, 1849. Voters approved it by a vote of 12,064 to 811. California officially became a state with a vote of Congress in September 1850. Voting can work for good and it certainly has worked for Old Fisherman’s Grotto, which scored its second win as Best Restaurant on Fisherman’s Wharf since the category was created last year. People keep coming back for “Monterey Style” clam chowder, cioppino, seafood dishes, steaks and pasta.