Fisherman’s Wharf observation deck reopens

A popular Fisherman’s Wharf viewing area is back open. The Big Fish Grill rooftop at the end of the wharf had been closed for five months while the walkway and deck were restored.

All day Friday visitors headed up to check out the view of the bay and the lookout is something that is bringing in tourists and indirectly lots of business the wharf.

“It’s wonderful actually for someone from England especially,” said tourist Peter Brown.

The Monterey Bay is something Brown, who is visiting from across the pond, says he is glad he was able to see.

This is wonderful, we’ve got nothing like it unfortunately I’ve got to go back,” said Brown.

The $150,000 project was privately funded by the restaurant, but it is open to the public free of charge.

“It provides unmatched access to panoramic views of the Monterey Harbor,” said Kevin Phillips, owner of the Big Fish Grill.

The roof-top certainly bring lots of business to Phillips’ restaurant below, but he told KION that it also helps the wharf’s other shops by giving visitors a reason to walk the whole wharf.

“It provides people the opportunity to see the views atop the Big Fish Grill, but also lets people linger a little and enjoy their stay a little bit longer,” said Phillips.

The viewing area is really just the latest change. Across the wharf, many restaurants and shops seem to be mixing it up and adding in a modern flair.

“There is always something new happening here, it’s just fun,” said Mary Alice Cerrito Fettis, with the Wharf Association.

Speaking of new on the wharf, “Water + Leaves” offers customers a rather unique tea and coffee experience, quite the difference from the old fishing company that was there before.

“We completely renovated it and we use iPads, tea machines, all local organic sustainable products as well,” said Alessandro Boaro, a Water + Leaves employee.

The wharf association still says one of the biggest draws to the wharf is the wild life.

“It’s an opportunity to get very close to our marine life,” said Fettis.

Not to mention, a pretty nice view which keeps bringing tourists, like Brown, back to the bay.

“I love it and I will come again,” said Brown.

Tourists like Brown really do make a big difference for the local economy. According to Monterey’s visitor’s bureau, tourism gets the city more than $100 million each year. It also generates about 24,000 local jobs.