Schooners

Schooners sits right on the edge of Monterey Bay, inside the Monterey Plaza Hotel on Cannery Row. Walk in through the hotel lobby, past the front desk, and the restaurant opens up with a mix of indoor tables and an outdoor deck that stretches out over the water. Most people head for the patio when the weather holds – glass windbreaks and heaters keep it comfortable even when the fog drifts in. Tables along the railing look straight out over the bay, and it’s common to spot otters or pelicans drifting by while you eat. The menu leans into seafood. Mussels arrive in big bowls, local ceviche rotates through, and cioppino is a regular fixture. Fish and chips, lobster tail, and scallops round out the main lineup, with steak also on offer, plus sides like Brussels sprouts, fries, and thick slices of focaccia. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner all play out here – cinnamon rolls come out in the morning, and full plates of seafood show up by noon. The bar sits just off the main dining room and keeps a steady flow of cocktails – Bloody Marys are a staple, and there’s a solid wine and beer list to go with them. Inside, the setup stays clean and straightforward, with most of the attention drawn to the windows and the view. The deck sees the most use on clear days, but inside tables don’t lose much – floor-to-ceiling glass keeps the bay in sight from almost anywhere you sit. The whole place stays casual without feeling thrown together. It’s tidy, with a rhythm that shifts between the quieter indoor space and the open air outside. Getting in is simple: the entrance sits just off Cannery Row, with valet parking through the hotel and public parking nearby. The restaurant is wheelchair accessible, and restrooms are just inside, shared with the hotel. Reservations are a good idea, especially for a table outside. Schooners is part of the hotel, but open to anyone – locals, travelers, hotel guests. The location sits in the heart of Monterey’s old canning district, and the bay views anchor it to the coast. Tables along the deck are set up for lingering over a meal or just a drink, with marine life in view more often than not.