Hay's Place — Restaurant in Monterey

Went today for lunch and they just sat their last table, then were preparing for a closed private event, which is no problem so I asked for a reimbursement on parking since I was planning to eat there and normally you get a reimbursement on parking and the host said I can eat anywhere else on property, but they are the only casual dining in pebble where our group wouldn't be spending $100 per person on a casual lunch, so then she said to go to the gate and let them know the circumstances of Hay's being closed for a private event and then I asked for a written note from the manager so I don't drive all the way to the gate and when I get there, they say it's not possible when the manager advised me to say that. The manager said that wasn't possible and the policy is we have to spend $35 to get a reimbursement, which that was the original plan until they decided to not communicate with the gate that they'd be closed (also we don't get a handbook of the policies, how is a regular customer supposed to know that??). It should not be on the customer for their choice of poor communication. I did as they advised and went to the front gate and the gentlemen said there is no stopping at the exit gate! I decided to take the $13 and some change on the chin for parking because I was irritated with the huge inconvenience and waste of time, when Hay's should be more professional and communicate with the front gate. So even when you call and they say they're opened and the gate allows you in, double triple check before wasting your time and money to drive in and...

This sounds odd to say but Hay’s Place is a hidden gem. Reservations have to be made through the Pebble Beach Company which closes down telephone operations in the evening so make a call during so-called normal business hours. However, as a local, what I do is arrive early before 5:30 pm. If you can figure out a way to bring some golf putters and some balls, it’s fun to putt on the huge and FREE putting green with 18 putting holes. Even non golfers will enjoy this because it’s outside in a place with a spectacular view of Monterey Bay. If you are a group of four or less, head over to the hostess at the restaurant by 5:30 ish. She will feign surprise that you don’t have a reservation but there will be a sea of empty tables and you will be seated. If you are wearing a windbreaker, sitting outside will be pleasant as there are propane heaters. Position the chilliest diners by the heater and you will be fine.

The dinner prices are reasonable as there is no price gouging because you’re dining at Pebble. I think the prices are comparable to Carmel, Pacific Grove, and nearby Monterey.

The menu has a lot of good choices. My favorite are the carne asada soft tacos which could be split. If you do that think about getting an appetizer to share as well.

In summary, this is one of my favorite places to bring guests to when we host visitors: the menu is good,it’s a great place to get a cocktail, the parking is plentiful and free, the putting green fun, and the view is...

Come here quite often since the tin can nachos are one of my favorites, however I came here for lunch for my birthday (specifically made a comment on my reservation that it was my birthday) and received horrible service. “Teenagers don’t tip well, so why give them good service?” Teenagers don’t tip well BECAUSE we receive bad service!!! Took about 20 minutes for our server to even come take our order for drinks, far more for food and to actually bring it out even though the rest of the restaurant was quite slow, probably 6-7 other tables were actually filled. Not to mention, our server “accidentally” put one of our appetizers on hold (we never got it and I had to ask if it was even still coming and needed to make sure we weren’t charged for it anyway). Wasn’t sure if I had to ask to order some birthday dessert but you would think if I put it on the reservation they would at least think to ask about it. Will not be going back anytime soon and incredibly...