Sandbar & Grill

Definitely a must visit. This restaurant doesn’t rely on just its peculiar location, the food is also quite delicious. I was surprised with how good my fish and chips were, I wasn’t expecting much and ended up wanting more. They do handle large portions if that might concern you. Finally I would like to add that ringing the bell at the entrance is a MUST. Have fun and enjoy ringing a port bell.

This place blew us away - excellent, attentive but unobtrusive service, satisfying drink selection, and fresh fish, cooked fresh, with what I think were house-made sauces. The service was pleasant, the guests were nice, and I got the impression that this spot is a sweet local secret, tucked away with a great view of the wharf below deck. Loved every bit of this place, and so did my family. Will definitely come back if I have the chance!

Super delicious food, we loved the calamari. The view is great! We went for lunch and the atmosphere was perfect for a families but it did start to turn into more of a bar scene by the time we were leaving so if you’ve got littles with you maybe consider lunch time over dinner. Service was great and friendly. It is down some pretty steep stairs I did not see any wheelchair accessible way to actually get to the restaurant so be mindful of that as well. The bread pudding was perfect 👌🏼

One of the best happy hours around! I’ve been here many times and the bar is often full so I was thrilled when I was finally able to get a spot with a friend. Even though we had a short wait, it was absolutely worth it. The clam chowder and calamari are both top-notch and never disappoint. Great food, great atmosphere, and a happy hour that lives up to the hype.

Sand Bar & Grill is a must-visit gem on the Monterey Pier. It’s easy to miss if you’re not paying attention. Look to the left just as you enter the pier, about 15 parking spaces in. Park directly on the pier and pay for parking. It’s absolutely worth it. There’s almost always a wait, so arrive early and put your name in. Once they call you to confirm your reservation, ring the bell twice when you arrive to let the hostess know you’re there. It’s a charming little ritual that sets the tone for the experience. You’re immediately greeted with warm, fresh sourdough bread and butter that hits the spot and calms the cravings. Yum. The crab appetizer was outstanding. One hundred percent fresh crab with no filler, served with cocktail sauce. Thick, juicy bites that tasted like the ocean in the best way. The oysters were incredibly juicy. They are usually larger in November. The January oysters were California caught and slightly smaller, but still excellent. Served with horseradish, cocktail sauce, and lemon. Mmm mmm. We paired the appetizers with a perfectly chilled bottle of Albariño and a Bloody Mary. Both were spot on. To finish, we shared a large bowl of clam chowder loaded with meaty clams and hearty potatoes. Every spoonful was rich, comforting, and delicious. Beautiful view of the bay and yachts. Romantic, cozy, and consistently excellent. Sans Bar & Grill is a yummy, unforgettable Monterey experience and an absolute must visit. 🌊🍷

There were plenty of options for dinner that night, but after some research online, we found this incredible gem. A little secret? Order the clam chowder with a splash of sherry. Reservations are a must, as apparently, they are always packed. The food was delicious, the atmosphere was bright and lively and the wine selection was great! You’re also sitting very close to the water in a kind of secluded location, so the whole thing feels like a well-kept secret. A must if you’re in Monterey!

We were actually aiming for another well rated restaurant on the wharf but saw the Sandbar and got intrigued, so we stopped in for a Saturday lunch. The place was packed, so that’s a good sign. We ordered the tubes and tentacles and a bowl of clam chowder, though I know the fish n chips are highly rated and that was a close second choice. Next time, we’ll order that because what we did have was really good. For a busy place, the service was quick and kind. The portions were generous, and the view was excellent. Will return.

Mom was visiting the area and wanted seafood. I picked this place because of the venue. I would plan to arrive early and put yourself on the wait list for a table by the window and then grab a drink at the bar. The cocktails are STRONG and the bartender was a beast. He can get your drink to you in no time and you can sit and chat while you wait for your table. The food was pretty good, I think it needed some salt. But, I guess it is better to add salt cause you cannot take that away. However, the venue is such a vibe and that is why you should go. We caught the sunset over the water and the boats docked in the wharf. It was pretty spectacular. You will need to pay for parking if you decide to park next to the restaurant. All in all a really good night! Worth going for the venue alone.

Delicious lunch with entertaining view of beginning sailing class (a couple nearly tipped themselves, negotiating a tight turn for the first time.) The clam chowder is particularly delightful and well seasoned. Our waiter accidentally cleared my soup before I was done. He replaced it without batting an eye. I appreciate that so much.

Went here on a Father's Day weekend, on a Saturday. I have heard of this place from someone who is local so I figured I would check it out. It was a small place, below the bridge almost like a boat sitting on the water with views of yachts by the window. All window seats were taken so we just sat on the middle tables. We were seated and served immediately. My boyfriend and my dad both got fish and chips, I got the sand dabs and we got calamari for the table. The calamari was absolutely delicious. I am guessing its small squids cut lengthwise so you get little triangles. The meat was soft and not rubbery, the batter is light and flavorful. It was my favorite part of my meal. My sand dabs were also very good. Light, delicate, buttery. I'm guessing it's made like Sole Meunière but sand dabs instead of sole. I got 4 pieces in my meal with a side salad. Rest assured I finished it all. Overall it was a great meal and a great experience. Our server was very nice and attentive, even the people just walking by refilling water were very nice. The price is reasonable. I would highly recommend this place and I am definitely coming back for those calamari and sand dabs!

Returned after about 7 months with my family. Highly recommend call ahead reservations. The ambiance is very loud with people talking & eating, and the seating is sparse, but good. However, the scallops (with white sauce & mushrooms) was notably less pleasing this visit. Might have been a change of seasons for the mushrooms, or a slight change in the sear on the scallops (which were still plentiful & in a good white wine sauce.) The ribs & shrimp are good, as was the apple crumble. However, there was an unexpected additional upcharge for using a credit card (bring cash!!!) and an increase in prices compared to the provided menu prices. Add to that a charge for ice cream we didn't get, but was taken off after we mentioned it missing... leaves me saying the meal was one star less shining compared to my last visit. Not for the faint of cash, and I'd have to reconsider my previous high recommendation given the change in flavors and increases in prices.

This is a hidden gem, in the midst of tourist trap restaurants. Upping getting seated we were served warm bread and butter. The seafood is absolutely best of what Monterey has to offer. I ordered a clam chowder cup, and as usual I added Tabasco sauce. This was best Clam Chowder I ever had. Plenty of clams with a smooth creamy thick texture. For the main dish I ordered the calamari steak with capers and lemon butter sauce. For my sides I order steam vegetables. It was cooked to perfection. My wife ordered the prawns a a chips. They were served hot and fresh from the frier. The service was excellent and with a smile. The interior is a bit dated and the exit is a little shady as you walk up the stairs and thru the garbage dumpster. The views through the windows are beautiful.

Dropped in late in the evening and so glad we did! Great food, service, ambiance and cocktails. It was late night on a weekday, so parking was free and easy. We ordered the sand dabs appetizer, steamed artichoke and shrimp stuffed with crabmeat along with Vesper cocktails (one of the best I've had). We shared the food and it was plenty for two. Portions were perfect, service was attentive but not overbearing, place was quiet and calm. I highly recommend the Sandbar and Grill.

My family and i came to visit Sandbar Grill for dinner during our Monterey Trip. It's just a 5 min walk from the wharf and pier area. The restaurant is hidden away and looks like a not eye-catching old shack. The insides are quite casual and low key. The tables are not fancy with plastic covers pulled over them. It's quite small inside and crowded with an interior bar so it does get a bit noisy. The ambiance is casual and not like fancy steakhouse, but it's got superior food and service. The view from the interior is amazing. If you get a window seat, you get a beautiful view of the water and all the boats in the harbor area. You would need to make a reservation to get a seat by the window though. We came a bit before 6pm with no reservations. We were seated quickly in an interior table. The service is excellent and prompt. The staff is classy and professional. We ordered calamari for appetizers and their special alaskan cod entree. The calamari is probably one of the best I've ever had. The cook on it was perfect and the texture and bite was amazing... soft and not too tough and chewy. The exterior breading was nice and crisp with really good flavor. The cod dish was good too. The sauce was buttery and nice acidity from the wine reduction. The cod itself was slight dry so a minute less on the cook time would have been perfect. Overall great place! Glad we got to try it. We'll definitely be back next time we are in town!

What a lovely brunch experience we had when we visited this establishment. We went on a Saturday and were greeted by friendly staff. They sat us at a table with a great view of the dock. We had super delicious bloody marys along with tasty plates. Our favorites would be the fried calamari (thick and meaty) and mussels (sauce was so good). The Philly was pretty good but not the same level as the calamari/mussels. Would highly recommend and definitely planning on a return.

We finally made it to Sandbar & Grill on Wharf 2 in Monterey a few weeks ago. What a great time with friends, wine and of course great food! It's taken so long to get here because The Sandbar and Grill is a bit out of the way and honestly I kept forgetting it was there. That will not happen again. Even on Monday night, it was packed and we had a 40 minute wait. Once you descend the stairs into the restaurant, you are seated at boat level and can watch sea lions swim while enjoying your meal. Our group of four shared the calamari appetizer - tender perfectly fried strips with lemon, tartar sauce and cocktail sauce. I had decided I wanted to try the shrimp and scallops with French style curry over risotto, but when our server told us the specials I had to try. Three of us ordered the special; seabass with a chipotle cream sauce with your choice of risotto, as gratin potatoes or polenta. I chose the risotto. The seabass was flaky, the risotto creamy and the sauce added a nice hit of flavor. It came with a nice serving of fresh asparagus. I loved my choice - absolutely delcious. Luckily my friend opted for the shrimp and scallops with the French curry sauce over risotto so I got to taste that too. So much flavor in the sauce! I will definitely go back and order that over and over. This spot is fast becoming one of my favorite stops. We visited again about 4:30 on a Friday. Luckily we found two seats at the bar and were able to take advantage of some of the happy hour specials.The clam chowder is some of the best I've had in the area. Thick (but not too thick), creamy with lots of clam and so flavorful. I chose to have the mussels with a side of garlic bread while my husband tried the fish and chips. It's been a while since I've had mussels as my last experience elsewhere was not good. These were delicious and the garlic bread was perfect for sopping up the tasty broth. The fish and chips were fresh and crisp. Overall another delicious meal and quite affordable. Service was friendly and prompt. We never wanted for anything and were checked on to make sure all was good with our meals. Great experience! I will say the atmosphere is quite lively so if you are looking for a quiet spot, this may not be it especially during happy hour when it appears the locals take over the bar! Open Daily at 11AM Sunday Brunch 10:30am to 2pm Happy Hour 4:00pm - 6:00 pm Mon - Fri

We're so glad that we returned to Sandbar and Grill, and it is still as delicious as we remembered! We went for an early lunch shortly after 11 AM and almost all of the tables along the windows were taken. Staff was extremely nice and gave us an awesome table with great views, even though we were clearly visitors with two little kids. The kids were so happy and excited! They thought they were eating on a real boat, lol! The Sand Dab Plate ($22) is DH's favorite. We got it with veggies, which the wait staff suggested but is not on the menu. The broccoli and green beans were cooked with fresh garlic and surprisingly good! DH says, " This is why we go to Sandbar. The sand dabs were perfectly cooked." One of our kids is a huge fan of Linguini and Clams, so we ordered the Linguini with Clams and Prawns ($26) The sauce was amazing! Lots of flavor, white wine, herbs, and best of all, well balanced and not "fishy". Pro tip: dip the bread in the sauce! Clams were large and quite tender. Prawns were well cooked and fresh. Not chewy. Pasta was cooked just right. We got a kid's portion of Fish and Chips ($12) and it was surprisingly large. They do such a great job with the batter. You can't go wrong with this. It's a classic! I think their tartar sauce is house made too. It tastes fresh and has capers in it. Overall, it's a must-try if you're in the area! We'll be back the next time we visit Monterey!

I stopped into Sandbar after a day in Monterey. I really wanted some seafood before turning in to my Airbnb for the night. The restaurant is located right on the water and you feel like you're in a barge or boat of some kind. The vibe is a mix of regulars, locals, and tourists. Everyone was super friendly including the fellow patrons at the bar. I got a half dozen oysters, the caesar salad topped with dungeness crab and anchovies, and an aperol spritz. I was a bit disappointed in the oysters since they were pretty small and lackluster in flavor. However, I might just be a spoiled Maryland girl. The salad came highly recommended and was topped with loads of crab. It was delicious and filling. The tab was quite expensive for one person but I guess that's what is to be expected at a seafood spot on the water. Parking wasn't too difficult on the dock either even during peak dinner hours.

We originally went for happy hour which was bar seating only but Tuesday nights are locals night and super packed. After checking the prices, the happy hour and regular menu prices were only a few dollars more so we opted for a regular table. Service was excellent and the location was great. We sat by the window overlooking the bay/marina. The few appetizers I tried were just so-so for me. I thought the clam chowder was just ok 3/5, the calamari was 3/5 and the steamed artichoke was 2/5. Since we didn't order anything from the dinner menu, my food review is stricly on the apps. However, the atmosphere was nice and the energy was lively for a a Tuesday evening.

Very good food and atmosphere. We got the oysters and clam chowder to start and they were both very tasty. We also got the steak calamari which I would definitely order again. The prawn and scallop pasta was very good as well but I think we'll try something else next time as it wasn't anything special. The scallops were very soft and tasted great though.

When in Monterey... A classic! Never gets old at The Sandbar! Just your typical "wharf" food but sooo good! Great martinis, Steamed artichokes, and clam chowder the way you remember it. Half of us had the fish and chips- HUGE pieces of cod, beer-battered, served with fresh green beans and fries (or... sub fries for the even better scalloped potato). The other half had the sandabs.. also a huge portion served with green beans and choice of fries, risotto cake, or scalloped potatoes. Always a go-to!

Stopped by for happy hour after a long drive up the coast. Unfortunately we didn't realize that Tuesdays were local days there, and the bar area was packed. We instead had to grab a table and order off the regular menu. We tried some calamari, which was pretty good for me, but my fiancée didn't care for them. We also had some clam chowder (below average), and artichokes ( also below average). The waiter and the host were very nice, and we enjoyed the view of the harbor. The food unfortunately didn't hit the mark for us.

There are better places in Monterey to try. The food was unexceptional and the service was disappointing. Only the location on the pier was good. I was visiting from out of town so I made dinner reservations. We got there 5 min before and the hostess seated the party (no reservations) who walked in just before us without even checking the reservation book. Basically gave our table away right before our eyes which started dinner off on a bad note. Make reservations if you must but just know it's really first come first. serve.

We had the best waitress. She was funny and outgoing. Order the Sand-dabs!!! They are the best!!!

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.

Went to Sandbar since we were looking for a place to eat with a view before heading to the airport (on a weekday). Was very surprised by how much parking there was (an entire large lot) and the location was easy to find and tucked into the pier. So cute that we were able to see the otters playing outside the window while we ate. Service and food was great, meals were so filling and drinks had a great kick!

Carly is a great server and the food is excellent! Fish and chips delicious! Shrimp delicious! 12 oysters delicious! Bloody Mary and IPA yum! The free bread was warm and yummy! Don't miss it if you are in town!

I ate everything on my plate! The salmon was cooked to perfection with a crispy crust and the dish had a beautiful depth of flavor. Typically spinach would not be my first choice vegetable, however I ate every last bite! The orange margarita was worth it. The overall price for dinner was decent and I would pay again for the same dish. I would highly recommend calling ahead for a reservation since we had about 30-45min wait time. Inside the restaurant there is not a lot of room to wait for your table, so I suggest parking nearby while waiting for a table. There is an ocean view from every table. Great experience! Very kid friendly.

After flying into Monterey, we came straight here for lunch. We started with the calamari, which was amazing. For the main course, we shared the fish and chips, and both my grandma and I loved it. The service was as spot-on as ever, and the food was incredibly fresh. The scenery, with seating that overlooks the water, really enhances the experience. This is one of my go-to spots whenever I visit Monterey, and I'll definitely keep coming back.

Saw you had great reviews. Came on a weekend in mid-August with my family. I was really looking forward to trying this spot out. Unfortunately however, I never got to. The hostess seated some folks who walked in just ahead of us and then said it would be about 20 minutes for another table. I said ok and she took my name and phone number. Almost an hour went by. NO PHONE CALL & NO TEXT. 'Tf ?! We ate at the Old Fisherman's Grotto instead where we were immediately seated, properly served & enjoyed a quality meal. I'm not gonna say I agree, but my partner felt like it was some bias BS. And *that* leaves a bad taste for anyone

Key Points: - Review is for takeout - Relatively fast turnaround time for how busy they were - they automatically include tip. Even for takeout. We recently visited Monterey with a large group, including multiple kids, and needed to get takeout for our get-together. After trying Old Fisherman's Grotto (which doesn't do takeout) and Old Grotto's Fish House (which didn't have what we wanted or anything the kids would like), we found Sand Bar and Grill based on its good Yelp reviews and proximity to our hotel I could tell, even on the phone, that they were incredibly busy. Every time I called, I was placed on hold with audible chaos in the background. Despite this, the staff still accepted our takeout order, which we appreciated. Despite the quick turnaround time, unfortunately, the food left much to be desired. We ordered: - Fried calamari: very soft, almost too soft, and not crispy. The texture actually resembles mozzarella sticks, which was strange. Calamari is usually the Little One's favorite, yet she would barely touch this one. - Penne puttanesca: sauce seemed diluted and watered down. Seafood portion was small. Worst of all, the sauce leaked out of the container and seeped into our bag, causing a mess anywhere we placed our takeout bag. - Clam chowder: decent, but nothing special. What really rubbed me the wrong way was the automatic gratuity included for a takeout order. While the turnaround time was relatively quick, with our order completed in about 20 minutes, I found it unreasonable to include a tip for takeout, especially when we weren't dining in. I mean, who even does that?!? Maybe I'm old fashioned, but that just doesn't sit right with me. The lady who brought me the bill did mentioned after she had already rung me up and handed it to me, stating, "Just to let you know, the tip is already included." What did she expect to say back, "no. Ring it up again!?" Even if I did, we were in such a hurry that it just wasn't practical to do it. I'm giving two stars: one being the lowest possible, and the second because the staff was polite enough and managed to accommodate our takeout order last minute, while I also understand that takeout doesn't always do food justice. However, with the subpar food experience and the forced gratuity on a takeout order, I don't plan on returning.

A couple of our close friends bought us down to this restaurant to experience, they said in advance it's rustic but good food and lively. I confess we've parked exactly opposite it and never realized it was there. Even parking up I was staring directly at the bench outside the restaurant I didn't see if and wondering which way we walked to find the joint.... It's on the warf where the commercial fishing dock, you traverse through a gap in the fence, off the pier and down some steps into the restaurant which is single story out of view from the top... I have no idea if I am correct but it felt like we were sitting on a long barge, with a restaurant and bar slapped on top, it didn't move but it was waterside with an active view of the harbor. The boss ordered a large clam chowder with a side of garlic bread, I went with fish n chips (great test). The chowder must have been good as I wasn't offered a taste and she went uncharacteristically quiet, dove in and clean the bowl without taking a breath !. Fish n chips was a hearty portion, batter was golden (not over fried), cod was super fresh and fries were crispy and soft inside !. This place isn't chic, has a noisy bar, causal seating and plastic covers on the tables. It's in tourist central and by all consideration's I was expecting the food to be 'tourist food' e.g over priced, underwhelming as you pay for the location ! Resounding NO ! The service was impeccable, the food was faultless and price wasn't marked up, you feel relaxed and you just can't help praise a restaurant that still loves their craft and celebrates good people and good ingredient's ! It felt like a locals place, the people seemed all engaged with each other and happy, the bar was lively and there was a thankful lack of insular couples not communicating with each other but stuck on some cellphone app like obviously is more important than real life ! I was happy customer... seriously, thank you Sandbar for delivering great food in a great location at a competitive price point... You must be proud of what you have accomplished and you should be saluted. We will be back for the calamari and quesadilla !

This is my far the best scallops I have ever had in my life! I don't know if it was the sauce with the added mushrooms or what but it was amazing! I would come back to Monterey just to have this dish again! My friend had the mussels which she said were really good as well. I had some wine that was OK. I mean wine is wine. I should've ordered a cocktail instead. I did try their bloody Mary mix which he said was homemade which tasted delicious. I just didn't wanna have anything else heavy at the moment. The scallops also came with these potatoes, which were really amazing by the way! As well as some vegetables. Service was amazing! The tables are set up, kind of like a diner-ish style, but if you get a table by the water could possibly be a better view. The bar area was the most happening! Seemed like the best atmosphere. Loved it here, can't wait to go back!

Love! New fave spot! We sat at the bar & ordered crab avo sammy, clam chowder, Louie salad, calamari -all perfectly delish! The drinks are great & the service friendly & attentive. Can't wait to go back! Casual vibe & right on the water at municipal pier. Make sure you pay for parking at the box. We didn't see it & got a $48 parking ticket.

Mike made our short stop through Monterey a memorable one . Thank you Mike for doing what ya do !! We will be regulars for life when visiting !

Great drinks! Love the service! Location is perfect, parking was easy! Would definitely come back! Ambiance is great!

Packed restaurant on the weekend. Food was okay. Clam chowder NEEDED salt. Reading the reviews, I was expecting more, but we all ate half the food and left

Restaurant with the most beautiful atmosphere hidden on the side of the pier in Monterey Bay. Service was lovely, attentive but not pestering. Drinks came out promptly and were so good. Local selection of beer is always nice and I love their dessert menu style, it included drinks hot and cold. The Cesar crab salad was as good as I hoped it would be!!! Tons of crab and topped with anchovies, the lettuce was crunchy and a good value for the price of $38.

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.

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

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.

We go here every time we are town. Love it. Excellent service. Awesome food. Calamari is amazing.

Tiny spot right on the water was nice. The bloody mary had too much horseradish in it and the lemonade cocktail was good. The clam chowder was very thick but good. Would be back!

Best seafood in town! Had fish and chips along with seafood shrimp and penne dinner. Great atmosphere

Stopped by for some oysters and prawn. Had a good time and loved the seals. It was a long walk to get to the location which wasn't too bad but might be of concern for some. The clam chowder was pretty good but the celery was very abundant. Service was outstanding.

Excellent food and service. Cocktails were amazing. Great view of the harbor and boats

We had reservations but arrived early and they were able to accommodate our party of 6. You really can't go wrong with fresh seafood and good vibes while overlooking the water. The clam chowder, prawn and crab Louis salad, and shrimp tacos were all really good. The hostess and our waiter were very friendly and attentive.

Drinks: Bloody Mary: 5/10 Bloody Mary was enjoyable enough. Not the best but not the worst i've had. Old Manhattan: 7/10 My Nana enjoyed it :) Food: Clam Chowder: 5/10 We ordered the large clam chowder. I told the waiter we were sharing. He came back with one bowl instead of putting it in two bowls. A big minus. The clam chowder was just ok. It could've used more flavor Fish and Chips: 7/10 My Nana enjoyed his fish and chips but said it wasn't the worst or best he's ever had. * Whole Dungeness Crab- 6/10 I felt a bit cheated. The description says "whole dungeness crab" but I felt they only gave me portions of the whole cream that I paid for. Ambiance: 8/10 Overlooks Monterey Bay... Overall, a mediocre experience. The waiter was not very attentive and he didn't pay attention to the simplest details. I don't think I will return to this restaurant.

Visiting Monterey for two days and wanted some great seafood. Absolutely LOVED this divey locals hangout. We sat at the bar for apps and drinks, waiting for our table for dinner. The bartender could have been having an off day, (grumpy) but we enjoyed the drinks and atmosphere. It was packed, but definitely worth the wait for a table. We started with an Old Fashioned, a Cider, and a Manhattan. YUMMM! My cup-o-clam chowder was especially delicious with tons of chunky goodies in it. My friend got the cheesy bread to dip in the chowder. Whoa, was it hot and cheesy. Our other friend had grilled Sand Dabs. Perfectly prepared. We moved to our table and had Halibut, Putanesca, & a Crab Louie salad, along with their Pinot. Everything was spectacular and cooked to perfection. Definitely a great place for dinner on the pier. We will absolutely be back!

The hole in the wall is located on the wharf. Walk down stairs and it's right on the water. The initial impression I got wasn't great. Standing and waiting for several mins awkwardly as multiple people passed by who work there, not even a quick greeting or acknowledgment. A very busy, quick talking woman came rushing our way at some point and whisked us away to a table. The view was beautiful. The ocean, the boats, the weather. Fairly quickly we did get served. Trying the fresh halibut special, it did. It disappoint. Deliciously encrusted with pecan and bread crumbs, a creamy mango sauce. My other half opted for the salmon, also fresh and delicious. The overall observation and interaction is that this is a locally owned establishment with a great reputation of the locals and tourist drift in and out.

Absolutely the best clam chowder in Monterey. I hesitate to send you here, because I love that it's hard to find, and mostly for locals. That being said, they deserve the fame that comes with excellent service, amazing food and view, intimate sports bar, and Best Clam chowder.

First it's on a pier, and it smell fishy and it's cold when you get there. Once inside it's a bustling crowded smaller space with a large cheers-like bar, decorated with all the flags of golf courses across the world. The clam chowder is awesome. Must try even if only a cup. Most of us ordered the halibut special which was fantastic...especially with the scallop potatoes. The scallops were also yummy. The service was a 3 or 4, it was super busy that night so there were a couple mistakes, however servers were super friendly. I'd recommend going before it;s dark to take advantage of the location on the water.

Wow.. how come I've never been here before?! I'm a seafood lover and I never tried sand dollar. Located on the pier off the dock, you get the view of boats and the beautiful water. Such a cute restaurant. It wasn't too packed on July 4th. Staff was attentive. On to the food.. Bread / butter: so warm and crispy Prawn cocktail: this was huge and had a kick to the sauce 4/5 Sand dollar: get this!!!! If you never had it, you gotta try. 5/5 Clam chowder: my boyfriend said Monterey has the best & we think this was super flavorful 5/5 Calamari steak: also my first time. It was good to try, but wouldn't order again. 4/5 Overall it was delicious!

Beautiful place on the pier. Excellent service. Delicious food and friendly staff. Must give this place a try

I had such a great experience at Sandbar. We called in a reservation and got a window table right next to the water! Got to see seals and a couple otters float by in the ocean. Seafood was spectacular. We got the Clam Chowder, Fish Tacos, and Crab Salad. The clam chowder was loaded chock full of clams and mushrooms. Flavor was rich and decadent. A must try!! Crab salad was super refreshing and the kitchen was NOT stingy on the crab serving size!! You could literally have a bite of crab with every fork full. Fish tacos were good, but a little on the lighter flavor side. I drizzled some of the thousand island dressing from our Crab salad on top to add to the flavor profile. Unfortunately I forgot to take a photo of the tacos.

We arrived on a Friday night and the restaurant was very busy. The hostess said it would be about 30 min, so we waited at the bar, enjoying delicious drinks. As it was loud, I missed the text for the table by 15 minutes, completely my fault for not checking. The hostess still graciously sat us right away. Don't know her name but she had long brown hair and glasses. Props to her as she was hostessing and waiting tables! The dinner was delicious, ambiance great and still a nice spot mixing locals with tourists. Highly recommend!

Called to make a reservation. Someone picked up and hung up without saying anything. No interest in providing business to a business that can't make the time to pick up a phone call.