Location: Carmel
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Where to eat American food in Carmel: The Best Restaurants and Bars
Reviews on American food in Carmel, California, United States. The first thing you need to know about Carmel: Clint Eastwood used to be the mayor, so don’t come here if you’re a hooligan. But if you’re after a romantic getaway to a seaside, art-filled village, Carmel might be perfect for you. You can even bring your dog—Carmel’s hotels, restaurants and galleries are remarkably Fido-friendly.
Things to do in Carmel
10. Rio Grill
Overall Ratings
4 based on 636 reviews
Known for its big, bold flavors, Rio Grill has been part of local Carmel lore for over 32 years. We turn up the flavor serving local, fresh eats with a southwestern flair in wonderfully unpredictable ways, earning distinguished culinary awards and impress
Reviewed By boobot1
Noisy, crowded, and very poor unprofessional service.Surely the food must be good. I was wrong. The mahi-mahi was dry with three large, raw cauliflowers thrown onto the top of a messy dish. The artichoke appetizer looked wonderful but was greasy and tasteless. The steak was a massive chunk of meat salty and greasy. The beet salad tasted like a Safeway salad. The dressing was way too salty although it looked good on the plate. The sourdough bread was excellent and a large assortment of wines. The service was almost nonexistent. We waited 25 minutes just to be greeted. Our dirty dishes remained on the table what seemed like forever. Nobody asked us how we were enjoying our dishes. Needless to say we will not be back. I think it's a locals hang out at the bar and it serves that purpose well.We're very sorry about the disappointing dinner with us. What you described is not the norm and we will be sharing your comments with our staff so we can improve our guests experience. We missed the mark with you and truly apologize this happened. We hope to welcome you back for an all-around better visit, thank you for taking the time to review.
9. Sea Harvest Fish Market and Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4 based on 239 reviews
Reviewed By ForeverWonderful
Started with bowl of clam chowder which was really good. Then had bbq oysters which I thought would be grillef with bbq sauce, but was grilled with butter garlic. Still lots of garlic and enjoyable. Ordered the crab cakes which was a bit disappointing as not much crab taste and no chunks of crab. Just some shredded crab meat. Came with tasty french fries. Wife ordered fish and chips subbing vegetables for chips. The cod fish was light and delicate and crispy. Over all a nice meal and reasonable price. Just wish the crab cakes were better and with more flavor
8. Grasing's
Overall Ratings
4 based on 739 reviews
As a restaurant with an impressive contemporary menu, Grasingâs offers the finest coastal cuisine paired with a âWine Spectatorâ awarding winning wine list featuring the best California wines. For a true Carmel experience, enjoy dinner on the pet-friendly
Reviewed By Shaymur
We eat at the restaurant every year or two when we visit Carmel. The food is always very good and the service is great. They are dog friendly have have nice patio seating behind the restaurant which actually results in a very private dinner atmosphere. The wine list is very good and the food selections are always very, very good. We'll return next time we are in town.
7. A W Shucks
Overall Ratings
4 based on 571 reviews
Reviewed By Strozzapreti
Frankly, other than the beach--which is a great beach--the small city of Carmel is awful. Stuffed with art galleries of bland, over-priced work no one with any taste will ever buy, block after block of boring architecture, and almost nowhere reasonable to eat. As such, A.W.Shucks was a real find (recommended by a local shopkeeper when we were about to give up searching for spot where we could relax and eat dinner). It's a typical American bar; dark, plush, sports on TV, and generally tasteless beer. But the waitress was friendly and the food (we ate fish, meat and vegetarian dishes) was very tasty. So, if you have to stop at Carmel, stop here.
Most Popular Mediterranean food in Carmel, California, United States
6. Terry's Lounge
Overall Ratings
4 based on 412 reviews
Reviewed By Michael C
This was a really nice experience, made better by the dog-friendly environment. A couple commented on our two dogs while we were walking thru town. They recommended we try Terry's Lounge at the Cypress Inn, where they were staying while in town. We'd not been there and are very thankful for their referral.The lounge area has two sections - one that allows/encourages dog owners to bring their pets and the other section that is a no-pet zone, which is great. Having our two large "children" with us, we opted for the dog-friendly area. We were seated quickly for late afternoon appetizers/early dinner. It was a busy area but that just meant more people stopping by to swap dog stories. Our server, Marc, greeted us quickly and had two glasses of wine at our table in just a couple of minutes.We opted for the bar menu burger (Foursquare) and fish tacos. Both were very good. The burger was a bit overcooked but was still very tasty. Fish tacos - don't change a thing !!! A mixed green salad topped off our meal - fresh mesclun greens, sweet grape tomatoes, just delicious. Dessert was salted caramel gelato and coffee - both of which were made in-house and were excellent.We also ordered the "Doggie Chicken" which was a full grilled chicken breast cut into bite sized pieces served in a dog bowl. Our two "kids" loved it - they ate every single bite (naturally) and then continued wagging their tails at every passerby.Marc, our server, could not possibly have been more polite, professional, attentive and personable - the epitome of a gentleman. We enjoyed our first visit to Terry's and, thanks to the recommendation we received from strangers, we will be back soon !!
Where to eat European food in Carmel: The Best Restaurants and Bars
5. From Scratch Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4 based on 426 reviews
Located in the LOWER level of the Barnyard Shopping Village - below Bay Bikes. The back stairs face Highway One. Since 1977, this charming, family owned restaurant has been serving breakfast and lunch made from the freshest of ingredients lovingly prepare
Reviewed By downeyfresh07
We went here on a Tuesday morning in October. It wasn't busy at all. It was a little confusing to find the actual restaurant, but no big deal. I ordered the eggs Benedict with cheese grits and it was AMAAAAAZING. I think my husband ordered corned beef hash and he loved it. The latte I ordered was good, except it was so hot that I burnt the roof of my mouth. My fault though, I should've waited a few more minutes before taking a sip. We went to Point Lobos afterwards, and the breakfast was so filling that we didn't even need to eat lunch! Even after walking several miles around the park! I would definitely come back here again. One criticism though: My husband wasn't that crazy about the brewed coffee. We like our coffee brewed on the strong side, so maybe it was just a preference issue.
Most Popular Asian food in Carmel, California, United States
4. Anton & Michel
Overall Ratings
4 based on 567 reviews
Reviewed By Lois M
Enjoyed another memorable dinner at Anton & Michel this past Friday night. The atmosphere, service and food are always wonderful. Special shout out to Luis, the GM, who goes above and beyond. Favorite dinner is 3 course fixed priced table side preparation of Caesar salad, rack of lamb, and bananas foster. Always enjoy warm bread and wonderful selection of wines.
3. Billy Quon's Sur At The Barnyard
Overall Ratings
4 based on 155 reviews
Reviewed By BBcarmel
This is another Bill and Teresa Quan success restaurant. The menu is solid, the prices are reasonable, and the service and the food is exceptional.
2. Brophy's Tavern
Overall Ratings
4 based on 198 reviews
Centrally located on the corner of 4th & San Carlos in downtown Carmel, Brophy's offers hand-crafted cocktails, cold draft beer, 7 large screen tvs and the best pub fare in town! A perennial favorite of neighbors and visitors alike, Brophyâs Tavern is an
Reviewed By 516bobt
We stopped her with a group for my daughters birthday. Nice laid back comfortable place to eat with decent prices for great food. The male server/bartender was a wonderful and thoughtful person. He answered all questions, presented our drinks quickly and accurately and served our food with flair. Will go back. Thank you for stopping by for such a special occasion. I appreciate your compliments regarding our menu and especially our service. Our associates work hard to take care of each of our guests, and I will be sure to share your gratitude with the team. Thank you for taking the time to share your experience. We cannot wait to welcome you back for your next visit!
1. Mission Ranch Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4 based on 1756 reviews
Reviewed By lorip0413
Stopped here for drinks and sat outside at a bar table. The sun had just set and the view and lighting were spectacular. The heaters were great for keeping the chill out of the air. Guy at the piano was priceless. The music was like you were set back in time. Everyone seemed content and happy. We really enjoyed looking out over the expansive view.
