We Found the Carmel Night Life, Baby

Carmel may be a peaceful coastal town by day, but locals know where to find the night life, and now, so will you. We explored three unique hot-spots and, in true Carmel fashion, got friendly with our good-natured dining companions, bartenders, and restauranteurs. They shared their favorite dishes, deals, and drink specials, so you, too, can party-down like a local.

Dametra Cafe on Ocean Avenue
South East corner of Ocean & Lincoln
Carmel by the Sea, CA 93921
(831) 622-7766
Website

In Dametra Cafe, on Ocean Avenue, the food, decor, and even the waitstaff exude authentic Mediterranean warmth. You won’t find a more hospitable cafe in Carmel, a truth reflected by this rave Monterey County Weekly Review, and a coveted distinction as the “number one restaurant in Carmel”, thanks to 88 enthusiastically positive Trip Advisor guest reviews.

The cozy dining room fosters friendly conversation, and sets the stage for your hosts’ frequent, and highly entertaining, Egyptian doumbek and oud serenades. They’re open late, and always packed, for good reason. Reservations are highly recommended.

Dametra’s freshly baked bread: the perfect vehicle for my rich and garlic-y homemade artichoke ravioli sauces.

We love restaurants with vegetarian options. Bonus points when they’re truly delicious vegetarian options, like this fire-roasted eggplant sandwich and perfectly dressed greek salad.

This pecan baklava is flaky, delicate, sweet and delicious, but ultimately upstaged by our performing host. It’s hard to compete with an oud. Click over to YouTube to see for yourself, then head over to Ocean Avenue, and really see for yourself!

Forge in the Forest, Downtown Carmel-By-The-Sea
Junipero Street & Junipero Ave
Carmel, CA 93923
(831) 624-2233
Website

Pet-friendly? Check. Fun, relaxed atmosphere, with a bar? Live music? Check. Famous, ginormous, freshly baked cookie sundae? Quadruple check.

And… we’re sold. This place is fantastic.

You’ll love the elegantly rustic stylings, brick and stone fire-pits, the heated puppy patio (complete with a “Dog Pound” menu), and the “people food”, an extensive selection of American Cuisine, including a kid’s menu and vegetarian options.

You know you’re in Carmel when your restaurant patio features a canine customer-adorned billboard collage. Love it. And the most popular item on the “Dog Pound” menu? The “Quarter Hounder”, of course.

But lest we forget, we’re here for nightlife, not for puppies! Enter: The decadent and fully stocked bar, open until 10PM on Fridays and Saturdays (later in the summer), and guaranteed to class up your post-dinner pint. Visit between 4-6PM Monday-Friday for happy hour specials on appetizers and all drinks.

Robata Grill and Sake Bar
3658 The Barnyard
Carmel, CA 93923
(831) 624-2643

Locals rave about Robata’s sushi and drink specials, late hours, and Asian infused atmosphere, but we want to know if this hot spot is the real deal, as in –authentically Japanese. My willing and eager formerly Japan-dwelling friend puts Robata’s to the test.

Their paper lantern really says “Robatas”; on the right track, so far.

Robata’s is perfectly accomodating for a girl’s night out, but the warm, romantic atmosphere makes us excited for our next visit, with the beaus in tow.

Really. Isn’t this fireside spot practically begging to accommodate a happy, cuddly couple?

You can catch half price appetizers Monday and Tuesday from 5-7PM, and half price drafts and hot sake Wednesday and Thursday, 5-7PM.

Moments after we settle into the bar, my friend begins her authenticity assessment by amiably grilling our bartender, Toshi, in Japanese. We’re all charmed and delighted when Toshi, who moved to California from Sapporro, Japan eight years ago, totally schools her.

He also shares Robata’s best dishes, like their deep-fried avocado, the generously portioned Kaissenn Maki, and The Crunchy Carmel — an outstanding salmon, cream cheese, and crunchy tempura shrimp sushi platter, created by Robata’s experienced, and also Japanese, sous chef.

Needless to say, Robata Grill and Sake Bar passed with flying colors, and our bar companions, Permanent Tourists like myself, were excellent company. They even shared a few of their newfound favorite local spots, and we’d love to explore your favorite destinations, too. Don’t be shy; shout them out in the comments, and have a fantastic Spring Sunday, Carmel visitors.