Melville Tavern

My recent visit to Melville Tavern was an absolute delight from start to finish. As soon as we walked in, we were warmly greeted by the host and promptly seated at a spacious table for our party of four. The ambiance was cozy with its low lighting and inviting atmosphere, setting the perfect stage for a memorable dining experience.

The menu boasted an impressive array of options, making it difficult to choose just a few dishes. To start, we indulged in the mozzarella and spinach artichoke dip, both of which exceeded our expectations. The housemade mozzarella sticks were a standout, impressing us with their cheesy goodness and generous portion size. The spinach dip was equally delightful, offering a tangy freshness that left us craving more.

For my main course, I opted for the blackened chicken Alfredo, and I'm so glad I did. The decision to use rigatoni pasta instead of the typical fettuccine was a stroke of genius, as it perfectly complemented the creamy Alfredo sauce and flavorful blackened chicken. Each bite was a symphony of flavors, leaving me thoroughly satisfied.

From the friendly service to the delectable food, every aspect of our dining experience exceeded expectations. Whether you're craving a casual meal with friends or a special night out, this tavern is sure to impress. Be sure to try the blackened chicken Alfredo – it's an absolute must-try!

Great place to eat. A little high end but the food was awesome. We all had our own meals but we all shared the duck pizza. It was really good. Wasn't expecting the sweetness and the duck to click good together. Service was great. Would love to go back.

Such a great place to have dinner! Whether it is outside or in! All the food was deliciously cooked to perfection (although some things were way too dry). Beware about sitting close to the door! It doesn't close on it's own, so if it's cold outside, I hope you brought jackets for when that one person doesn't notice the door needs closing after they walk in.

Imagine a grown up grilled cheese and then add an air of sophisticated melt in mouth dazzle the taste buds kind of goodness. This is the place for that. The leeks, the arugula, the cheese, the jam, everything was amazing. Service was very good, food came out pretty quickly. Don't let the fact that you need to get a giant spoon attached to a key to use the restroom. That is strictly a matter of logistics in the way that the building is arranged.

Loved dining here. Best food we had on our trip and very friendly service. My wife had a blacken Mahi sandwich and I got a few apps during their happy hour. All fantastic and couldn't recommend the place more.

We finally abandoned our former go-to for Monterey weekend dinners (took three consecutive disappointments after three years of excellent experiences), and were just a block away from Melville's. There was no more thought that went into our decision-making than that. No lengthy perusal of reviews, and mostly "Hey, it says 'Pizza' on the sign." Yet nothing of what you're about to read is the result of low expectations. We could have been told it was the Taj Mahal of Monterey dining, and we'd still have been blown away by the service, the substance, and the style of Melville's.

Four adults worn out by the exuberance of the two grandchildren who were even more worn out by their exuberance at MY Museum down the street. Heidi was quick on prepping the big table by the windows (per this photographer's request), and getting liquid refreshment in front of us. She was also exceptionally patient as we sat in awe of the choices on the menu. "Do I want duck on a pizza? Or duck with fettucine?" was my dilemma. Others wrestled with burger choices. The granddaughter needed a detailed description of their macaroni-and-cheese. And yet the usually decisionally-delayed member of the party narrowed the selections down to two choices, letting Heidi choose between them for her. The bacon-wrapped chili-dog was greatly appreciated!

Duck fettucine ended up in front of two of us. Same verdict from both: Awesomely balanced in a sauce that did not deaden the flavors with too much fat (as can easily happen). And garlic bread done right isn't entirely unheard of, but it's still too rare. Melville's ranks in the top five of my preferences in Monterey County.

The most surprising sensation came with the hot wings. Heidi's description gave us some ideas, but her advice to try them seemed to come from an experienced palate. Here's my best effort at similar recommendations: "Try them." I could recognize some of the influences and ingredients. But the overall effect...just be sure to let them have a clear shot at your taste buds before you bury them in Ranch or Bleu Cheese dressing.

Factors that knock the rating back to 4.995 stars? The restroom location is wonkily situated at the far end of the central hallway bisecting the building. The outdoor seating pads were stacked around the hat-rack (due to the monsoon), so hanging my hat and coat was a little awkward. And Heidi was unable to immediately identify the drummer in the black-and-white photo handing above the quote by Melville on the interior wall. (I think her guess is right, though. He does look very much like John Bonham. But why is he there? Maybe by the time of our next visit - coming soon - she'll have researched it for us.)

The atmosphere was really nice; I love the big windows!
The server was really attentive and friendly; she will come once in a while to check whether we need anything.
The food was great, I think it was the best mozzarella stick I had (the size was so huge though).
The blackened shrimp salad was pretty awesome as well; I love the grapefruit and the pistachio combination, as they add a unique flavor to the salad.
I actually came here for the duck pizza because I had been craving for ducks for a while. I never had this kind of pizza before; besides duck leg, there was marmalade on the pizza. The sweetness of the jam fits perfectly well with the duck. Although it was a bit pricey, but the restaurant did put a generous portion of meat on the pizza.
I would want to revisit this place.

OMG the food was beyond delicious and the drink was even better. Customer service was outstanding everyone was so nice. I even had a chance to try everyone's food at the table and not one thing tasted bad. I would give them 100 Stars if I could..

Make sure to call ahead and get a reservation. The food here is always good, they have plenty of options although most plates hover around $20. I come here for the bottomless mimosas and always leave tipsy and satisfied.

This place was so cute and mellow. I loved the playlist they had playing tonight, it was the right volume for you to enjoy it and not have to yell to have a conversation, great vibes. Our waiter Alex was great, gave good recommendations and was attentive to our needs. Definitely would come here again. We ordered the sampler appetizer and a salad and a Cesar salad, which was delicious.

Very delicious food. I had the special pizza and my friends had the duck Alfredo and hot wings. Nobody was let down at the flavors. There's a great selection of drinks on tap as well.

If you are looking for a cosy night out in Monterey, this is the place. Easy and fast service in a relaxed atmosphere. 3.5% discount if you pay in cash. We paid $90 for two mains, a salad and 2 drinks. Would definitely recommend.

Nice cozy place with great food !!!
We stopped at Melville Tavern on the way to the Cannery Row, Monterey California.
We had dinner and it was delicious. I had the Millville burger which was very good and generous portion, we also tried the cheese cake as a desert.

Amazing restaurant in Monterey! Ian really knows how to run this place. Lamb burger and Tavern Burger taste fantastic. The chicken wings are a perfect appetizer. The hazy IPA is delicious as well.

Great local gastropub! I come here regularly and the food and service never disappoint! They have a great brunch with bottomless mimosas and a great selection of wine and beer. The menu accommodates all types of food from ribs to tacos and a delicious vegan beet ravioli. Definitely a must do if you haven’t been!

10/10 over all, an awesome experience, the pancakes were like eating clouds

My meatloaf was so delicious-healthy portions so 1/2 goes home for the next day. Best servers in Monterey. Dog friendly on the patio.

First time since the new ownership and first time for brunch - lots of options and really something for everyone. Everyone really enjoy their meals. My one little request is to have some non-dairy milk options for coffee pretty please! I've been a black coffee drinker most of my life but for some reason pregnancy + black coffee hasn't been working out for me. Oat milk, maybe? 😊

Delicious food, cool ambience and friendly staff. Highly recommend the signature meat loaf.

Food was fab! Pizza exceptional! Desert so yummy! Atmosphere chill and service outstanding! So glad to have found this place. Going back within the next two weeks to try the grilled cheese!! A must stop spot!