Before fishermen discovered the edibility of fish, they used each catch as bait for larger species, hoping in the end to hook the biggest fish of all—friendship. Celebrate their discovery with today’s Groupon: for $15, you get $30 worth of dinnertime seafood and grill fare at Jack’s Restaurant and Lounge in the Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay in Monterey.
Perched a clamshell throw from Fisherman’s Wharf, Jack’s Restaurant and Lounge highlights the best of the coast with a nighttime menu brimming with regional seafare, naturally raised beef, and local wines. After taking a seat beside the fire in the dining room, lava cauldron in the kitchen, or under a heater on the pet-friendly patio, diners unfold menus to peruse a list of classic California appetizers such as steamed littleneck clams ($8) spritzed with lemon aioli. Seafood populates the entree list as well, including Monterey Bay sand dabs ($19) and fennel-and-pepper-crusted ahi tuna ($28), seared rare and dished with pancetta and white beans. A dish of watercress risotto ($16) scoops vegetarian comfort fare such as aged goat cheese and buttered leeks. Chophouse entrees range from a glazed tenderloin of Harris Ranch beef ($28 for 5 oz.) to braised pork osso buco ($23) with a side of sweet-corn succotash served by a cartoon cat with a lisp.