Alvarado Street Brewery & Grill, Monterey

If the sleek outdoor patio and modern updated architecture don't draw you in then the craft beer inside certainly will. Located on downtown Monterey's bustling Alvarado Street, as the name implies, the Alvarado Street Brewery & Grill not only brews its own craft beer but serves up a hipster twist on comfy pub grub.

Located in the former 100 year-old Regency Theatre, the upgraded brewery digs stay true to its Old Monterey roots with vintage beer posters, rustic wine barrels and photos of Monterey that are worthy of #ThrowbackThursday. Polished stainless tanks full of delicious artisan brew sit just behind the main bar area. Dining room seating is plentiful and the open kitchen design adds to the low-key and kick-back vibe.

The craft beer menu alone is enough to put your salivary glands in jubilee. The Mai Tai IPA in particular is a tropical treat with a floral aroma that hits you before it touches your lips. The brewery even shares the love featuring a handful of other guest craft beers and wines from around the area.

Menu items were created specifically to play nice with their savory suds. Their so called "honest plates" are honest indeed with hefty portions and locally sourced ingredients. Items include fun fare you would expect to find at a pub but with a refined touch. For instance, their fries are served with a side of smoked curry spiced mussels and their mac n' cheese is topped with melted brie cheese slices and savory tasso tid bits.

The duck ham flatbread in particular perfectly blends salty and sweet with cured duck, gruyere cheese and fresh pieces of pineapple, a nice complement to their porter.
Get your greens in with the kale salad with hunks of cambozola cheese or the fried brussels sprouts that seem to burst with flavor with a luscious white cheddar finish, perfect with a Belgian ale.
For a heftier appetite, the oven roasted chicken is a win-win. The brine makes this poultry incredibly juicy and oozes with mouth-watering flavor. The accompanied beer dumplings somehow taste like Thanksgiving stuffing from the heavens with a hint of bacon. Nom nom!
Dessert isn't dessert without a side of beer! May we suggest rounding out your meal with warm beignets and a stout (or two)?

Escape to an Artistic Watering Hole: Post No Bills

What comes to mind when you think of Sand City; The West End Celebration, Industrial warehouses or how about a plethora of beers? Look no further than Post No Bills, which has successfully brewed up all of Sand City’s best attributes into a winning combination!

Post No Bills is one of Monterey County’s newest hidden gems. Opening its doors June 6th, 2011 the unassuming craft beer house is located in a warehouse in the heart of Sand City. The outside of this watering hole immediately gives you that artsy “West End” vibe that Sand City is known for. A large sculpture and human’s bird’s nest greet you before entering this beer lover’s paradise.

Although located in a warehouse, the interior is very inviting and continues on with the artistic surroundings. The cement walls are strategically spray painted with large vibrant murals and plasma screen TV’s provide the latest sports scores. The stainless steel bar fits in nicely with the rest of the décor; the 15 taps aren’t bad either.

Large glass refrigerators line one side of the wall. These are stocked full of precious commodities that include over 200 hard-to-find beers, ciders, wines and sodas which can be purchased to enjoy at the bar or elsewhere.

Lists of the daily offerings are posted on the chalk board above and lists the brewery, name, and alcohol percentage. Each beer is served until the keg runs out and typically a new beer takes its place; which makes every experience at Post No Bills a little bit different.

Enough about the décor and more about the beer! I first sampled the 21st Amendment “Hell or High Watermelon Wheat.” The suds where savory, crisp and a bit sweet, almost like summertime in a glass. Quite happy with my first choice I decided to order myself a glass to distract me from the onslaught of rain that was pouring down outside.

My buddy ordered the Napa Smith Brewery “Lost Dog.” I insisted that I didn’t have cooties and had a taste. This darker beer was surprisingly very smooth, no bitter beer face here! My crew and I had a relaxing time and enjoyed the new and rare offerings. We are already planning our next trip to sample more from their extensive and ever-changing list of beers.

All those suds making you hungry? Chips and small snack items are available for purchase but dwellers are encouraged to BYOF, or bring your own food. May we recommend a delicious burrito from nearby Jose’s Mexican Bar and Grill?

For the latest tap list “like” Post No Bills on Facebook.