I'm giving 2 stars for the waiter who pointed out a table of people who were about to leave. Good looking out!
The cocktails were drinkable but the place left a bad taste in my mouth. The bartender was an asshole, the crowd was old, the clouds beautiful, the waitresses were dumb and wore too much makeup.
You can't tell from the street but the rooftop bar at Vesuvio is the IT after-hours spot in town. Even knowing that don't expect a huge scene - Carmel is a pretty sleepy town after all. They have strings of lights, heat lamps, fire pits and lots of comfy couches and chairs. I wish the couches could be pulled closer to the fire but everything is bolted to the roof. They even have blankets to help you keep warm. Though there was a gross gas smell - couldn't tell if it was the heat lamps or fire pits. I also wish they had cocktail menus around the tables. It's just snacks menus. You have to go to the bar to look at the menu and order.
It's actually pretty cool except that as the only after hours spot in town you can imagine the crowd that hangs out here. Many of them show up drunk. The women are wearing tiny tube tops and mini skirts and the guys are wearing sports coats. Very Marina-ish. Not my scene. But still enjoyable.
It was full when we got there with no seating available at 10 PM but within a few minutes people were leaving and we got seating around one of the fire pits. When we left after an hour people were hovering around waiting for our seats but it wasn't that crowded.
Wherever I may roam, I always seek al fresco drinking ops. Starlight 65 Rooftop Lounge was one of several during my sunny week in Carmel-by-the-Sea.
With good timing, my group of gal pals and I secured seats around a gas-fire-pit on this very busy roof-top just after happy hour. (We didn't know about their happy hour but apparently it is a crowd pleaser.) High on my to-do-list, Starlight 65 sounded like my-kind-of-place but I felt crowded and was left wanting a view. Nor did it look or feel as stylish as others Yelpers claimed. Plus a nauseating gas smell coming from the heater didn't improve matters (even our waiter commented, claiming it was unusual) as the evening progressed. The waiter was professional and I did appreciate the wine and cocktail offerings. But after one glass, I encouraged our gang to depart and retreat to one of the wine tasting rooms with outside seating.
Perhaps the great reviews set me up for disappointment? Maybe it's better at night? Or does this place impress better with food?
My Dad and I popped in after working Easter Brunch and it was exactly what we needed to unwind.
The rooftop patio was pretty empty when we got there, but people slowly started trickling in over the hour we were there.
I took advantage of their Happy Hour drink prices and got a glass of presecco for $5. My Dad got Silvestri's "Bella Sandra" Chard.. not sure of the price because it was not part of Happy Hour, but he enjoyed it.
The food they have available is killer too! The menu is huge! I saw a plate of their $5 Calamari and it was packed!
We did end up sharing a Margherita Pizza. It was $10 and the size of the plate. It was so good he got another one to take to my brother at home.
It was not the cheapest Happy Hour experience, but it was worth it to be able to unwind with the sun above ya, the cars below ya, and the wind a-blowin.' Â They also have firepits and heat-lamps, but be careful where you sit because they can be a little overwhelming.
Fun, fun fun. Â Carmel is basically lacking in decent bars but this one is good. Â In sort of an odd location up on the roof above the Vesuvio Restaurant, and you would think you would freeze your behind, but they have heat lamps on in the evening. Â The fire pits add a nice ambience, the drinks are strong and good and service is fine. Â The crowd tends to be a bit livelier than you would expect in Carmel.
Review Source:This is a nice happy hour spot.... Who doesn't enjoy sipping cocktails and eating yummy appetizers on a rooftop lounge? Â
Their happy hour menu had quite a bit of appetizers to choose from. Â It's a pretty big selection for happy hour. Â Their martinis were good and the service was great. Â I'd definitely come back to this spot just for the outdoor ambiance. Â When it starts to get darker, they turn on the fire pits and the twinkling lights that surround the entire outdoor lounge area. Â Great place to bring your friends!
I don't venture into Carmel very often, probably because I can't afford much there. However, I wanted to spend my Friday night in a pretty dress and have cocktails somewhere other than the not-so-lively downtown Monterey. Don't get me wrong, I love Monterey, but the bars there have lost their appeal for the most part.
Anyway, I digress...Starlight 65 is located above the restaurant Vesuvio. To get on the roof, just walk into the main entrance to the restaurant and head up the stairs that are straight ahead.
It's decorated with pretty string lights, fire pits, and various seating. There's plenty of places to sit, chill, and drink, and the servers come to you for your drink orders. There are heating lamps as well, so it's not too cold up there.
The cocktails are yummy, so are the appetizers.
Overall, it's a really wonderful spot for a ladies night out, a date night, or, if you're like me, a night when Monterey just isn't cutting it.
Nice addition to the very limited Carmel nightlife scene. Popped up there on a Tuesday night during the AT&T Tourney. Cold evening but the outdoor heaters and fire-pits made for a very cozy atmosphere. Mixed crowd that night. Several attractive late 40ish types dancing after having a few pops and some younger golf types who were friends of one of the pros.
Reasonably priced cocktails and I believe they have appetizers though we didn't venture down that path. Halfway through our visit we were stunned to see 3 very sleazily dressed, early 20's women enter the deck. After talking shortly with the younger guys they milled about and promptly headed for the door. My buddy indicated that they were most certainly hookers to which I replied, Hookers, in stodgy Carmel. No F'ing Way !!
Sure enough, the young guys said that's exactly who they were apparently requested by the younger fellows friend, one of the pro-golfers in the tourney. He apparently was a no-show so off the harlot's went.
I'm sure this isn't an everyday event and please don't let it dissuade you from coming to this very nice establishment but we thought it really added to the ambiance. Kelsey the waitress was awesome and honored our request to throw on some more progressive music other than the Michael Jackson that was droning on in the background.
This stylish rooftop lounge atop Vesuvios is the total package. I love the comfortable lounge-chic furnishings and decor and beautiful overhead strung lights; very celestial. Ringed by low-slung wicker benches and warm fire-pits, this hangout spot affords guests a fun, relaxing and comfortable venue to linger over drinks and fine food. High brow cocktails and great food await at this rooftop lounge in picturesque Carmel by the Sea.
We shared a couple fireside cocktails and small bites. The arancini, mergherita pizza, calamari, bruschetta, mussels and drinks were all delicious and colorful. The flavor-packed dishes and the potently blended cocktails make a dynamic pairing. Â My hibiscus cosmo was one delightful drink with lots of unique and organic flavors. Their signature wood-fired pizzas are a must-order; piled high with garden fresh ingredients and gourmet cheese and meats.
This is one of my favorite places in the area to relax and gather with friends or family. The atmosphere is fresh and fun and the energy is infectious. Come and join the fun at Carmel's only rooftop lounge. Sit under the stars and enjoy some of local celebrity Chef Pepe's beautiful family creations.
What a gem of a place!
This rooftop bar is atop the restaurant Vesuvio so can be a bit hard to find until you step inside Vesuvio and see the staircase tucked behind the hostess area which leads you upstairs. Â I sought out this bar recommended to me by a local couple. Â I didn't know what to expect except that it was on the rooftop. Â When I stepped through the "entrance" I found myself right beside the bar and the bartenders were busy making all of the drinks. Â
The area was dim and light mainly by strings of lights (think Christmas lights) and heat lamps. Â It was only 8pm but the place was happening! Â The rooftop had several seating options: high tables, loveseats, bench seats by the fire pits, and group seating areas. Â There were about 4-5 fire pits for you to sit near and toast up as the night got chillier. Â It never got too cold though since you were always just a few feet away from a heat lamp or a fire pit. Â
The place had a very laid back lounge feeling with a cozy charm. Â The crowd consisted of several couples who appeared to be on a happy date, girls on their girls-night-out, and several groups drinking and having a good time. Â This is not a "club" or dancing type scene, but it is definitely a place to have drinks and have some good conversation. Â
A definite 2 thumbs up. Â I'd surely be back if I were visiting.
Tried this spot based on Dennis recommendation.  Everything he said it would be and it's fun, fun.  The only thing we would change is the name, which seems a bit dated.  But don't let that scare you off-it's lively and the appetizer  food and drinks are excellent.  Great spot even into the late evening with the fireplaces and heaters.
Review Source:We'll be back to this little rooftop delight. Â Wonderful apps - the deep fried artichoke hearts were light and tasty and lollipop meatballs were full of italian flavor. Â Open fireplaces, heaters and comfy furniture made one want to stay for hours. Â The music selection alone is worth going. Â Don't miss this fun little hot spot. Â Bravo!
Review Source:the firepits were pretty with the glass, and the staff was friendly and attentive - firing up the heating lamps for us. my sister in law and i even got warm fuzzy blankets too! the ambiance made my husband and i want to recreate the decor in our backyard. my chocolate martini was so yummy i wanted to stick my face in my glass and lick the chocolate...my husband even wanted to ask which pandora station they were playing so he could create that station for himself.
Review Source:the best new bar in Carmel, hands down. The outdoor ambiance with the tealights and open fireplaces give it a kitschy feel, but the energetic vibe from the young bartenders and mainstream music make it approachable and comfortable for anyone at any age. Stir in a mingle of locals and you've got one of the most talked about locations in all of downtown.
The drinks are epic-ly delicious, but my favorites would have to be the Hibiscus Cosmo (its spicy, earthy and sweet) and the Dark and Stormy (if you like ginger, this is a definite palate cleanser).
What an amazing spot to sit outdoors on the Vesuvio Restaurant roof top bar. We  were staying at the amazing Bernardus Lodge but wanted to have cocktails in Carmel before dining at the Flying Fish. This place was PERFECT and had everything you need, great comfy seating/heaters/fire pits and even blankets. We had drinks only but the happy hour food looked fabulous and great pricing.
I must mention Alex and Kelsie as they made us some  spectacular drinks and made us feel at home and very welcome.
If the weather is bad the downstairs bar  has dark woods and appears comfortable...a great place w/two great choices. I cannot wait to come back. Besides, Alex is super handsome and a great bartender...all is good!!!
A much needed late night option for Carmel. Â We've been here several times for their happy hour. Â Great appetizers and drinks at an amazing price. Â Unfortunately, the service has been touch and go. Â Needs some work. Â This is a great place to come for a late night meal and drinks. Â So far, everything we've tried has been delicious. Â Will definitely come back.
Review Source:Very romantic at twilight time. Â Was there with my boyfriend Halloween weekend. Â All the servers were dressed up and very attentive. Â I love the pink and purple sky in the background, and the firepits and heatlamps. Â The disco ball and the moroccan lamps added great atmosphere. Â Plus they had some nice Halloween decorations up as well. Â I had a raspberry crush martini and it was delicious and huge. Â I will definitely go back the next time I am in Carmel. Â If I lived there, that would be my local spot for sure.
Review Source:This is a really neat rooftop bar and I certainly enjoyed my brief stay, but the whole thing wasn't quite working like you would expect.
The place is trying hard to be chic with the fire pits and seating arrangements, the problem is it's just way to small of a venue to effectively pull it off. Â
I guess if the place was virtually empty of patrons then you could easily see a photo of this bar scene making into the hotspots section of your frequent flyer magazine stuffed into the pocket of the airline seat in front of you, but in reality once the place starts filling up it becomes extremely congested to the point you have to disturb anyone and everyone just to make your way to the bar for a drink order or use the bathroom downstairs. Â The ambient noise level of so many people crammed into one small spot also detracts from the experience, but then again maybe that is the appeal to some people.
I'm sure I will be back to visit again, but I won't go out of my way to get there.
I went back to Starlight 65 after Beerfest this past weekend. I needed a snack, so I ordered the Arancini de Riso. (Deep Fried balls of Risotto) I had never in my life heard of these, let alone tried them. I love risotto so I couldn't pass these up.
I loved them. The risotto on the inside was cheesy and creamy and had peas mixed in with it. The marinara they were served with was also very good and had big chucks of basil in it. The portion size was very good, it came with 4 balls and the marinara for $12. Will definitely be back for these.
We arrived late-night tonight to celebrate my sister's boyfriend's 27th Birthday atop the new Vesuvio Bistro Italiano Restaurant (formerly Piatti's) that opened this past weekend. Â If Vesuvio was still open I would have ordered up a few tapas to explore the menu but it was after 11pm and I was just stoked that they served us before last call upstairs. Â I had a (Birra) Morretti and it was super refreshing... they have a quaint little bar on the rooftop lounge along with a central firepit, Â lounge chairs, a small dance-like floor and a raised area with a dining table. Â
Full bar here (sweet) and decent sparkling wine and beer options too... they played some pretty sweet tunes and we all enjoyed a late night mini shindig under the moonlight. Â Look forward to going back again and trying out some of their bubbly by the glass as well as their bar menu. Â Seems like a great place to chillax and another place to enjoy yourself late night.
Good times for sure!
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