Schooners Coastal Kitchen & Bar – Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa Reviews List
Schooners Coastal Kitchen & Bar – Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa
Schooners Coastal Kitchen & Bar, suspended over the waters of Monterey Bay, is a stunning restaurant featuring sustainable seafood and approachable, contemporary American cuisine. The ideal location for celebrating the Central Coast and the spectacular coastal region, Executive Chef Waller's commitment to fresh, sustainable seafood is reflected in the creative menu which features a variety of seafood options, both raw and cooked, as well as appetizers, soups, salads, large platters meant for sharing, and wood-fired dishes. A creative cocktail menu is served alongside an impressive wine list highlighting Monterey County vintners. The high-energy bar, bustling open kitchen, and dramatic outdoor patio personifies a relaxed, fun and joyous atmosphere.
"I liked it but for the little I ordered, it was expensive. Also, they have some type of strawberry festival going on so I thought some of the food combinations that used strawberries were trying a little too hard. That said, the waiter was very attentive and the view was great."
Dined on 6/13/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, scenic view, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 2 for Schooners Coastal Kitchen & Bar – Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa
"We had the shrimp appetizer and it was very good. For dinner my friend got the halibut which was good. I got the seared scallops which was served with kale. The scallops were good however the kale was salty. We also got a side of artichokes which was ok but not worth $8.00. Overall dinner was good however we're not likely to good back again."
Dined on 5/31/2013
Special Features: romantic, scenic view, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 4 for Schooners Coastal Kitchen & Bar – Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa
"greatlocationrightonthewaterfront. Ambience inviting but not terribly inspired. Noise level was fine outside. pleasant service. poke was quite good--fun presentation on a block of salt. The rest was overpriced and forgettable. part of Monterrey plaza resort."
Dined on 5/24/2013
Special Features: great for brunch, kid-friendly
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 6 for Schooners Coastal Kitchen & Bar – Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa
"Our table was ready when we arrived, we were allocated an excellent table overlooking the bay, exactly as I had requested. The service was very attentive and knowledgeable advice was provided on the food and wine. The food was excellent and reasonably priced considering the quality and the restaurant location."
Dined on 5/17/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, notable wine list, romantic, scenic view, hot spot, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 7 for Schooners Coastal Kitchen & Bar – Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa
"Very nice experience at Schooners, food was excellent, service superb and the location is perfect. Our particular highlights were the bar whilst waiting for our table where we had a nice relaxing drink chatting to the personable barman Jesse, and when we were leaving we ran into Carla Hall of Top Chef fame. Carla was fantastic and chatted to us for a good 5 minutes."
Dined on 5/18/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, scenic view, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 8 for Schooners Coastal Kitchen & Bar – Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa
"Schooners was a huge disappointment. Valet parking, location & view was nice. That is where the compliments end. We accepted the offered table in the VERY loud dining room. We witnessed another party of 2 being seated at the window table WE had asked for. Ordered the Filet / Lobster dinner for 2 for $80. SKIMPY quantity & definitely NOT worth the price. Ordered dessert.. we were still HUNGRY. We could have overlooked the seating issue but, with the overall poor dining experience. ruined our evening. I sure wish we had checked the Yelp reviews BEFORE our visit. Many of the reviews echo the same complaints. Poor food quality & quantity. You would think management would correct problems instead of allowing issues to continue. Guess not?"
Dined on 5/18/2013
Special Features: scenic view
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 9 for Schooners Coastal Kitchen & Bar – Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa
"Our group was celebrating graduation from the MBA program at CSUMB. Since I was local I took the lead in selecting a restaurant. I found Schooners after reading many reviews. The ambience was nice as the view overlooking the water was beautiful. The service was excellent; however, the food was terrible. There were 9 people in the party and more than half had negative comments about the quality of the food. The clam chowder was watered down and looked more like clam juice. A couple of people ordered chicken and this dish was awful, it not only looked bad, but it tasted like it was boiled in water with butter poured over the top. Not exactly what we expected from this restaurant, especially with a $611 bill."
Dined on 5/17/2013
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 10 for Schooners Coastal Kitchen & Bar – Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa
"A were at Schooners with a group of eight people. Convenient reservation via open table, got a great table at the window front. very attentive service, delicious food, very good selection of wines. And on top of it all, very fair prices."
Dined on 5/15/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, special occasion
Share:
+1point
1of1voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 11 for Schooners Coastal Kitchen & Bar – Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa
"Always have great service, food is served fast. This time I tried the chicken hash, it was great and my Mom had the crab cake benedicts, she loved them. She ate the whole thing. We also had waffles with strawberries, I guess when the food is good, you eat a lot. Had a great Mother's Day with my Mom."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, great for brunch, kid-friendly, romantic, scenic view, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 13 for Schooners Coastal Kitchen & Bar – Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa
"...and your own pot of french press coffee! The swordfish was so tender and moist. The first I've had in 35 years, as It was caught sustainably. The view, spectacular, and a fine and attentive waiter and other helping staff."
Dined on 4/29/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, scenic view, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 14 for Schooners Coastal Kitchen & Bar – Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa
"Cioppino was good but the tomato broth tasted canned. Clam chowder had whole clams in the shell, a nice presentation, but was light on clam flavor and was somewhat thin. Artichoke chowder was delicious, but was more of a bisque than chowder. In all, an enjoyable meal but we have dined at at least a half dozen better restaurants in the Monterey area. Finally, while the wine list was acceptable, I expected more from a restaurant in this price range. Only "rose" on the list was White Zinfandel - seriously?"
Dined on 04/28/2013
2001
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 15 for Schooners Coastal Kitchen & Bar – Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa
"The night we ate at Schooner's was our wedding anniversary so food, ambiance and scenery were very important to me. I selected the restaurant based on Trip Advisor reviews ~ a website I use frequent as my husband and I often travel. This restaurant far exceeded our expectations. It's been years since my husband and I took 2 hours for a dinner, enjoying the view, the great waiter "Alex" and the tastes, presentation and wonderful smells of the food."
Dined on 04/16/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, scenic view
Share:
+1point
1of1voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 18 for Schooners Coastal Kitchen & Bar – Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa
"An overall excellent experience. An exceptional location, view, and ambiance. Perfect for a Romantic momement or just a nice environment to enjoy a quality meal."
Dined on 04/03/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, scenic view, hot spot
Share:
+1point
1of1voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 19 for Schooners Coastal Kitchen & Bar – Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa
"Finding a really good restaurant in Monterey is challenging, and those that claim to be good often have very average food for very high prices, which leaves you feeling ripped off. Schooners is one of the better restaurants because the food is passable, and the prices are acceptable for the quality."
Dined on 04/12/2013
2010
Special Features: scenic view
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 20 for Schooners Coastal Kitchen & Bar – Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa
"We had so much fun, great food and fabulous service. We were sitting at the bar waiting for our table. We ended up eating at the bar because we were having so much fun that we didn't want to leave! And that was because Anna, the bartender, made our evening. What an asset to Schooners! Every bar/restaurant should have staff persons like her! She has an outgoing personality and made us feel as we were part of her family. And can that lady multi-task - I wished she worked for me! With employees like Anna, the wonderful location and great food, Schooners should contnue to rate high in the Monterey Area. Wonderful evening! I can't wait to go back!"
Dined on 04/05/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, notable wine list, romantic, scenic view, great for lunch, hot spot
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 21 for Schooners Coastal Kitchen & Bar – Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa
"My wife and I wanted to experience fine dinning and Schooners seemed to be the best place in Monterey. The staff was very nice and welcoming. Everything was going great until we noticed we had been waiting for our food for a while. We arrived at 715pm and did not receive our meal until about 845pm. We understand things happen but I think they could have done something to compensate for our long wait. We had to mention the wait to them and they gave us 10% off. I think a lot more should have been done, especially if I am spending $100 on a meal. A place like this should be able to give dessert or something. Great customer service can eliminate an issue and they failed to do so. We left the restaurant not feeling great about our visit."
Dined on 04/06/2013
2012
Special Features: romantic, scenic view
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 22 for Schooners Coastal Kitchen & Bar – Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa
"Beautiful room overlooking Monterey Bay. Excellent service. My swordfish was excellently prepared; my wife's steak, ordered medium rare, came well done. Our there dining companions enjoyed their meals. It's a beautiful spot for a pretty good meal."
Dined on 04/06/2013
2002
Special Features: scenic view
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 23 for Schooners Coastal Kitchen & Bar – Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa
"Food was excellent, we chose the special prefix menu and our food were outstanding. Service was very attentive and friendly."
Dined on 03/21/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, late-night find, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, scenic view, great for lunch
Share:
+1point
1of1voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 25 for Schooners Coastal Kitchen & Bar – Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa
"The food was relatively bland, and the service lacked! My 10 year old daughter is a VERY picy eater, but happens to love ceaser salad, which although has fattening dressing has GREEN leafy veg, so I am delighted that she would eat it, up until we ate there! As the waitress proceeded to tell her there were anchovies in the dressing, ARE YOU KIDDING ME......"
Dined on 03/12/2013
2013
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 26 for Schooners Coastal Kitchen & Bar – Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa
"My wife and I requested a window view and had an excellent dinner here. There were a variety of diners; formal, casual, couples and young families. The ambiance was great and the service was spectacular! Roland was friendly, personable, funny and made an effort to connect with us, we felt like old friends or regular diners. My wife was hoping to have the Caprese Pizza, unfortunately it was not available, so she had the Mac & Cheese which was very rich! I ordered the special which included cold prawns, warm prawns, mahi-mahi and a chocolate cake. The warm prawns sauce was awesome. Expensive restaurant, but, it's Monterey, so, when in Rome!"
Dined on 03/13/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, scenic view
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 30 for Schooners Coastal Kitchen & Bar – Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa
"Had a great dinner here (as well as lunch and two breakfasts) while staying in Monterey for the weekend...i can't imagine a better view in all of Monterey...the bar has outside dining right over the water and the restaurant has giant picture windows. Service was friendly and prompt and the menu was seafood centric with a number of shared plate options which we enjoyed. We recommend and will be back."
Dined on 03/09/2013
2004
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, scenic view, hot spot
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 32 for Schooners Coastal Kitchen & Bar – Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa
"Schooner's has quickly become one of "the" places to enjoy a fine dining experience on Cannery Row. The menu is varied with the food excellently prepared and presented. The wine list is extensive and fairly priced. The location could not be better. Part of the fabulous Monterey Plaza Hotel, it sits at the waters edge offering fantastic views of Monterey Bay. Whether for a special occasion or leisurely weekend brunch, you will not be disappointed with Schooner's Coastal Kitchen & Bar."
Dined on 03/09/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, scenic view
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 33 for Schooners Coastal Kitchen & Bar – Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa
"We were in Monterey for 2 nights and we dined there twice because it was so good. We tried the mahi-mahi, the seafood linguine and a nightly shrimp and scallop stuffed lobster. Everything was delicious. The waiters were all very nice and helpful. We were seated by the window with a great view of the ocean both nights. Would definitly recommend!"
Dined on 03/08/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, late-night find, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 34 for Schooners Coastal Kitchen & Bar – Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa
"We were seated in the middle of the room, which increased the noise level, decreased the ambiance, and a cool breeze from the air conditioning was blowing right on us. The views are amazing, though only two of the seats at our table allowed for viewing. The food was good, but the menu was pretty limited; I was surprised there were not more fish options, such as a mild fish, nor crab options. The primary server was great though we occasionally had to wait awhile for her to return to the table; our secondary waiter who brought our food and beverages charged us twice for the wine and did not seemed suprised when we brought it to his attention. If I were returning to the area, I would choose a different restaurant next time."
Dined on 03/01/2013
2009
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 35 for Schooners Coastal Kitchen & Bar – Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa
"The portions were small for the price. I think smaller portions are the way to go, but the price should reflect that. A 5 oz peice of halibut with a handful of sauted spinach inder it for $30 was a bit expersive."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 36 for Schooners Coastal Kitchen & Bar – Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa
"The view was beautiful and service was good but the food was only so-so (Don't get the lobster pasta. I was told it was New England lobster but I believe it was frozen Australian. The lobster was chalky, stringy and terrible. The waiter was very helpful and brought a new piece of lobster but it was still inedible.) The restaurant was very loud which made conversation difficult. Perhaps it would be better on a different night but dinner was pricey and only fair in quality. We had a vastly superior meal at a neighboring restaurant."
Dined on 02/23/2013
2011
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 38 for Schooners Coastal Kitchen & Bar – Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa
"I enjoyed the relaxed feel of this place. The view of the Monterey Bay was spectacular. I definitely would return to try more dishes. The angry prawns appetizer had a great flavor and the sea bass special was very good. The service was also very good. I highly recommend this restaurant."
Dined on 02/23/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, scenic view
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 39 for Schooners Coastal Kitchen & Bar – Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa
"We had a delightful time! Our server was professional, knowledgeable & fun. She surprised us with binoculars to view the dolphins and sights in the harbor...amazing. Her suggestions proved to be our selections, including wine. A delicious dinner and a wonderful evening! We've told our friends about our experience!"
Dined on 02/16/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, scenic view, great for lunch, hot spot
Share:
+1point
1of1voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 40 for Schooners Coastal Kitchen & Bar – Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa
"My wife and I shared the cioppin, but were were a little disappointed with the taste of the broth. It almost had a fresh out of the can taste. The seafood in it was tasty, however, and the great service made up for any disappointments."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2008
Special Features: romantic, scenic view
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 41 for Schooners Coastal Kitchen & Bar – Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa
"The staff was attentive without lingering. The food was prepared following some very specific dairy and gluten free needs. They greeted us as though they were waiting for our arrival, yet we were early and it was a packed house. They gave us the option to wait for a table with the best view in the house, and as we waited, they kept us appropriately updated as to when we would be seated. We plan on coming back again and again since they made our night one to remember."
Dined on 02/17/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, scenic view, hot spot
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Ratings-Only Reviews for Schooners Coastal Kitchen & Bar – Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa