Cheap Eats in Carmel/Monterey
 

I'll be in Carmel for a day with the hubbo and Daughter #2 (who is 16). Do you have any inexpensive but good recommendations?

Also, tell me Point Lobos isn't one of the parks that's closed.

Oh, Brad?

He showed BTD and me a great little place to get chowder that didn't seem expensive at all. Not one of those fancy-schmancy over-priced Cannery Row restaurants, but had fantastic chowder.

Define inexpensive.

Per person, including beverage. Now, I am not on a strict budget but I just would rather spend the money on other stuff. So here's my guesstimate on inexpensive, CA style:

Breakfast - $6 or under

Lunch - $8 or under

Dinner - $12 or under

I'm happy if it's less and less happy if it's more.

Brad... paging Brad....



It was delicious and close to the aquarium.

Here are my Carmel and Monterey restaurant reviews; I hope they help!

I asked a coworker who lives their part time for some cheap recommendations but everything she sent me is above your price range, though short of fast food options I don't know that I've ever had breakfast in a restaurant for $6/person with drink.

Keep in mind as well that sales tax is 8.25-8.75% depending on which town you happen to be in.

She said there are lots of good taquerias and thai/vietnamese places that are pretty good and very cheap but she doesn't actually know their names.

First Awakenings is very good for breakfast/lunch but is closer to your dinner number.

For breakfast lunch and dinner: bread bowl with clam chowder on the pier. For dinner, add a crab cocktail.

Considering my clam and crab access is typically zero, I may need to consider this seriously.

Thanks for asking, Alex. It's appreciated.

Your sales tax is horribly high.

I like eating at Sea Harvest. It's near the aquarium. It's relatively inexpensive, but the area around the aq is pretty pricey because of all the tourists around there.

There's also a liquor store near the aquarium (across the street from the Carl's Jr.) that has a deli in the back. The food is really inexpensive and quite good. The lady that runs the place is a hoot, too.

Avoid anything on Cannery Row. Expensive!

Avoid the margaritas in Pacific Grove... it's a dry city. Their margaritas are made with wine. It doesn't taste good. Trust me.

Don't forget to visit the fabulous cheese shop in Carmel.

:)