Sandbar & Grill — Restaurant in Monterey

My husband and I should have known from the bread this would not be a good time. First off, the white sandwich bread was cold and came with a stick of cold hard butter straight from the packet. Not soft or spreadable. We ordered oysters. They were not the best. The waiter seemed nice at first, but seemed confused about the menu as when we ordered the Lobster tail he said they would be $33 each and that we could do two for $58. My husband and I thought that was perfect so we ordered it. The waiter came back later saying that they couldn’t sell it to us at that price and that instead it would be $58 a person because of the size of it. He asked if we wanted something else and before we could even answer, or him clarify what he meant, he said he would call the owner to ask and didn’t offer us back our menus to find another option. This was already very strange and confusing. He came back later and said after taking it over with the owners that it was fine and that he was giving us a really good deal now. We also ordered calamari that never was brought to the table. The server brings the lobster and there are two on each of our plates instead of two tails total. I didn’t realize it was possible for lobster to be this hard and bland. The plate had a pathetic “salad” with a random hamburger-styled sliced tomato under the butter like a dish. Had we not been starving, we would have stopped at the first bite. After forcing ourselves to eat what literally tasted like a quick frozen lobster out of the microwave, we were given the bill. They tried to charge us for the calamari they never gave us also charged us $58 a person anyways despite saying they would not. When we asked our server, he was instantly defensive asking why we ate it and trying to explain that he was surprised that we ordered it saying “yeah it was really expensive.” My husband asked if we could speak to a supervisor and the bar tender came over claiming to be manager starting off with “I’ve heard his side of the story.” My husband said it wasn’t about sides of any story and that there was clearly a miscommunication and if there was something that could be accommodated. They brought back the new bill that took off only the oysters with the surprisingly free mints that turned out to be the only good part of the meal.

TLDR : Worst seafood you will ever taste. Weak customer service. Don’t go even if you’re starving and desperate. You will leave hungry and...

We visited Monterey with our family to go to the Monterey Aquarium, and instead of eating at the touristy restaurants on Old Fisherman’s Wharf, we wanted to try a place more popular with locals—even if it meant walking a bit farther. That’s how we ended up at Sandbar & Grill.

This isn’t a large, flashy, fine-dining restaurant—it’s more of a cozy, down-to-earth spot where locals can feel completely at ease. The atmosphere is relaxed, and the big windows offer a lovely view of yachts docked right outside, making it a great place to enjoy a meal while chatting with friends.

I ordered a pasta with prawns and calamari, which wasn’t on the menu but was made for me based on a similar dish they had. While it couldn’t quite beat the calamari pasta I once had in San Diego’s Little Italy, it was still delicious, with the prawns and calamari blending together beautifully.

My wife had the shrimp tacos—not the best of her life, but tasty enough to enjoy. My daughter’s crab and shrimp salad was fresh and flavorful, and my son’s BBQ baby back ribs were a bit surprising—they weren’t grilled in the traditional way but seemed to have been boiled first and then topped with barbecue sauce. At first, it was unexpected, but considering it’s a restaurant on the pier, I could understand why they might prepare it that way. In the end, the ribs still tasted good, and he enjoyed them.

We also tried the clam chowder, which was pleasantly not too salty and loaded with clams—definitely worth ordering.

Overall, Sandbar & Grill may not be fancy, but it’s the kind of warm, inviting place where you can relax, enjoy good food, and share stories with friends or family—plus, the view makes it...

We visited to carboload before the Monterey Bay Half and were treated to one of the most efficient dining experiences we've had in the States... it's rare to be in and out of a restaurant within 45 minutes outside of Japan! (this may sound like an exaggeration, but we still had 40 minutes left on our ParkMobile when we left)

We were seated immediately upon arrival without a reservation. When the hostess noticed a window table opened up just as we were getting seated, she graciously offered to move us and had a clean table turned around for us in under a minute!

Although our food arrived within three minutes of ordering.. which still left us in awe.. we didn't feel rushed at all throughout dinner. If anything, we wanted to clear our table when we noticed a line forming outside, especially since we weren't drinking and were purely there for nourishment. Speaking of, the cioppino ($39) was incredible! I've had my share of the dish and they don't usually come with scallops or crab.. Sandbar spoiled me with both that were exceptionally fresh! and the hubby's fish & chips ($21) were bomb as well as the sand dabs appetizer ($15).

What stood out most was the service, starting with the hostess going above and beyond our expectations! When we were ready to settle our bill, we asked the busser for our check, and he immediately retrieved it. After we put our card down and our main server was busy with another group, the hostess processed our payment. Watching the entire staff work together so seamlessly was truly refreshing.

and unfortunately didn't witness any otters romping.....