The vibes are here but it all stops there... Let me start by saying that I love this place. Just needs a bit of cleaning up on their transparency. The 'keep it open' policy is something I appreciate but would also appreciate an itemized receipt when you close out. Here's why to keep your eye out when drinking at this establishment. 1- when you close out, it's helpful to verify what you consumed to ensure you're corrected charged. My receipt was the merchant copy and the customer copy. Itemized? Really had to ask for it. 2- the merchant copy - it asked for a tip and the total amount. When we closed out our beer and well drink, it was ~$28. Weird, right? So my thought was that they clearly charged something incorrect. 3- when there's something automatically charged, it had better be communicated to me upfront. The gratuity was automatically added and IT WAS 20%! No sign, no way to notify me that it was already added. It didn't even say so on the merchant or customer copy. On top of that, the copy asked for AN ADDITIONAL TIP. For something like that, I had better get great service. 4- The service here is spotty at best. There's usually one bartender for the often busy bar. Not a problem, usually. But with that high of a price, better serve your customers well and have a fully stocked bar. 5 - the options were lacking. Two things you'd think would be stocked but weren't - espresso (come on, even Kahlua) and apple liqueur for an espresso martini and appletini were too much to ask for, I guess. Overall, a disappointment. Good thing they have the vibes nearly right. But awful business practices. read more

I came by looking for a good time out in my visit to this area and I had the most wonderful time. Our bartender , Jesse was absolutely fantastic. His drinks were amazing , his vibes and the way he welcomed each person , probably the sweetest vibe I've caught while I was out here. We were able to connect with other people at the bar and it was a wonderful experience. The atmosphere is so cool as well! Will definetly be back for my next visit ! read more

Compact Disco - Lounges Near Me - Monterey, California

See all

Awesome vibe gray place for a good time with friends . Drinks are worth the visit and food was a plus .

The restaurant is beautiful and the food is great! however, there was definite discrimination towards white people. Sorry, but unless you have a reservation it should be first come first serve . Or perhaps it was because my friend is gay. But in spite of the fact there were 3 booth tables available, they insisted on seating us in the middle of the isle in a tall bar like table. The hostess was bullishly pushing her weight around, claiming she was the manage. they should have put a more professional person in charge, left us with an uncomfortable experience. read more

Good food, good service and nice ambiance! I just had a dj gig there all night on a Saturday and had a blast. Thank you Monterey. Everyone took good care of me and hope to be back soon! read more

Once again Kenny and his crew have given a wonderful experience at Compact Disco. Kenny is a legend in his own rite and seeing Mark Farina in such an intimate setting was perfect. The VIBE was top notch! All staff very kind and professional. One of my favorite go to places. LONG LIVE COMPACT DISCO!! read more

Jake's the best bartender on the planet, Kenny's dope. George is a gem. Music is good but I wish they'd play some newer bass house but that's just me. Random food at random times really smacks after a few drinks and good vibes! Bouncer outside, beardy fella with shades on most the time wearing a windbreaker....Really rubbed me the wrong way the first few times I went there. But in the end not a bad dude. Give him a chance lol read more

the great music, the atmosphere and Mah are the reasons whyyy I will be coming back every weekend. Love this place

there was no service the bartender just looked at us knew we were waiting to order we were a group of 20 out of towners and wanted a place to dance and unwind huge let down don't know if they were having a bad night but you would think in this economy our patronage would be welcomed. the place is small thus the name but the music was great atleast we were able to dance for a bit too bad sad to say never coming back here again read more

The coolest bar ever!! Like a mini version of studio 54!!! The best DJ playing a remix of disco and house music!

EDIT per Yelp Guidelines: $10 entrance fee and the bartenders here takes 20% after tax from everyone here who buys a drink every time you order. They took my card, ran it and added on a tip without my consent without informing me about it. They tried to wave it through saying their printer wasn't working so they couldn't provide a receipt. I had to ask for mine, because other people with me stated this practice was happening throughout the night, even with cash. I specifically told them I didn't consent to it and they said it was what they always do on the weekend, and they are entitled to it. Bartender blatantly lied to my face. As owner states that, " 'BIG sign on the bar '20% GRATUITY ADDED TO EVERY BILL AFTER 8PM,' " yet the bartenders are unable to point that out when asked, along with the bouncers, who were very transparent and aware of your rules, but they are unaware of the tip policy or any knowledge of any posted sign. It only took 3 visits, one credit card transaction, and other people were there to tell me that they were doing this. read more

Compact Disco - They took my card and added on a tip without my consent, nor informed me about it. They tried to pass it on as their printer is not working - Lounges Near Me - Monterey, California

If you're out in Monterey and wanting to dance, this is literally the only place to go! Great music, interior is pretty, good drinks, meh service! The bouncer in the front is kind of on a power trip, we watched him kick some people out for being "too drunk" when that was really just not the case! Also, we had left a tab open and when we went to close out the bartenders had already did the tip for us, which was a little weird to not have the option to tip what you want to tip. But besides those little details, if you're trying to dance this is the place to go! read more

Compact Disco - Lounges Near Me - Monterey, California

There's a cover to go into a tiny bar with ultra generic house music the owner plays. Then there's a bar where they serve weak 2 ingredient drinks in plastic cups, and they charge prices you'd expect in a club on rooftop with a view in the city, with actualcocktails, with actual DJs. Then there's the weird owners just consistently being weird(not in a good way). Avoid. Avoid. Avoid. Zero stars. read more

We heart Trent & Kenny the owner. Such amazing vibes, music and food. Kenny's hospitality is generous and infectious. It's a great hub in the area. Trent is Superman read more

Compact Disco - Trent is Ana amazing Bartender and always helps me find "my drink"...even tho idk what I want, lol. We all - Lounges Near Me - Monterey, California

See all

I never write reviews but I had to write one this time around. Theres a cover and the bouncer repeatedly suggested that I could skip the cover if I "met him at the back" and "didn't bring my friends". I got very uncomfortable but didn't want to make a scene because it was my friends graduation night but I got so overwhelmed that I cried because he wouldn't stop even after I clearly said no thank you. Once we got inside, it smelled really bad somehow? Like they were having some sort of plumbing issue? The average age was 30-40 which I don't really mind but it's almost all old men. This place is predator central... and the music was horrible they were playing the entire song every time and the speaker system is very bad quality so you could barely tell what song it was. Please save yourself the visit this place needs to close down read more

I came out to Monterey for my birthday with my family. I wanted to go out one night dancing and came across Compact Disco and thought I'd check it out since I love house and disco music. I went by myself on a Friday, early, around 7, and there was only a few folks around until 10. The interior immediately reminded me of clubs in Berlin. The bartender Jam was super friendly. Overall very cute, a little divey, reasonably priced drinks, and most folks who showed up early tend to be there to dance. I wish I had a place like this closer to me to go out sometimes. Highly recommend getting there before 9! read more

Unique little night spot that was a fun little surprise. It is definitely compact, and they do have a dress code. Bar tenders are effecicient and the staff overall were very friendly and welcoming. If you're looking for a fun spot to have drinks on a night our in monterey, this is a fun place to add to your list. Service: 4 Atmosphere: 5 Cleanliness: 3 Quality: 4 Value: 3 read more

This place is dope asf great music and vibes cool staff and its fun ! Happy hour is where its at because after that $8.50 for a can of cheap beer is way to much as there are several breweries close by cheaper than that for real ! read more

I have been here on four different occasions to give it a chance. I appreciate the concept and the location is great if you want to be able to go out after dinner within walking distance. I can't get over the over-priced mediocre cocktails, basic DJs and bad vibes (not necessarily from other patrons) each time I went. There are other places with good service, DJs and drinks that I would prioritize. read more

Great ambiance and music, along with the amazing bartenders and staff. It's true to its name Compact Disco is one of a kind in the Monterey/California area. A Must Visit!!!! read more

Great music and awesome vibe. Love to go dancing at compact disco. Classy, hip, with good drinks and food.

Not a lot of places like this in Monterey, so comparing it to the only kinda comparable place (music/dancing), it's fun, the staff are nice, good cocktails/beer/etc. Kenny makes delicious food which I appreciate as well. The bartender there on Sundays is amazing and fun to chat with. The bouncer is an awesome, kind, funny dude who I make a point to chat with whenever I'm there. As a woman, I feel the staff here are watching my back for me, and care about my safety. read more

First off I wanna say this bar quickly became my favorite bar to this day. Kenny who runs it is an angel and always cooks up the BEST food for us which is nice to pair with the delicious cocktails with a heavy pour (no complaints hehe)! The bar tenders are all so personable and sweet and make you feel comfortable. But the real reason I'm compelled to write a review is about this bouncer, Mah. He is actually the sweetest funniest person I have ever met. He makes everyone feel comfortable and welcome and the only reason that you would have a bad experience with him is if YOU have a bad vibe as this bar only serves as good vibes for the community. Mah and Kenny are the reason I come back not to mention happy hour goes until 9pm?? Hello?! That's incredible! Best bar in town and if you don't like it don't come and spread your negativity here! read more

I did not enjoy my time at this bar and do not recommend it to anyone under the age of 30. Cover fee of at least 20 dollars only in cash with a man making comments on our body at the entrance. read more

It's compact and it's a F-ing disco. Good energy from all types of people crammed into this lively joint.

Cool spot with great music and vibe. Dan the GM is super personable and makes it a great experience. It's a great change of pace for Monterey. Check it out! read more

Compact Disco - a bar with red stools - Lounges Near Me - Monterey, California

Great place to visit other than the bouncer, who seems to be the product of gross mismanagement on the part of the owners. The bouncer (guy with the beanie on Sunday night, 7/28) was Very Creepy and soured the whole experience. Earlier in the evening, my group had enjoyed a quick drink in the bar, which we thought had great vibes and well-calibrated music. The bartender mixed up the best lemon drop shots we've ever had, she was great! We noticed the 20% gratuity but thought that was more than fair. On leaving, we noticed that the bouncer was shouting after potential patrons who were walking down the street, and we commented on how strange it was that the bouncer thought this was a good way to attract patronage. Later in the evening, we returned to this bar expecting good vibes and good drinks. However, the bouncer with the beanie proved otherwise on count #1. The bouncer commented that the youngest member of my party was a "cutie", asked her how old she was in the taking of the photo, and commented that the photo should be replaced. Considering this member was freshly over 21, this is unacceptable lapse of professionalism. Now I'm all for a friendly game of calling people cute, but it's not hard to see why the power (and size) dynamics at play would make this an inappropriate and uncomfortable exchange to be a part of. If this is the behavior that's being condoned by management, we will not be returning. read more

This place was less than fun. The idea is amazing and the music was ...alright but the spot never had more than a sprinkle of people and on the weekends they automatically add in a tip based on your bill which leaves you helpless to provide a tip based on your experience. I'd love to come back again maybe when the spot is ready to provide the vibes promised ! read more

Compact Disco - Lounges Near Me - Monterey, California

Not-so-secret disco-themed bar with live DJs, disco balls, and super friendly staff. Kenny, the owner, treats guests like friends and fam. read more

Compact Disco - Lounges Near Me - Monterey, California

See all

Was charged a $15-20 cover charge and tips added to every drink i ordered (so leave an open tab if you dont wnt to get charged 20%) each drink. But place was probably the best you could get in Monterey area read more

Hi, I love the club in my opinion the tax and tip is so small ppl complain about $2.00 come on I mean really I say it's just sa y business with the verbal abuse the employees get I think it should be higher love you Guys thank you for this place read more

Haha this place is a joke! We apparently were not dressed appropriately guy says ok I guess you two can go in. After charging us a10 dollar entry. We walk in to a dj who was awful and a lighted sign behind him that says no requests. The liquor bottles on the shelf that are supposed to be high end liquor was a plastic jack bottle with a sip in it. Apparently gratuity is included on the weekends. Probably because no one goes in. Lesson learned. The look of the inside is fun. Witty. But it just goes with how much of a joke this place is. read more

Compact Disco - a couple kissing in a dimly lit room - Lounges Near Me - Monterey, California

Five Stars, simple as that. Get to know it, Trent's got you covered. Service is top tier, ambiance is on point. My new favorite bar. read more

See all

Service was impeccable. Dreya and George were absolutely brilliant at their jobs and totally made me feel welcomed! The owner came in for a bit too and was so personable! Fun place and definitely recommend for all. read more

I don't live close, but kinda the same distance for me,when I to go to San Jose. Place has a BIG vibe with the DJ's they get. Has me coming back often than go to San Jose. House music is back in Monterey & get those dancing shoes ready ! read more

Great cocktails, amazing service, awesome electronic music, and owner brought out free food even on a Wednesday! If we lived here, we'd be back often! read more

Great vibe, cozy and there was queer fam hanging out! Loved it and will definitely go back!

Loved my visit! Love, they have local talent! Very welcoming! I'll definitely be back!

Can't say enough about this new venue, we were there on opening night and been going now religiously every week for the great atmosphere, music, decor, great staff, small bites and drinks. It's a small, warm cozy place with a funky retro feel as the name suggests. Disco balls and 80s boomboxes line the walls and ceiling. This venue is exactly what Monterey needs, the music is amazing with rotating international DJs playing a diverse blend house music with touches of jazz, disco, soul, funk, Latin and 90s club classics. If you've been to clubs in San Francisco, New York or Europe you will feel at home here. If you love to dance as I do this is the place! read more

Rude customer service was able to go inside for about a 30min then was asked to leave because of dress code even though multiple people were in the same kind of outfits and no one told me at the door I asked if I can get a refund and was told no and to leave real shitty ass service and before you say anything Ken your employees told me they wouldn't been tripping about Dress code if it wasn't for your bum ass read more