Poppy Hall
589 Lighthouse Ave, Pacific Grove CA 93950
$
California
Founded by Big Sur Bakery & Restaurant chef Philip Wojtowicz and Big Sur Roadhouse chef Brendan Esons; Poppy Hall is a lively community gathering place, serving rustic California comfort food in an eclectic setting right downtown in America's last hometown of Pacific Grove.
Reservations
Booking Notes:
Lunch features a menu filled with familiar favorites and new classics, as well as Brunch fare on the weekends! In the evening we offer a grazing menu of farm to table fare featuring the freshest foods on the planet with a raw bar of locally sourced oysters and plenty of good wine! Walk-ins welcome, but Reservations always encouraged! For news and updates, stay tuned to our website and our Instagram!
Lunch: Wed-Sun 11-2:30 / Evening: Thurs-Sun 5:30-9 pm
Business Info
- Address: 589 Lighthouse Ave, Pacific Grove CA 93950
- Cross Street: Forest Ave
- Cuisine: American | California | Oyster Bar | Seafood | Steak |
- Cost: | Very Inexpensive
- Category: Casual Dining
- Star Rating:
- Reservations: Recommended
- Dress Code: Casual Elegant
- Meals Served: Brunch | Lunch | Dinner |
- Parking: Street | Public Lot |
- Payment Options: VISA | Amex | MasterCard | Discover | Cash |
- Corkage Fee: 17.77 | Two bottles maximum
- Website: https://www.poppyhall.com
- Phone: (831) 204-9990
- Features: Organic Ingredients, Outdoor Seating, Takeout Available, Winning Wine List, Wheelchair Access, Personal Wines Allowed, Healthy Options, Farm-to-table,
- Occasion: Child Friendly, Romantic Dining, Dining Alone, Business Dining, Meet for a Drink, People Watching, Special Occasion, Dog Friendly, Quick Bite, Trendy / Hip, Date Night,
Photos
Business Hours
Reservations Available
- Monday
- Closed
- Tuesday
- Closed
- Wednesday
- Lunch-Inside 11 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
- Lunch-Patio 11 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
- Thursday
- Lunch-Inside 11 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
- Lunch-Patio 11 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
- Friday
- Lunch-Inside 11 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
- Lunch-Patio 11 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
- Saturday
- Lunch-Inside 11 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
- Lunch-Patio 11 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
- Sunday
- Brunch-Inside 11 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
- Brunch-Patio 11 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Customer Reviews & Ratings
4.88 out of 5 stars based on 545 votes
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Apr 13, 2022
Mary Beth G.
This is an amazing restaurant! We loved our food and service!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Apr 04, 2022
Karen S.
Absolutely loved it, service especially
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Mar 26, 2022
Clark B.
Always love going to Poppy Hall, the food and service is consistently great and one of the few places I actually order dessert. I hope one day they add cocktails or open a cocktail bar somewhere
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Mar 05, 2022
Barbara C.
The Eggs Benedict and the Mediterranean sandwich were both excellent. The service was excellent as usual. And, of course, the steak fries are really good.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Jan 22, 2022
Amelia M.
We had a fantastic time at Poppy Hall! The ambience was incredibly charming, service was excellent, and all of our food and drink was perfect. We would recommend Poppy Hall to everyone!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 8/10
- Value: 10/10
Jan 21, 2022
Dick H.
the duck confit salad was the best salad I have had in years. Creative blend of tasty ingredients. Service was friendly and welcoming.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Jan 19, 2022
Michael B.
Superb
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 8/10
- Value: 10/10
Jan 15, 2022
Jacqueline O.
The food was outstanding!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Jan 12, 2022
David L.
Loved the grazing menu - all delicious.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 9/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Dec 29, 2021
Marcia P.
So tasty! Absolutely delicious! Loved every single dish!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Dec 28, 2021
Patricia R.
I always have a great dining experience at Poppy Hall. I appreciate the ability to eat outside, the great food, and the kind waiters.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 8/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Dec 25, 2021
Gabriel M.
It was so delicious! We arrived early for our reservation and they still were able to accommodate us. The shareable plates made for a very engaged dinner. Everything was delicious and very fresh. Treat yourself!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Dec 10, 2021
Ruby N.
It was a fun lunch, loved the one page menu and graphics. Great salads and loved the pudding!!!!! Also great service.
I’ll be back.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Nov 29, 2021
Anita D.
Great food, great ambience, and great customer service!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Oct 16, 2021
Lucie C.
The food and waitstaff was amazing!!!
You need to fire up more then just the two firepits in the evening. You had two large heaters that never got turned on and to be honest it was absolutely a nightmare to eat and be so darn cold.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 7/10
- Value: 10/10
Oct 11, 2021
Jacquie K.
Everything was great but it was cold inside
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Sep 25, 2021
SHARON H.
Surrounded by cozy fire tables, we dined outdoors with gentle jazzy music in the background. The service and food were amazing. We loved everything about our meal and our evening. Local salmon over risotto was incredibly delicious Can’t wait to go back.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 9/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Sep 23, 2021
Gene C.
Excellent service and atmosphere. Food equally good.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Sep 22, 2021
Alison P.
Delicious and innovative food. Monday “snack” nights are fabulous. Best restaurant in Pacific Grove.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Sep 11, 2021
Danielle C.
Excellent Food and Service !
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Sep 10, 2021
Cindy L.
Thank you for our requested table reservation. We all appreciated the friendly & knowledgeable service. Our dinners were delicious!!
Cindy and Arlen Lackey
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 8/10
- Value: 10/10
Sep 07, 2021
Stefanie D.
Good and service were amazing!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Aug 18, 2021
Mark S.
Love this place! Love oyster Monday. The best!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Aug 18, 2021
Joann W.
Enjoyed our brunch! Was wonderful to return to a favorite spot.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 8/10
Aug 17, 2021
Kristie S.
Delicious food, nice waiters
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Jul 14, 2021
David L.
All the above were excellent. A bit disappointed in the limited selections on the menu and having three items featured "out of..."
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Jul 08, 2021
Vicki P.
All good — easy reservations, relaxed, delicious food as always, friendly.
Please keep outside area. Not only feels safer but also it’s easier to hear.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 9/10
Jun 28, 2021
Peter L.
Outstanding dinner and service. Food is always well thought out and flavorful. The deserts!!!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Jun 26, 2021
Gina T.
Excellent food and excellent service.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Jun 09, 2021
Camille H.
We thoroughly enjoyed the food and atmosphere.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
May 30, 2021
Ruth W.
Great food, excellent service.It was a chilly day with front door open was hoping for a heater.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 8/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
May 26, 2021
Noel H.
The western risotto was phenomenal! We also had the cassoulet was a little bland. The service was fantastic though and the coffee was supreme. I always love visiting poppy hall! Oh and let’s not forget the donuts. To. Die. For!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
May 23, 2021
Celeste W.
We enjoyed a delicious lunch at Poppy Hall. The menu offers a good variety of choices. We were pleasantly surprised to be served a green salad before our main course---wow, that dressing was so good! The Cuban sandwich was perfect!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
May 15, 2021
Peggy D.
So happy during forced closure, that poppy hall has managed to keep up the quality of their food and warm service.
Look forward to future meals, and will recommend to others!!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
May 14, 2021
Kathyrn M.
Fun to discover new places! Service was outstanding as was the food. CDC COVID recommended procedures followed by servers. Only concern was having to go through the kitchen to get to the bathroom; that seemed a little unsafe. We’ll be back!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
May 13, 2021
Amber S.
Very pleasant dining experience at Poppy Hall, thank you for having us as guests.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
May 06, 2021
Scott B.
Fabulous food, super friendly and attentive staff. We sat outside for brunch so I cannot speak to interior ambiance, but we had a wonderful time. Brisket « hash » was amazing!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Apr 23, 2021
Kathleen D.
We love this place and wish that we could take you all home with us to Sebastopol!
No improvements needed except a return to dinner service as well!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Apr 20, 2021
Melvin D.
This is, hands down, the best restaurant in Pacific Grove.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Apr 18, 2021
Kevin P.
Always a great experience. The owners' brilliant use of ingredients never fail to delight the senses. Servers very attentive and friendly.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Apr 15, 2021
Nancy B.
Eating outside in the breeze and intermittant sun, my friend and I were warmed up by the fire pit as we carefully looked at the great choices on our lunch menu. Personally, every bit of my meal was incredibly well-prepared, perfectly plated, and most delicious. The service was fabulous and the server was very attentive to our needs. The beet and burrata salad was incredible. The puréed squash and ginger soup was so good, I ordered one more to go for dinner. The crostini, perfectly toasted. The shrimp risotto plate was tasty. I don't like to gush but Poppy Hall is an exceptional place to eat very, very well for good prices--every bite was worth entering my mouth; my tastebuds were sending me all sorts of thanks. You will not be disappointed when you eat at Poppy Hall.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 9/10
- Value: 10/10
Nov 25, 2020
Susan T.
Super nice people. We appreciated the heat lamp top
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Nov 15, 2020
Cathleen O.
Wow! Even during pandemic regulations and a beautiful misty rain, sitting right outside the restaurant we thoroughly enjoyed our evening. Superb service, superb food with layers and layers of taste treats. This is what brings me back time and time again. May this place be showered with blessings during this challenging time for local restaurant owners.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Nov 10, 2020
eleanor intrator i.
We've eaten take out many times and outside once. All the meals were good and ample. Once we had the rock fish and that was so so Bec the fish is a so so fish. The preparation was still good.
Can't wait for the vaccine and eating inside again.
Thank you for providing delicious meals under such adverse conditions.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Nov 07, 2020
Camilo W.
Faboulous food, friendly service
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Nov 03, 2020
Joanne C.
Incredible food!
Wait staff so nice!
Love the outdoor seating - felt very safe enjoying a delicious dinner!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Oct 31, 2020
Roger H.
Our favorite restaurant in this area. Waitress was very nice.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Oct 30, 2020
Diana C.
Delicious!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Oct 11, 2020
Monica S.
Delicious! Love the patio, so charming.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Oct 10, 2020
Faye M.
We have always enjoyed eating at Poppy Hall. Last night was no exception. And, eating outdoors is really wonderful. However, contrary to our usual experiences, we thought the food and service were average. The menu food choices were limited. If this were an actual Octoberfest, wouldn't a good assortment of beers be offered? The service, although friendly and accommodating, was not up to what we have experienced in the past.
When Poppy Hall first opened, it was spectacular.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 8/10
- Value: 10/10
Oct 10, 2020
THOMAS C.
The Oktoberfest dinner was great. I had the Hunter's stew and my husband the schnitzel and we also had the white bean soup. We were both very happy with our selections and the ginger cookie at the end was a perfect conclusion.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Oct 05, 2020
Tracy M.
We had a party of four and all loved our food. Also they had a good wine section.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Oct 05, 2020
Ann R.
This was our first dinner out since the beginning of the pandemic, and it was wonderful. The food was delicious and the service was attentive. We felt very safe in the outdoor dining area and look forward to enjoying dinner out here again very soon.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Oct 02, 2020
Monica S.
Delicious!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Sep 27, 2020
Kim C.
It took us too long to try this restaurant out. We will definitely be back often. Can’t say enough about the service and the food. A true gem!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Sep 27, 2020
Pamela M.
We had a totally pleasant experience and will definitely go back again!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Sep 26, 2020
Robert A.
Excellent service , food amazing, atmosphere wonderful, thank you Mikayla for your attentiveness .
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Sep 26, 2020
Kristen B.
Dawn was the best server!!! She made a good experience > over the top! Very knowledgeable about menu, prompt and so sweet
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Sep 21, 2020
Beatriz L.
We love going to Poppy Hall. Our experience there is always amazing.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Sep 20, 2020
Connie W.
We really had a great time last night , the food was so good . Loved the oysters! We had the salmon and spare ribs . Wine was enjoyed too. And the cookies!!what a sweet surprise . We even enjoyed the open mic at Juice and Java from our table . Thank you all for staying open and doing all you can during this time . We so appreciate you !
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Sep 20, 2020
Phil J.
Everything was great and we love that Phil and team makes us feel like family every time we dine. Dawn our server is always smiling and you can tell (even behind that mask) that she takes great pride in what she is doing. The food is always amazing, the setting is lovely with the lights and fire pit and having music next door is an added bonus...
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Sep 13, 2020
Ryan S.
Awesome food and service!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 8/10
Sep 07, 2020
Adrienne L.
Delicious!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 6/10
- Value: 10/10
Sep 07, 2020
Darlene J.
It was our first time . The food and service were great. We can’t wait to go back.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Jun 20, 2020
Matt T.
Best food in Pacific Grove!
Nice people too.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Jun 20, 2020
Danielle C.
Excellent service and food.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Jun 19, 2020
Erik B.
Thank you for the perfect evening on a lovely street setting. We definitely plan to come back very soon.
Erik Bertelson
- Overall: 9/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Jan 08, 2022
Carmella R.
Excellent lunch! We will return.
- Overall: 9/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 8/10
- Value: 10/10
May 21, 2021
Pilar R.
Great food and service. A little windy and cold sitting outside, but overall well worth it.
- Overall: 9/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 9/10
- Value: 9/10
May 11, 2021
Gary R.
Food is excellent ( we went to the brunch). Ashley, the waitress, is very pleasant and extremely efficient.
- Overall: 9/10
- Food: 9/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 9/10
- Value: 10/10
Dec 01, 2020
D. Michael S.
They really made our Anniversary dinner special despite the restrictions due to the pandemic. We are fans!
- Overall: 8/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 9/10
- Ambience: 8/10
- Value: 9/10
Apr 03, 2022
Fritzi H.
Great food BUT room for improvement.
We made two reservations (4+2), since „4“ is the max party size to place a reservation. Apparently this is due to the overall concept of the restaurant.
To avoid misunderstandings, this fact might be worth to be advertised on the restaurant’s webpage.
Furthermore, Poppy Hall is not a kid friendly place - a circumstance we did not know in advance but were told in retrospect.
Although our party grew to 12 person (and one kid), the staff and the kitchen had no problem getting awesome food out on the tables (place was half empty)…really delicious. 20% gratuity was included in the bill and we left extra tips on top.
Last room for improvement - introducing the possibility to have separate bills. It’s not difficult and in 2022 there are multiple technical solutions that can help with this.
We had fun and good food - the restaurant made good money - but our ways will part from here on.
- Overall: 8/10
- Food: 8/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Oct 12, 2020
David L.
One of our favorite restaurants in the entire Monterey area. Usually straight tens, but our table wasn't ready for almost 15 minutes after our reservation time and one of our meals, the schnitzel, was only good, a bit dry, as opposed to the uniformly excellent meals we have had there before. To be fair, my wife loved her Hunter's Stew.
- Overall: 7/10
- Food: 9/10
- Service: 6/10
- Ambience: 8/10
- Value: 6/10
Feb 17, 2022
Michael M.
Food quality was excellent. Flavorful, unique offering. 5 stars. Seating was comfortable.
Thin floor waitstaff coverage was a disappointment. Too many customers for # of attendants. Wine assortment was over-priced. Typical restaurant wine onsale price markup is 100% (2×). However, several wines offered were 3× retail price. Not a good value.
- Overall: 7/10
- Food: 8/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 8/10
- Value: 6/10
Sep 15, 2021
Tom M.
We were looking forward to Oyster night and Seafood Extravaganza. Highly overrated! Oysters were so expensive and small. I was anticipating going and really indulging, yet had to hold back because they were so overpriced (and we eat out frequently). The mussels were tasty and the ravioli was as well, yet we were hoping for more seafood choices, to go with the theme.
- Overall: 7/10
- Food: 9/10
- Service: 4/10
- Ambience: 7/10
- Value: 8/10
Jun 12, 2021
Steve M.
Food is excellent. Service was very slow and uneven. Staff is not coordinated at this time.
- Overall: 7/10
- Food: 8/10
- Service: 7/10
- Ambience: 3/10
- Value: 7/10
Oct 24, 2020
Liz L.
I had the stew and it was delicious! Most of our dinners at Poppy Hall have been exceptional.