Experience a London Pub in Pacific Grove, CA: The Monarch Pub & Restaurant

Authentic Fish & Chips in the Heart of Pacific Grove

Hello, dear polite travelers,

Recently, my hubby and I took a trip to a London pub via Pacific Grove, California. Since it was a tad chilly, we skipped the lovely outdoor seating, to sit inside this charming restaurant. Once inside, I felt as if we slipped via a wormhole directly into an English pub, albeit a small one. The requisite heavy wooden bar hosted four stools facing a plethora of liquor labels as a colorful backdrop.

We learned that most staff are from the UK. In fact, we learned a bit about Wales from our server. Warm, welcoming, and quite lovely, he darted around the room tending to everything from taking orders to pouring drinks at the bar.

Since The Monarch is known for its fish and chips, my hubby enthusiastically ordered it, pairing it with a medium-bodied beer. In my opinion, the chips, aka French fries, were dry and somewhat akin to cardboard. However, the fish had a fresh, clean taste, while the fried batter was light and crispy without a heavy oily taste. Yum.

Craving veggies, I ordered the chopped salad. With options available, I chose a creamy blue cheese on the side to dress the chopped romaine lettuce, boiled egg, blue cheese, etc. It was so tasty, I dreamt of it all night. I accompanied this with a glass of yummy Chloe Chardonnay, which didn’t mesh well with my salad but was excellent sippy before and after. Enjoying the wine so much, I added it to my list of must-haves at home.

Will We Return?

Oh yes! However, this is more of a pub atmosphere when seated indoors. So, bar food and drinks...yep, this is the place. Sitting out on their ample patio? This would be the place we’d come to sit for a leisurely, relaxing dining experience. It wouldn’t be in April, though. Brrr....

The Monarch Pub & Restaurant

617 Lighthouse Ave, Pacific Grove, CA 93950

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