Monterey’s Mid-Summer Favorite: Savor the Season with Tarpy’s Signature Entrées

July in Monterey is pure magic—coastal breezes, sunlit afternoons, and evenings made for slow meals and good conversation. For those craving an unforgettable culinary experience during peak summer, Tarpy’s offers more than just a menu. Here, seasonal ingredients, handcrafted dishes, and relaxed elegance come together to deliver meals worth savoring.
From visitors exploring the coast to locals seeking a weekend retreat, mid-summer is the perfect time to rediscover Tarpy’s signature entrées, curated cocktails, and inviting atmosphere.
A True Taste of the Season
At Tarpy’s, summer doesn’t just influence the mood—it shapes the menu. Seasonal vegetables, fresh seafood, and bold marinades make our entrées shine even brighter during mid-July. Whether the plan includes a light garden lunch or a robust evening meal, the options deliver flavor and comfort in every bite.
Coastal Seafood with California Flair
When it comes to seafood, summer is all about freshness and flavor. Tarpy’s builds on that with thoughtful pairings and wood-fired technique.
- Wood-Fired Salmon: Grilled to smoky perfection, our salmon is served with rice pilaf, snap peas, carrots, broccoli, blistered tomatoes, and a silky beurre blanc. It’s a garden-to-sea plate that feels both elegant and satisfying.
- Alaskan Halibut: This seasonal standout is pan-seared and finished with citrus-brown butter, nestled beside roasted garlic mashed potatoes and baby kale. It’s bold, buttery, and unmistakably summer.
- Cajun-Seasoned Petrale Sole: With pineapple salsa, curry rice, a vibrant veggie medley, and lime-coconut cream, this dish brings tropical heat and fresh California style to the table.
Signature Cuts for the Mid-Summer Appetite
For those seeking something heartier, our expertly prepared steaks and wild game entrées offer rich flavor and rustic charm that feel right at home in our historic setting.
- Angus Sirloin Chateau (USDA Prime): Served with gorgonzola spinach and roasted garlic mashed potatoes, this 8oz cut is finished with a black pepper thyme demi-glaze that enhances every bite.
- Grilled USDA Prime New York Steak with Truffle Butter: A classic made even more indulgent with truffle butter, roasted marble potatoes, and grilled broccolini.
- Rib Eye (USDA Prime): At 14 ounces, this wood-grilled steak is bold, juicy, and served with a black pepper demi-glaze and hearty sides.
- Center Cut Bone-In Pork Chop: Summertime comfort with herbed polenta, Brussels sprouts, bacon lardons, red onion, and a touch of apple compote for sweetness and depth.
- Braised Short Rib: Slowly cooked in a red wine demi-glaze and paired with mashed potatoes, green peas, and caramelized Cipollini onions—perfect for foggy coastal evenings.
Keep It Fresh: Hearty Salads That Shine in Summer
Tarpy’s salads are far from simple sides. They’re carefully crafted, layered with textures, and substantial enough for a full summer meal.
- Fuji Apple Salad: A refreshing mix of local greens, candied pecans, gorgonzola, and white balsamic vinaigrette—bright, crisp, and vegetarian-friendly.
- Tarpy’s Cobb: Grilled chicken, bacon, avocado, tomato, egg, and creamy gorgonzola dressing make this a full-flavored, protein-rich classic.
- Heirloom Beet & Butter Lettuce Salad: Roasted golden and red beets, goat cheese, citrus segments, and raspberry-citrus vinaigrette bring color and elegance to every forkful.
Enhance any salad with grilled prawns, prime sirloin, chicken, salmon, avocado, or a crab cake to make it your perfect seasonal entrée.
Cool Sips for Warm Days
No summer meal is complete without the right drink. Tarpy’s beverage list is packed with seasonal cocktails, local wines, and refreshing non-alcoholic options to complement any entrée.
Cocktails That Capture the Season
- Hibiscus Paloma: With Lalo Tequila, hibiscus syrup, lime, and grapefruit soda, this cocktail is floral, tart, and refreshingly light.
- Strawberry Bourbon Fling: Bright strawberry and citrus balance the warmth of Elijah Craig bourbon—perfect for sunset sipping.
- Ocean Strike: A stunning, blue-hued cocktail with gin, spirulina, and rosemary—fresh, floral, and created in partnership with Monterey Bay Football Club for a cause.
Wines by the Glass
- Rosé from Alexander Valley Vineyards: Crisp and aromatic, it pairs beautifully with summer seafood.
- Chardonnay from McIntyre or Post & Beam: Buttery and refined, these varietals are ideal alongside halibut or pork.
- Grenache from Alkina: A warm-weather red that complements grilled meats and rich entrées.
Refreshers Without the Spirits
- Guava Tea or Tropical Black Tea are lightly sweet and ideal for patio lunches.
- Fruit Punch and Tropical Punch bring layers of mango, guava, and citrus to non-alcoholic sipping.
- Lemonade with mango or strawberry makes for a sweet finish to a sun-soaked afternoon.
The Tarpy’s Experience: Casual Sophistication in Every Detail
It’s not just what’s on the plate—it’s the setting, the hospitality, and the way each meal lingers long after the last bite. The ambiance at Tarpy’s is rustic but refined, warm but elevated. From the quiet charm of our stone patios to the friendly hum of the dining room, mid-summer is when the restaurant shines brightest.
Whether guests arrive in flip-flops after a beach day or dress up for a special occasion, Tarpy’s meets the moment with gracious service and thoughtful details.
A Mid-Summer Invitation
As July peaks, so does the desire to make the most of the season. That means slowing down, eating well, and gathering with people who matter. Whether for a casual meal, a weekend celebration, or a spontaneous evening out, Tarpy’s serves the kind of food—and experience—that makes Monterey summer memories.
The only thing better than savoring the season is doing it with a cold drink, a warm plate, and a view of the garden.
Savor summer in Monterey with the region’s most inviting seasonal entrées. Make your reservation at Tarpy’s today.
Restaurant Name: Tarpy’s
Location: Monterey, CA
Phone number: 831.647.1444