Bud’s

Bud’s is an institution beloved by locals and travelers alike, and a namesake for La Playa Hotel’s former owner, Howard “Bud” Allen. It has played host to painters, politicians, musicians, philosophers, writers, cartoonists, and all the poly-hyphenates in between, flocking to Carmel, enamored with its bohemian spirit. The October 2023 renovation aimed to capture this history and the energy of the man for which it’s named. Visitors will find an inspired cocktail menu that puts local knowledge to the test, alongside a curated collection of historic memorabilia and an updated bar menu featuring classics like the Bud’s Burger right alongside more elevated fare like the Carpaccio and Ricotta Toast. Bud’s is an inviting window into Carmel’s visionary—though occasionally drunken—past, worth celebrating in all its eccentricity.