Tarpy’s Roadhouse
2999 Highway 68, Monterey
(831) 647-1444, tarpys.com
There is a story from the Old West about some doings at Tarpy Flats, land where an angry mob settled things with the vigilante Matt Tarpy. So the land has an actual connection to the outlaw side. As a restaurant, however, Tarpy’s is casual sophistication along a highway. But unlike a typical fast food joint or diner on a major throughway, this locals’ favorite makes use of nearby land and sea with offerings like Monterey abalone and Castroville artichokes, served side-by-side with thick USDA prime cuts of steak and center-cut porkchops. Plus, they have a beautiful shaded stone patio to dine al fresco. It’s a far cry from a dusty saloon – maybe that’s why it’s the best in two categories.
