Small but very inviting place right in the water. Watched sea life whole dining. Be aware there are stairs you must go down to enter the restaurant. Food was great and large portions. read more

Sandbar & Grill - Seafood Near Me - Monterey, California

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I ordered the special with local fish, asparagus, and mango salsa. The fish was really good and a portioned reasonably. I had a choice of a side. I chose risotto, but got scalloped potatoes. Those were ok. Our waiter was nice and was knowledgeable about the menu and special. Our waters were refilled. I liked that we didn't have to ask. This restaurant is by the marina. It didn't have a stuffy feeling, but felt homey. People were just wearing regular clothes. read more

Okay, so I was a little concerned when after specifically reserving a view table with my East Coast guests, at arrival all the window tables were full. But not to worry, just wait at the bar for a bit. I loved the retro, funky seaside feel, and when some guy at the bar started hitting on me and Vicki, I knew it was going to be a fun night. It got even better after we were seated and met our server, Chris. The first couple mentioned they were from Boston, and she told us she was from Bedford, MA. Then said, "so are you all Massholes?" Just a precursor to a great back and forth with her and an all around laugh fest. There was a dramatic sunset for us to watch and though I wouldn't say the food was standout, it couldn't have been more enjoyable. The best dishes were: Sea Scallops-Oven roasted with Madiera, mushrooms & cream. Fresh "dry pack" scallops $29.50: 3.5 stars . Very fresh scallops, but a little overpowered by the rich sauce Oysters Fresh Pacific Oysters lightly breaded & quick fried $23.65: 3.5 stars . Again sparklingly fresh seafood, but batter was a bit heavy and they were just barely warm when I got them. The scalloped potatoes on the side were excellent. Stan asked if he could order some cole slaw, Chris said they only serve slaw at lunch, then magically appeared with a big bowl (which she comped us) that she saw in the walk in. So for one of those rare times, it wasn't all about the food to me. We all left with big smiles on our faces. I would definitely return! Food: 28/40 Service: 20/20 Atmosphere/intangibles: 19/20 Value 18/20 Overall: 85/100 read more

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Fresh seafood. I had the sanddabs, which came breaded and fried, so not exactly stressing the limits of the chef. Fine as basic seafood fare. read more

First time trying this restaurant! Shrimp Tacos were delicious the fish tacos needed a little bit more flavor. Kids enjoyed the fish & chips. read more

Excellent food and excellent service! I ordered the calamari steak with capers and lemon. I never eat an entire serving, but I ate all of this! Also, the risotto was amazing!! When we are in the area we will be back read more

Way too expensive for the food and service. I guess the premium price for the food must be for the location. Food was just ordinary but the price oh my..I would say it's $$$ just for the reason you will pay more than 100 most likely. read more

Beautiful dining area, amazing service and outstanding food. You can't go wrong here.

I took my Mom and Sister to dinner here last weekend. It was crazy busy in Monterey and Carmel because of the long weekend. The young lady at the front was super nice and kind to us when we arrived. She is a good salesperson! Our waiter was engaging and super friendly. We had an issue with the calamari we ordered and let the waiter know. They cooked us a new calamari dinner no questions asked. This is a fun place. A great bar to hang out at. Very good food and an amazing view. Thanks for a great experience! read more

Fish & chips - the chips they serve are definitely the ones that come frozen and the fish wasn't special Steamed artichoke - $10 to take a few nibbles of the small edible part Clam chowder - not bad 7/10 Putanescca - mostly just tastes like olives. They also didn't devein their shrimp Overall, the vibe is pretty low effort read more

Sand Bar has a lot going for it. It's casual water level location is great with boats and seals adding to the experience. Pablo, our waiter, was professional, friendly and funny. It's great to be with someone who is a veteran employee. There were four of us and we all enjoyed different entrees: calamari, ahi tuna, a seafood special and pork snitzel. The clam chowder was excellent. The menu offers a lot of choices and the prices offer a lot of value. read more

We were craving Calamari and Shrimp and searched yelp to find just that. Stumbled upon the reviews here and I dug what I saw. The wharf was easily accessible; you park and you pay. The good thing about this was each restaurant has their parking area and on a Monday afternoon this place was not so busy so we had a spot right upfront. A climb of stairs and you're headed into an old little restaurant that has charming views and window seats all along with a cute bar inside too. Food was absolutely incredible and I'm really the pickiest food critic I know, and that's not a good thing. Clam Chowder bowl and ask for the Sherry ( they being you a seperate container to add it to your preference. It adds such richness to the soup it's really incredible. The calamari was the best we have ever had; crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Their tartar sauce and cocktail sauce were home made and you could tell immediately (if you're a cook) or happen to have stellar taste buds. Entrees were phenomenal as go be expected after the soup. We ordered the Prawn plate with crispy seasoned to perfection fish and fresh cut French fries oh my goodness to die for! The bread they serve is so yummy as well. To finish we ordered creme brule and it was just so light and tasty. It's safe so say we have a new favorite seafood restaurant in the city! Sidenote: Pablo was excellent! read more

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One of the locals recommended this place. It's below the dock on fisherman's wharf. Great location if you want to eat on the water. If there's any limitations with walking beware, you have to walk down about 10 steps or more. We were seated right away. Decent menu. Decent pricing. I order the shrimp, fish quesadillia. I asked what type of fish and was told Cod comes with it, and salmon is $2 upcharge. My server was Micheal. I watch him screw up a few people's orders. The table next to us got food put down. He came back and picked it up and put it on the table, behind him. Very unprofessional. Covid is still out there. I would be pissed to see my food sat down at a table and later realize it was being observed by the guest at another table. My food took too long. By the time it came, I was over it. I asked for the bill and Togo box. My coworker ordered the ribs. I'm not sure why a seafood spot will even advertise ribs but horrible and cold. Please don't even consider this option. I asked the waiter to please take it off receipt. I also asked why there is $2 open item. He explained that was for the Cod that came on quesadilia, along with fries and coleslaw. I never got the coleslaw. I asked him to bring the menu, and we realized he was overcharged. He said he would take it off and bring a new bill. The new bill was the EXACT same, just not itemized. Do you think I am ignorant and wouldn't notice it was the same amount. At this point, I am aggravated and ready to go. I signed it and left $2 tip for the amount I was disputing. Another server comes over and tries to justify the overcharge. He said he would process it without the tip. Please pay attention to your bill. If my credit card is charged anything over $31. I will dispute it. read more

Sandbar & Grill - Never got coleslaw...and was over it. Even though I love coleslaw. Definitely wouldn't recommend this - Seafood Near Me - Monterey, California

Best place in Monterey hands down. The food is wonderful. The staff is friendly and attentive. The view is amazing. We've been going there for many years and it continues to be our favorite. Bring a light jacket if you sit by the door. It IS literally on the water. Just writing this makes me want to go back. read more

Parking was easy to find on the pier, although you do have to pay. Luckily, we didn't have to wait to be seated when we got there. Nice view- the windows of the restaurant look out onto the marina. The waiter brought out a basket of bread for us to start. The best part of the meal was the clam chowder. I wish the bowl went deeper. I ordered the sand dabs because it seems to be popular here and it's something I haven't tried before. It was ok, just tasted like any other white fish. Our other entree, the fish & chips were more enjoyable. Prices to me seem a bit high- tourist prices I guess. read more

Sandbar & Grill - Clam Chowder - Seafood Near Me - Monterey, California

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I just had a marvelous fish and chips lunch here. Delicious! A view of the yacht harbor with seals and otters. Definitely a hidden local find! Best clam chowder ever, loaded w clams. Great service! Parking was easy on the wharf. I will return over and over. read more

Took another group here recently for dinner. We were lucky to get a reservation for our group of 6. They loved it! This is a small yet comfy restaurant. Very lively! Food is tasty and delicious. The vibes in here isn't serious at all, very laid back. Can't wait for another meal! read more

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My wife and I try to have lunch every month at this terrific restaurant. The food is amazing with excellent portions. The staff are highly attentive even once it gets packed by noon. Love the water views! It's great that you're on the ward and away from the crowds. Easy walk to Cannery Row area. read more

S & G is on the wharf in Monterey, and it came highly recommended from a rellie. I'm glad I tried it. We started off w/ the calamari app ($10.85). As opposed to tentacles and rings, S & G's version is fresh steaks cut and dredged in seasoned batter. The calamari was super tender and flavorful: 4 Stars. For our mains, we ordered the sandabs, chicken sandwich, crab, shrimp & avo sandwich and the crab BLT ($19.95 - my order). Everyone liked their dishes, but I thought the specialty of the house was just OK. There wasn't much crab, and the bacon didn't do anything for me: 3 Stars. On the other hand, I had a bite of the crab, shrimp & avo open faced sandwich, and it was winnahz. It is the same price as the crab BLT, but it just had more going on. There was plenty of crab & shrimp, and the cheese just tied it all together: 5 Stars. Regarding the ambiance, it is very quaint and small. However, surprisingly, there is a U-shaped bar that fits a lot of peeps. Don't expect to bring a group of more than 4, but it works for this small space: 4 Stars. Likewise, the service was warm and attentive. The food arrived quickly, our water glasses were refilled w/o asking, and we were asked if we needed anything. The next time I'm in Monterey, I will definitely be back to S & G. Although its in a touristy area, it looks like a locals hangout. read more

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We have been going to this place on & off, but now on & on as the fish & seafood are always perfectly cooked, fresh. The cocktail are very good and the location is a must (inside the pear nearly on the water) Please, keep it that way, thank you!!! read more

Sandbar & Grill - Crab salad and grilled sandbar fish - Seafood Near Me - Monterey, California

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Killer chowder. Great bar service. Good Bloody Mary. Very low key find if you're looking for something low maintenance.

Food was absolutely delicious, great service, crayons for little kids (which you rarely see these days), and it was fun to be down on the water. Would definitely return. read more

This hidden gem is one of my favorite local spots. If I hadn't had a friend take me, I likely never would have noticed this place. Food is solid, drinks are strong and pricing isn't over the top. What more can you ask for? read more

Great local place to go right on the water. Service was fast and friendly, even though they were packed

On 10/22/23 our 30th anniversary, my wife & I wanted to celebrate and have wonderful food at the Sandbar but I was sadden that I didn't even get pass the lady that took my call for reservation, 1st She asked "what time you want", I mentioned 6:30 then she said "only available are 5:00, 7:30, 8:00.... Then she asked "how many in our party" I said 5 people. She said in a rude way "you know we are a small restaurant and we have a party of 10 at 7:30" she made me feel like I should of known there was a large party. I don't know her, don't how long she been working there but I always thought that a host/hostess are inviting and not discouraging. Will not be going to the sandbar anymore. read more

This place has really delicious food. Right in the water, basically. Had scampi, fish and coleslaw and Cobb salad. Great wine too. You can open the window for the breeze to come in at your table. Even tho our waiter had a snack in his beard and it fell out when he was serving our food, it landed on the floor, we still ate our food. I would be normally grossed out and quit at this point. But he was so nice and the food was amazing, I didn't care Don't let this detur you from coming here. It made a fun memory for us!! Love this place. Not as touristy since it is on OLD Fisherman's Wharf and not the crowded one. read more

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What a fantastic spot! Very fresh seafood, great variety, and service was very prompt and friendly. My bf and I had the oysters, clam chowder (cup), combo Louie salad, and the crab, prawns, and avocado melt. Everything was delicious! I was especially impressed with the salad and sandwich. They also have an excellent cocktail menu; we had the Bloody Mary and Mai Tai, both of which were delicious. Combo Louie salad: lots of fresh crab meat and comes with 4 big prawns! Most Louie salads have way too much salad and not enough meat or they give an insane amount of crab and shrimp that are not fresh. This was perfect; honestly the best Louie I've had so far! 5/5 Crab, prawns, avocado melt: delicious!! This is an open-faced sandwich, fyi. Loaded, flavorful, and cheesy! The fries that come with it are also fantastic. 5/5 Clam chowder: lots of clams and not too creamy! I'm not a clam chowder connoisseur, but this was delicious! Very satisfying. 5/5 Oysters: Yummm! I've been craving oysters, and this hit the spot! I appreciate the raw horseradish that comes with it. 5/5 I'll be back! read more

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We visited Sandbar 2 consecutive nights based on recommendation by a local. We were NOT disappointed! First night shared chowder, calamari app, 2nd night shared wedge salad and halibut topped with Dungeness crab, enough for two. Grand finale bread pudding topped with real whipped cream (not from a can!! Prices very reasonable, strong drinks! Recommend sitting at bar. Fun to share & chat with locals. Just don't ask bartender for chowder in sourdough bread bowl....local spots are great but tourism is major source of employment here, be nice to the tourists. read more

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Always excellent! And you can't beat the view. Best hidden secret. Sand dabs, Calamari appetizer and shrimp scampi So good. Oh clam chowder lol I won't go on, it's all good!!! read more

I recommend this spot for a new take on calamari! This place is a local spot and gets packed. They do take reservations and offer the full menu at the bar. Also the wine pours are huge! This is was my third time here and will continue to come back. read more

Sandbar & Grill - Seafood Near Me - Monterey, California

Amazing! Tonight I enjoyed the Sandbar Curry which consisted of scallops and mushrooms in a Madeira-infused cream sauce served with risotto. My husband ordered grilled prawns stuffed with dungenous crab served with scalloped potatoes. The service was impeccable. I would best describe it as a seaside bistro with friendly staff who treat everyone like family. For dessert, we tried the creme brûlée and chocolate Bundt cake with vanilla ice cream. The creme brûlée was creamy with an almost pudding like consistency. The chocolate cake was moist and the vanilla ice cream had to be homemade! Fantastic! Would highly recommend the Sandbar & Grill if you find yourself in Monterey! read more

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We went here for fish and chips. It was excellent food. And right on the water. We had the fish and chips and it was really good. They serve bread before you meal with was great, we were hungry. The service was good and the ambiance was nice. read more

I ordered the Prawns Scampi and clam chowder soup. The prawns scampi had a light white wine sauce. It came with about 5 prawns, maybe 6 if you count the half chunk. The clam chowder cane with sliced sourdough bread and was very subtle. I seasoned it with pepper and a sprinkle of tabasco for taste. It's a small spot on the pier. Nice view of the dock. Looks like it could get busy. We sat down pretty quick. The service was good. The food came in a timely matter. Overall it was a nice afternoon snack. read more

Food was great, server was great not a fancy place but great food. Would definitely go back

This restaurant offers a wonderful view of the water and some good, albeit pricey, food. It's a happening place so try to make a reservation prior to coming. Some families were turned away and despite coming to our reservation on time (when we scheduled it), we had to wait an additional 10 minutes for a table to be cleared up. I know it's not the host's fault and they did their best to keep us updated on the situation with our table. We ate here for about an hour and were checked up on regularly. When we were seated, we were given fresh bread and some menus. The fresh bread was delicious!! Honestly, maybe the best thing I ate all night. You also get free bread refills! Skip the butter though: it was still hard and tasted like nothing. I added salt from my table to salvage it but the butter was too hard to mix it in. My party ordered the prawns stuffed with crab (one of their signatures), the sea bass (special of the day), and the french curry with prawns and scallops (one of their signatures). The prawns stuffed with crab were alright, but we expected the prawns to be bigger and more stuffed. They were tasty but nothing spectacular. Some pieces still had bits of crab cartilage and shell in them which brought the dish down. The sea bass dish was fine but the fish was over cooked. The french curry was alright: the "french" curry tasted like a very mild, gentrified version of Indian curry. The risotto was less creamy and more gummy, but a welcome pairing to the curry. I think packing it into a cylinder for appearance's sake messed with the texture. The scallops were phenomenal though! It lacked a crust on the outside but the insides were buttery smooth and melt in the mouth. The prawns were decent and slightly over cooked. I think this dish could have really improved with some acidity and more seasoning. Our total, pre-tip, came out to be $130. This place is nice to eat at once, but I don't think I'll come back. The food was tasty but I think the cook on several items brought the experience down to 3 stars. read more

Sandbar & Grill - the french curry (in the front) and sea bass special (in the back) - Seafood Near Me - Monterey, California

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Great Food, Fabulous Drinks and a Wonderful View, what more could you ask for! You definitely want to try this local spot for yourself!

Really good seafood and overall cool restaurant. Plenty of parking and very friendly and patient staff. I would highly recommend for a solid seafood dinner. read more

Seriously the BEST place to eat! Mom and pop restaurant with amazing food. We always try other restaurants when we visit Monterey... but, regret not eating every single meal here!! This visit we ordered ribs, sand dabs and a Louie salad. All delicious. Tables were all outdoors due to COVID-19. Felt safe. Great service. Counting down the days till we visit again!!! read more

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Sand dab is a thing you won't regret. Also the salmon glazed with ginger/soy sauce - it's amazing! 4-6pm weekdays are happy hours, dishes mentioned above are in happy hour menu. Its a small, friendly bar with a fast service. Not noisy, so you can talk with friends half voice. read more

We loved visiting here. Great view, amazing staff and fantastic food. We loved our waiter Edgar who went out of way to ensure everything was perfect. read more