HUGE fan of this place. their croissants are always so delicious, and their coffee is good too. so…read moremany tasty pastries and they're always fresh beautiful location but not very many seating options

My mom said that this bakery has the best almond croissants in Monterey. Sadly when we went there…read morearound 1pm in the afternoon, they were all sold out of almond croissants. I got a strawberry and rhubarb pastry that was good. They do have some nice outside seating, and I saw folks who looked to be enjoying the weather. They had a lot of staff people working the counter despite it being a small shop, so we were served very quickly. Probably if I had gotten this fabled almond croissant, it would have been five stars! I will have to return earlier in the day.

My local friends shared suggestions on places to visit the next day as I only had a visit to…read moreFisherman's Wharf on the docket. This is one of the mentioned places. First of all, this is a historic bakery in a landmark building in downtown Monterey. As I approached, there was a short line on a Friday around 11 am. After a short wait, I reached the counter and scanned the pastry selection before picking several, asking the kind lady to pack them in two boxes and I brought a couple items back for a friend. After my purchase, I walked to the back area and noticed an outdoor dining area (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q&start=24&select=ykERHL4g-pQklkgNQ0Vrsg) besides the counter area (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q&start=24&select=-ieBhqZ5feBuptEl0S_sNw) and a small dining room inside (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q&start=24&select=TD9doolFBh0oHc9lES_1eQ) (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q&start=24&select=95x2W27l2Ab0PGph3FmdhQ). With meals scheduled for the rest of the day, I didn't start on anything until the next morning with the donut (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q&start=24&select=0MJJ8kT57A1DTm3XZQFJXQ) for breakfast. It was interesting with the colorful topping; I did not ask the flavor but guessing it was raspberry. It was okay as I like my donuts a little less cakey. The next item that I tried was the blondie (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q&start=24&select=XJNQw54ud1nxci3EZF5DXw); I really enjoyed this for dessert a few days later at home. It's been awhile so I really enjoyed this as there was plenty of chocolate pieces to contrast with the dough flavor. Next, I tried the carrot cake cookie (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q&start=96&select=WYgw9_utf096q83PjynR8g) which I enjoyed as it wasn't overly rich. I was only okay with the almond financier (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q&start=48&select=rC2OVgro1o-vIE2rVCNqtg) as the flavors sounded more interesting than they were. I enjoyed the chocolate buckwheat cookie (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q&start=48&select=P6gb3w4hu0CRRQBOPc46jQ) which was very chocolatey. The line was about six deep when I arrived but it moved quickly. The order taker and cashier are efficient. There is coffee and other beverages available as well as meal items and wine and beer after 11 am (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q&start=144&select=6Utt7H0U46KbXamwZoiwrQ). I will return and perhaps have lunch here on another visit. Nice to see more historic places especially for a bakery aptly named.

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 !

Outstanding breads and pastries served by friendly staff. I love the window view of the kitchen…read morearea where all the magic happens! Ad Astra offers classes on how to make your own sourdough bread- life changing for me. I had attempted my own sourdough starter for a few months, but could not achieve satisfying results. Since taking the class, I now enjoy amazing results with sourdough bread, galettes, focaccia and pizza crusts. Worth every penny and my time invested in that class taught by Ron, the owner. I love Ad Astra!

Man oh man! As someone from Southern California by way of the Midwest, I really love the sweets…read morehere. The Earl Grey cookie was delicious--light and soft, just as you might expect. I also tried the salmon sandwich. It was a little too heavy in flavor for me, but that's simply personal preference. The bread, however, is always fantastic.

I don't come here enough. This place is so delicious and the staff is phenomenal! Today I came in…read moreand ordered a bacon/egg croissant and a white mocha. I probably asked too many questions, but they were so sweet and kind and answered everything I asked with a smile. Unfortunately, the wrong customer had taken my drink, and they had to make me another one. I totally didn't mind waiting though. Thank you for being here and hiring excellent staff and always being so tasty. I need to come more often for sure! 10/10 recommend.

This used to be my favorite bakery in Monterey. Their almond croissant was amazing, and they were…read morethe only place around that made a simple ham and cheese sandwich that reminded me of the ones I had in Paris. Something has definitely changed. I don't know if it's new ownership or a change in management, but this visit was incredibly disappointing. I paid $14.95 for a ham and cheese sandwich that had just two slices of ham, two slices of cheese, and what tasted like day old bread. It was dry, underwhelming, and nowhere near the quality I remembered. It's disappointing to see a place I loved go downhill. I really hope they can get back to what made them so special. Very simple but high quality ingredients.

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.

Cash only! Traditional establishment with large pastries…read more - Muffin : was a blueberry flavor that day, very soda bread scone tasting. Enjoyed the crumb top and plentiful berries! Very moist - Berry danish : the pastry itself was a little chewy for my taste, but overall not bad!

Pavel's is a Pacific Grove institution! Be prepared to wait in a long line right when they open--it…read moremoves fast, but the crowd confirms how fantastic their European-style pastries are. The four of us grabbed croissants and sandwiches, and the quality was superb: flaky, rich, and clearly made with care. The dedication to artistry is evident in every bite. The only real snag is the payment: Pavel's is strictly cash only. While the baked goods are four-star excellent, the need to remember physical currency keeps it from a full five. Come prepared with cash, and you won't be disappointed by the treats!

Bike & coffee review!!…read more Let's start with the coffee. By far the best I had my whole trip to Carmel/Monterey. Absolute perfection. We actually all got drinks from their seasonal menu. Highly recommend using the pistachio milk! Presentation was gorgeous and service was SO good. Friendliest people fr. The space is so clean and so trendy, welcoming, and smells amazing. Don't forget a pup cup for your pup! DO THE BIKE RENTALS! Absolute highlight of our trip. BUT the team at this location recommended we actually rent from their Monterey location based on what we wanted to experience (literally biking on the coast / 17 mile drive route- hello!!!). They were also able to recommend what bikes we should book, etc. Only thing that wasn't cute was the prices on the flyer at the bike shop are inaccurate. Said $50 all day ride from Monterey but in fact it was $75. They said the flyer was out of date. Regardless, Mad Dog is so fab

So much fun. The guys show you how the bike works before you take off…read more They offer a bunch off add-ons that you can purchase. Helmet does come with the rental. There is a 3 hr limit but in that time we were able to see a lot

Delightful cafe, with delicious pastries, cute tables outside and friendly, helpful staff!…read more We got here a bit later around 11 am so we definitely missed some of the popular items like the ham and cheese croissant. I will try to come earlier and see if they have it next time! I was in the mood for savory not having eaten breakfast yet so the quiche was calling me. This was my first time here and many people ahead of me in line were ordering them. Truthfully I'm not really a quiche person but this one looked divine. Maybe because instead of a slice of quiche it was my own little quiche. It was so savory, flavorful with the perfect balance of goat cheese and tomato! (I got the goat cheese & tomato flavor obv). They also heated it up for me! It was delicious and the crust so flaky. I also got an almond croissant because I love me some almond filling. This too was delicious! It was really cool to try their style of almond croissant which is a flatter style--flaky and moist and crisp. My hubby got the apricot pastry and it was also so good! I am ready to visit here again the next time I'm in Monterey! Hopefully I can snag a table outside this time because it's such a cute outdoor space to eat after getting your pastries.

Been here many times ... Actually EVERYTIME we are I. Monterey!…read more But ... Disappointed this time AND many other times because there were no mention of when they are closed. Just remember, call ahead and follow Instagram Here are their hours for Jan Why? You guessed it, this place is sooooo good that they can afford to NOT WORK and still do well. A must visit when in Monterey.

Came in with two small toddlers. We got breakfast and coffees. They don't have high chairs, but…read moreonce we inquired about them, the owner mentioned she should invest in them. So hopefully soon! The biscuit sandwich was perfect and burrito looked so yummy. The coffee was very good as well. Hope to return soon, as I'm a local! We came here because the wait was long at other restaurants and it seemed calmer with the babies. Glad we could support a new small business

I ordered a 6in carrot cake for my boyfriend's birthday. We were on a little trip so I am not from…read morethe area. The staff was so nice and the cake was adorable and omg delicious sooooo good. We had it for a few days lol. He was very happy!!

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)