Rio Grill: Enjoy Classic Southwest Cuisine in Carmel

Southwestern charm meets creative California cuisine at iconic hitching post Rio Grill in Carmel. Since 1983 this popular restaurant, located at the Crossroads Shopping Village, has been serving up hearty dishes, tasty cocktails and good-old-fashion hospitality to first time visitors and loyal locals alike; so much so, that the bar area is adorned with cartoon versions of their most frequent customers!

Aside from the quirky caricatures, the main décor looks like something you might find in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The unique desert design permeates throughout the cozy restaurant with faux cactus plants, ranchero chandeliers and colorfully imaginative paintings on the wall. The casual and rustic ambiance is perfectly paired with warm, thoughtful service and wholesome grub.

The eclectic menu is inspired by classic California cuisine with an infusion of the southwest, adding a touch of spice and flavor from their wood-burning grill and oak wood burner. Chef Cy Yontz dedicates his bold dishes to the cornucopia of fresh and local ingredients from Monterey County’s diverse farming region, making for a truly delicious dining experience!

The lunch and dinner menus are chock-full of appetizing items ranging from fresh fish, pasta, sandwiches and salads, but first one must indulge in one of Rio’s addicting libations. A favorite amongst locals is the Blood Orange Rita made with Herradura Silver, Cointreau and (wait for it…) Chef Cy’s chili syrup. The spicy kick is unexpected but certainly welcomed!

For something a little more soothing, try the Spa Treatment which, as you may have guessed, is a slice of ohm in a glass. The cucumber concoction is mixed with Hendricks gin, St. Germain and muddled cucumber - sure to have you relaxed in no time.

Every meal at Rio Grill must start with an appetizer. Meat eaters will rejoice in the “Jolly Rancheros” which are generous bites of candied pork belly with an intense yet delicious kick of honey.

For those looking for something on the lighter side, the habanero deviled eggs topped with a creamy yolk filling and a dollop of bacon jam will not disappoint.

Entree options are robust and the portions are mighty plentiful. Two of their more popular items include the house-smoked chicken and oven-baked duck breast.

A juicy half chicken comes out smokin’ hot (literally) with a melted chile butter that would make even a rubber boot taste delicious. The accompanying baby artichokes and potatoes are perfect for scooping up any remaining remnants of the lusciously creamy compound.

The seared duck breast is yet another testament to the successful south-of-the-border elements served with chilaquiles, Oaxacan mole rojo sauce and duck confit tamale. The texture from the tortilla chilaquiles is spot on with the juicy poultry. 

Rio Grill is not only a great place to catch up with friends over a unique cocktail or celebrate a birthday with family, but it’s also the perfect haven for larger group gatherings. Aside from the main dining room, Rio Grill hosts two private rooms, and one even features its own private bar; talk about a VIP party!

A New Fish in the Sea: Big Fish Grill

If you’ve been down Monterey’s Old Fisherman’s Wharf recently you may have noticed something new. Anchoring the wharf at the far end, the former Rappa’s building has now morphed into something much bigger - the Big Fish Grill and their new flashy neon sign is sure to catch your eye!

This iconic (and big!) restaurant can comfortably seat 200 hungry diners all with incredible views of the Monterey Bay. The eatery’s ideal location at the end of the wharf gives it a one-up on its competition with 360 degree waterfront views. Here you can kick-back and watch all of the action going on down below; you can even watch busy squid boats unload their catch of the day at the working pier just across the way.

Once you have soaked in your surroundings its time to soak in one (or three) of their tasty libations. The Orange Julius cocktail is particularly dangerous - the creamy citrus concoction makes it hard to stop at just one.

Fresh bread is a must at any seafood restaurant and Big Fish Grill does not disappoint. Their warm, crispy bread is the perfect accompaniment to any of their seafood appetizers, and is especially useful to scoop up remnants from their sinful roasted pacific oysters which are topped with pieces of rich crab meat and a creamy artichoke gratin.


Another appetizer to note is their grilled salmon cakes. Meaty chunks of fresh salmon come together with scallions, dill, bell peppers, and onions, all lightly fried and topped with a savory roasted pepper aioli.

Entrée items include all of the comfort foods you would expect on the wharf like clam chowder, fish and chips and calamari. Diners with a more diverse palate can enjoy a seafood cioppino, house made gnocchi or tangy Bang-Bang shrimp among others.


Insiders Tip: Ask for the Locals Menu. For just $13.95 you can indulge in a 2-course meal (seven entrees options) with a choice of clam chowder or soup.

Big Fish Grill is open daily from 11am to 9pm.

Abalonetti Bar & Grill is the “Best Calamari Restaurant in Monterey” for Good Reason

No trip to Monterey is complete without some killer calamari, and nowhere serves it up quite like Abalonetti Bar & Grill.

Located on Old Fisherman’s Wharf, this iconic restaurant prides itself on good food, great service, phenomenal views of Monterey Bay, and has successfully done so for the past 64 years. The teal blue restaurant is just a short stroll down the historic wharf and is well worth a visit for lunch or dinner, where the kick-back, comfortable atmosphere is what most people are looking for after a long day of sightseeing.

The bar is particularly welcoming and one could easily envision chatting it up with one of the friendly bartenders as if they were a long lost high school friend.

The main dining room offers up incredible ocean views from almost every seat in the house.

Just outside is one of the restaurant’s main features: an expansive waterfront patio that is truly a rare find on the wharf. Here you can fully take in the sights and sounds along the bustling wharf and see passing boats and playful sea otters down below.

The best way to kick off any meal at Abalonetti’s is at their famed antipasto bar. Here you’ll find a plethora of tasty items like roasted garlic, seared bell peppers, fresh feta cheese and marinated artichokes. Pair this hearty dish with some of their fresh oysters and award-winning calamari and you have yourself a party!


Speaking of calamari, did we mention they offer it 20 different ways? It’s no wonder Abalonetti’s has been voted “Best Calamari Restaurant in Monterey” for a solid 14 years in a row! This is also because Abalonetti is one of the only restaurants in Monterey County that cleans its squid in-house. Their secret weapon for cleaning these messy cephalopods is longtime employee Faustino Perez who averages about 1,000 lbs. of squid per week!

Luckily we can all reap the benefits of his slimy efforts with calamari done almost every way imaginable including a traditional fried style, Baja California style, and Buffalo style. The Baja California calmari is quite the treat, prepared lightly breaded and fried, served with a chipotle sauce and fresh pico de gallo salsa; boy does it have a kick!

Insiders Tip: Ask for the Locals Menu. For just $9.95 you can choose from an array of delectable entrees any time of day!

Abalonetti Bar & Grill is open daily from 11:30am to 9pm.

10 Outdoor Patios to Grab a Drink in Monterey County

We have the right to gloat: it's almost always outdoor weather in Monterey County. As a result, we have the best selection around of places to dine al fresco. But amidst all of this bounty, some patios, decks and gardens truly stand out. To drop some veranda knowledge, here's our list of the prettiest, most sociable, and some downright stunning places to eat and drink in the great outdoors.

Montrio Bistro, Monterey
The newest patio to hit Monterey’s dining scene belongs to local favorite Montrio Bistro. Their new parklet patio looks like something straight from the Champs de Elyse with its snazzy cast-iron design, romantic lamp posts and overflowing flower baskets. Their daily happy hour is the perfect accompaniment with a selection of discounted drinks and small bites from 4:30pm-6:30pm.

The Inn at Spanish Bay, Pebble Beach
The fire-pits at The Inn at Spanish Bay are hard to beat. Not only does the bar serve up world-class cocktails but the views of The Links at Spanish Bay, Pebble Beach's coastline, and the Pacific Ocean are merely unparalleled. If you happen to find yourself here near sunset you will be in for a special treat as the famed bagpiper makes his rounds.

the C restaurant + bar at the InterContinental the Clement Monterey, Monterey
Tucked along lively Cannery Row is the C restaurant at the Intercontinental the Clement Monterey showcasing some of the best views of the Monterey Bay. Simply enjoy one (or two) of their specialty drinks while admiring the seascape, and if you’re lucky, you may even see a raft of otters frolicking in the bay.

Anton & Michel, Carmel-by-the-Sea
From its exterior, one would have no idea of Anton & Michel’s gem of a patio, just past the main dining room. The restaurant’s Fountain Courtyard is a secluded escape from the hustle and bustle in the heart of Carmel-by-the-Sea. The outdoor oasis is complete with a soothing water fountain, decorative fire-pit and hanging party lights which set the tone for a relaxing evening.

Jeninni Kitchen + Wine Bar, Pacific Grove
One of Pacific Grove’s newest restaurants has just received a brand new outdoor patio! The new sidewalk sanctuary at Jeninni Kitchen + Wine Bar is top-notch with its cozy cast-iron tables and lush greenery. Choose a tempting libation from their plentiful wine list and pair it with a charcuterie dish while people watching on Lighthouse Avenue.

Vesuvio Risorante, Carmel-by-the-Sea
The rooftop bar at Vesuvio in Carmel-by-the-Sea is the place to be and be seen. On any given night you will find a mix of individuals and groups relaxing on the cozy divan seating and basking under the enchanting, twinkling party lights. If one of their specialty cocktails or homemade limoncello doesn’t keep you warm, then the outdoor heaters, fire-pits and heated seats sure will!

201 Main, Salinas
In the heart of downtown Salinas lays new food and drink complex, 201 Main. Their 3,000 square foot outdoor Tuscan Piazza is the perfect place to a grab a cocktail. The courtyard is complete with four roaring fire- pits, big screen TVs, patio-heated tables and a 17-foot rainforest marble fire-lit water feature.

Kula Ranch Island Grill, Marina
Score a seat at one of the outdoor fire- pits on the upper deck of Kula Ranch Island Grill for a great view of Marina State Beach. Grab a tiki drink and watch the hang gliders take to the air and as evening comes, watch the sun set into the bay.

Baum & Blume, Carmel Valley
Travel to Munich without leaving Monterey County. Family run Baum & Blume accommodates their very own Beer Garden in the warm Carmel Valley sunshine. Here you will find a great round-up of pints and “beer-inspired” small plates.

Nepenthe, Big Sur
A trip to Big Sur is not complete without a stop at iconic Nepenthe Restaurant.  With expansive views of Big Sur’s coastline it’s a no-brainer that this eatery has a killer outdoor deck. Lined with colorful umbrellas and artwork, this haven on a hill serves tasty drink specials like their South Coast Margarita and Nepenthe Bloody Mary.

New Outdoor Seating and Menu at Local Hot-Spot Montrio Bistro

You might mistake your surroundings for a European bistro rather than a historic firehouse in downtown Monterey at recently revamped Montrio Bistro. With over 20 years of dining success (and several “Monterey’s Best” awards) under its belt, Montrio Bistro has taken it up a notch with brand new outdoor seating and an overhauled menu.

The most obvious addition to the 100 year-old brick firehouse is the “parklet” addition which offers a new opportunity for outdoor dining. The snazzy curvy designs, cast-iron fence, attractive lamp posts and blooming flower baskets resembles something you might spot along the Champs de Elysee, rather than Calle Principal.

The cozy interior has remained untouched with its contemporary seating arrangements, whimsical décor, and mosaic pizza oven. Montrio even kept its staple butcher paper table cloths and crayons which is a life-saver for awkward first dates.


Famed bartender and “mixologist” extraordinaire Anthony Vitacca is still manning the heartbeat of the restaurant with his over-the-top cocktail creations; he even makes his own sodas and garnishes! Be sure to try one his new additions including the “Hell Hath No Fury” with lavender bitters and the “Big Bang Theory” topped with spiced honey foam.


Frequent visitors to Montrio will notice one major change: the menu. Not only is it on a causal printed docket, but 60% of the offerings are brand-new. Chef and local bacon legend Tony Baker has added a variety of small bites, salads and entrees plated family style to encourage sharing.

Chef Baker thrives to keep things fresh, seasonal and sustainable utilizing a variety of local farmers, foragers and fisherman, and the menu attests!

One of the more popular new small bites is the cheese and bacon popcorn, I mean where can you go wrong? The perfect combo of salt and grease makes this way too dangerous.

On the lighter side, the scallop crudo with a beet-ginger panna cota is as good as it looks. The consistency of the raw scallops is a match made in heaven with the velvety Italian custard.

Benton’s Hickory-Smoked Ham is yet another addition featuring Baker’s favorite meat. A generous portion of thinly sliced ham comes paired with a delightful honey butter and ricotta fritters. Don’t miss the luscious ricotta cheese balls rolled in Honey Bunches of Oats cereal and lightly fried. At first bite your taste buds may be a confused, is it breakfast, lunch or dessert, but I say it’s perfectly acceptable for all of the above.

Another new tantalizing dish is the bacon chop; the chef is known as the “Bacon Guy” for good reason. A hefty apple glazed pork chop is served up with a thick, juicy piece of pork belly; did I mention this comes with a side of crispy mac n’ cheese and fried onion rings?

The most shocking addition to the menu is the “Baker’s Delight” which includes a 40 oz. prime rib eye steak slathered in charmoula butter served with roasted potatoes, kalettes and baked tomatoes; you’ll need to bring lots of friends to polish off this beast! The accompanied in-house smoked sea salt adds an extra hook to this already addicting hunk of deliciousness.

Montrio Bistro hosts a variety of specials and crowd-pleasing promotions, and their Happy Hour is always one of their most popular. From 4:30pm-6:30pm diners can enjoy a selection of discounted drinks and tasty bites.