A Toast to Beers of the Central Coast

by BrewHead Ted

“There is nothing in the world like the first taste of beer.”
“Cannery Row,” by John Steinbeck, 1945

On the last weekend of this past June, I took a family trip to the Central Coast of California. We spent the majority of our long weekend in Monterey, where I had been with my family many years prior, when I was a teen. I was excited to revisit the area, to enjoy it with a grownup perspective, and with grownup tastes.

But the beer experience in Monterey was wholly new to me, and I was eager to get to a few taprooms and brewpubs. Below, I report on Dust Bowl Brewing, Alvarado Street, the Salty Seal, and Hops & Frog (first attempt unsuccessful, second successful!). At the end of this post, I recap the best of each, without being able to select an overall MVP.

Relaxed Vibes at Dust Bowl Brewing

On a cool, overcast Thursday afternoon, we arrived at our hotel on Cannery Row – made famous by John Steinbeck’s novel of the same name. Shortly after unpacking, my parents and I took a nice stroll along the Monterey Bay Coastal Rec Trail, an 18-mile path for walkers, joggers, bicyclists, or in my case, wheelchair users. Many of the area’s attractions are accessible from the Trail; the one my parents and I were seeking was Dust Bowl Brewing Company. (And no, thankfully we didn’t have to travel 18 miles to get there!)

In addition to Monterey, Dust Bowl has locations in Turlock, Elk Grove, and Livermore. Of the places I visited for beer on this trip, Dust Bowl has, by far, the most unique ambience. Situated in what was a bustling train station in the 1930s, this tap room location has been aptly named the Monterey Tap Depot. They boast 24 beers on tap, with seating inside, as well as ample seating outside. The outdoor area included picnic tables and fire pits.

My parents and I found an area to one side of the outdoor patio, with benches, chairs, and small, low tables. I had to contend with some gravel, on the patio, but I didn’t find it too challenging in my chair. Several other people were out there with us, enjoying their beers with friends, family, children, and dogs, as well. There was live entertainment — a man sang and played guitar on the porch. The late afternoon air was crisp and breezy, and we sat back to enjoy our beers.

I had Dust Bowl’s Dirty 30’s Pale Ale. Dirty 30’s had a light and fruity hops presence, and some malt to smooth things out. A very enjoyable beer, and at 5.3 ABV, it didn’t leave me kayoed before we had dinner later in the evening.

My dad enjoyed the Nitro Stout, and my mom had the Dust Bowl Pils. All three of us were really pleased with our beers, and with the setting in which we enjoyed them.

When I return to Monterey, a visit to Dust Bowl is already on my agenda!

Dreaming of Beer, With Delusions of Grandeur

On Friday morning, the family went to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, where we spent a good few hours. We stopped at the aquarium’s cafe a couple hours into our visit to have some lunch. I stuck with a cold brew coffee for my beverage. But my brother enjoyed a can of Alvarado Street Mai Tai Tropical IPA (image on the left courtesy of asb.beer). Naturally, I had to have a sip of his beer – it was really nice, and I couldn’t wait to get to Alvarado Street Brewery, where my parents and I planned to lunch on the following day.

Of the three places I’d identified as the places I’d try during our visit, that left Hops & Fog, in nearby Pacific Grove. We would be departing Sunday morning for a one-day stay in Cambria, so I was anxious to squeeze in Hops & Fog before we left the Monterey area. Hence, while everyone else was off doing their own thing, I set off on a trek in my wheelchair, to see if I could get to a brewery on my own.

Adventures in Wheeling

I have, in a previous post, detailed my adventures in rolling to a new place via wheelchair, using my phone’s Map app as a guide. This day, attempting to roll to Hops & Fog on my own was another such “adventure.” Looking at the map, it seemed as if the place would be fairly easy to get to – not too far in distance, with not too many twists or turns along the way.

I utilized the Coastal Rec Trail for part of my journey, until, looking at my phone, it looked like I could take a side street, take another turn, and then be at my destination before too long.

Well, one thing I failed to account for in my calculations, was the topography of the area. On the stretch of Cannery Row where we were staying, the closest Starbucks, where I got my daily other-favorite-beverage, was up a rather steep slope. Luckily, the entrance to the Starbucks wasn’t too far up the slope. Unluckily, the beer I was now on a quest for was all the way at the top of this one BIG, VERY STEEP slope.

From the nice, flat Trail, I veered off, took a deep breath, and started my ascent. I made it one block. Huffing and puffing. Then two blocks. More huffing and puffing, plus some colorful language muttered under my breath. Then three blocks. More huffing, more puffing, more colorful language, and by then I was starting to feel like someone had snuck some 10-ton weights onto my arms when I wasn’t looking. I stopped to double-check the map. I was headed in the right direction, but suddenly, my destination was looking a lot further off than it initially had.

So, I sat there for a minute, and thought about what I wanted to do. Did I want a beer?: YES. Did I want to continue torturing myself in the pursuit of said beer? $!#%@ NO. And so, feeling somewhat defeated and discouraged, I made a U-turn, trying to think of what my Plan B would be. Thankfully, going downhill I was able to give my poor arms and shoulders a break, and I was able to concentrate on where I would go to have my consolation pint.

I ended up back on Cannery Row, near our hotel. While rolling along that street earlier with my family, I had seen a pub and sports bar. On that initial pass, I hadn’t thought about venturing in. I was certainly curious, but I’d already identified three other places where I’d be going for a beer, and with wine being enjoyed at our dinners together, I didn’t think I needed more alcohol on top of that.

The Salty Seal

But hey, when in Rome … or on vacation in Monterey. And so it was that I found myself at The Salty Seal Brewpub and Sports Bar that afternoon, nursing my poor arms and enjoying a pint. Established in 2021, The Salty Seal is located in the Bear Flag Building on Cannery Row, the building having been constructed in 1929. Upon my arrival, I was ushered back to their outdoor patio area. Though much smaller in scale than Dust Bowl’s, The Salty Seal’s patio also had a fire pit area, and other patrons were crowded around it. I myself was plenty warmed up already, from my excruciating half-journey to Hops & Fog.

Once I was settled at a table, I was informed that some beers on the menu’s tap list were unavailable. Still thinking of the sip I’d had of my brother’s beer, earlier in the day, I asked if they had anything on tap from Alvarado Street. And, lo and behold, they did. What’s more, they had the same beer that my brother had been drinking – Alvarado Street’s Mai Tai IPA. So I ordered a pint of that, while still catching my breath, thankful that I wouldn’t have a long trek back to the hotel after having my beer.

My beer was brought out in short order, and I sat back to enjoy it. The Mai Tai IPA is an award-winning beer, and it certainly merited the honors it has received, in my estimation. With a reasonable ABV of 6.5%, the beer had a nice smooth palate, and an aroma of tropical fruits (guava, pineapple). The taste had some tropical fruit and grassy notes, and a refreshing crispness. This was a great beer to enjoy slowly as I sat, recuperating from my trek, and eagerly anticipating the next day’s visit to Alvarado Street proper.

At Alvarado Street Brewery
Beer Tasting is a Family Affair

On Saturday morning, I was back at the aquarium, as my dad had purchased a second ticket for me. Meanwhile, my folks were off doing their own thing together, and my brother had taken his family whale watching. I’ve loved sea life and aquariums since I was little, so being able to explore the aquarium at my own pace, seeing what I wanted to see, was a real treat.

A couple hours into my aquarium visit, I got a text from my folks, saying they were ready for lunch. A part of me didn’t want to leave the aquarium, but I also knew that I could get a hand stamp, and return after lunch. And besides, I was ready for a treat – a treat in the form of a tasty pint.

I met my parents back at the hotel, and we made our way back to the Coastal Rec Trail. Being a weekend morning, the trail was crowded with walkers, joggers, runners, bicyclists, and others enjoying the coastal view as they went along. We eventually veered off the trail, and walked through a park area where a large Pride event was taking place. With large crowds of people, bright rainbow flags, and lots of happy smiles everywhere, the mood was palpably festive and joyous.

We followed a group of folks coming from the Pride festival, as we walked along Alvarado, the street that Alvarado Street Brewing was located on. I found myself directly behind someone dressed up as the titular character from Star Wars’ The Mandalorian, sporting a Pride flag as the cape in their costume. Before I’d thought to ask for a pic (damn!), we had arrived at our destination.

Upon entering, we were told it would be a thirty minute wait for our table. The place was packed, and we were not given much individual attention as we waited by the host station.

Undeterred, I quickly got to beer tasting; I ordered a pint of Cold Pressed Hazy IPA to enjoy while we waited for a table, and for my brother and his family, who were joining us after their whale watching excursion. This beer was a refreshing treat after warming up on our way over. Lots of fruit on the nose, though I found peach to be the predominant one, and guava and orange on the palate. Cold Pressed makes for an incredible summer beer, and although I wanted to branch out from IPAs for my second pint at Alvarado, I was tempted to get another. My dad enjoyed the Servus! Helles Lager, and Mom had the Monterey Beer, an American Lager.

Soon enough, we were led outside to a table, and seated with our menus. And shortly afterwards, my brother arrived with his family. My brother ordered a Cold Pressed as well, and my sister-in-law got a Land & Sea XPA (brewed in parternship with the Monterey Bay Football Club). Root beer and lemonade were ordered for the little ones. We were, I think, all pleased with our drink orders.

My pint of Cold Pressed was soon drained; for my second pint, I decided to go from sweet to sour, and I ordered a glass of Howzit Punch, a fruited sour. With it clocking in at 5.5% ABV, I figured/hoped that it wouldn’t be too strong, for me to return to my aquarium adventures after lunch. (Spoiler alert: It wasn’t!) Howzit Punch was a gold medal winner at the 2025 World Beer Cup, and it definitely tasted like a winner. I have always enjoyed the POG that Stone Brewing puts out, but Howzit Punch gives that one a run for its money!

I really enjoyed this visit to Alvarado Street Brewery. The ambience of Dust Bowl is really hard to beat, but I have to give the edge to Alvarado Street, when it comes to the two beers that I enjoyed here. I will definitely be on the lookout for more Cold Pressed, Howzit Punch – and Mai Tai IPA. (Speaking of the Mai Tai IPA: Though I did not have one at the brewery, I was able to get a can of Mai Tai IPA when we went out to dinner, to enjoy with my meal.)

At Long Last, Hops & Fog

(Long Story Short: We Drove There)

On Sunday morning, we packed up and got ready to head off to Cambria. My parents had suggested that we drive into Pacific Grove en route to Cambria, so we could try to get into Hops & Fog before leaving the area. That was, I thought, a solid plan.

And so it was, a mere hour or so after I’d had my coffee and a breakfast sandwich, that we found ourselves parked outside Hops & Fog Brewing Company. Despite my dad’s insistence that he’d read online that it opened at 11:00, it looked decidedly not open. While my mom went off on her own to get a light bite elsewhere, Dad and I got out of the car, and decided to peek inside Hops & Fog. The door was open, and we went inside. The only other souls inside were a couple of guys hanging out and talking in the back kitchen. Dad got the attention of one of them, and we were informed that they opened at 11:30. Oops! Despite this, the folks inside were very friendly, and we were invited to wait inside until the bartender arrived.

While waiting, I enjoyed the murals that adorned the walls of the space. A sea turtle, appearing to smile, swam among some underwater hops vines. (Hey, I’d be smiling too.). I really liked the whimsical art, and the inviting atmosphere. It wasn’t long before the bartender arrived. Soon after, a couple other customers joined us. My dad and I were welcomed and our order taken. Dad went for a non-alcoholic beer (the name of which I failed to record).

I ordered myself a Saucy Otter, a nut brown ale brewed with chocolate rye. I wasn’t too hungry, having had breakfast less than two hours ago, but I decided to nosh on some smoked gouda and pickled onion spears, as well. The Saucy Otter was. smooth, velvety treat, with chocolate and coffee notes, and I was so happy that I’d chosen this place, and this beer, as my final entry for this post. And at 4.8% ABV, I knew I wouldn’t be completely knocked out by the Saucy Otter, during our 2-hour car ride to Cambria. I sat savoring my beer and my gouda spears (beer and cheese – is there a better pairing?), not wanting the Monterey/beer adventure to end.

Alas, all good things must come to an end. And so it was that, after taking my last sip, we filed back outside, thanking the friendly, generous staff, and made our way back to the car. We hopped back inside, drove for a couple blocks, when it was decided (by my folks, not me!) that I needed a tee shirt to cap off the experience. Not one to argue with getting a new tee shirt, I agreed, and we drove right back to Hops & Fog. My dad went inside, and came back out shortly, having made a selection on my behalf, while I stayed in the car with Mom. He did good, folks.

The front of the shirt was emblazoned with the Hops & Fog logo. On the back of the shirt was posed a great philosophical question, one which I think many of us beer enthusiasts must often ask ourselves:

Honestly – especially after a pint – I found this too profound a question for my mortal mind to wrestle with. (I never did make it past lower division philosophy, in college.) But as we drove off, I sure was thinking about the varieties of beer that I had sampled over the past few days.

And the MVP of Monterey Beer is…?

Ambience-When it comes to ambience, again, I think Dust Bowl is on top for me. The location in the old train depot, the live entertainment, and being surrounded by dozens of friendly, festive fellow beer drinkers made for a great experience.

Taste/Quality-Taste and quality of the beer is a very difficult thing for me to rank among these places, as I didn’t have a bad beer at any of the places I visited. I loved every sip. I would say, if by nothing more than the size of the sampling (I had had two pints there, and another at dinner elsewhere), that I would give the win to Alvarado Street.

Accessibility-Accessibility, as a beer enthusiast in a wheelchair, is another important thing that I must consider. Although Dust Bowl was manageable enough for me, I did have some gravel to contend with. (Again, it’s a difficult thing for me to rank, as I did not, thankfully, have any major accessibility issues at any of these places.) I’d saw it’s a draw between Alvarado Street and Hops & Fog, for this one.

Customer Service-To be fair, there is only one place, Hops & Fog, where I had any direct interaction with the folks behind the bar. As I noted earlier, they appeared to be slammed with the lunch crowd at Alvarado Street. While some in my party were a bit put off by this, I was perfectly content to enjoy my Cold Pressed as we waited. Still, for me, given their willingness to let us wait inside before they opened, and the friendliness of the bartender once she arrived, I have to give this one to Hops & Fog.

As far as overall winner? I think, dear reader, that I will need another trip up to Monterey to do more “research.” With there being no clear winner in the taste/quality category, I just can’t decide, quite yet. I could easily see myself coming back, eagerly, to all of these places, and hopefully discovering more places to have a pint. I don’t know when I will find myself back along the Central Coast, but I know when I do, another beer adventure awaits!

Of the places I visited, do you have a favorite? Any recommendations for beers that I missed, from these places? And, for my next trip up – any other places that I must check out? Please sound off in the comments or email me at YippeeKiIPA@gmail.com, and let me know.

Until next time, cheers!

-Brewhead Ted
Instagram: @tedc79
Email: YippeeKiIPA@gmail.com

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