Carmel-by-the-Sea’s most popular bars
Once the day is over, the city unveils a surprisingly vibrant nightlife scene, with a wide variety of bars, pubs and lounges. Whether you’re a fan of fine cocktails, craft beers or looking for a cosy place to chat with friends, Carmel-by-Sea has something for everyone.
Here’s a detailed guide to the best bars in Carmel to discover during your visit.
A.W. Shucks Cocktail & Oyster Bar
Atmosphere: Relaxed, beach-themed
Specialties: Creative cocktails, fresh oysters, seafood and sandwiches
Don’t miss: Fresh oysters accompanied by a house cocktail
Located in the heart of Carmel, A.W. Shucks is a casual bar that combines the ambiance of a beach bar with seafood specialties. It’s the perfect place to enjoy fresh oysters with a refreshing cocktail. If you’re a seafood lover, this bar is a must. The setting is both relaxing and charming, inviting you to spend a pleasant moment enjoying fresh, tasty food.
Address: Ocean Ave 3SW of, San Carlos St
Alvarado Street Brewery & Bistro
Atmosphere: Contemporary, in a shopping mall
Specialties: Craft beers, international menu
Don’t miss: Local craft beers and diverse menu
Alvarado Street Brewery & Bistro is the perfect place for those wishing to discover the local brewing scene in a relaxed, modern atmosphere. Located in a shopping center, this bar offers a wide selection of craft beers accompanied by an international menu that will satisfy all your culinary desires. Whether you’re a beer lover or a connoisseur of world cuisine, you’ll find plenty to enjoy in this welcoming setting.
Address: Mission Street &, 7th Ave Suite 112
Barmel
Atmosphere: Friendly, with live music and themed DJs
Specialities: Classic cocktails and appetizers
Don’t miss: DJ nights and live music
If you’re looking for a lively bar in Carmel, Barmel is an excellent choice. This friendly pub serves classic cocktails and appetizers while providing a festive atmosphere with live music and themed DJ nights. Whether you’re here for a cocktail with friends or to dance to the beat, Barmel guarantees a successful evening in a warm and lively atmosphere.
Address: San Carlos between Ocean Ave & 7th Ave In, Carmel Way Courtyard
Brophy’s Tavern
Atmosphere: Cosy, traditional Irish pub
Specialities: Comfort food, craft beers, local wines
Don’t miss: Local craft beers and warm ambience
Brophy’s Tavern is a cozy Irish pub offering a welcoming atmosphere and comfort food. Housed in a two-storey house, it offers a wide selection of local craft beers and regional wines, as well as traditional Irish dishes. It’s the perfect place to relax after a day of sightseeing, with a good beer in hand and tasty dishes to share with friends.
Address: San Carlos St &, 4th Ave
Bud’s at La Playa
Atmosphere: Elegant cocktail lounge bar
Specialities: Refined cocktails
Don’t miss: Historic atmosphere and creative cocktails
Located in the iconic La Playa Hotel, Bud’s is a sophisticated cocktail bar that pays homage to Carmel’s history. This lounge bar offers a refined cocktail menu in an elegant setting, perfect for those looking for a quiet, refined place to end the evening. Bud’s historic and intimate atmosphere makes it a must for those looking for a unique and memorable Carmel experience.
Address: Camino Real &, 8th Ave
Mulligan Public House
Atmosphere: Trendy, with vintage accents
Specialities: American cuisine, classic drinks
Don’t miss: Revisited American dishes and vintage atmosphere
Mulligan Public House is a neighborhood gastropub that combines a hip atmosphere with vintage accents. Offering traditional American cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere, this bar is ideal for those looking to spend a pleasant moment with friends while enjoying tasty dishes. The warm atmosphere and retro decor add a unique touch to this experience.
Address: 5 Dolores SE of Ocean
Shearwater Tavern
Atmosphere: Intimate and relaxed
Specialities: Small plates, fine wines
Don’t miss : Carefully selected wine list
For those who prefer a quieter, more refined atmosphere, Shearwater Tavern is the place to be. This restaurant-bar offers a variety of small plates accompanied by a carefully selected wine list. Whether you’re a fan of light cuisine or fine wines, Shearwater Tavern offers a unique culinary experience in an intimate and welcoming setting.
Address: 3665 Rio Rd
Terry’s Lounge
Atmosphere: Elegant and sophisticated
Specialities: Tapas, international dishes, cocktails
Don’t miss: Refined tapas and live music
Terry’s Lounge, located within the legendary Cypress Inn, is an elegant lounge bar offering tapas and international main courses, accompanied by creative cocktails and live music. This refined venue is perfect for a chic evening in Carmel’s unique setting, offering an unforgettable culinary and musical experience.
Address: Lincoln St &, 7th Ave
Sade’s
Atmosphere: Retro and relaxed
Specialities: Authentic diving atmosphere
Don’t miss: Local ambiance and authenticity
Sade’s is Carmel’s newest dive bar, and it deserves a special mention for its authentic atmosphere. This cash-only bar offers an immersion in local nightlife, a far cry from the more touristy bars. If you’re looking for a no-fuss, truly local experience, Sade’s is the place for you.
Address : Lincoln St