Off the Beaten Path Nightlife in Monterey

From pubs to dance floors to dives to pool halls, Monterey's bar and nightclub scene covers all the bases. Because of the college crowd and more gentrified set, Monterey offers a little something for all tastes. This Top 10 breaks down some of the most popular bars and nightclubs that welcome all walks of life.

As in any city, everyone has their opinion of what the best bar and nightclub is in Monterey. The Number 1 on this list, Blue Fin Café and Billiards, takes the top spot because it offers "something for everyone," and pulls it off. It's not just trying to be all things to everyone-it is. From Salsa nights to beer pong tournaments to weekly live entertainment and DJs, plus a tasty menu and great drinks, Blue Fin Café and Billiards is constantly looking for new ways to please its existing fan base and draw in more crowds. If you're looking for the hippest spot in town check out Blue Fin.

Pretty much on the opposite end of the bar and nightclub spectrum is Alfredo's Cantina, Number 5 on this list. Housed in an old building, dive-y and dark yet simultaneously friendly and a great place to hang out, Alfredo's has as loyal local following and rarely disappoints to provide a great night.

Characters Bar & Grill (Number 9) is a good, ol' fashion sports bar. It offers Americana cuisine at reasonable prices and has more TVs than is worth counting. Located inside the Marriott hotel, it offers a comfortable, classic bar vibe. And you won't miss the game just because you're out of town.

Some of these are Monterey nightlife stapes, like the Mucky Duck in Cannery Row and Lounge Underground. Others, like Alfredo's Cantina, have gained a steady fan base without the benefit of name recognition. Hit the town with an open mind and remember that if the bar you went to tonight wasn't exactly to your liking, there's always tomorrow night to check out what else Monterey has in store.