Schooners Monterey — Restaurant in Monterey

We went in because we were staying upstairs and had resort credits to use.

To start, we were told only indoors was available. We were seated as the only table (2 top) and in the back corner corner, it was a quiet 5pm on a Friday, with plenty of open outside tables that were still open when we left 90 minutes later, not sure what the deal was there.

We ordered 6 "west coast" oysters, the shrimp cocktail, and the burrata. The oysters and shrimp came out pretty fast. Diving into the oysters, we both started with one naked as I always do to get the full taste. It was one of the worst oysters I've ever had, with a fishy aftertaste that was borderline spoiled tasting. After we both had a second one, we decided to skip the 3rd each as they were not good at all. The shrimp cocktail was fine, but they were super cold to the point you lost flavor, and they were probably jumbos. Nothing to see there, but at $4 a pop...you expect absolute freshness.

At this point our server (finally) came by and we asked what type of oysters they were; they informed us that they were Pacific Golds from Morro Bay. We then said we were not going to finish them and got an "oh." and they were whisked away without comment.

The burrata came out last? about 8 minutes later and was extremely underwhelming. The center garnish was wilted, which any chef paying attention would have caught. The accompanying bread had been rescued by being toasted but was definitely not fresh. For whatever reason, large amounts of minced garlic were on the plate.

The busser got all the plates out of the way, but no server was in sight for another 10 minutes. They dropped the check and an ice cream as an apology for the oysters, but managed to forget to leave a pen to sign to the room with, requiring a flag down a few minutes later.

Food: Bad. Maybe just get drinks? Service: For an empty restaurant, there were tons of servers (and a manager) loitering around the empty bar yet no attention was given. A dessert up-sale wasn't even attempted, and we actually wanted to try one! Ambiance: Inside, the decor is tacky and just weird. Outside, fire pits on the water. Value: Hotel restaurant bad, plus some. We paid $64 for our lite bites with no drinks.

Overall, absolutely skip this place and go somewhere else within walking distance unless you are just grabbing drinks on the water. They seem to suffer from a sourcing/freshness problem, maybe because we are in...

Schooners is a wonderful hidden gem inside The Montery Plaza Hotel and Spa at Cannery Row. Every seat has beautiful scenery of the Monterey Bay Ocean. The menu is very diverse in prices and assortment. They have also have a kid friendly menu for your little ones. I LOVED AND I MEAN LOVED their Bloody Mary. It was $25 but they pack it with pickles, olives, bacon, celery, SHRIMP it's like having an appetizer for 2 in it!! It's worth every dollar and so, so, so delicious! Staff was friendly and wonderful too! We had the Schooner Seafood Tower which is packed with fresh seafood and was so filling for 2 people we didn't need to order anything else! In their lobby they have live music every night starting at 6pm to listen to and your surrounded with more beautiful scenery and so many different comfy chairs to choose from. They also have a little bar area in the lobby you can get another cocktail with or without alcohol. EG was our bartender in the lounge and he was so wonderful and made me a delicious non alcoholic drink. We had such a wonderful time and I know you will too! Rebecca was our waitress and she was so nice to surprise me with a Birthday dessert! I definitely can't wait to go back again! If you're REALLY wanting to TREAT yourself you can make reservations at their other restaurant next to Schooners called Coastal Kitchen. This is VERY pricey since they have a set 5 course meal paired with their wines. Cost is $130 per person for the 5 course meal and $80 per person for the wine! We Haven't experienced it but the restaurant looks so elegant and I'm sure the food Chef Michael Rotondo who will be preparing it for you will be absolutely...

Third Time's the Charm at This Oceanfront Stunner

After two failed attempts (no-reservation rejection, then getting turned away with our dog), we finally scored a Wednesday lunch seat for my parents and me during my wedding weekend. Sometimes the best meals require a little persistence.

You're literally suspended over Monterey Bay watching sea otters play while you eat. The heated outdoor terrace with those panoramic water views? Chef's kiss perfection. As someone who cares deeply about responsible sourcing, I was drawn here specifically for their Seafood Watch compliance and local focus. The menu clearly shows where everything comes from - exactly what I want to see.

The curry mussels were phenomenal - that coconut milk and ginger broth had incredible depth and aromatics. Fish and chips made with local kelp? Brilliant execution and perfectly crispy. However, those local fresh anchovies I was most excited about fell completely flat - overly acidic with barely any anchovy flavor showing through.

Oysters at $4 each felt steep, and while the coffee crème brûlée had great flavor, the soggy crust was disappointing for a dessert that should deliver that satisfying crack.

Our server was attentive and knowledgeable, but the hostess attitude toward non-hotel guests needs work. The "are you staying at the hotel?" question felt unnecessarily gatekeeping.

Come for the views and sustainable seafood commitment, order the curry mussels, and don't let the hostess discourage you. This place delivers when it...