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 getting your day started.
Always remember to double-check dates, opening times, and weather conditions before traveling.
Best Monterey Coffee Shops
Plumes
- Address: 400 Alvarado Steet, Monterey, CA
Inside of The Monterey Hotel is Plumes, a quaint little coffee shop that is great for getting some work done, or maybe just 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 long.
Alta Bakery + Café
- Address: 500 Munras Ave, Monterey, CA
Alta Bakery + Café is one of the newest 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.
Once you have your coffee, head to this article to discover some unique things to do in Monterey!
East Village Café
- Address: 498 Washington Street, Monterey, CA
If you’re looking for a more classic coffee shop, 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 help 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
Captain + Stoker is one of the rare coffee shops in Monterey that roast its own coffee beans. If you are a person that 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
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.
Bright Coffee
- Address: 281 Lighthouse Ave, Monterey, CA
If you like a little shopping with your coffee, Bright Coffee is where you need to head. The shop is filled with gifts, greeting cards, and home décor that will be begging to go home with you.
While browsing, grab a delicious latte off the menu or take a seat and get a nibble while you shop from afar. Going to Bright Coffee is like a three in one deal since you get shopping, coffee, and a croissant.
Water + Leaves
- Address: 95 Fishermans Wharf #1, Monterey, CA
Scenery and coffee, what more do you need? Water + Leaves is located right of Fisherman’s Wharf and is known as a more upscale coffee shop.
They focus on organic and sustainable food and even sell local honey you can take home. You can grab a seat outdoors and enjoy the view of the water while sipping a latte and enjoying some Belgium waffles.
Tidal Coffee
- Address: 400 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA
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.
Aloha Coffee and Café Club
- Address: 1098 Del Monte Ave, Monterey, CA
Aloha Coffee and Café Club is a low-key shop with simple Hawaiian fare that will make your mouth water. The shop offers those feel-good Hawaii vibes, and they provide a wide range of healthy food and drinks, including acai bowls and smoothies.
Aloha Coffee is also open later than most coffee shops in Monterey, which is refreshing.
Parker-Lusseau Pastries
- Address: 539 Hartnell Street, Monterey, CA
While Parker-Lusseau Pastries focuses more on getting your morning started with food, they also offer delicious coffee. Their coffee is basic, mochas, lattes, 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. All these Monterey coffee shops offer their own unique spin on coffee that will leave you wanting a second cup.