Decided to try this place for lunch since they recently expanded their food options. I had the Lox…read moreBagel accompanied by a white needle tea. The bagel was a toasted everything bagel topped with cream cheese, lox salmon, pickled red onions, green onion, and dill. It was crispy, creamy, and oh so tasty. It made for a perfect lighter lunch option. The white needle tea was refreshing and went well with the salmon. They have many specialized, high quality tea options. This cafe is part of Wave Street Studio, which is also a venue that hosts a variety of events. The outdoor seating space is very pleasant, surrounded by plants with background music playing, a bubbling fountain, and offering some games like chess or mini billiards. The employees are very professional accommodating. I thoroughly enjoyed my time here.

Waffle was nice and crispy, with lots of fruit. Made fresh to order! The gentleman who made my…read morewaffle I would have guessed was the manager/ owner, obviously seasoned knew peoples names..but Coffee was a let down but I don't think it was this places norm the worker told me if was his second day. So ‍ If I was a local I would go back and try again

Such a cute amazing shop! Stopped by while staying in Monterey, the smell drew me in. I was able to…read morepurchase the essential oil that they had in the store, phenomenal scent! The lovely girl who helped us gave me some sweets that I later consumed- I will be back for those again Thank you for a lovely experience!

Wow!! Ok I was on a quick 24hr turn around road trip from…read moreOC up to Monterey, I needed coffee, I love sweets, I have never had Turkish anything. Omg the chocolate and other baked goods were delish!!!! I really felt like I was in Turkey, the decor, the music, the staff.... I think there were all family... once I entered they were so happy nice and willing to share the history behind the baked goods and coffee. One of the lady's there ( I think owner) over heard I ask my wife about coffee in Spanish and she corrected me, have some in-site and left me wondering.... Yes I had the tiny cup of coffee and it was worth it. Strong bitter tasteful, I could have had about 3 Thank you for the experience and knowledge and next time I'm in town I shall stop by and order more pastries!!!!

This cold brew will hit you in the chin like a randy johnson fastball . Strongest i ever did have…read more It literally cured a hangover. Also , friendly, personable staff. Wish they had a few more food options . Will definitely be back !

the coffee is very expensive for a very small amount. i also found my drink to be very watery and…read morenot super flavorful (i got an iced mocha). the staff are super nice though if you're in Monterey there's definitely better coffee shops in the area.

With no schedule on a Friday morning, I decided to get something for breakfast. A short walk from…read moremy hotel on the less busy side of Cannery Row, I walked in a little after 9 am. A few people were waiting to order and more customers walked in as I studied the menu. I jumped into the line and after a short wait, placed my order. Rather than carrying my breakfast and beverage back to my hotel, I decided to enjoy the sights and sounds from their outdoor dining area. The expediter called my name and I shortly brought my purchases to a table facing the bay. I started with a hot chocolate, medium (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q&select=SGdMOIoQV6_t-uothYYbfw, perfect for this foggy Friday morning. It was perfectly hot and not overly sweet. I enjoyed this as it's been a while, drinking this. I also got a sausage English muffin, cheese, egg, jalapeno aioli, onion (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q&select=WgF_AQ-xeUkLIxZF6dRZlg); I was surprised by the size as it towers over the golden arch version of this. The jalapeno aioli was subtle and the onion added a nice crunch and flavor to the sandwich. The filling (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q&select=NZaPMZCiCXJhrKg3VKuZgw) is generous. I also brought an item that I'd never seen to take back for a future snack or breakfast, the peach fritter (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q&start=0&select=t303wZ8QRnuNuXk6rP16bw). With the staggering number of things that I bought from a downtown bakery, I didn't get to it till several days later. The dining room was about half full and the outdoor dining area was about the same on this cool, slightly foggy morning. Here's a shot of my view as I had breakfast (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q&start=0&select=GTQiFiqy226JtcYrGIauwg). Big thanks to the kind and efficient cashier and expetiter. I would return here for breakfast if wanting something light and quick. It's directly next to the Monterey Plaza Hotel.

Five stars for the location alone. Huge patio overlooking the bay. I ordered a raspberry iced…read morelatte. Not too sweet but I wish I could taste the coffee a little more. I should have asked if their syrups are made in house and/or the brands. I did not get a chance to try any food items but they sounded delicious! Service was very kind, casual, and patient! Their website is awesome by the way! Very coastal zen.

I visited the Ghirardelli ice cream and chocolate shop on a Sunday afternoon for a sweet treat. It…read morewasn't too busy, and we got our order in around five minutes. We got the hot fudge brownie sundae, which was absolutely delicious. It had a warm brownie with great classic ice cream, and the whole thing was very chocolatey and satisfying. Exactly the kind of thing I needed on a hotter day. The portion is a lot, we shared it among five people, and we all got enough of a sweet-craving fix from it.

Is it really good? Yes. Can it get really packed here? Yes. Is it SUPER fricking expensive? Also…read moreYES. For one thing I paid almost $20. But the gold rush is also my go to since I don't like chocolate anything. The sea salt and caramel mix is so well with the whipped cream and ice cream. Okay to splurge once in a while but man are they super pricey here. Best tables are outside but they are small with the perfect coastal view.

This SB is what your neighborhood SB used to be like maybe 20-25 years ago before homelessness took…read moreover the country and particularly in CA, a sanctuary state not only for illegal aliens, but also drug addled, alcoholic, welfare dependent, and mentally disturbed individuals who live on the street and in many cases do not want a job or housing. This SB almost never has homeless people, has no key pad locks on the toilets, we have never seen it overcrowded nor having a more than an average noise level, and it has men's and women's toilets. This is a tourist area, so perhaps the service is what you would expect. The impression the various staff has given us over several years of visits to this area is that if you are a recognized local, then they are super nice to you, but if not, then they are pleasant, but not as nice as the staff at your local SB back home who may or may not recognize you as a regular. For what we typically order here, hot and cold teas and mochas (frap and coffee versions), the quality has been pretty consistent and typical compared to other locations. The parking lot is about medium sized for the size of the store and average for the area, although probably small compared to your store back home. We have always been able to get a spot so far. There are no left turns on this section of Lighthouse so plan to turn left or right and circle back on the side streets to access the lot. In the back, on Hawthorne, there is a back entrance to the lot that is super convenient if coming from a correct direction to use it. Unlike some SB's that no longer want you hanging around, there is ample seating and plugs for staying longer to study or hang out with your devices or friends. One of our favorite aspects of coming to this area is to come hang out at this SB, because none of them anywhere near our home area is still like it anymore. If visiting Pacific Grove, Monterey, or the surrounding areas, definitely plan to come stop by this SB location if only to see what SB and America used to be like long ago.

This location is super clean and always has a great vibe. Our drinks and food were ready on time…read more This store is eco friendly and their iced drinks do not come in plastic. They do not use plastic at all. Our drinks were ok but my partners feta wrap was not its normal taste and he only ate half to prepare for our day in Big Sur. I did love seeing my nickname on my cup though.

The menu is varied; something for everyone. The pancakes are fabulous!…read moreGood coffee! Considering the lines of people waiting, they move very quickly to get customers in. The heated cement seats are warm and cozy outside. I usually order food to go on the weekends so my grandchildren can have their favorite pancakes.

As locals, we have had the opportunity of visiting First Awakening since they first opened down the…read morehill. The quality of the food, the service, as well as the pricing of the plates, has been consistent since the opened. They may have to raise prices given our wonderful economy, however, and we make this point, the selections, and portions of food is never reduced. Now for those who always seem more intent on complaining about food ,or service, Have we experienced less than great servic,certainly. Have experienced poor food, NO. Now for those whose visit seemed to be a disaster, rember, Cannery Row has many fine restaurants. Too the rest ofus, just keep on smiling.

Caught a pre aquarium bite here beforehand and it was perfection…read more Delicious empanadas and easily THE freshest chimichirri in California. Lovely pastries and bonus - Yerba mate lattes!!

OKAY! If you're looking for a quick snack and you have a craving for empanadas -- COME HERE! They…read morehave a sweet little bakery with the yummiest short bread cookies filled with dulce de leche (WOW - super yummy); I had an incredible shredded beef empanada which was served with a tiny cup with a tiny spoon of chimmichurri sauce on the side and WOW, It just hit the SPOT. Bonus that the back patio is super cute, quiet, sunny, and DOG friendly. It's super calming with a little water fountain with water drop sounds. A perfect stop in for a snack on sunny day in Monterey! (Also plenty of street parking)

It's delicious! If you're in the area, I highly recommend trying it. We stayed in Carmel but came…read morehere specifically to eat and it was fantastic. I recommend the gala yogurt, and pistachio cake.

They say a line is good for business and this bakery is known to be one of the best in Monterey…read more Location is right downtown and was in walking distance of the hotel. Plentiful sweet and savory baked goodies, coffee and tea options are available. Ended up selecting the ham and cheese croissant, a cinnamon pull apart muffin and a matcha tea with vanilla syrup (other syrups are also available). Ordered a medium matcha but it is totally a small sized one by my measure. Really like the cinnamon muffin and the ham and cheese croissant wasn't bad either. Don't forget the gooey yummy section at the bottom of the cinnamon muffin !!! Would recommend sitting in the nice courtyard tucked away in the back of the bakery. The Cella Restaurant Bar is also located in the courtyard also and I'm sure this would be a cool romantic spot to chill in the evenings. This appears to be a shared space with the bakery, restaurant and the Cooer smokers Adobe Flower Bouquet Bar/Museum. I was seated next to a small garden where lemon thyme, calendula, artichoke and other herbs and vegetables were planted. Would also suggest taking a stroll through the courtyard and take it all in.... Such a nice area to have a private party or event !

Delicious, warm and obviously tasty…read more We devoured this roll before we even thought of the photo opportunity. Service was good. Restaurant/store is small but we fit a whole stroller with us too

The smell from the street? Enticing... wonderful…read more.. The vibe when you step inside? Nostalgic, cute, seemingly from another time... The prices? From the year 2086. $11 for a plain cinnamon roll the size of a Pillsbury refrigerated tube roll is diabolical. A family of 4 getting dessert here might as well just do that second mortgage now. Let alone the $7.25 for an 8oz Red Bull for that mom on vacation just trying to get by. The flavor? Not worth $11 I can assure you. Truly feels like a tourist trap masquerading as an old timey local haunt. If you're thinking to yourself "I REALLY just need a cinnamon roll...I'm hankering for that sweet, sweet, gooey, sticky cinnamonny treat!" This ain't gonna cure that hankerin', chief. It was both miraculously dry AND wet somehow. Like some kind of kinetic sand. Not to mention, the cinnamon level sat at about a 3 out of 10. But, to be fair, the term "slightly seasoned roll" doesn't really have a nice ring to it. Save your money. Bake them from a grocery store tube. You can get a dozen for the same price to be honest. Plus, you won't have to heat it up in the microwave like they do here (when the oven is right next to it). I'm convinced these 5 star reviews are bots, family friends or Lilly Mae's was the first cinnamon roll these poor people have ever had. Someone in the suspicious 5-star section mentioned California being "more expensive". I get that, I'd have no issue paying $11+ dollars for a small cinnamon roll if it was an ACTUAL quality product and not something thrown together and slapped into an oven for a quick buck to make seaside rent.