Alvardo Street Brewery and Grill is the most on-trend eatery in Monterey—and that's a good thing, in this case. Its soaring, 4,900-square-foot interior, carved out of what was the abandoned Regency Theatre, has a very contemporary feel, at once industrial and cozy. Think exposed steel beams and hanging steel lamps that look like they could light a factory floor offset by old-timey black and white tile floors, gray wainscotting, and lots of grainy woods. Massive fermentation tanks loom over the bar from behind a plate glass window. The food is as savvy about today's tastes, with a variety of fresh salads, pizza-like flatbreads (with such groovy toppings as cured duck and pickled chiles), sandwiches, and comfort foods. The stars of the menu include the wonderfully tart crispy brussels sprouts, the heirloom tomato soup sided by cheesy flatbread, and the fish tacos with beer salsa. The restaurant uses beer in ingredients that are usually cooked in wine or water, to tasty effect. Speaking of beer: You're going to like the brews here! Alvarado creates 11 of its own ales and lagers as well as 30-odd guest beers, both draft and bottle, on a rotating schedule. You'll likely find something rare and Belgian on the menu, alongside a craft brew from the Pacific Northwest. Alvarado Street Brewery and Grill opened its doors in May of 2014.