Britannia Arms Pub & Restaurant

The chowder was probably the best I had in Monterey, but that’s because I prefer a thicker consistency and lots of large clams, which this delivered. Mediocre island shrimp skewer that I wouldn’t order again, a very decent crab cake, and fried mushrooms that were a home run. Bartender was funny and helpful providing info about Monterey as it was our first visit.

On par with the Crown & Anchor, this place is becoming my preferred favorite of the two. The bar area is magical, and wait staff wonderfully attentive, the soups and fish and chips delicious!

Great place for soccer matches. Would give a four but bartenders (female) usually finish convos and do things on «their» time and convenience.

Shepherd’s pie was horrible, the fish and chips were disgusting!!! I took a bite and literally gagged. The crust was soft and dark and the fish tasted sour… like it was spoiled. The only good thing were the fries (frozen), coffee (instant), and waitress. The clam chowder was cold and clumpy. I expect it came from a can. Or has a can flavor .
Needless to say, I will NEVER eat there again.

The online menu sounded intriguing so, after fighting for a parking space in downtown Monterey, we walked the 2 blocks to the Britannia Arms. Peering in at 5 PM there was hardly anyone inside. In a fit of hopefulness this lack of patronage was attributed to the early hour of the evening. After taking a stroll down Alvarodo I thought «what the heck» and went inside. I ordered a Guinness on tap and the Beef Braised in Guinness (a stew). It took about 25 minute for the order. We took note that at 6 PM there wasn’t anyone else in the place other then what seemed to be owner/​family members (including a child — which is odd for a bar).
The Beer:
I’ve drank a lot of Guinness over the years. Some good, some bad. Though this serving was a bit flat it was at the correct temperature; the lack of foam perhaps due from incorrectly rinsed glassware? By the end of the glass it was tasting a bit «off» so I didn’t finish it.
The Beef Braised in Guinness:
This is a stew. The meat was tender and the overall flavor was a bit sweet, however, it definitely had too much salt in it: this didn’t stop me from eating ALL of it. The carrots in the stew where tender, too.
Served with potatoes, broccoli, carrots and cauliflower on the side. The potatoes where excellent. The other vegetables a bit on the under-​done side. I didn’t finish the cauliflower because it tasted… Like cauliflower!
Cost was around $ 40+ for 2.
Ambiance:
LOUD — damn loud. But, hey, it’s a sports bar.
AMBIANCE: Run down.
Rating: 2 stars which, in this case, is a «C-​». It’s not that the food is bad, but for the cost it’s not quiet what I expect. Especially in Monterey, CA.
FYI: I’ve been to British pubs before (one of the best is the Fox and Goose in Sacramento) and this doesn’t feel British at all. It’s a run-​down American sports bar.
Service:
Good. The waitress did a good job.

Great English pub in the heart of Monterey. Non-​pretentious authentic British pub. I had the bangers and mash, and my wife had the fish and chips. Both would be hard to beat, especially the fish and chips for fish popular Monterey. If you’re seeking fancy, this is not your place. If you want friendly, fresh, and fun grab a Guinness and enjoy!

This fat, brown bouncer was extremely rude towards our group. In particular our party a leader a sheriff officer. Bad idea. Once he tried only using the bathroom and was denied the bouncer was an asshole and told us to move along. All of if wor inking within the police enforcement will remember this. In all this guy is a dumbass, future officers and current officers stay away from this bars. No reaped pest and value for our service.

This place was pretty fun but the old bartender was really nasty and did not smile was very rude. I overheard her say somebody wrote «go to college» on the receipt and when i left that knight i knew exactly why they wrote that for her to see. She doesn’t smile doesn’t have any people skills i have to yell just to get her attention. You’re a bartender your head should be facing up not looking down the whole time. Which was what she was doing most of the time i left angry and will not return because of that her rude as bartending.

Lots of great beers on draught. Also plenty of great tv screens showing the best of soccer/​rugby/​football. Definitely left happy after the few times I’ve been there! Quick service every time I’ve been in and it’s always been exceptional.
Stoked to have it near by.

We dropped in on a Tuesday before Veteran’s Day and found it was the only place on the block advertising karaōke. We had good time and there was a decent crowd, which I’m presuming was out before the holiday since it was many NPS and DLI military students. The drinks were run of the mill and service was fairly quick. I would say the two-​star knock down is due to the divey-​ness which could really be seen as a positive thing depending on your tastes. Nothing to really complain about, but nothing to really brag about either.

A classic Brit pub with everything you expect. The fish and chips are amazing, best in Monterey. Perfect batter with a little crisp. We came in for lunch and watched a soccer game. Service was great, the waiter was checking on us and made sure our drinks were filled. The location, décor and large bar make this a great place to hang out and relax.

This was a fun spot in Monterey.
The portions were really big, the waitress was super friendly and they had karaōke the night we went there.
Life is good.
Kathleen

Awesome food and drinks. Fish and chips are really fresh. Perfect spot to unwind. The bartenders are all very cool and personable and didn’t mind all the questions that this out of towner had. I’ll be back next time I’m in town.

Good food, great service, immediate seating!
A group of 6 looking for a place to grab lunch about half past noon on the Sunday of a three day weekend in Monterey! Really! Fool hardy? Not so
it might seem After trying a few places — all with 30 minute (or more) waits, crowded dining rooms and harried servers, we stumbled in here. We were seated right away, given menus, our drink order taken and filled, and our meal order taken before we even would have been seated in one of the other (higher priced) restaurants. Our table was strategically positioned to take advantage of the cross breeze. We had the opportunity to sit and visit with friends we seldom see, we enjoyed good food and beverage and never felt rushed. Their was no crush of humanity giving us «the look» or the telepathic message, «we want your table, we want your table, we want your table.» The food was delicious (burgers, fish and chips, mushroom steak pie). Mostly we valued the space and the time that allowed us to raise a glass or two and talk story! Thank you for a delightful Sunday afternoon with friends (and a ball game (or two) playing in the background!

Holy cow, can you say crappy service??!
We waited 15 minutes for the waitress to take our drink order, we waited another 15 minutes for her to come take our food order… now we’re sitting here waiting for our checks to come… the waitress walked past us 4 times and finally just brought our checks. Now let’s see how long it takes to bring them back. Pretty good food but we definitely didn’t plan on a 3 hour dinner.

Super boring place the DJ’s are even more boring in their selection of music stop playing old music. It’s perfect for the older crowed 40+. I wouldn’t even waste my time coming to this place the wait is longer then in San Jose.

DO NOT GIVE A DEBIT OR CREDIT CARD AT BRITANNIA ARMS!!!
After three days of attempting to rectify an issues with the Britannia Arms my debit card is still double charged.
No one is available to talk about it.
The owner and manager are not available.
Gabriel Contreras has told me three days in a row he will let the owner know when he returns.
Meanwhile my debit card has been charged over $ 200.00 for a $ 60.00 bill.
Unacceptable customer service!!!

This Brit location is everything The Brit in downtown San Jose is not.
Great service, good food and drinks, cozy location.