Where is the best steakhouse in Monterey?
Ask Monterey Peninsula locals and many will say Tarpy's, at 2999 Monterey-Salinas Highway. The kitchen serves USDA Prime steaks, including a 12 oz New York with truffle butter, an 8 oz Filet Mignon and an 8 oz Sirloin Chateau, in a stone ranch house that was finished around 1917. Tarpy's holds a 4.6-star rating across more than 5,700 reviews and was named Best of Monterey County 2024.
Last updated: October 2026
Why does October feel like steak season in Monterey?
In mid-October, Monterey highs sit in the mid-60s°F and evenings drop into the low 50s°F, and the fog starts rolling back in off the bay. Nights like that call for a thick-cut steak, a big red wine and a table near a fireplace. Tarpy's was built for nights like these. Its thick stone walls and fireplace rooms have kept guests warm since the building was the Ryan family's ranch home, long before it opened as Tarpy's in 1992. You can read the full story of Tarpy's.
What should you order at Tarpy's?
Here are three cuts to plan the night around. The full list is on the dine-in menu.
Grilled USDA Prime New York Steak with Truffle Butter (12 oz): peppercorn and spice seasoned, with roasted marble potatoes and broccolini finished with fresh parsley. The truffle butter melts into the crust as it reaches the table. This is the steak regulars order without opening the menu.
Filet Mignon USDA Prime (8 oz): roasted garlic mashed potatoes, brussels sprouts, mushrooms and beef jus. It's the most tender cut on the menu, and the jus keeps it rich without hiding the beef.
Angus Sirloin Chateau USDA Prime (8 oz): gorgonzola spinach, roasted garlic mashed potatoes and a black pepper thyme demi-glaze. It's a big, beefy cut with a sauce that holds its own.
Start with the Iceberg Wedge (bacon, cherry tomato and gorgonzola cheese), the classic steakhouse opener. Then let the Barrel-Aged Manhattan (bourbon, Antica vermouth and orange bitters) set the pace for the evening.
What does USDA Prime actually mean?
Prime is the highest quality grade the U.S. Department of Agriculture gives beef. It's based mostly on marbling, the fine streaks of fat that melt during cooking and carry flavor through the steak. You can see how the USDA grades beef. At Tarpy's, every steak on the large plates menu is USDA Prime.
Which wine goes with a Monterey steak dinner?
Pick a red from close to home. The Tarpy's wine list includes the Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon from the Santa Cruz Mountains, the Bernardus "Marinus" Bordeaux blend from Carmel Valley and Justin "Isosceles" from Paso Robles. All three are made for Prime beef.
Want to try one for less? Every Wednesday through December 30, 2026, bottles on the Wine Promotion List are half off (ultra-premium selections excluded). Our guide to the best wine night in Monterey explains how it works.
Is Tarpy's good for a special occasion?
Yes. Anniversaries, birthdays and "we finally got a sitter" nights all happen in these dining rooms every week. The setting is historic without being stuffy, the service is warm, and the steaks are cooked the way you ordered them. Diner's Choice Award winner. Best of Monterey County 2024. More than 30 years on the Peninsula.
FAQ
Does Tarpy's serve USDA Prime steak?
Yes. The New York, Filet Mignon, Sirloin Chateau and Rib Eye are all USDA Prime.
Do I need a reservation for dinner at Tarpy's?
Reservations are recommended, especially on Friday and Saturday nights. Book a table online or call 831.647.1444.
What's the best steak to order at Tarpy's for a first visit?
The 12 oz USDA Prime New York with truffle butter is the signature order. If you prefer a leaner, more tender cut, go with the 8 oz Filet Mignon.
What are Tarpy's hours?
Tarpy's opens daily at 11:30 a.m. and serves until 8 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and until 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
Your next steak night starts here. Reserve your table at Tarpy's.
📍 2999 Monterey-Salinas Hwy, Monterey, CA | 📞 831.647.1444 | Open daily 11:30 a.m. | Fri–Sat until 9 p.m.