<p><strong>Where are the best places to eat in Monterey on race and festival weekend?</strong><br>The Monterey Bay Half Marathon is Sunday, November 8, 2026, and the Big Sur Food and Wine Festival runs November 5 through 7, so the first weekend of November is a busy one. For a carb-loading dinner on Saturday night and a celebration dinner on Sunday, Tarpy's at 2999 Monterey-Salinas Highway serves hearty pasta, braised short rib and local wine. It's open until 9 p.m. on Saturday and 8 p.m. on Sunday.</p> <p><em>Last updated: November 2026</em></p> <h2>What's happening in Monterey this weekend?</h2> <p><strong>Monterey Bay Half Marathon:</strong> race weekend is November 7 and 8, and the half marathon starts at 7 a.m. on Sunday, November 8. Course maps, packet pickup and the Pacific Grove Lighthouse 5K details are at <a href="https://montereybayhalfmarathon.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">montereybayhalfmarathon.org</a>.</p> <p><strong>Big Sur Food and Wine Festival:</strong> chefs and winemakers gather along the Big Sur coast from Thursday, November 5 through Saturday, November 7. Check <a href="https://www.bigsurfoodandwine.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">bigsurfoodandwine.org</a> for event times and tickets.</p> <h2>What should runners wear for race morning?</h2> <p>Monterey mornings in early November are often cool, and coastal fog is common at the start. Bring a throwaway layer for the start corral and something warm for dinner after.</p> <h2>What should runners eat the night before?</h2> <p><strong>The Mushroom Bolognese:</strong> orecchiette pasta, wild mushrooms, shallots, garlic, tomato marinara and asiago cheese. It's pre-race fuel that actually tastes like dinner, and a vegan version is available. Add grilled prawns or chili chicken for extra protein.</p> <p><strong>The Chili-Crusted Chicken:</strong> Gruyère scalloped potatoes, green beans and apricot BBQ sauce. It's a balanced plate that won't sit heavy on race morning.</p> <p>Start with the <strong>Fuji Apple salad</strong> (local mixed greens, candied pecans, gorgonzola and white balsamic vinaigrette) and save the cocktails for Sunday.</p> <h2>What should you order after you cross the finish line?</h2> <p><strong>The Braised Short Rib,</strong> with red wine demi-glaze, roasted garlic mashed potatoes, green peas and caramelized cipollini onions. You ran 13.1 miles. This is the plate you've earned.</p> <p>Toast the finish with an <a href="https://www.alvaradostreetbrewery.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Alvarado Street Brewery</a> "Monterey Beer," a lager brewed right here in Monterey. If you came for Big Sur Food and Wine, keep the theme going with a glass of Loring Wine Co. Pinot Noir from the Santa Lucia Highlands, about 30 minutes from the restaurant. Find it on the <a href="/dine-in-and-take-out">dine-in menu</a>, or browse the full <a href="/wine-list">Tarpy's wine list</a>.</p> <h2>Why Tarpy's for race and festival weekend?</h2> <p>Downtown Monterey and the waterfront get crowded on race weekend. Tarpy's sits on Highway 68, a little away from the race-day traffic, inside a historic stone ranch house with fireplace rooms and plenty of space for groups. Coming with your running club? Our <a href="/private-parties">private dining rooms in Monterey</a> are a good fit for team dinners.</p> <p>Browse the <a href="/dine-in-and-take-out">Tarpy's dinner menu</a> before you book.</p> <h2>FAQ</h2> <h3>When is the 2026 Monterey Bay Half Marathon?</h3> <p>Sunday, November 8, 2026, with a 7 a.m. start. Race weekend runs November 7 and 8.</p> <h3>Is Tarpy's open on Sunday night after the race?</h3> <p>Yes. Tarpy's is open Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.</p> <h3>Does Tarpy's have vegan options for runners?</h3> <p>Yes. The Mushroom Bolognese is available as a vegan option.</p> <h3>Can Tarpy's host a team dinner for a running group?</h3> <p>Yes. Tarpy's has private and semi-private rooms for groups of 12 to 80 seated. Call the events team at 831.655.2999.</p> <p>Fuel up, run strong and celebrate at Tarpy's. <a href="/reservations">Reserve your race-weekend table</a>.</p> <p>📍 2999 Monterey-Salinas Hwy, Monterey, CA | 📞 831.647.1444 | Open daily 11:30 a.m. | Fri–Sat until 9 p.m.</p>
