Raise a Glass: Discover Montrio's Craft Cocktails & Local Wines This Spring

As Monterey moves into spring, evenings begin to feel lighter and more relaxed. The sun lingers a little longer over the coast, and the air carries just enough warmth to make a patio dinner or evening drink especially inviting.

At Montrio, the bar program is designed to complement the kitchen's seasonal approach. Each cocktail and wine is selected to enhance the flavors of the menu while offering guests something memorable to sip throughout the evening.

Why Sip Here

• Seasonal cocktails built with classic technique and creative ingredients
• California wine selections from Monterey County, Sonoma Coast, Santa Ynez Valley, and beyond
• Thoughtful drink pairings designed around seafood, steak, and spring-forward dishes
• Historic downtown setting inside Monterey's first firehouse, built in 1910

Spring Mood

Whether you're meeting friends after work or settling in for a leisurely dinner downtown, spring is the perfect time to explore what's behind the bar at Montrio.

Signature Cocktails -- Crafted with Intention

At Montrio, cocktails aren't afterthoughts. Each drink is crafted with fresh ingredients, house-made syrups, and premium spirits, with the kind of attention to detail you'd expect from a Michelin-recognized kitchen.

From citrus-forward gin drinks to barrel-aged whiskey creations, the cocktail menu evolves with the seasons. Spring brings lighter flavors -- elderflower, fresh herbs, stone fruit, and botanical notes that mirror the kitchen's move toward brighter, seasonal plates.

Whether you prefer something refreshing on the patio or a more spirit-forward pour at the bar, there's always something new to discover.

California Wines with a Local Focus

The wine list at Montrio reflects the richness of California's Central Coast, with selections from Monterey County, Paso Robles, Santa Cruz Mountains, and the Santa Lucia Highlands.

• Crisp Sauvignon Blancs and Albarinos for lighter dishes and seafood
• Elegant Pinot Noirs that pair naturally with grilled meats and mushroom-forward plates
• Sparkling wines to mark special evenings or simply celebrate the season

Each pour is chosen to complement the menu, and the team is always happy to guide guests through options that pair well with whatever they're ordering.

Pairings Worth Trying This Season

The best part of a well-curated bar and wine program? The pairings.

• Seared scallops with a glass of chilled Albarino
• Grilled lamb with a Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir
• Seasonal risotto with a crisp, dry rose
• Spring salad with a citrus gin cocktail or a glass of sparkling wine

These pairings aren't just about matching flavor -- they enhance the entire dining experience.

The Setting

Montrio is housed inside Monterey's original firehouse, a 1910 landmark that blends historic character with a warm, modern atmosphere. The bar area is a social anchor of the space, inviting guests to start the evening with a drink or linger after dinner over a nightcap.

Whether seated at the bar or in the dining room, the ambiance is welcoming and unpretentious -- designed to feel like an extension of Monterey's relaxed coastal energy.

Join Us This Spring

Spring in Monterey is a reminder of why the Central Coast is one of the best places to eat and drink in California. At Montrio, we're ready to welcome you with thoughtful drinks, seasonal dishes, and the kind of hospitality that keeps guests coming back.

Reserve your table and raise a glass to the season at Montrio.

Monterey, CA | 831.648.8880