Brophy's Tavern — Restaurant in Carmel-by-the-Sea

Terrible Service I chose this tavern for my birthday celebration after checking out their menu and reading some decent reviews. We had a group of 7 and were excited to spend a nice evening in Carmel — especially since it was the first time there for most of my guests.

I was wearing a "Happy Birthday" crown, yet we were told we had to sit at two separate tables. When we asked to put them together, the staff refused with cold expressions and no effort to accommodate us. They acted like we were an inconvenience from the moment we walked in.

The waitress assigned to us was particularly unpleasant. She was a mature woman with a very negative, off-putting energy — the kind of person who shouldn't be in customer service. Not only was she rude, but at one point, she even laughed directly in my friend’s face. We were shocked. Her attitude created an uncomfortable atmosphere for all of us. Instead of feeling welcome and festive, we felt disrespected and dismissed.

The owner should seriously consider replacing staff like her — people come to celebrate, relax, and enjoy good service, not to be treated like a nuisance. That kind of attitude is costing this place customers and money. Carmel is known for its charm and hospitality, but this tavern did not live up to...

Whether you're looking for a spot to catch a game, no matter which way you turn, grab a beer, or enjoy some good food, Brophy's is your place. We were recently visiting Carmel-by-the-Sea and craved a good, not-too-touristy meal before venturing into the heart of the town. Since Brophy's sits a few blocks off the main drag, it fit the bill perfectly.

We strolled in around noon to find ample seating. Five or six NFL games were being shown across various screens, so finding a good view ultimately dictated where we sat.

Food-wise, my wife chose the Grilled Cheese Sandwich with a side of tomato bisque ($16). I snagged a bite and highly recommend it. Craving a burger, I opted for the Brophy Burger ($22) with a side of fries, which was also excellent.

Regarding beer which of course we ordered, they have it, it's good, cold, local (some) and on tap. Enough said.

Service-wise, it was fantastic. We received a warm greeting upon entering and continued to be well-looked-after...

My +1 and I just ordered take-out here, but their outdoor seating was beautiful and the staff was friendly. The food was a little bit pricey (like most places in Carmel) but was pretty good for pub food.

The location is pretty easy to find, especially at night. Although the streets of Carmel are dark past sunset, the outdoor seating area is well-lit by the glow of gas fire lamps that also keep the chill at bay. The ambiance is so nice, that had I not already ordered it to go I probably would have gotten table service.

My +1 ordered a giant pretzel that was pretty big, made fresh, and came with two different dipping sauces, one with mustard and one without. I ordered a prime rib french dip that was made with a baguette and was tender and delicious.

The price was just a bit on the high side, but the ambiance would have been worth it so I'll still...