Popularity is not difficult to gauge. Circus acts such as lion-taming that once attracted crowds have faded while hoop diving or aerial silk performances are now favorites.
As you might surmise from the artwork, the theme for the 2026 edition of Best Of Monterey County® is the circus – perhaps appropriate for an election year. And no, that was not the reason. Instead, the circus has been a part of American culture since the nation’s early decades. Like the Best Of Monterey County®, the circus involves food, style, music, art and more.
This year, readers voted for the best in 277 categories, ranging from Best Local Pet Store or Best Clergy to Best Huevos Rancheros. And yes, such polls amount to a popularity contest. For example, the selection of Best New Restaurant did not yet have a kitchen as readers voted. However, locals know from the past just how good that team can – and will – be. So any of us are likely to disagree with the results here and there.
We also include a number of Editors’ Picks. It’s our way to recognize some of the people, places and happenings that we believe deserve attention. After all, a skilled juggler working before small audiences can hardly compete with Cirque du Soleil.
There was one other wrinkle as we went to press. Carmel’s approved street addresses finally became official. It was a scramble to change from “Mission between Ocean and 7th” to “649 Mission St.” We did our best to ensure that these are correct, although many businesses had yet to place address numbers.
But that’s life at the circus – a bit unpredictable but always exciting. We hope you enjoy the Best Of Monterey County®.
Dave Faries
CONTRIBUTORS
Marielle Argueza
Sloan Campi
Erik Chalhoub
Dave Faries
Caitlin Fillmore
Royvi Hernandez
Celia Jiménez
Linda Maceira
Pam Marino
Chrissa Olson
Agata Popęda
Keely Richter
Katie Rodriguez
Sara Rubin
Aric Sleeper
Grace Stetson
Joseph Treviño
Jacqueline Weixel
Taryn Yudaken
SECTION EDITOR
Dave Faries
PHOTOS
Daniel Dreifuss
COPY EDITOR
Laurie Gibson
ILLUSTRATIONS
Annie Cobb