Join us at the bar for handcrafted cocktails, seasonal wines and small plates at a great value. Pair with our full dinner menu or explore our wine list. Reserve a table — walk-ins also welcome.
When
Daily · 3:30 – 6:00 PM
Bar & lounge only · Walk-ins welcome
Running Feb 10 – Dec 31, 2026
Rio Grill's happy hour is the best-kept secret in Carmel-by-the-Sea — and after 40 years, it's not very well-kept anymore. Every evening from 3:30 to 6:00 PM, the bar and lounge at The Crossroads comes alive with the kind of laid-back California energy that makes this stretch of Highway 1 so special. Whether you're unwinding after a walk on Carmel Beach, catching up with friends before dinner, or simply putting a well-deserved pause in your day, our happy hour is the right place to do it.
We pour handcrafted cocktails built on house-made ingredients, fresh citrus, and quality spirits — the kind of drinks you'd expect from a bar that's been shaking things up since 1983. Our bar bites come from the same kitchen that earns rave reviews every night, so you're not just getting a deal: you're getting a taste of what makes Rio Grill Carmel's most beloved dining institution. Pair your cocktail with a pour from our award-winning wine list, or let happy hour flow straight into our full dinner menu.
Seating is bar and lounge only — first come, first served. Walk-ins are always welcome, and the vibe is always worth it. If you're planning to stay for dinner afterward, we recommend grabbing a reservation — especially on Friday and Saturday nights.
Happy hour runs daily from 3:30 PM to 6:00 PM, in the bar and lounge only. No reservation required — walk-ins always welcome.
Yes. Happy hour is available seven days a week through December 31, 2026. Whether it's a Monday or a Saturday, 3:30 PM is always a good time at Rio Grill.
We're at 101 Crossroads Blvd in Carmel-by-the-Sea — at The Crossroads shopping center, right at the corner of Highway 1 and Rio Road. It's the gateway to Big Sur and one of the most scenic restaurant locations on the California coast.
Happy hour is bar and lounge seating only and is first come, first served. If you'd like to continue on to dinner, we recommend making a dinner reservation in advance — especially on weekends.
Fried Salmon, Coleslaw, Soft Corn Tortillas, & Sriracha Aioli. 2 per order
Beef Angus Patties, Caramelized Onions, Cheddar, Diced Pickles, Mini Brioche Buns. 2 per order
Asiago Mashed Potatoes, Chili Butter. 2 per order
Two Ribs with Coleslaw
Bacon-Wrapped Breaded Mozzarella, Crushed Pecans, Chili Flakes, Bourbon-Brown Sugar Glaze. 3 per order
Turkey, Bacon, Avocado, Pico-De-Gallo, & Mozzarella. Wrapped in Crispy Wonton. 3 per order.
One of each: Tomato Burrata - Tomato-Basil Relish & Burrata Prosciutto & Goat Cheese - Red-Wine Poached Pears, Crushed Pecans Smashed Avocado - Chili Flakes & Truffle Oil
Tequila, Orange Liquor, Agave, Lemon & Lime
Vodka, Grapefruit, Sparkling Wine, & a splash of Soda Water
Rum, Blue Curaco, Pineapple, Coconut Cream, Lime
Vodka, Ginger Beer & Lime Juice
Vodka, Blackberry, Lemon, Soda
Coke, Coke Zero, Sprite, Ginger ale, Diet Coke
Orange Juice, Cranberry Juice, Pineapple Juice, Grapefruit Juice & Tonic Water
