Cooper’s Pub & Restaurant sits right on Cannery Row in Monterey, where you can actually bring your dog to the outdoor seating area while you grab a meal and a drink. The place has real character—it’s inspired by California history and British heritage but feels contemporary, not like a theme restaurant trying too hard.

What impressed me most was the beer selection. They’ve got 14 beers on tap, and they carry the largest variety of local craft brews you’ll find in Monterey. If you’re into regional breweries, this is where you come. Even if beer isn’t your thing, the food and atmosphere make it worth a stop when you’re walking the Row with your dog.

The outdoor seating means you’re not stuck inside while your dog waits around. You can actually sit down together, order something real to eat, and watch the activity along Cannery Row. On a nice day—which Monterey has plenty of—this beats a lot of the tourist-focused spots nearby that either won’t let dogs in at all or relegate you to some cramped corner.

The vibe leans more toward people actually having a good time rather than just snapping photos. You get regulars mixed in with visitors, which usually means the place doesn’t feel like a trap for your wallet. The menu has enough going on that you’re not just eating bar food, though that’s available too.

Given how crowded Cannery Row gets, finding a spot where you can sit outside with your dog and actually enjoy decent food and local beer without feeling rushed is pretty solid. It’s the kind of place you’d return to if you’re back in Monterey, not somewhere you visit once to check a box.