Think stars like Marilyn Monroe, Rita Hayworth and Dean Martin. Then imagine Hollywood hot spots like the Roosevelt Hotel and the Polo Lounge. That’s the atmosphere and look of The Monterey, San Antonio’s newest gastropub.

Photo Courtesy of Kristen Hefty

A friend of mine had come to the The Monterey and had a fabulous time and I was urged to go, for I was told it had a great focus on craft beer and handcrafted food. I just had to try this place out, so I headed down with a few friends last week. Despite the description, I still didn’t know what to expect when I arrived. The restaurant is located in south San Antonio and slightly recessed from the street, so when I pulled up front, the 1950’s era decor took be completely by surprise. Certainly not what I would expect to see in San Antonio, Austin perhaps, but not here. I knew I was in for a treat.

From my first glance of The Monterey, I was instantly hit with the feeling of 1950’s era Hollywood. From the sign, to the interior, it just screamed glamor to me. The inside is small, but the space is used well. Although the tables inside were all taken, there was plenty of room to move around. The inside naturally opens to their outdoor dining area, so if sitting inside isn’t your thing, you can grab a seat outside at one of their many tables. On the night I came, it was slightly chilly and each table had individual blankets for those that wished to warm up and a few well placed heaters.

Hanging Out

No sooner had I sat down, I was greeted by a jovial member of the staff with a ‘hey!’. I soon found I was speaking to Chad Carey, one of the owners of The Monterey. I liked the laid back atmosphere already. I had been perusing a few books about craft beer when Chad approached and these caught his eye. We soon began talking craft beer, microbreweries and the selection most restaurants carry.  We reviewed their beer menu, yes, they have a beer menu, and I found that it contained all craft beer! From Stone Brewing in San Diego, to Oskar Blues in Colorado, many states were featured. Only one beer didn’t fit: Pearl. Chad advised that although there is a focus on craft beer, Pearl is a San Antonio tradition and they wanted to have at least one alternative for those wanting a more affordable beer option.

The essentially all craft beer selection is unusual for San Antonio. A pub, bar, restaurant that didn’t carry many of the usual mass produced, inferior made beers is just not seen here. It is indeed a bold move here, and one that I applaud. You can always find a craft beer that a Bud drinker will have, without carrying Bud. It is all about education.

Classic

Chad advised that their goal was to have a large selection of beers that highlighted the creativity, variety and uniqueness of America’s craft and micro-breweries and advised their listed will grow over time. I remarked to Chad that The Monterey felt very comfortable to me, definitely a place I could and hang out often and he said that was exactly what he and his partners were going for, a place that they would want to hang out. This is definitely a place to come hang out, have a good beer, good wine and food that elevates the dishes you are normally used to. For that is exactly what a gastropub is, a place that takes everyday comfort, pub food and creates versions that will appear more gourmet, but comfort you as much as the originals. After looking at the menu, I had to try their grilled cheese sandwich made with Fontina and Aged Irish Cheddar  on artisan sourdough bread from a local bakery.

Come on down, have a good beer, have some comfort food, kick back and above all else relax!