Tarpy’s
Roadhouse
If you are looking for a great spot to stop on your way into or out of the Monterey area, consider Tarpy’s Roadhouse. Although a little off the direct path, the land and structure has an interesting history dating back to 1917. It has evolved into a beautiful restaurant opened in 1992 by Tony Tollner and Bill Cox named after Matt Tarpy, born in 1862 to Patrick & Bridget Tarpy in Ireland. The backstory of this Tarpy family and land is perfectly outlined on the easy to navigate Restaurant’s website. The location is also utilized for Private Parties and Events centering around delicious American country comfort food which we enjoyed on a perfect lunch outing to the lush patios and rustic dining area formerly known as Saucito Ranch.
The menu is a beautiful collection of savory options with a focus to use local produce and products ranging from Castroville Artichoke appetizers to my personal favorite, the Giant Bavarian Pretzel ale washed and served with ale-cheddar in a small cast iron pan that I feel makes food just taste better and inspires me hunt at Home Goods to find the exact same serving dishware. Seeing that we were set to enjoy lunch, I opted for a “lighter” meal, the Tarpy Cobb….I know, I know, this salad is like a buffet on a plate, but it has the word salad in it so I always feel healthier ordering it. Meals are served with fresh from the oven sourdough slices that fills my carb beating heart with joy as the butter melts into the crevices of the still warm bread. Ahh, it’s like a Hallmark moment for my taste buds every time I enjoy a slice.
The menu offers a great range of options and portion sizes could easily be shared especially if enjoying an appetizer (or two, did I mention they have Sriracha Glazed Ribs?) and/or saving room for dessert. Speaking of which, I am disappointed in myself for not having tried the Firestone Walker Double Barrel Ale Chocolate Cake with WHISKEY FROSTING (I can’t even right now) or a slice of Chocolate-Peanut Butter Mousse Pie. I know, I’ve failed you guys but it gives me the excuse to go back and do further research.
This brings to mind the Loyalty Program that they have in place in association with their two other Sister Restaurants, Rio Grill in Carmel and Montrio Bistro in Downtown Monterey. Once you enroll, you can use your card at any of these dining spots to earn points from food & drink purchases even including sales tax!! Gift cards can also be purchased to give the Gift of Gastro Heaven in person at the locations or online (cards will be sent via mail).
They also showcase a great variety of Events that can be found on their website with some previous opportunities being the History Dinner featuring Steinbeck Country food and lore while listening to Steinbeck Scholar Susan Shillinglaw tell stories about his beloved Corral de Tierra. It included a four course dinner and wine pairings with De Tierra Wines. There was also an Annual Food & Fun-draiser with a goal to raise $10,000 to feed the needy by supporting the Food Bank. All current information for these events plus menus can be found on the Website.
Tarpy’s is still a great Hacienda to rest your evolved Stagecoach even after all these years & the many faces this land and structure has had. Be prepared to satisfy any hunger craving at a well-appointed table and fully stocked Bar in a beautiful indoor or outdoor setting. You will find an excellent wine list always attentive to a great Bar Culture. With that in mind, they have taken a focus on American whiskeys showcasing a beautiful selection of artisan bourbons & ryes or house-made barrel aged cocktails. The Tarpy Family remains committed to serving you a high quality meal, including Joan Cocker, Juanita, Big Bertha, Harriet, Roberta, Chili & Queen Latifah: the Chickens making sure Sunday Brunch eggs are the best served on this side of the West….coast.
Tarpys Roadhouse at 2999 Monterey Salinas Highway, Monterey, CA 93940. Phone 831.647.1444 www.tarpys.com.
