About the Place
Welcome to Schooners Monterey, a culinary gem nestled on the iconic Cannery Row in beautiful Monterey, California. This restaurant is a beacon for seafood lovers and those seeking a delightful dining experience with an unmatched view of the ocean. With its prime location at 400 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA 93940, Schooners offers a perfect retreat for both locals and visitors alike.
Stepping inside Schooners, guests are immediately greeted by a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The friendly staff, from the reception to the servers, creates an inviting environment that feels a bit like home. Austin Wright noted the standout service during his visit, complementing it with a refreshing old-fashioned and a crab dip that left quite an impression—“probably my new favorite seafood item.” This mention of the crab dip is just a glimpse of the culinary delights awaiting you.
The menu is a testament to the fresh bounty of the Pacific. As Yarick Stolyar lyrically pointed out, the chowder in a warm bread bowl is a must-try—creamy and rich, it captures the essence of Monterey's flavors. The oysters, served on ice with a hint of lemon, deliver a taste of the ocean that’s hard to forget. Add to this the velvety green soup, which invites the palate on a gentle ride through the garden.
For those craving something heartier, the seafood pasta is a standout, featuring a medley of lobster, scallops, clams, and shrimp, all beautifully executed. As Lester Lesavoy mentioned, the raw tower bar is another highlight, impressively stacked with plump oysters, clams, mussels, sweet crab, and fresh shrimp, embodying the essence of coastal seafood.
The culinary experience is further elevated with expertly crafted cocktails. Guests rave about their drinks, from the invigorating espresso martini paired perfectly with Kahlua to the warm embrace of a sophisticated concoction. The bar is not just a place to sip; it complements the vibrant flavors of the dishes served.
What truly makes Schooners Monterey special is the breathtaking view it offers. Diners can enjoy their meals from the patio, enveloped in the soothing sounds of the ocean waves, making every visit feel like a mini-vacation. Mariane B expressed her delight not only with the food but with the stunning beach view—which transforms a meal into an unforgettable experience.
Schooners Monterey is not just about food; it’s about creating memories. Whether you are celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in a casual meal, you are sure to leave with a satisfied palate and a heart full of joy. As evidenced by countless glowing reviews, including from Kelsey Jones and Yuni Still, this experience is not to be missed for anyone visiting Monterey.
In conclusion, if you are in search of fresh seafood, exquisite cocktails, and a delightful atmosphere that captures the spirit of Monterey, Schooners Monterey stands out as a must-visit destination. Don’t just take our word for it—come and see for yourself why Schooners has become a beloved favorite among locals and travelers alike.
“ Just stopped in for a drink and some apps, but it was top notch. We sit outside, beautiful view, great service. I had the old fashioned (not the best I've ever had, but certainly not the worst), and the crab dip, which is probably my new favorite seafood item. My wife got the martini espresso and it was awesome with the Kahlua. ”
“ "Schooners by the Bay" ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ At Monterey’s edge where the sea air is sweet, Schooners awaits with a feast to complete. The chowder arrives in a bread bowl so warm, Creamy and rich — a classic in form. A velvety green soup, so light yet profound, Hints of the garden in each gentle round. Oysters on ice, kissed fresh by the tide, With lemon’s bright whisper, the ocean inside. A plate crowned with colors — peppers that gleam, Anchovies dancing in olive oil’s dream. Each bite is a voyage, each dish is a view, The bay through your taste buds, pure Monterey blue. From first savory spoonful to last ocean song, Schooners, you’ve won my heart all along. Five shining stars, for flavors so rare, And the joy of the sea in the salt-kissed air. ”
“ Schooners consistently delivers, from the view to the food to the drinks. It’s our go-to whenever we’re in town. The seafood is fresh and well-executed. The seafood pasta with lobster, scallops, clams, and shrimp was rich and satisfying, and the raw tower bar was a hit. Plump oysters, clams, mussels, sweet crab, and fresh shrimp. The cocktails are well-crafted. Service is attentive and the oceanfront view just puts it over the top. One of the most consistent dining experiences on Cannery Row. We’ll be back next time. ”
“ The view of the beach is perfect. The Monterey Seafood omelet is a must! Their tiny sealed condiments and jams are so cute! We also had a complimentary birthday treat for our celebrant. Our server, Roxanne, was very helpful informative, and welcoming. Made our first visit to Monterey extra special. Will definitely come back on our next visit! ”
“ All the food we had was great: the poached shrimp cocktail, dungeness crab drip--these were our favorite items, also had sea scallops really good, the wagu burger- really good, the chowder -- liked it but liked old fisherman's grotto one better. We had a very kind server that very accommodating, the atmosphere was wonderful. We loved sitting out on the patio looking at the water and saw lots of seals/sea lions swimming! ”