The Barnyard Shopping Village — Attraction in Monterey

Tucked away in a charming neighborhood, this place is a delightful little gem where you can kick back and relax. Whether you're a dog lover or just looking for a cozy hangout spot, this is the perfect place to spend a few hours enjoying good food and good company.

As soon as you step inside, you're greeted with a warm and friendly atmosphere. The staff here absolutely adores dogs, so you and your furry friend will feel right at home. They've gone the extra mile by creating a special menu just for dogs, so your four-legged companion can join in on the dining fun. It's heartwarming to see how inclusive they are!

Now let's talk about the food. This place is a paradise for food enthusiasts. You've got a little bit of everything here. Craving some exotic flavors? The Indian restaurant will take your taste buds on a spicy adventure. Looking for something light and refreshing? The Japanese restaurant has you covered with their delicate and flavorful dishes. And if you're a breakfast lover, you're in luck! There's an all-day breakfast joint that serves up delicious morning treats whenever you want them. Pancakes for dinner? Why not!

But that's not all. There's a bakery where you can indulge in freshly baked goodies and enjoy a cup of aromatic coffee. And don't even get me started on the chocolate shop—it's a paradise for anyone with a sweet tooth. And when you're ready to unwind, the pub offers a great selection of drinks to quench your thirst.

Feeling a bit stressed? No worries! This place also has you covered with a variety of massage parlors and spas. Treat yourself to a relaxing massage or a luxurious spa treatment. It's the perfect way to melt away the worries of the day.

In a nutshell, this place is a hidden treasure. It's cozy, dog-friendly, and offers a wide range of culinary delights. Whether you're looking to hang out with your furry friend, try different cuisines, or simply find a relaxing spot, this place has it all. So grab your pup, bring your appetite, and get ready for a few hours of pure enjoyment. You won't be...

This is a really interesting shopping complex to put it mildly. One expert tip: don't mind the "10 minute" sign. (Edit: Maybe the owner saw my review lol. Now it's being enforced.) I come here literally every day and no one honors it, especially those who run shops here, and there is no one to enforce. Besides some oddities, it's generally very well kept and quiet on week days. Weekends can get a bit hectic when the weather is nice, which draws tourist traffic. Compared to Crossroads though it's a lot better. People watching while sitting at one of the outdoor tables is what this place is really about. I heard some old school celebrities live in Carmel (now including Brad Pitt) and sometimes venture out to these shopping complexes. A hairdresser lady told me one of her clients is a famous actress from like the 70s. I personally don't recognize any of these people, which is a bummer. There's a recording studio here and chatting with the owner might be something that you might want to entertain if you are a music person, especially blues or jazz. I haven't got a clue so I never bothered but from what was forced upon my ear, it seemed that he had been once a well known musician. Another interesting thing to watch is all the nice cars that are parked here, if you are a car person. To even my uneducated eyes, these cars look pretty expensive. One time an older couple (in 60s probably) pulled in in that boxy Mercedes SUV, next to which a young lady pulled in in an exact same car right after. The look on his face was something I'll probably never forget. You will easily find Porsches and Bentleys. And admiring each others' cars seem to be a sport people enjoy here. So if you have Porsches, Ferraris, etc. coming out here to chat up with fellow drivers might be...

One if the two main shopping centers in Carmel (not including downtown/Carmel-by-the-Sea) and while it seems to be slowly adding a better variety of shopping/dining options, it's still filled largely by high end/expensive shops and restaurants that are better suited for a nice night out, not a quick, affordable meal. With the exception of Bagel Bakery, a Carmel staple where the employees will actually get to know their regular customers' orders, the new Erik's Deli, and Mountain Mike's pizza, the rest of the dining options (Robata's, Sur, even Allegro Pizza to an extent these days) are delicious but more expensive. There is a great local coffee shop, Carmel Valley Coffee Roasting Company, in the Barnyard that I would highly recommend, but it's not exactly cheap either.

That's the only reason for 4 stars instead of 5 - we would likely frequent the Barnyard much more often if most of the options weren't cost prohibitive. There is plenty of parking and it is a beautifully landscaped/designed shopping center, however, so it's worth considering if you're visiting or have visitors in town you'd like to treat to a nice meal or...