XL Public House

Loved this spot! Great beer, friendly patrons with speak easy ambiance!

I chose the XL Public House to hold my wedding reception, and it was a great success.

James set up the entire basement floor for the party and provided us with a staff that kept the drinks flowing. tables and chairs so everyone was comfortable, and he even offered to let us use his beer pong table for some drinking games.

It was a casual night that turned into an awesome and lively event, and I want to thank James and his staff for letting my wife and I use their facilities. The beer and wine were delicious -- the apple cider, yum! -- the atmosphere was fun, and James made sure we were well taken care of.

I finally got the opportunity to stop by and see the new place downtown. It has now been opened for about 3 weeks and I'm kicking myself for not going there sooner! The place is downright cool. Just what downtown and this area needs. I love beer and I love a great place to drink beer even better. Minimal but strategic décor. Plenty of space to sit around with friends, or stand up and mingle through the crowd. A very, as the owner puts it, "speak easy" feel to it! I counted 18 craft beers on tap aside from the two side refrigerators hosting all my favorites. Even better, if you get hungry you can order and pick up from next door (XL Grindhouse).
If you need to catch me, now you know where you can find me..... Good job guys!
Location: a hop and a skip away from your downtown movie theater (Maya Cinemas), The National Steinbeck Center, The Monterey Coast Brewing Company, First Awakening. Plenty of parking (XL Public House validates parking at the parking structure, so don't forget to ask for your voucher).
Pros: read above
Cons: only if you don't go and check it out.

Price: Average is about $5-$6 per beer.