Where are the best places to eat in Monterey on race and festival weekend?
The Monterey Bay Half Marathon is Sunday, November 8, 2026, and the Big Sur Food and Wine Festival runs November 5 through 7, so the first weekend of November is a busy one. For a carb-loading dinner on Saturday night and a celebration dinner on Sunday, Tarpy's at 2999 Monterey-Salinas Highway serves hearty pasta, braised short rib and local wine. It's open until 9 p.m. on Saturday and 8 p.m. on Sunday.
Last updated: November 2026
What's happening in Monterey this weekend?
Monterey Bay Half Marathon: race weekend is November 7 and 8, and the half marathon starts at 7 a.m. on Sunday, November 8. Course maps, packet pickup and the Pacific Grove Lighthouse 5K details are at montereybayhalfmarathon.org.
Big Sur Food and Wine Festival: chefs and winemakers gather along the Big Sur coast from Thursday, November 5 through Saturday, November 7. Check bigsurfoodandwine.org for event times and tickets.
What should runners wear for race morning?
Monterey mornings in early November are often cool, and coastal fog is common at the start. Bring a throwaway layer for the start corral and something warm for dinner after.
What should runners eat the night before?
The Mushroom Bolognese: orecchiette pasta, wild mushrooms, shallots, garlic, tomato marinara and asiago cheese. It's pre-race fuel that actually tastes like dinner, and a vegan version is available. Add grilled prawns or chili chicken for extra protein.
The Chili-Crusted Chicken: Gruyère scalloped potatoes, green beans and apricot BBQ sauce. It's a balanced plate that won't sit heavy on race morning.
Start with the Fuji Apple salad (local mixed greens, candied pecans, gorgonzola and white balsamic vinaigrette) and save the cocktails for Sunday.
What should you order after you cross the finish line?
The Braised Short Rib, with red wine demi-glaze, roasted garlic mashed potatoes, green peas and caramelized cipollini onions. You ran 13.1 miles. This is the plate you've earned.
Toast the finish with an Alvarado Street Brewery "Monterey Beer," a lager brewed right here in Monterey. If you came for Big Sur Food and Wine, keep the theme going with a glass of Loring Wine Co. Pinot Noir from the Santa Lucia Highlands, about 30 minutes from the restaurant. Find it on the dine-in menu, or browse the full Tarpy's wine list.
Why Tarpy's for race and festival weekend?
Downtown Monterey and the waterfront get crowded on race weekend. Tarpy's sits on Highway 68, a little away from the race-day traffic, inside a historic stone ranch house with fireplace rooms and plenty of space for groups. Coming with your running club? Our private dining rooms in Monterey are a good fit for team dinners.
Browse the Tarpy's dinner menu before you book.
FAQ
When is the 2026 Monterey Bay Half Marathon?
Sunday, November 8, 2026, with a 7 a.m. start. Race weekend runs November 7 and 8.
Is Tarpy's open on Sunday night after the race?
Yes. Tarpy's is open Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Does Tarpy's have vegan options for runners?
Yes. The Mushroom Bolognese is available as a vegan option.
Can Tarpy's host a team dinner for a running group?
Yes. Tarpy's has private and semi-private rooms for groups of 12 to 80 seated. Call the events team at 831.655.2999.
Fuel up, run strong and celebrate at Tarpy's. Reserve your race-weekend table.
📍 2999 Monterey-Salinas Hwy, Monterey, CA | 📞 831.647.1444 | Open daily 11:30 a.m. | Fri–Sat until 9 p.m.