Something about that morning cup of coffee gets your day going and promises a good start. Chain coffee shops are great, but when you go to a local hole-in-the-wall shop, you feel a little more special when they hand you that first cup of Joe in the morning.
Monterey is the perfect spot to find that extra special coffee shop that promises delicious options and a smile to go with it. These are a few of our favorite Monterey coffee shops that we recommend before heading into work or starting your day.
Best Monterey Coffee Shops
Plumes
- Address: 400 Alvarado Steet, Monterey, CA 93940
Inside The Monterey Hotel is Plumes, a quaint little coffee shop that is great for getting some work done or people-watching.
Locals swear that their white mochas are the best in town. However, if mocha isn’t your thing, they have various options that fit your coffee needs. Besides excellent-tasting coffee, this Monterey café offers a massive selection of food to help keep you full all morning.
Alta Bakery + Café
- Address: 502 Munras Ave, Monterey, CA 93940
Alta Bakery + Café is one of the newer shops to pop up in Monterey and is located in the historic Cooper-Molera Adobe. They offer an incredible lavender latte with oat milk that is perfect if you’re in the mood for something new.
Alta Bakery also serves delicious baked goods that pair incredibly with coffee, and all of it is made from scratch.
East Village Café
- Address: 498 Washington Street, Monterey, CA 93940
If you’re looking for a more classic coffee shop and an artistic vibe, East Village is for you. Besides offering delicious coffee, they hold an open mic night every Wednesday where slam poets and storytellers gather to share their work.
The atmosphere is a little darker, inviting everyone to wind down and relax. Plus it is one of the only coffee shops in Monterey that serves alcohol.
Captain + Stoker
- Address: 398 E. Franklin Street, Monterey, CA 93940
Captain + Stoker is one of the rare coffee shops in Monterey that roast its coffee beans in-house. If you are a person who needs or loves milk alternatives, their range is enormous, and you don’t have to worry about them running out of the milk of your choice.
Besides coffee, they have a wide range of tea, some that you can even take home if you like. There is also an excellent breakfast menu to jump-start your day.
Paris Bakery
- Address: 271 Bonifacio Place, Monterey, CA 93940
Before even thinking of going to Paris Bakery, make sure you have the time to stand in line since it is usually out the door. We promise the wait is worth it since all of their goodies are baked fresh daily.
If you’re looking for that perfect cup of Joe, look no further. Their coffee can only be described as out of this world. The wait might be long, but it will be worth it. Alternatively, get up a little earlier to attempt to avoid a line.
Tidal Coffee
- Address: 400 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA 93940
Tidal Coffee is perfect for stopping in if you’re already planning on enjoying Cannery Row. Locals love their nitro cold brew, and if you want to give your tired feet a rest, you can grab a seat on their outdoor patio to sip and relax with your coffee.
They also offer light pastry options, and you can take their beans home to enjoy your own Tidal Coffee from the comfort of your couch.
Parker-Lusseau Pastries
- Address: 539 Hartnell Street, Monterey, CA 93940
While Parker-Lusseau Pastries focuses more on getting your morning started with food, they also offer delicious coffee. Their coffee is basic, mochas, lattes, and black coffee, but they pair perfectly with the delicious food offerings of Parker-Lusseau. If you want to spoil yourself with a morning goodie, head out and grab a quiche and enjoy every moment of it.
Sure, going by a chain coffee shop is great and you know exactly what you’re getting, but spending time in a local shop that puts their hearts and souls in your perfect cup is an entirely different coffee experience. All these Monterey coffee shops offer their unique spin on coffee that will leave you wanting a second cup.
