Stokes Adobe

Stokes Adobe sits in an old adobe building just off Hartnell Street, a few blocks from the main Monterey drag. The space stretches across two levels – dining rooms upstairs and down, with original fireplaces tucked into corners and thick adobe walls that keep things quiet. Out back, a patio rings the building, dotted with fire pits that draw people outside even on colder nights. Groups often drift between the indoor rooms and the patio, especially during celebrations or when the weather cooperates. The menu shifts every few months, with the kitchen rotating in new dishes alongside a handful of staples that rarely disappear: tagliatelle bolognese, a pork chop that returns most seasons, and a bread service that lands on tables before coats come off. Other plates cycle through – wagyu steak, roasted chicken with crisp skin, mussels, octopus, pizza with a chewy crust, duck mousse, beignets, and brown butter potatoes that show up on nearly every order. Cocktails are poured strong, and the bar keeps a short wine list and a couple of lagers on draft. A separate happy hour menu runs early in the evening, and the kitchen can work around dietary needs with some notice. Inside, the building shows its charm – thick walls, low ceilings, old wood, and details that nod to Monterey’s early days. Fireplaces see use year-round, and the music stays in the background. Most nights, the crowd is a mix: some tables set for birthdays or anniversaries, others just in for dinner. The space handles larger groups without trouble, but plenty of two-tops are tucked into quieter corners. The entrance is easy to spot from the street, and parking usually turns up along Hartnell or nearby side streets. Reservations help, especially for dinner or if arriving with a group. Bits of the building’s history come up now and then – the adobe has stood since Monterey’s early days, and stories about the name or old owners still circulate. The restaurant keeps its current menu and reservation details up to date on its website.