The Forge in the Forest

American Cuisine, Unforgettable Ambiance

GuestLife Monterey Bay's Great Restaurants

Seen Right: The hand-carved mahogany back bar in The Forge’s saloon

Welcome to The Forge in the Forest. Here in this warm and welcoming atmosphere, your visit to this historic Carmel landmark is sure to be a memorable one.

Slip in under the canopy of trees at the southwest corner of fifth and Junipero and cozy up to a fire pit, or tuck yourself under an umbrella next to the heat lamps. It’s no surprise this place has been voted “Best Outdoor Dining” every year since 1992 by the Monterey County Weekly newspaper readers’ poll. The Forge’s garden patios are nestled among the oak and pine trees of downtown Carmel, and are made comfortable year-round with fi replaces, heaters, and large patio umbrellas.

Prefer to sit inside? Choose from the rustic and casual feel of the copper-walled Forge Saloon, with its hand-carved mahogany back bar and blacksmith fire pit, or the more formal setting of the Oak Tree Dining Room.

Four uniquely themed and appointed private dining areas are perfect for hosting an unforgettable special event. Whether you choose the Wine Cellar — with its domed ceiling, wrought-iron chandelier, and racks of large-format wine — or the wine themed Vinoteck Banquet Room — with large glass and iron doors that open out to the garden setting of the Oak Tree Patio — you are guaranteed an incredible dining experience you and your guests will not soon forget.

The vast menu features tantalizing appetizers such as Reuben Egg Rolls and grilled Castroville Artichokes. Entrée selections run the gamut, offering something for everyone — mouthwatering specialty soups, deli-style sandwiches, gourmet pizzas, steaks, seafood, pasta, chicken, duck, pork, Black Angus burgers, and baby-back ribs. The accompanying wine list focuses on local and California appellations, from Santa Barbara to Sonoma, with special emphasis on Monterey County wineries.

When you’re at The Forge, you absolutely must leave room for dessert. The to-die-for Cookie Dream is not to be missed. This giant fresh-baked chocolate chip cookie is baked in an iron skillet — served hot from the oven, with ice cream, whipped cream, chocolate syrup, and strawberries.

The Forge hours are: Lunch 11:30 a.m.-4 p.m. daily; Sunday Brunch 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m.; dinner 4-9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 4-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Voted “Best Outdoor Dining” Every Year Since 1992! — Montery County Weekly Readers' Poll.

Featuring Live Music

Private Dining Areas for Groups of 8-200

MENU HIGHLIGHTS

BALSAMIC GRILLED CASTROVILLE ARTICHOKE

REUBEN EGG ROLLS

BAKED FRENCH ONION SOUP

FRANCIS WHITAKER BLACKSMITH SALAD

CARMEL’S BEST BLACK ANGUS BURGER

GRILLED CHICKEN PASTINA

TERIYAKI GLAZED SALMON

BABY-BACK PORK RIBS

SLOWLY ROASTED HALF DUCK

EIGHT-OUNCE FILET MIGNON

THE CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIE DREAM

Food Photography by Craig Lovell

The Forge in the Forest
Located on the S.W. corner of 5th and Junipero
Carmel, California
(831) 624-2233

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