Growers Pub is one of the longest-running dining and drinking establishments in Salinas, located at 227 Monterey Street in the historic Old Town district. Named in honor of the agricultural families and farmworkers who built the Salinas Valley into the “Salad Bowl of the World,” this classic American steakhouse and tavern has been a gathering place for locals, ranchers, and travelers exploring Monterey County for decades. Guests visit for its wood-paneled tavern ambiance, generous portions of prime rib and Monterey Bay seafood, and a curated wine and craft beer program that spotlights Central Coast producers.
What to Expect at Growers Pub
Stepping inside Growers Pub reveals a warm, traditional pub layout divided between a full-service mahogany bar, leather booth seating in the main dining room, and an enclosed heated brick patio suitable for year-round dining. During weekday lunch service from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM, the kitchen turns out hearty sandwiches served on French sweet rolls and garlic-butter ciabatta, drawing downtown professionals and visitors touring the nearby National Steinbeck Center. Favorites include the Prime Rib French Dip ($19) with house au jus, Chef Nino’s secret marinated Skirt Steak Sandwich ($19) topped with crisp onion rings and salsa, and the Calamari Steak Sandwich ($15) dressed with house tartar sauce.
During dinner service from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM Tuesday through Sunday, the menu shifts toward classic California steakhouse and coastal fare. Starters feature Monterey Bay Calamari ($14) with chipotle dipping sauce, Stuffed Mushrooms ($14) with cream cheese, bacon, scallions, and balsamic glaze, and Golden Coconut Shrimp ($15) with sweet chili sauce. Crisp local greens take center stage in the Salinas Valley Wedge ($12) with bacon, blue cheese, and tomatoes, alongside crocks of baked French Onion Soup ($9). Dinner entrees come with a choice of mashed potatoes, scalloped potatoes, or seasonal vegetables, and the bar pours local Monterey County Pinot Noirs, Chardonnays, and regional draft beers.
- Prime Rib French Dip & Slow-Roasted Prime Rib: Thinly sliced signature prime rib served on a toasted French roll with mayo and savory au jus for lunch ($19), or cut thick to order during evening dinner service.
- Chef Nino’s Skirt Steak Sandwich: A weekday lunch staple featuring house-marinated skirt steak grilled to order on a French sweet roll with mayonnaise, crowned with two beer-battered onion rings and house salsa ($19).
- Monterey Bay Calamari Dishes: Served either as a lightly breaded Calamari Steak Sandwich ($15) at lunch or fried tubes and tentacles with smoky chipotle dipping sauce ($14) on the dinner appetizer list.
- Salinas Valley Wedge & French Onion Soup: Locally grown iceberg lettuce wedges topped with crumbled blue cheese and bacon ($12, with an optional $7 steak addition) alongside rich, gruyere-topped French Onion Soup ($9).
- Heated Brick Patio & Full Tavern Bar: An inviting indoor-outdoor layout featuring a classic cocktail bar stocked with Central Coast wines and craft beers, plus a sheltered patio ideal for casual group meals.
Growers Pub at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 227 Monterey St, Salinas, CA 93901 |
| Neighborhood / Area | Old Town Salinas |
| Operating Hours | Mon: Closed; Tue–Fri: Lunch 11:00 AM–3:00 PM, Dinner 4:00 PM–9:00 PM (Bar open until 10:00 PM Fri); Sat–Sun: Dinner 4:00 PM–9:00 PM |
| Admission / Price Range | $$ (Lunch sandwiches $15–$19; Dinner appetizers $11–$15; Salads & soups $9–$12) |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 1 to 1.5 hours |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Salinas Transit Center (MST buses, 4-minute walk); Salinas Amtrak Station (8-minute walk); Monterey Street Garage parking nearby |
| Official Website & Phone | growerspub.com | +1 831-754-1488 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Weekday lunches between 12:00 PM and 1:30 PM and Friday or Saturday dinner hours between 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM are the busiest windows at Growers Pub. Note that the kitchen closes for a one-hour mid-afternoon prep break between 3:00 PM and 4:00 PM on weekdays, and only dinner is served on Saturdays and Sundays starting at 4:00 PM. Calling ahead at +1 831-754-1488 is recommended for dinner parties of four or more or if you want to request a table on the back patio. Street parking is available directly along Monterey Street and Main Street, with additional public parking at the Monterey Street Garage just one block away. Travelers arriving via public transit can walk four minutes from the Monterey-Salinas Transit (MST) Salinas Transit Center on Salinas Street or eight minutes south from the Salinas Amtrak Station.
The restaurant features a step-free street-level entrance off Monterey Street, accessible restrooms, and wide pathways accommodating wheelchairs and strollers across both the main dining room and patio. Because of its central Old Town address, Growers Pub pairs naturally with a walking tour of downtown Salinas. The National Steinbeck Center at 1 Main Street is a five-minute walk north, the historic boyhood home of author John Steinbeck at 132 Central Avenue is less than ten minutes away on foot, and the restored art-deco Fox Theater and Main Street boutiques sit one block west.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the operating hours at Growers Pub and when is the best time to visit?
Growers Pub is closed on Mondays, serves lunch Tuesday through Friday from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM, and serves dinner Tuesday through Sunday from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM. For immediate booth or patio seating without a wait, arrive around 11:30 AM for weekday lunch or between 4:30 PM and 5:30 PM for early dinner.
How much does a meal cost at Growers Pub and are reservations needed?
Growers Pub falls in the moderate ($$) price tier, with lunch sandwiches and burgers priced between $15 and $19, dinner appetizers from $11 to $15, and soups and salads from $9 to $12. Walk-ins are welcome at the bar and dining room, though calling ahead for dinner reservations is wise on Friday and Saturday nights.
How much time should I budget for dining at Growers Pub?
Plan on 45 to 60 minutes for a weekday lunch sandwich or salad, and 60 to 90 minutes for a multi-course dinner with appetizers, steaks, and drinks. The relaxed tavern pace also makes it easy to linger over a glass of Monterey County wine on the heated patio.
Is Growers Pub wheelchair accessible and suitable for families?
Yes, the restaurant provides step-free access from the Monterey Street sidewalk through the main dining room and enclosed patio, along with accessible restrooms. The casual dress code, spacious booth seating, and classic American menu make it comfortable for families, couples, and business diners alike.
When planning your Salinas travel guide or browsing verified restaurants in Salinas, pair this stop with standout local spots including Natividad Creek Park, Patria, Super 8 by Wyndham Salinas, and Alvarado On Main – Oldtown Salinas (0.2 km away).
