Forge in the Forest has been a Carmel institution since 1944, and it’s one of those places with real staying power—literally. In 2001, the employees pooled resources to buy it themselves rather than watch it close, which says something about how much the place matters to people in town. You can feel that history walking in. The rustic decor and warm lighting create the kind of space where you actually want to linger, whether you’re stopping by for lunch between beach walks or settling in for dinner after exploring the coastal trails nearby.

The outdoor patio is the main draw if you’re traveling with a dog. It’s genuinely spacious—not a token corner squeezed between the dumpster and kitchen door. Dogs hang out under umbrellas, on the tile, completely comfortable while their owners eat. The staff treats it like a normal thing, not a special favor you have to grovel for. Bring a water bowl or ask for one; they’ll get you sorted. You could bring a blanket or toy to make your dog feel settled, but honestly, most dogs just seem content watching the Carmel street life go by.

The food is solid without being pretentious—burgers, salads, sandwiches, seafood. Nothing that required a three-part explanation from the server or a second mortgage. The ingredients are genuinely good, which matters when you’re eating outside and want something that tastes like more than the price tag suggests. Service moves at the right pace for a relaxed meal, not rushed, not glacial.

It’s the kind of place where dog owners naturally end up talking to each other about trail recommendations or which beaches allow dogs at certain times of year. That community feeling isn’t forced; it’s just what happens when a restaurant treats dogs as normal guests instead of complications. If you’re in Carmel with your dog and want to sit down for a real meal without leaving them somewhere, this is where locals go.