Pangaea Grill is known for its global cuisine, but the bar provides its own little world.

There’s something about the “something-for-everyone” menu at Pangaea Grill that makes it feel suitable for a variety of occasions – there’s filet mignon or rack of lamb if you’re feeling fancy and there are Italian classics. There’s also Thai curry, Spam kimbap rolls, Korean dumplings and kimchee-tofu soup.

While all of this global cuisine is available for order at the impressive marble bar, the bar itself is less worldly. There’s a selection of local wines and mostly local beers on tap. There are classic cocktails and a few signature cocktails, but the bar is less about breadth than simplicity. It feels intimate even in a large dining room, a small world unto itself, where patrons readily start chatting amongst themselves and trade stories with staff.

It’s small with just five seats, but big on personality. Bartender Sabinne Aquino fell instantly in love when she started tending bar eight months ago, and has enrolled in mixology school to advance her craft. “At the beginning I was scared, but it’s so fun,” she says.

Aquino’s signature drinks strive for balance. While classics are very popular, she loves making espresso martinis. The Bourbon Strawberry Splash is a bright and drinkable cocktail, and like the espresso martini, not too sweet. The spirit is muddled with strawberry and mint, then strained. “It’s a very refreshing, simple drink,” Aquino says.

Simple and refreshing is a good thing – one might say it’s a perfect pairing.

PANGAEA GRILL, Ocean Avenue between Lincoln and Dolores, Carmel. 624-2569, pangaeagrillcarmel.com