February 20, 2024 – One of the biggest properties on Cannery Row—and one with supreme potential—has a brand new identity, after several years dark.
Tipsy Putt soft opened this morning in the former Cannery Row Brewing Company (and former Willie’s Smokehouse and All American Grill, and former O’Kane’s Irish Pub).
It delivers what it promised, and what has proven a popular concept at its other locations in Emeryville, Sunnyvale, Sacramento and South Lake Tahoe: mini golf and a sports bar.
But there’s plenty more going on than that, namely corn hole, league nights, memberships and what TP leadership calls “California cuisine,” open to all ages until 5pm, when it switches to 21+.
On the food front, the menu focuses on Mexican-leaning fare like street tacos with seven different proteins (from achiote pollo to Korean barbecue pork belly to Baja fish), nachos, elote bowls, pub pretzels, kids dishes and breakfast items like chilaquiles, breakfast burritos and soyrizo hash. Breakfast fare is served until 2pm and bottomless mimosas are available 11am-2pm.
The bar program, meanwhile, stars more than 30 craft beers on tap—with local outfits like Alvarado Street, Dust Bowl, Fieldworks and Peter B’s representing—plus a pair of draft wines and 10 kegged cocktails like the Mulligan Mule, Lemon Drop Zone and Monterey Sunset.
The official grand opening happens Thursday, Feb. 22 (and has already sold out), after a media preview Wednesday.
Mini golf, which occupies the lower story with nine holes and a long bar, runs $15 per person per round, and “1-2 Putt”—Tipsy Putt’s trademarked game of hole-in-one table top mini golf—costs $12 a round. Unlimited games are in play for $29 a head.
I don’t have many sacred influencers in my life. But my long-time journalism colleague and Moon Travel author Stuart Thornton is different. The guy curates local specials and obscure travel adventures alike, with voice, balance and calm.
He’s known to get amped for all sorts of different West Coast gems, as I’ve spotlighted in Edible’s Found Treasures column, but I can’t say I’ve seen him quite so psyched up for any place as much as Tipsy Putt.
“It just sounds like good kitschy fun,” he says, noting he loves the free Tipsy Putt hat he got from their hospitality table on the Recreation Trail last fall. “It gives us a dynamic and competitive-but-fun option for a night out.”
Brandon Robinson, Tipsy Putt CEO, elaborates on what people can expect.
“Tipsy Putt is not just a restaurant, it’s an experience that combines tactile games, camaraderie and incredible dining and drinks,” he says. “We’re thrilled to be a part of Monterey’s incredible ecosystem and welcome the community to make memories with us. We promise unmatched entertainment, local brews and great food!”
More at tipsyputt.com/tipsy-putt-monterey.
About the author
Mark C. Anderson, EMB's managing editor and "Found Treasures" columnist, welcomes responsible and irresponsible feedback. Correspond via mark@ediblemontereybay.com.
