BEST BARS IN CARMEL:
YOUR GUIDE TO THE TOP DRINKING SPOTS
Carmel-by-the-Sea, a picturesque coastal town, boasts a diverse bar scene that caters to various tastes. From intimate wine bars perfect for a romantic evening to bustling pubs with live music, and even a few spots with ocean views, Carmel offers a unique nightlife experience. The downtown area is particularly vibrant, with many establishments within walking distance.
Top Picks in Carmel
Barmel
Barmel is a historic bar known for its craft cocktails and lively atmosphere. It features live music and DJ sets on weekends, making it a popular spot for both locals and visitors looking for a fun night out. The interior is cozy and funky, with a vintage style.
Barmel Manhattan
The Star Bar at Vesuvio
The Star Bar at Vesuvio offers a fantastic rooftop experience with fire pits and heat lamps, perfect for enjoying drinks with a view. It's known for its happy hour specials and a relaxed ambiance, making it a great spot for both casual gatherings and special occasions.
Lava Candy cocktail
Brophy's Tavern
Brophy's Tavern is an iconic sports bar in Carmel-by-the-Sea, offering a lively pub atmosphere with plenty of TVs to catch the game. It's a favorite among locals and visitors for its classic pub fare, wide selection of beers on tap, and friendly service.
Fish and Chips
All Carmel Bars
O'Callaghans
O'Callaghans is a popular Irish pub located in The Barnyard, known for its welcoming atmosphere, live music, karaoke nights, and a wide selection of Irish beers and spirits. It's a great place to enjoy a casual drink and socialize.
Bud's at La Playa
Bud's at La Playa offers an elegant and sophisticated cocktail bar experience within the historic La Playa Hotel. It's known for its inspired cocktail menu, charming ambiance, and occasional 'ten-cent happy hour' where drinks are a dime for a short period.
Terrace Bar
The Terrace Bar, also located at the La Playa Hotel, provides an outdoor setting with beautiful views, perfect for enjoying cocktails in the fresh Carmel air. It's a great spot for a relaxing drink, especially during sunset.
Sade's Cocktails
Sade's Cocktails is known as Carmel's oldest and only true dive bar, offering a no-frills, authentic experience. It's a local favorite with a strong sense of community, serving classic drinks in a cozy, unpretentious setting. Note: Temporarily closed, scheduled to reopen Sep 1, 2026.
Mulligan Public House
Mulligan Public House is a gastropub offering a blend of sports bar energy and quality comfort food. It's a popular spot for watching games, enjoying hearty meals, and sampling a variety of beers and spirits in a casual setting.
Grasing's
Grasing's is a fine dining establishment with a sophisticated lounge area, offering an extensive wine list and craft cocktails. It's known for its elegant ambiance, perfect for a more upscale drinking experience, often accompanied by gourmet appetizers.
Flaherty's Seafood Grill & Oyster Bar
Flaherty's is primarily a seafood restaurant, but it also features a well-regarded bar area offering a variety of cocktails, beers, and wines. It's a great option for those looking to enjoy fresh seafood with their drinks in a lively, casual setting.
Bar Districts & Neighborhoods
Downtown Carmel
The heart of Carmel-by-the-Sea, offering a dense concentration of bars, restaurants, and shops. It's known for its walkability and diverse options, from upscale lounges to casual pubs.
Best for: Variety of bars, walkability, lively atmosphere
The Barnyard
A unique shopping village with a few notable dining and drinking establishments, offering a more relaxed and quaint atmosphere outside the immediate downtown bustle.
Best for: Quaint atmosphere, unique shops, Irish pub
La Playa Hotel
Home to elegant bars offering sophisticated ambiance and often scenic views, ideal for a more refined drinking experience.
Best for: Upscale, romantic, scenic views
Suggested Bar Crawl Route
A curated walking order through Carmel's top bars — start early, end late.
Barmel
Downtown Carmel
Mon Closed, Tue-Thu 2pm-1am, Fri-Sat 2pm-2am, Sun 2pm-1am
The Star Bar at Vesuvio
Downtown Carmel
Mon-Tue Closed, Wed-Sun 4pm-11pm
Brophy's Tavern
Downtown Carmel
Mon-Sun 11am-10pm
O'Callaghans
The Barnyard
Mon 11am-11pm, Tue Closed, Wed-Thu 11am-11pm, Fri-Sat 11am-1:30am, Sun 11am-11pm
Bud's at La Playa
La Playa Hotel
Mon-Sun 3pm-10pm
Terrace Bar
La Playa Hotel
Hours not explicitly stated, but associated with La Playa Hotel
Pro tip: Start around 7–8 PM at stop #1 and allow 45–60 minutes per venue. Use rideshare between stops that are more than 10 minutes apart.
Local Tips for Bar Hopping in Carmel
- 1Many bars in Carmel-by-the-Sea are within walking distance in the downtown area, making bar hopping convenient.
- 2Parking can be challenging in downtown Carmel, especially on weekends. Consider using ride-sharing services or walking if staying nearby.
- 3Some establishments, particularly those with outdoor seating or views, can get busy quickly. Arriving earlier or making reservations is advisable.
- 4Check for happy hour specials, as many bars offer deals on drinks and appetizers during off-peak hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
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