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Brophy's Tavern
Categories: Restaurants American (Traditional) Nightlife Bars Sports Bars American (Traditional), Sports Bars [Edit]
4th and San CarlosCarmel, CA 93922
(831) 624-2476
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Late Night, Dinner
- Music:
- Background
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Thu, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
66 reviews for Brophy's Tavern
Review Highlights
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"Attractive, Handsome, Comfortable Sports Bar & Grill." In 11 reviews -
"Love the Fat Lip Ale there." In 3 reviews -
"A really nice casual classy place to relax and enjoy a good..." In 3 reviews
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66 reviews in English
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Review from Katie W.
San Francisco, CA
5/24/2012
We were in Monterey this week to celebrate our 2nd Anniversary. We didn't have any set plans, but we knew we wanted to watch the SF Giants game. The moment we walked into Brophy's Tavern we knew we had found our sort of place.
The bar was filled with regulars chatting to themselves and servers over drinks and food. We got there at the right time, and managed to grab seats in front of a TV without a wait. The staff was courteous, and welcoming. They checked in on us throughout our time there without hovering, and were very quick to bring out another round.
We had the fried artichokes (heaven), and jalapeno poppers. The artichokes come with a jalapeno aioli that suited them perfectly ... they weren't too heavy, crisp and cooked throughout. The poppers were some of the best I've had in a really long time -- perfectly cooked, and just what you want from a popper. The locally brewed "Fat Lip Ale" was the perfect accompaniment to our bar food and the ballgame.
It was the perfect way to spend our anniversary evening watching our favorite team. I wish Brophy's was around the corner from my home -- I'd be a regular in no time! -
Review from Melissa W.
Carmel, CA
4/27/2012
Big fan of the Brophys. My BF and i eat here once a week. Great Staff. Good cold beer on tap. They don't change it up too often, but a well rounded selection all the same. Couple of things you can't go wrong with here. #1 - The soup. I'm a bit of a soup afficianado. Love the stuff and their homemade soups are ALWAYS tasty. #2 - The carne asada tacos, the recipe does tend to change a bit with these, but again always good.
Definitely not a fancy pants place, but if you're looking for a chill place to have a cold beer and a good meal this is it.
Forgot to mention, there are several tv's with a variety of games on and usually a great mix of modern rock/alternative playing in the background. -
Review from Dawn T.
Los Altos, CA
4/1/2012 1 Check-in Here
Friends of ours who live in Carmel (and consider Brophy's as their local hangout) took us here for lunch. It was a rainy day, so the golfers who would otherwise be out on the course were in for lunch and drinks. The wait person was extremely friendly, but the poor lady was just slammed. She did her best.
The food was really good. I usually don't have burgers, but decided to go that route. I order my burgers medium rare, and really appreciate when they arrive like I ordered. My Brophy burger was awesome!
Everyone else in our party really enjoyed their meals as well. We will definitely be back next time we visit Carmel (which is often). -
Review from Colleen C.
San Francisco, CA
3/11/2012
Walk or drive a little further from the main hubbub that is Carmel's gallery and shopping district and you'll find this corner pub.
Having spent the last few days eating a ton along the Central Coast, we found this place by accident on our trip home.
Glad we did. Terrific rare burger on a rosemary foccaccia bun. Tasty tuna melt with lots of chopped celery. Great staff and atmosphere.
But don't go because I said so. Go because Bill Murrary "X'd" the wall where he sunk a golf ball into the ocean from nearby Pebble Beach.
Slainte! -
Review from Fred F.
San Clemente, CA
2/9/2012
What could be more fun than having drinks with your com-padres and Bill Murray rolling in for a few. Sat right next to the legendary comedian and discovered that he really isn't the reclusive a-hole that everybody else claims. Fun guy and very accommodating. Signed autographs, posed for pics and drew on the wall with a sharpie, (he won the AT&T last year and proudly said so).
Liveliest place in Carmel with a good crowd and relieves me of visiting the grumpy bartenders at Jack London's. -
Review from Ahmad B.
Fresno, CA
4/17/2012
A real cool place to hang out at night in Carmel. Its more of a sports bar/Pub than dinner place, but they have some good food, and its one of the places thats open late. Mostly locals. You won't expect a place like this in Carmel. Its just up the street from the main drag, and easy to fine.
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Review from Judy S.
San Jose, CA
5/3/2012 1 Check-in Here
Had the Eggs Benedict for brunch... so glad we split it and even doing that I couldn't finish it! The food here is very inexpensive but really good. The atmosphere & staff are great too!
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Review from Peter and Julie H.
San Jose, CA
3/11/2012
Good food but entrees were slightly expensive for the atmosphere - very loud... Wide range in quality on the beer - we ended up with a great local brew (fat lip - $5).
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Review from Brittani R.
Carmel, CA
2/18/2012 2 Check-ins Here
I have never had less than a great time at Brophy's. Although it is a tavern the food here is MUCH better than your average pub fare- yummy salads- sandwiches and weekly specials. The very welcoming owners are often there along with their friendly and attentive staff. They always have the game on and make great drinks. Carmel doesn't have much of a nightlife but Brophy's is always busy on the weekends, the perfect place for a really fun casual atmosphere.
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Review from Yamona S.
Pacific Grove, CA
10/8/2011
I just enjoyed a really kinda special experience at Brophy's. This was something to put a smile of my face for many years to come. The kind of thing that you have waited for , oh, for years and you finally have the freedom to just do it. Ever had one of those?
Had a delicious Lemondrop - the owner, greeted us right away - got us our drinks. I was surprised that a bar quality Lemondrop was any good. But it was - I don't do a sugar rim, but he brought me rock candy on a stick on the side. Very cute. -
Review from Scott M.
Pacific Grove, CA
1/23/2012 3 Check-ins Here
Used to be a great lil bar, but the service has gotten spotty & rude lately. Too bad because it was once what I called my favorite bar.
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Review from Tonya M.
Pebble Beach, CA
1/22/2012 1 Check-in Here
Great place to hang with locals and watch the game. Great food too! Order burgers to frog legs! No kidding! This place is the best!
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Review from Marika M.
Carmel, CA
6/18/2011 1 Check-in Here
I like Brophy's . . . during the day. Not a fan of the night scene there but it did make for the perfect post Beerfest dinner. This bar has some of the best bar food with great specials and staples. I generally have a hard time ordering because all the selections sound and look amazing. As a new plate out of the kitchen, I'm eyeballing it to see if that's what I want.
I usually revert to my dear friend, the ruben. From the rye to the corned beef to the sauerkraut, everything is perfect. And when paired with a English Ales brew, well it gets even better. The nachos are another one of my go tos. Should I break out and try more of the menu, I'd say the same about those selections.
You might be wondering why I rated it a four with all that said, again, I am not a fan of the night scene. For that I head to Ody's. :) -
Review from Frank G.
Sacramento, CA
1/17/2012 1 Check-in Here
Philly cheese steak is good. no peppers onions or shrooms. just meat n cheese. Good fry's also. nice clean place, not a dive. good drinks.
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Review from Nicolette M.
Simi Valley, CA
4/8/2012
Looking for a low key bar to have a nice late night drink where I could hear what my friends were saying. I consider myself somewhat an expert when it comes to Bloody Mary's and this place had bacon in them! This is worth a visit alone. Nice casual wait staff. Had a Local flair a la Cheers. Seemed to be a real local hang out.
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Review from Stephanie T.
San Francisco, CA
6/21/2011
Brophy's Philly cheese steak is amazing. It comes on a big roll and is stuffed with juicy strips of meat, grilled onions, and creamy cheese. It is served with a side of fries or a salad.
The baked potato skins are also delicious. They use big potatoes and thick pieces of bacon served with sour cream on the side.
It's a good place for lunch or an early dinner, but the crowd that hangs out here to drink at night are not my favorite crowd. -
Review from Brandon R.
Phoenix, AZ
10/7/2011
If want to become a regular/local, 5 stars for you! For the rest of us, don't bother going here. There are many other great restaurants on the same block. The whole experience was so amusing that I almost want to give it a better rating but then I remember that I spent money here.
Stayed across the street from this place. The first night I was there the food and service was great (10/5). Thanks to both of the waitresses/bartenders working, very friendly, great service. We loved it so much that we decided to go back again. The two experiences were day and night. If this review was solely based on the first night I would have given it at least 4 stars but here is what ruined it:
Last night (10/6), when we sat at the bar the server was too busy talking to friends and playing card games to give us any attention. When she came over she rushed us on our drink orders and seemed bothered by us asking questions, didn't offer us menus, and proceeded to throw the drinks at us and quickly walked away to go take a shot with the other bartender and another guy with a pony tail that came back and forth from the kitchen to do shots with them, normal in Carmel? I couldn't tell if she was trying to be funny but her sarcasm just wasn't working. She looked for a way to insult everyone at the bar, I was not in the mood for this type of service. Sorry Nicole, I know some people like the cocky attitude but for most of us, it just doesn't fly. Trying to have a conversation was almost impossible when trying to speak over the bartenders filthy mouths, here and there is not so bad, but hearing F bombs fly back and forth all night gets annoying quickly. The more her and the other staff members drink behind the bar the worse it got. At this point to get any service you had to actually try to grab her as she walked back and forth talking to her friends, taking shots, and yelling across the bar. No class at all. Really really sad that you ruined this place for the people there that night. The guest on both sides of us felt as we did. I probably shouldn't have given a tip at all but didn't want to show the same disrespect she showed us, you're welcome. The food was on par but the service had already put a bad taste in my mouth. -
Review from Allyson D.
San Jose, CA
7/31/2011
Spent the weekend in Carmel with my honey and wanted some place casual we could catch a drink and watch the Giants game. Brophy's Tavern was the perfect spot!
Reasonable prices, good service and the artichoke fritters with the jalapeno aioli were amazing! Plus, I got the feeling that this place is visited more by locals than tourists, which is refreshing. -
Review from Aaron S.
El Dorado Hills, CA
12/29/2011 1 Check-in Here
Great place.. Love the cheese steak!!!!
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Review from Shiho F.
Carmel by the Sea, CA
Updated - 10/25/2010 5 Check-ins Here
So got a killer breakfast (almost literally) and it rocked my world and I was surprised that I finished half because it was so freaking big!!!
The Breakfast Sandwich with ham, Bacon, sausage, cheese complete , tomatoes and advocates or so it says on the menu... but mine had some fried Spam in it. The thing was like 12" long... yes I kid you not. Probably one of the most unique and best tasting breaky sandos ever.
No complaints... only wish thy used Low-So Spam.
Thanks Chef BC!!! xoxoListed in: Best of the 831
5 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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10/23/2010
Recently changed ownership and things are changing up a bit in here... they've got a kickass chef… Read more »
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Review from Jean A.
Monterey, CA
12/22/2011
Best bar in Carmel hands down. Might be the best in Monterey too. Good food and good service, you can't go wrong. The Philly Cheesesteak is the best I've ever had. Try it.
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Review from Chris B.
6/5/2011 1 Check-in Here
Actually one of the "normal" pubs I ever been in California, and I mean that i the best and positive way!
Love the Fat Lip Ale there! -
Review from Dana D.
Oakland, CA
1/7/2011 2 Check-ins Here
This is a great place to watch some football. The drinks are reasonably priced and the service is great. I wish I could remember the name of our server because she was awesome (I know she has a puggle). We didn't eat anything but all of the food that was coming out of the kitchen looked great.
Definately the best bar in Carmel!!! -
Review from Steve O.
Danville, CA
12/6/2011
This place is an absolute treasure. Ice cold draft beers, mulitple TVs and the absolute BEST reuben sandwich my wife and I have had ANYWHERE! On game days get there early to score a seat at the bar or a table as it fiills up QUICKLY!
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Review from Noel M.
7/14/2011 1 Check-in Here
Darn, we stopped in too late to even realize they served food! One of only three joints in town that stays open late, but the one that the staff at other establishments recommend the most. Plus, the bartender was awesome during our particular ordeal of the evening...
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Review from Kel L.
Sherman Oaks, CA
2/19/2012
Amazing food! We ended up not eating anywhere else the entire trip. From the breakfast sliders to the philly for dinner, every bite was heaven. The atmosphere was great. Fun bartenders, attentive wait staff and a cool crowd. Contrary to other reviews I enjoyed the fact that our bartender would have a shot with us every now and then. The entire staff treated us like we were locals. The owner came out and made sure that everything was to our liking. What a great bar/restaurant! It was a big part of our awesome long weekend in Carmel.
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Review from Egan B.
10/5/2010
Being the only thing open after dark in Carmel, there was little choice but to come to Brophy's on a Saturday night out. It helped a lot that this place was literally down the block from the B&B my girlfriend and I stayed at.
Service was excellent, our server, a brunette woman, was extremely attentive and quick with our drinks/ food. We shared a couple appetizers, the Kobe sliders and garlic buffalo wings. The sliders were fine, the meat didn't taste especially Kobe-ish or anything (which I find is generally the case with those things). The wings were really good though. The garlic in the sauce gives it a really nice flavor and the perfect amount of spice. The drinks were also very reasonable priced and well-poured. We started out with a local IPA for me and a Jack on the rocks for her. It's a cute bar and it seemed to be a local favorite as we felt like minorities in there as tourists. -
Review from Matthew H.
New York, NY
9/28/2010 1 Check-in Here
Walking around one afternoon we grew parched and hungry. Searching for an unassuming, unpretentious eatery is rough going in Carmel. Luckily for us, we located Brophy's.
I tried the Fat lip ale (plus). For the table, we tried some sliders and a chicken quesadilla. As bar food they both excelled. The friendly barkeep brought out our food and kept our beverages filled. -
Review from Melanie N.
San Francisco, CA
12/7/2009
Their tag line is, "Where the locals go!"....clearly the locals must be hurting for good bars to hang out in.
Don't get me wrong, by most standards this is probably a decent sports bar to hang out at. They serve beer, food & have TV's. But don't go there for the beer if you're a connoisseur of any type. It was served far too cold and the selection isn't great. They had Chimay on the menu but when we asked, they said they didn't have it.
I think the name of this place personifies the atmosphere. If you're a bro, you're going to love it....those who aren't, go elsewhere. -
Review from Rodney P.
San Francisco, CA
8/25/2008
Went to Carmel recently and stayed in a small hotel not too far from the downtown area. The hotel wasn't worth the $160-something I paid, but whatevs.
After dinner, we drove back to the hotel and passed by Brophy's. "Hey, that place looks crackin'", I said to myself, "I'd better check that out".
After the experience, I'm certain "Brophy's" got it's name from it's clientele's use of the word "bro". I've never heard so many groups of guys call themselves "bro" in one place in my entire life! Couple that with the fact that they were accompanied by their bleach blond girlfriends in tank tops and Juicy Couture sweatsuits and I found myself in the National Bros and Bro-Hoes Convention (sorry, I'm watching the Democratic National Convention and the analogy was there for the taking).
Albeit rife with bros and their hoes, the spot was relatively chill. The bros were somewhat friendly, the owner ran the food orders and was a super nice guy, and there was a feisty blond behind the bar who continually blew up at anyone who gave her lip when ordering a drink.
If you're in the area and need a place to get a cheap drink after 10PM, it's worth checking out. Certainly not a destination spot. -
Review from victoria L.
Sacramento, CA
12/4/2010
The food here blew me away. My husband had a cheesesteak and I had a salad with chicken. Both so good. I wasn't expecting such great eats in a small sports/Irish bar. And we probably would have never chose to eat here with a five month old on a Saturday night, but it was open past 8 or 9PM when everything else was closed. Very pleasantly surprised!
I would have given 5 stars but they were out of Shepherd's Pie. The server raved and got my Irish husband too excited about it. Then he came back and announced they were out. He was so disappointed, but after that said, "this cheesesteak is probably the best I've ever had".
Hopefully the next time we are in Carmel they'll still have the same chef - and Shepherd's Pie. -
Review from Megs H.
Los Angeles, CA
9/15/2009
There is a sad lack of sports bars in Carmel, but luckily, thanks to Yelpers, we found Brophy's. Honestly, I'm not sure why liking art and antiques seems to be incompatible with liking to drink too much beer while screaming at a football game on the TV, but apparently, we're quite the anomaly....
Anyway, back to Brophy's - the pics above don't do it justice. We wanted a proper sports bar, not a restaurant with a TV, and though Brophy's is no 50-screener, there are four well-placed TVs and the bartender will even switch the sound to the one you're watching if the place isn't crowded or enough people are watching your same game.
Food was good, especially the calamari. The fries are big thick steak fries, which aren't my preference, but fine if you like that kind of thing.
Bartender = awesome. I'm a klutz and spilled my beer (no, I was not drunk. Yet.) and he topped me off for FREE!!
For non-sports-y people, go screw yourself. No, just kidding. Actually, it's nice for non-sports types as well, because we saw quite a few people just getting lunch and trying to ignore me, the only person screaming at the TV. I think if there was not a very exciting game on, or, you know, me at the bar, it's probably just a calm, chill atmosphere. And I was visiting, so you won't see me there often. Unfortunately.
Park on the far side of the tavern, not the side closer to town, to avoid having to move the car from the 2 hr parking zones. -
Review from John A.
Carmel, CA
8/22/2011
The best pub in Carmel...the staff and food are aces!
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Review from Kim H.
8/21/2009 4 photos
Attractive, Handsome, Comfortable Sports Bar & Grill!
Hospitality plus by the charming owner/operator Jim and fellow staff. We appreciate the pampering and delicious food. The TV layout works well; enjoyed the baseball games. Thanks! A really nice casual classy place to relax and enjoy a good meal. Prices are very reasonable. Highly recommend this establishment. A "CHEERS" of Carmel. We will be back!Listed in: Restaurants
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Review from Paul L.
Seaside, CA
7/30/2011 5 Check-ins Here
Easily the best place on the peninsula to watch college football on Saturdays. Other places might have more TV's, but Brophy's has Mark behind the bar. He does a great job of making sure that everyone gets to watch their game, and he's always got the answer for any sports related question. Even if it's tennis or women's soccer. The food is always good, and the customers are always friendly. Even tourists feel like they're at home at Brophy's.
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Review from Nick S.
2/27/2010
This place is a welcome respite from the myriad of Carmel restaurants that call themselves "high-class" and decide that it's OK to charge $20 for some wild mushrooms on a plate.
Now I'm a big fan of fancy dining when fancy dining is called for, but sometimes it's just nice to have a burger and a beer in a laid-back environment - and Brophy's fits that bill perfectly.
My girlfriend and I went on a Friday evening, a few hours before the dinner rush. There were a few locals at the bar, but otherwise the place was empty. We ordered some calamari and split a bacon cheeseburger w/ sweet potato fries. Both were excellent bar food. That is, everything was tasty and just a little greasy. :-)
I had a couple pints of the local amber ale - Fat Lip - which tasted a lot like Fat Tire and was just as good.
Our bill w/ tax and tip came out to just under $40, which is practically free given the price of most nearby restaurants. -
Review from Christine M.
6/16/2008
We got into town later than planned and our hotel pointed us in Brophy's direction. It's one of the only places that still serves food after 10 pm. And we were super glad because we were super hungry!
We luckily found a table (it's a pretty small place) and set up camp. The wait staff was really nice and we had the clam chowder (really really good) and the philly cheesesteak (eh... too greasy). I did see some nachos headed out to another table & had food envy.
I would definitely hit up Brophy's again. It's nicer than a normal sports bar but not frou-frou. Happening but not too loudy. And the crowd was younger than any other that we found in the area - one star alone for that alone! -
Review from Mary C.
Dallas, TX
8/12/2011
Seems to be the only bar that stays open past 10:30 on a Sunday in Carmel. Big TVs and lots of them, it would be a good place to watch a game or hit it up for a late night drink and watching ESPN. The atmoshpere is lacking a little but it was fine.
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Review from Sierra S.
Nevada City, CA
4/9/2008
This is a new, small place that aims at the 20- and 30-something demographic, which is a brave marketing choice in Carmel. The proprietor and his wife are friendly (particularly if you are an under-40 female, which is a rare species in Carmel).
I watched Stanford lose to Texas here, and the place was packed.
They serve food; I didn't try any. They serve 1066 English Ale (which is brewed in Marina), but on the menu they just call it "English Ale." -
Review from Mikaila R.
Pleasanton, CA
10/15/2009
Simply the BEST bar in Carmel!!
Great wine & beer selection (including good local representation), fully stocked bar, comfy ambiance and a great staff..what more could you ask for?! Oh right..FOOD!
Here some of my personal favs:
* The philly cheesestake (pretty incredible)
* Kobe sliders
* Steamed clams
* Chef Salad (big & delicious..that's what she said)
* Chicken Tavern Wrap
I am a local and THIS is where I go... Cheers :)
