When on vacation, hubby and I tend to gravitate in two directions when choosing restaurants: high end/foodie faire or local dives. We rarely, if ever, dine in the hotel restaurant unless it's for breakfast. But on our recent #UnminivanMoments #CaliforniaGold road trip up the California coast, the lovely folks at the Portola Hotel and Spa in Monterey invited us to enjoy after dinner drinks and appetizers at Peter B's brew pub.
A mainstay of the Monterey Peninsula for more than 30 years, Peter B's is recognized for being Monterey's first craft brewery and the 2014 Open Table Diner's Choice Winner. The family-friendly pub was recently renovated and added 18 Hi-Def TV's, pool table area, and renovated the outdoors space -which is also dog friendly-.
With Brew Master Kevin Clark and Executive Chef Jason Giles at the helm, Peter B's has developed an extensive menu that goes beyond the traditional bar faire.
Let's first talk about the beer...
Unlike other brew pubs that bottle their bring beer into their establishment, Peter B's brews EVERYTHING on-site; and while many of the fave's are available year round, others, like the absolutely YUMMY Raspberry Ale is only available during, well, raspberry season. So hurry on up, you MUST get it while in season!Now, for those of you that are a little more adventuresome or like me, not sure what you like, trying a Flight of Beer is a perfect choice! The flight includes six small beer glasses (I'm guessing around 3-4 ounces) selected by Peter B's, or you can select the beer yourself. Price? ONLY $6.50!
While if you know what you like and travel to Monterey often or lets say you live there, another great option is joining the Mug Club.
This $50 membership (renewed for only $15) includes a personal 25 oz. beer stein that is displayed at Peter B's and yours to use when you come back. You also get discounts off the price of beers as well as exclusive invites to sample new beers and invites to Peter B's monthly Brewer's Dinners and mug club mixers. This is truly an opportunity to mix and mingle with a community of home brewers, beer connoisseurs and enthusiasts.
Now lets talk about the food...
Hotel food, by nature of what it is, is usually never palatable, let alone worthy of a return visit. Then lets talk about pubs, which usually have greasy faire that's basically meant to absorb liquor. Now get this out of your mind before visiting Peter B's.Their menu is actually quite extensive and welcoming to various tastes. From your mainstay bar food, like cheese sticks, to their dinner and lunch plates, everything on the menu has been recreated with Peter B's gourmet touch. The sauce is seasoned perfectly allowing the flavors of the tomatoes swirl with the flavorful cheese - that is not just your basic mozzarella.
Being only steps away from the ocean, it was quite fitting that we also taste one of my favorite bar foods: fried calamari rings.Perfection doesn't quite begin to describe the yummy batter that covered these just-fished-today calamari. Crispy, flavorful, and just all around amazing. A MUST TRY whether you stop by for a beer or dinner.
I wasn't excited to try to japaleno poppers. Mostly because they taste the same everywhere I order them. This time? Absolutely not!The FRESH jalapenos were filled with Mexican cheese (not cream cheese!) and covered in this amazing beer batter and fried to perfection. The jalapenos actually had a crunch while the cheese oozed out.
Life changing I tell ya, life changing!
Peter B's is a MUST STOP next time you're traveling to Monterey. Trust me - you will have an amazing time and eat yummy food while enjoying one of my favorite cities. Or, as I like to call it: Monterey - My heaven on earth.---
Peter B’s Brewpub2 Portola Plaza
(Behind Portola Hotel & Spa)
Monterey, CA 93940
Direct & Reservations: (831) 649-2699
Email: [email protected]Hours:Monday – Thursday: 4:00pm to 11:00pm
Sunday: 11:00am to 11:00pm
Friday – Saturday: 11:00am to 1:00am
Happy Hour Everyday: 4:00pm to 6:30pmFollow on Twitter: @peterbsbrewpub
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