Whether it's microbrews, billiards or an extra olive in your martini that you crave, local bars provide a little something for everyone.

After Dark, 214 Lighthouse Ave., Monterey. 373-7828. This very alternative club has been described as a gay club but it''s also a place for anyone to feel comfortable with who they are or who they want to be. The club draws a mixed crowd to its two bars: the front bar where the dancing takes place Thursday through Sunday, and the quieter back bar and open-air patio. DJs keep the place jamming with house/high energy music Thursday through Sunday. Open until 2am, every night.

Alfredo''s Cantina, 266 Pearl St., Monterey. 375-0655. Nestled in the heart of downtown Monterey, Alfredo''s has been in the Garnero family for more than 20 years. The cantina has developed a well-earned reputation with the Monday through Friday lunch crowd. The nighttime atmosphere is subdued and conducive to intimate conversations. Inside, Alfredo''s sandstone walls, fireplace and dim lighting even hold the promise of a casually romantic evening. The local crowd tends to be on the mature side, ranging upward from the thirty-somethings.

Baja Cantina Grill and Fillin'' Station, 7166 Carmel Valley Rd., Carmel Valley. 625-2252. The Indy racers from Laguna Seca flock to this Mid-Valley roadhouse to offer good tidings to owner and former pro driver Patrick Phinney. Cherry''s Jubilee brings out more motor fans; but the locals who frequent this pit stop come for more than the vintage automobile decor. Mexican entrees and spit-roasted meats are standard fare. Catering to their regular local clientele, owners Patrick and his wife Gina provide a venue where folks can expect good food, a comfortable environment (pillows on the booths and two stone fireplaces create a cozy ambiance) and good fun.

Big Sur River Inn, Hwy. 1, Big Sur. 667-2700. The River Inn is located on the banks of the Big Sur River, making this a perfect place to hang out before or after a dip in the water. There is a full-service restaurant and a bar with a huge stone fireplace. Live music is featured on Saturday and Sunday afternoons, primarily jazz and folk/rock.

Blue Fin Cafe and Billiards, 685 Cannery Row, Monterey. 375-7000. The two-year-old venue holds 19 billiard tables, a shuffleboard court and dart boards. Blue Fin serves sandwiches and starters until 2am, and a full bar includes 22 draft beers. Patio seating with a panoramic view of Monterey Bay, entertainment, and lunch and daily Happy Hour food and drink specials round out Blue Fin''s offerings.

Bosso''s Two Cushion Club, 685 Lighthouse Ave., Monterey. 372-0240. Comfortable club in New Monterey attracts a younger crowd most nights of the week. (Bosso''s is also unique on the Peninsula in that it has found a way to legally allow smoking in the club.)

Bulldog British Pub, 611 Lighthouse Ave., Monterey. 372-5565. The immigration of English-style pubs to the Peninsula continues with the Bulldog. Traditional victuals at the pub include Shepherd''s Pie, and bangers and mash, and breakfast is served all day. The bar boasts a large selection of English ales and a good selection of wine as well. A favorite spot among expatriates from her Majesty''s land, the atmosphere is lively and charming at the same time. But not to forget where we are, the pub draws a huge crowd who watch American sporting events via satellite on a large-screen television.

Characters Sports Bar&Grill, 350 Calle Principal, Monterey. 647-4023. Characters has 12 19-inch TV screens which often will play six sporting events at a time. Non-sports types can enjoy the live evening entertainment featuring Randy Baldwin on Saturday nights. Bar snacks, and lunch specials are also available.

Chet''s, 235 Reindollar Ave., Marina. 384-5242. Owned by Chet Thomae, Chet''s full bar has been serving an older crowd during the day (when Chet''s serves lunch), and a younger crowd at night when the pool table and dart boards get busy. According to Thomae, customers keep returning because "we treat ''em right." That''s a skill that was undoubtedly honed during the years between 1949 and 1982 when Thomae owned the Marina landmark, Mortimer''s Lounge.

Chevy''s Mexican Restaurant, 123 Crossroads Blvd., Carmel. 626-0944. Chevy''s is a popular place, so popular that there''s usually a wait on even the slowest of days. The watchword here is fresh, both for the food and for the margaritas. The Fresh Mex margarita is made with a different fresh fruit every month, while the prickly pear margarita awaits the more adventurous soul. The bar gets hopping during Happy Hour when appetizers are half-price.

Cibo Ristorante Italiano, 301 Alvarado St., Monterey. 649-8151. Cibo is a fun hangout with an urban attitude, a popular meeting place for singles in their 30s and 40s. The bar is renowned for martinis served in oversized nine-ounce glasses, and the food is excellent. Jazz, Latin and world beat music is featured in the evenings when the place gets going.

Crown and Anchor, 150 W. Franklin St., Monterey. 649-6496. This traditional British pub offers 20 beers on tap, and serves lunch and dinner from 11am ''til 11pm. On Fridays and Saturdays, the Crown and Anchor offers a traditional prime rib dinner. The Happy Hour, from 4-6:30pm features a 25 oz. "Titanic Tankard" of beer for the same price as a regular beer (your choice) and 10 oz. martinis for the same price as their normal 5 oz. martini.

Cuz''s Sportsman''s Club, 594 Broadway Ave., Seaside. 394-2666. No, there aren''t any hunting trophies on the wall but there is a prevailing atmosphere of competition in the evening. An older crowd inhabits the Sportsman''s Club during the day, but at night the young-uns show up to sip beer at the bar or to play darts and shoot pool. Open 6-2am, every day.

Del Monte Express, 2329 N. Fremont St., Monterey. 655-1941. Most MoCo residents know of the Express as "Home of the Adult Five Napkin Hamburger" featuring 17 types of burgers. But to a smaller mixed-age crowd, Del Monte Express is a prime watering hole. If you turn left from the entrance, you''ll find a pool table and full bar that''s open from 11am on weekdays and 10am on the weekends and, depending on how busy things are, the Express lounge stays open until around 10pm.

Doc''s Nightclub, 95 Prescott Ave., Monterey. 649-4241. Doc''s has mostly live music and dancing every night focusing on blues and rock. The new owners have installed a new sound system, done a thorough scouring and have a lineup of national touring acts scheduled to perform throughout the end of ''98 and into ''99. (Like who? Like the Screamin'' Cheetah Wheelies, The English Beat, The Blasters, Tab Benoit, Gene Loves Jezebel and Roy Rogers. Stay tuned to Coast Weekly for details). Tuesday nights are reserved for local-band showcases.

Duffy''s Tavern, 282 High St., Monterey. 372-2565. Located just outside the High Street gate, Duffy''s is a favorite of the DLI crowd. Glancing inside the front door at the tiny bar, you might not realize that it is, indeed, a full bar and there''s a full restaurant where salads, sandwiches, burgers, seafood and steaks are served from 11am to 9pm. The atmosphere is generally low-key, making it easy to hold a conversation without yelling or to play a relaxed game of darts on the patio.

The Dunes, 500 Broadway Ave., Seaside. 394-7775. The Dunes caters to a mainly Latino, 25-30 local crowd. With one large-screen television, and four smaller ones, this sports bar claims it''s the only bar on the Peninsula that shows pay-per-view boxing matches. Patrons can also play pool at one of the five billiards tables.

Eddie''s, 2200 N. Fremont St., Monterey. 375-6116. This dance and billiards bar features Top-40 DJ, rock and blues music plays almost every night, and Eddie''s still serves up barbecue ribs, chicken and tri-tip beef Tuesday through Saturday nights. Pool and dart tournaments make this bar a regular spot for local competition.

El Nido, 794 Lighthouse Ave., Monterey. 372-3963. El Nido is a fun neighborhood saloon with a clientele of regular guys and gals in their 30s -50s. The bar features two pool tables and dart boards, as well as live music on Fridays and pool tournaments on the weekend.

El Palomar of Monterey, 724 Abrego St., Monterey. 372-1032. Patrons of El Palomar enjoy an open patio and a casual, friendly atmosphere. In addition to the fresh seafood and other Mexican specialties, there are 20 types of tequila and a popular drink called the Jamaican Vacation, made of three types of rum and fruit juices. Happy Hour Monday through Friday offers Cuervo margaritas, and tacos for $1.50. Live music on Saturday and Sunday. With friendly staff and customers, it''s a good place to meet people.

El Torito Mexican Restaurant and Cantina, 600 Cannery Row, Monterey. 373-0611. In addition to a great view of the bay and a menu crammed with Mexican cuisine, El Torito is one of the best choices for Happy Hour, which runs until 8pm Monday through Friday, in the area. Happy hour appetizers, which include chips, salsa, and beans are always plentiful and available for about half their regular price. Check out Monday night football--and of course, there are the 15 margaritas to choose from.

Fernwood, Highway 1, Big Sur. 667-2422. Fernwood is the neighborhood bar in Big Sur, catering both to locals and to tourists who want to take a break from Highway 1. A cozy place with a wood-burning fireplace and jukebox, Fernwood also has a good view of the Big Sur redwoods.

The Fish Hopper, 700 Cannery Row, Monterey. 372-8543. The Fish Hopper has a large cocktail lounge in addition to the dining area; both are non-smoking. But on the outside deck, feel free to spark a stogie from the fine selection of cigars sold at the bar. Check out the drinks that are served from a carved-out pineapple like the Hopper Special. Happy Hour Monday through Friday offer $3 shrimp cocktail and 75› oysters in addition to $1.99 draft beer.

General Store-Forge in the Forest, 5th Street&Junipero Avenue, Carmel. 624-2233. This unique restaurant features five eating areas: the rotisserie room, wine cellar, forge, general store, and outdoor patio. The general store and forge date back to the beginning of this century, while the patio has won awards for outdoor dining.

Ichi Riki Japanese Restaurant, 1603 Del Monte Blvd., Seaside. 394-7733. This traditional Japanese restaurant includes a tatami mat room and sushi bar, and the menu also includes Chinese and American food.

Jack London''s Restaurant, San Carlos Street&5th Avenue, Carmel. 624-2336. This bar and grill, a favorite with Carmel locals, offers a casual atmosphere, televised sporting events, and food served until 1am, every day. The menu includes burgers, steaks, pizzas and Mexican food, while the horseshoe bar serves a variety of margaritas, cocktails and draft beers.

Jaime''s Lounge at Rosita''s Armory Cafe, 231 1/2 Salinas St., Salinas. 424-3212. Attached to one of Salinas'' landmark Mexican restaurants, Jaime''s is a small bar catering both to restaurant patrons and an assortment of older, thirsty locals.

Knuckles Historical Sports Bar, 1 Old Golf Course Rd., Monterey. 372-1234. A sports bar wouldn''t be a sports bar without a lot of TV, so Knuckles has 12 regular screens, one big screen, and three satellite dishes. Adding to the mix are two pool tables, free popcorn and peanuts, and pub fare until 11pm weeknights, and 11:30 on the weekends. Open until 1am Sunday-Thursday, and until 2am on Friday and Saturday.

LALLApalooza Restaurant, 474 Alvarado St., Monterey. 645-9036. This upscale watering hole has made a reputation with its selection of martinis, and is also known for its "Big American Menu." The bill-of-fare for lunch includes pasta, soup, foccaccia bread and sandwiches (featuring a Dagwood sandwich piled high with ham, turkey, swiss and cheddar cheeses, bacon and avocado). The dinner menu--which served until 11pm--offers a "baseball cut" prime sirloin steak, meatloaf, jambalaya, fresh fish and a dozen kinds of pasta.

Lighthouse Bar&Grill, 281 Lighthouse Ave., Monterey. 373-4488. This friendly, predominantly gay-and-lesbian bar boasts music and a pool table with Monday night football, drink specials, darts, snacks from the kitchen and draft beers.

Lincoln Lanes, 2161 N. Fremont St., Monterey. 373-1553. As you would expect from the name, Lincoln Lanes is a place for bowlers. There are also pool tables and a variety of video games.

London Bridge Pub, Fisherman''s Wharf No. 2, Monterey. 655-2879. You do more than step into a fine bar and restaurant when you enter London Bridge, you cross clear over to another land. The pub''s selection of nearly 80 beers, dart and cribbage boards, and traditional grub would make any Englishman proud. There is also a tea room in back where a traditional "cream tea" is served round the clock. Hours of operation are 11:30am-11pm Sunday through Thursday, and until 2am on the weekends.

The Long Bar, 180 E. Franklin St., Monterey. 372-2244. Looking for a no-nonsense, college-type bar with a variety of drink specials throughout the week? This is the place. Long Bar staffers spin the CDs most nights of the week, with occasional appearances by local bands. You can also step outside and catch the Long Bar''s free shuttle which will ferry you down to Doc''s Nightclub on Cannery Row.

Marina Club Bar, 204 Carmel Ave., Marina. 384-7632. Attracting a younger crowd in their 20s and 30s, the Marina Club boasts a plethora of activity to keep people occupied when they''re not soaking up suds or munching on Korean and American cuisine. In addition to the attached card room and dart tournaments on Wednesday, there is karaoke for the golden crooners in the crowd. Open until 2am, every day.

McGarrett''s, 321 Alvarado St.--upstairs. Monterey. 646-9244. Take a deep breath, ''cause there''s a lot happening at McGarrett''s: male and female burlesque on Monday, "Deep House" music on Tuesdays, country music on Wednesdays, live music on Thursdays, swing lessons and dancing on Fridays, a DJ dance party on Saturday and Sunday is salsa night. AND the newly remodelled back bar will be used as a "show lounge" for local bands. Voted a winner among Coast Weekly readers, this nightclub features three spacious dance floors, pool tables, darts, and a lot of high-energy music. Open from 8pm to 2am, Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.

Mission Ranch, 26270 Dolores St., Carmel. 625-9040. Clint Eastwood restored this historic ranch to its original condition, and his name tends to draw celebrities to this locale. A popular meeting place for older singles, Mission Ranch features a great view, three fireplaces, and a piano bar with live music every night. The food also makes this a good choice for Sunday lunches.

Monterey Jacks Fish House&Sports Bar, 711 Cannery Row, Monterey. 655-4947. Despite its location on Cannery Row, this sports bar caters primarily to locals aged 25 to 40 who come to root for their teams while watching one of the 13 (yes, 13) TVs, three of which are large-screen. Foosball tables distract the non-watchers.

Monterey Joe''s, 2149 N. Fremont St., Monterey. 655-3355. A comfortable gathering place for locals and tourists alike, Monterey Joe''s is famous for delicious California and Italian cuisine, including steaks, seafood, pasta and brick oven pizza. A small bar welcomes a regular clientele who come to watch sporting events and enjoy their favorite pasta dish.

Montrio, 414 Calle Principal, Monterey. 648-8880. Art from the Winfield Gallery in Carmel adorns this casual, contemporary American-with-European-influence-themed bistro, with works by Bay Area artist Roberta Ladiman prominent throughout. Steve Worley crafted the wrought-iron grapevines at the entrance and the wine rack which holds an extensive, eclectic selection of wines. Lunch and dinner are served in the restaurant and bar, as well as Sunday brunch. A full menu is available any time. Caters to locals and tourists alike.

Mortimer''s Inn, 3100 Del Monte Blvd., Marina. 384-7667. A Marina landmark almost since the beginning of time, Mortimer''s boasts one of only two card rooms in Monterey County (the other one being the Marina Club). You don''t like gambling? No problem, the card room--which is open 24 hours--is separated from the bar, karaoke machine and pool table. The main room is done in shades of red from the carpet to the upholstery, and the crowd is mixed both in terms of ethnicity and age.

Moss Landing Inn, Hwy. 1, Moss Landing. 633-9990. Moss Landing Inn draws a mixed-age clientele from the Monterey, Santa Cruz and San Jose areas. Live music and dancing are featured on a rotating schedule (watch Coast Weekly for details). As the inn bar is connected to the Whole Enchilada restaurant, you can order food from there and the Lighthouse Harbor as well.

Mountain Mike''s Pizza, 266 Reservation Rd., Marina. 883-2242. Mountain Mike''s is mainly a family pizza restaurant. It features a big-screen television for watching sports events, plus video arcades for the digitally nimble.

Oak Tree Lounge, 1551 Fremont Blvd., Seaside. 394-9111. The Oak Tree Lounge caters to a crowd in their 30s and older with Happy Hour all day, Monday through Thursday. Rhythm ''n'' blues power the dancing Friday through Sunday, with music provided by a DJ. Darts enthusiasts can also enjoy the Thursday tournaments.

Penny Farthing Tavern, 9 E. San Luis Ave., Salinas. 424-5652. After the Penny Farthing re-opens on Nov. 16 (following a recent fire), this very British establishment will resume its tradition of offering 16 beers on tap and a menu of British and American food served until 10pm every day of the week. Patrons can enjoy a game of darts in a warm and friendly atmosphere or listen to live bands on Friday and Saturday.

Peter B.''s Brewpub, DoubleTree Hotel, 2 Portola Plaza, Monterey. 649-4511. Formerly Peter B.''s Restaurant, this room at the back of the DoubleTree has been renovated to greet the times. A full-view, in-house brewery features 10 beers produced by the Carmel Brewery--eight of which are exclusive to the restaurant, including a Pilsner and an India Pale Ale. Patrons can watch the brewmaster at work from the comfort of red leather booths while dining on the pub''s signature sourdough pizza, or munching on home-made pretzels doused in Parmesan cheese.

Planet Gemini, 625 Cannery Row, Monterey. 373-1449. This 300-seat night club not only features dancing to a variety of music, including salsa, but also comedy nights. You can catch future comedic stars from LA at a price that''s a bargain compared with comedy clubs in bigger cities. Doors open at 8pm, shows begin at 9pm.

Princes Camp, off of Nason Road, Carmel Valley. 659-2678. A small, quiet bar, it has always been the secret haunt for a select group of locals throughout its 50-year history. No frills here, just drinks and camaraderie.

The Pub, 227 Monterey St., Salinas. 424-2261. The Pub maintains its family atmosphere and steady clientele even after 18 years. The secret of its success is said to come from the food, the prime rib in particular: the kitchen dry-ages their own beef for 18 days. The full-service bar and restaurant are open seven days a week.

Red Lion Tavern, Su Vecino Court, Dolores Street&5th Avenue, Carmel. 625-6765. The only genuine British-style pub in Carmel, the Red Lion features authentic memorabilia, 10 beers on tap and a large menu that includes many traditional English dishes. The dart board comes out late most week nights, which keeps regulars busy until closing at 1am. The crowd is mostly local and ranges in age depending on the time of night.

Rio Grill, The Crossroads, Hwy. 1&Rio Road, Carmel. 625-5436. If you''re in luck, you may catch a glimpse of one of the celebrities whose caricatures hang on the wall of the Rio Grill: everyone from George Bush to Doris Day has been spotted. If no stars are to be seen, you might still get a hot tip from one of the many stockbrokers or bankers who congregate here after hours--Rio Grill is close to Carmel''s financial district. As well as wines by the glass and great margaritas, the grill also features Southwestern-Californian cuisine, including a smoked half-chicken and baby-back ribs.

Rodeo Inn, 808 N. Main St., Salinas. 424-8661. Popular for country music and dancing with live music on Fridays and Saturdays. Open until 1:30am, every day.

Running Iron Restaurant&Saloon, 24 E. Carmel Valley Rd., Carmel Valley. 659-4633. Locals mosey on down to this fave "cowboy bar" to chow on some good-ole western grub, and even sometimes donate memorabilia for the decor. Check out the boots hanging from the ceiling. Three TVs in the bar, two in the dining room and one on the outside patio guarantee a good view of weekend football games no matter where you sit. Food is served until 10pm, and the bar is open until 2am, seven days a week.

Sade''s, Lincoln Avenue&Ocean Street, Carmel. 624-0787. Sade''s is a local Carmel hangout that has been around since 1926. Back then it was a restaurant as well, but since the ''60s, Sade''s has been known as a small, no-fluff kind of place, featuring excellent Bloody Mary''s (hold the celery, of course).

Sandbar&Grill, Municipal Wharf No. 2, Monterey. 373-2818. Patrons of this local seafood restaurant can enjoy the view of Monterey Bay, with sea otters providing free entertainment. Open until at least 11pm on weeknights and later on the weekends.

Segovia''s, 650 Lighthouse Ave., Monterey. 372-9981. This well-known tavern has been serving drinks to locals for more than 30 years. Monday Night Football gets the regulars off their stools. Art lovers might be amazed at the mural of the running of the bulls at Pamplona behind the bar. Painted by Carmel artist Roberto Lupetti, who also worked on the restoration of the Sistine Chapel, folks at the bar say the mural is valued at somewhere around $80,000. Open until 2am, seven days a week.

Shadow Box, 1904 Fremont Blvd., Seaside. 394-3242. This neighborhood cocktail lounge proudly boasts that it opens at 6am--and the management assures us there are regulars who prefer their breakfast at the bar. In operation for nearly 30 years now, most people come to the Shadow Box to relax, meet friends and socialize. A pool table, shuffle board and three dart boards are available for the sports-minded.

Sherlock Holmes Pub&Restaurant, 3772 The Barnyard, Carmel. 625-0340. Fans of the famous fictional sleuth can relax below several pictures of Mr. Holmes. Two fireplaces, one inside and the other out on the open-air patio, add to the cozy atmosphere of the this English tavern. There is an extensive 40 beer selection, including Guinness and Bass on tap. It is said the kitchen produces good half-pound hamburgers, and with names like the Westminster Abbey, make even this American staple sound English.

Sly McFly''s Refueling Station, 700 Cannery Row, Monterey. 649-8050. If you''re a car buff, check out the mint-condition 1929 Austin-Olster resting on a frame above the fireplace or the half-Bugatti hanging on the wall. Although a popular place for locals, good luck getting in during Race Week, Cherry''s Jubilee, Classic Car weekend, or the AMA Motorcycle races. Murals of other racing cars grace the walls of this 26-year-old establishment, and live music (mostly rock and blues) is offered six nights a week.

Sunset Lounge at Highlands Inn, Hwy. 1, Carmel. 624-3801. Catering primarily to the over-30 crowd, the Sunset Lounge is an intimate piano bar for jazz lovers, a mixture of tourist and local, who want to keep groovin'' ''til the midnight hour.

Tap Room Bar&Grill, The Lodge at Pebble Beach, 17 Mile Drive, Pebble Beach. 624-3811. The Tap Room has a relaxed yet elegant atmosphere, in that guests straight from the golf course can mingle with folks dressed to the nines for a night on the town and still feel comfortable. The clientele mainly consists of hotel guests and locals from either the 17 Mile Drive area or Carmel. The menu is grill-style, but guests can also order food from the other restaurants in the resort. Friday and Saturday nights, patrons can dance to live R&B, and Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday feature light cocktail music by various live acts. The bar offers a choice of 45 beers, with eight microbrews on tap.

Tarpy''s Roadhouse, 2999 Monterey-Salinas Highway 68, Monterey. 647-1444. Hand-shaken margaritas are a specialty of this bar and restaurant. Guests can sample its award-winning wine list (1995 Wine Spectator Award) either outside on the patio or inside near one of the restaurant''s three fireplaces. From the carefully landscaped grounds to its native-stone architecture, Tarpy''s exudes a rustic, romantic atmosphere. The building itself is a historic house built in 1917.

The Mucky Duck, 479 Alvarado St., Monterey. 655-3031. The back patio attracts a younger crowd on Friday and Saturday nights when there''s dancing to DJ-spun discs. Inside the English-style pub, a selection of 70 beers (20 on tap) and dart boards beckon those with clear eyes and supple wrists, and the crowd tends to be a little older. The menu is an international melange featuring English, Italian, French and Californian cuisines. The cozy ambiance provided by fireplaces both inside and out ensures a loyal local clientele.

Tinnery at the Beach, Ocean View Boulevard&17th Street, Pacific Grove. 646-1040. Probably the closest thing Pacific Grove has to a neighborhood bar is the Tinnery where solo musicians and small combos perform mellow, acoustic light rock music. The crowd in the bar is usually a blend of tourists and locals from their 20s to their 50s. Overlooking the bay near Lovers Point Park, the Tinnery boasts one of the best ocean views around. The bar has four televisions for watching sports events and features a selection of 25 wines. Live jazz accompanies an extended Happy Hour on Wednesdays in addition to the free hors'' d''oeuvres and house-drink specials.

Viva Monterey, 414 Alvarado St., Monterey. 646-1415. Viva Monterey''s four pool tables, live music, drink specials and seven televisions add up to a popular local hangout. You name the drink, no matter how off-the-wall, and chances are they''ll be able to make it for you. Open from 2pm-2am.

Wharfside Restaurant, Fisherman''s Wharf No. 1, Monterey. 375-3956. A mix of tourists and fisherfolk frequent the Wharfside, located (you guessed it) smack-dab on the wharf near where many local fishing boats and yachts are moored. Monday through Friday Happy Hours feature complimentary pizza and fried calamari. Live entertainment, usually a solo guitarist and singer, plays on Friday nights. Both the downstairs bar and upstairs restaurant have big picture-window views of the marina.

Whitey''s Place, 125 Ocean View Blvd., Pacific Grove. 646-8383. Ensconced in the outlet mall near the Aquarium, every corner of Whitey''s Place sports a television where locals especially like to watch sports events. Weekends feature local live rock and blues bands. A casual bar and restaurant, it offers burgers to pasta specials, and caters to a combination of locals enjoying the view of the ocean and shoppers fresh from the mall.

The Whole Enchilada, Hwy. 1&Moss Landing Rd., Moss Landing. 633-3038. The Whole Enchilada draws a diverse crowd from Monterey, Santa Cruz, and San Jose who come here to enjoy the Mexican and seafood selections. Both lunch and dinner are served, and since the restaurant is connected to the Moss Landing Inn, patrons can enjoy live music after they''ve dined.

Ye Admiral Benbow Tavern, 444 Alvarado St., Monterey. 656-9543. One of two new pubs opening in Monterey in ''98, the Benbow offers 24 beers on tap, and more than 100 beers total. They also have lunch specials (including fish and chips, bangers and mash) and a full dinner menu featuring traditional British fare along with steaks, ribs and seafood. Live music is offered on Fridays.