I brought my family of 8 (6 adults/2 children) for breakfast here last Sunday. The restaurant was pretty busy, which was great to see. Beth greeted us and organized a table for us. I was pretty amazed how Beth and her colleague were able to keep up with all the tables, inside and outside. Nicely done! We ordered a diverse cross section of breakfast dishes. I ordered the Monty Cristo sandwich special (3/5) with the trailside potatoes. It was a ham and cheese sandwich using French toast. The ham was just thin deli meat and would have been better if made with a thicker ham steak. The trailside potatoes (4/5) were also not as good as my first breakfast here, but still pretty good. My wife order the jalapeno popper omelette (5/5) and really enjoyed it. The rest of our party had a good experience with their meals. So while the food was pretty solid, Beth was a rock star on the service side. Although she appeared a little hectic, she did a great job keeping everything straight and every table served with a smile. As a local, we are lucky to have Trailside Cafe. This is a solid breakfast choice. read more

Went to the valley for an appointment and stopped at this cute place for a bite to eat. Had a rustic feel, beautiful local art for sale on the walls, and it looks like they host music events as well. Food was delicious! I ordered a Three Cheese Grilled Cheese Sandwich with Tomato Basil soup and it was melty and buttery and it warmed my soul on this rather overcast day. Service was superb! I was able to choose my own table, she always made sure my Sprite was never empty, and she rushed a second sandwich order for me when I still had some soup left over and wanted more to dip. I didn't catch her name, but she was awesome. Thanks for the experience and I'll definitely be recommending this place to folks willing to travel to Carmel Valley. It's worth it! read more

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We had an absolutely lovely time here after a hike one morning. Martin was our server and may be one of the most delightful humans I've ever met. Just a lovely person. Food was great. I had the Lox Bagel and they were very generous with the lox. My husband had the eggs Benedict which was also tasty. Our pup was very welcome as well. Def a revisit when we're in that area again! read more

Trailside Cafe & Beer Garden - Got to choose a few juices! - Cafes Near Me - Carmel Valley, California

The restaurant is an indoor/outdoor dining location. Also dog friendly. Our service was very good here. I ordered the chicken wings appetizer. Very flavorful and had good heat. It was a good portion and filling. read more

Trailside Cafe & Beer Garden - Chicken wings - Cafes Near Me - Carmel Valley, California

Great little restaurant near our lodge. Service was awesome! We were there for breakfast, but they're open for lunch and dinner, too. Our food was cooked to perfection and very tasty. I loved the little cup of jam they serve with toast. Definitely recommend. read more

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Nice server and pretty outdoor patio. Food was moderate. Not super tasty but not horrible either. It was plentiful which was nice. I probably wouldn't go again, read more

Me and my wife grabbed breakfast here during our honeymoon in Carmel Valley. Martin was our server and he was wonderful -- super attentive, super kind and welcoming. The food was absolutely delicious; we got the Trailside Cafe Breakfast plate and the breakfast sandwich. Both were so good! Highly recommend this spot! read more

Trailside Cafe & Beer Garden - Cafes Near Me - Carmel Valley, California

We were in town for a family wedding and needed to grab lunch before checking into our hotel. The reviews for Trailside were pretty good so we gave it a try. Cute little cafe with a rustic cowboy vibe. Plenty of parking and a small patio to enjoy a meal in the gorgeous Carmel Valley sunshine. The inside was super cute and our server was AMAZING!! I sadly can't remember her name but she was super friendly and shared her favorite wine tasting spots near by. Here's what we ordered: GRILLED ARTICHOKE: GET THIS!! It was delicious and plenty for the 5 of us to share as a starter. TRAILSIDE SALAD: basic but fresh FISH AND CHIPS: Huge portions served with thin cut fries. Fish was tender and flaky and fries were plentiful. We kept taking bites off my brother's plate. Lol BLT w/TOTS: My mom and I split this and it was plenty. The bread was so good and the bacon was ... well .. perfect as were the Uber fresh produce. The tots were crisp and yummy. PESTO CHICKEN SANDO: This was the mother of all sandwiches. My daughter ordered this and could only eat half because it was giant. Really good though. Overall this place is a gem both in food and service and I'd absolutely come back. They also have a full bar and Happy Hour specials. read more

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Lovely service. We sat on the patio on the most beautiful day in December. The food was seasoned perfectly and tasted very fresh. Wish this was closer to home for us so we could visit more often! read more

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Spent the day in Carmel Valley & stopped in here for a drink & food, the guy at the bar was friendly, helpful, nice & the waiter was great too, they both made our experience great, cant wait to go back & try more food read more

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Irwin was wonderful(our waiter) and food exceeded our expectations!!!! Lasagna, linguini , Mac and cheese and tomato basil soup all great!! Will definitely return read more

We have been here twice. I prefer lunch to breakfast anyways, here was no different. First time I had a Turkey sandwich with fries. Loved it. Ciabatta was soft, basil spread was yummy, the fries were shoestring! My favorite. He had a chicken wrap and tater tots. He wasn't stoked. Today he had the Jalapeño popper omelet, I had the Benedict with tomato and basil. The hollandaise needed more zip. It was fine but I wouldn't order it again. He really liked his. We sat outside both times. The waitress is super sweet despite virtually waiting on every table alone. We like this place and will be back! read more

I drove to Carmel Valley to meet my brother and go to the races. We stayed just down the road. This was a nice place for lunch. We sat outside and enjoyed the ambiance. My Bratwurst was tasty. I enjoyed my time there. read more

This place was solid! We came here after wine tasting nearby on a Tuesday night. It was super duper quiet of course but the service was good as was the beer selection and food. I didn't eat here but got a few delicious local beers and my husband got the pretzel and bratwurst. I didn't try it but he really liked the brat, and while slightly overstated the pretzel was homemade and delicious. Def a cool German style beer garden. Recommend it. read more

Just your run-of-the-mill diner staffed by the loveliest locals you'll ever meet. My boyfriend and I stopped here before our wine tour in Carmel Valley, and the Traileside Cafe provided the best hearty food to fuel us for the inebriation that lied ahead. We split the fish and chips and tuna melt which were both good. Albeit, not the best food we've ever had - maybe w notch above Black Bear Diner. But, not bad at all! What made this experience even better was our attentive, amicable waiter. read more

Trailside Cafe & Beer Garden - Menu - Cafes Near Me - Carmel Valley, California

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Great Food ,great service, nice location. We ate breakfast one morning, blueberry pancakes were awesome and lunch another day, also very good. Clam chowder was tasty, sandwiches were hearty. Wait staff was really friendly, ample seating inside or on the porch. Check this spot out! read more

Nice cozy little spot in Carmel Valley. Beautiful scenery. Very kind and friendly service. Ordered the Steinbeck omelette and it was delicious. Will definitely return. read more

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I was here tonight. It was phenomenal! Customer service was incredible! And the food was awesome. The music was great too.

The food and atmosphere are great especially after a long stroll at Garland Ranch. The patio is dog friendly. The staff is always accommodating as there can be a wait to eat outside on the weekends. read more

Went to Trailside for the second time today and it was really fantastic. Great menu/food/drinks. We had onion rings, butternut squash soup, chicken pesto sandwich and the grilled vegetable and goat cheese salad. All of it was delicious. The prices are fair and the atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming. Vanessa was our server and she was exceptional. I look forward to visiting again. read more

We stopped in to have a beer and appetizer on the patio after walking our dogs at the nearby park. We were greeted by the friendly staff and they brought our dogs a water dish. They have a large selection of alcoholic beverages and we decided to try the giant soft pretzel with cheese sauce. We got an entree to go for later at our inn nearby. They wrapped the order up neatly with foil to keep it warm in the compostable container. We didn't eat indoors but the dining room looked spacious and clean. read more

Totally solid breakfast affair. Decent service. Cozy vibe. I was in Carmel Valley for a friends wedding weekend, and this place seemed to be THE spot where every single person from the wedding party would get breakfast, so I figured why not do the same. Honestly, the food was good but underwhelming. The potatoes were a bit hard and the eggs over easy weren't runny at all. The saving grace for me was the beermosa. Highly enjoyed that! All in all, it's your totally standard breakfast spot. The patio area is super cozy but doesn't make up for super basic food prepared poorly. No offense but I can cook proper eggs over easy and non-hard potatoes at home myself. Still, in an area with limited options, it's one to consider. read more

Trailside Cafe & Beer Garden - Cafes Near Me - Carmel Valley, California

When visiting Carmel Valley, Trailside is a definitely a must. For my wife and I, this is a staple. They are consistent and the food is always fresh and delicious. Service is excellent! Last visit we were helped by Martin and Irvin. On both visits they were incredibly kind and made excellent recommendations for food and beer. We always order mac and cheese, soup of the day and whatever the seasonal cheesecake is. Last visit we tried the fish tacos, which were excellent. We also had the cream of zucchini soup - life changing. There is one female server that also remembered us from our previous visit and recommended a cheesecake based on what we had asked for months before our last visit. Great food, great service, and super casual. read more

Best Mini chocolate pancakes in Carmel Valley! Beautiful location. Can't go wrong sitting indoor or outdoor. A MUST TRY!

Perfect! Service by Martin was quick and friendly, and our food was some of the best we've ever had: delicious burger, huevos rancheros, and crispy fries. Highly recommend. read more

Ahhhhhh-mazing!! The food was so delicious! I got the pulled pork sandwhich and I will say half way through, I ditched the buns and made it into pulled pork fries but that's just because my bun got a little soggy with the amount of chipotle aioli, BUT it was still so good! My husbands grilled chicken pesto was also very delicious! They do not skimp on the portion sizes we barely finished the plates. The service was very good too, his name was Martín. He was very polite and prompt and kind. The atmosphere was very nice we sat outside, although we did think it was closed at first because the OPEN sign wasn't illuminated but it was the middle of the day so that's probably why. 10/10 I will be back! read more

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Yum! We went there for a new adventure, and we're not disappointed! We sat outside, which I suspect gets warmer as the days get longer. My guest and I both had the cheeseburger she with the Jarlsberg Swiss and me with the blue cheese crumbles absolutely delicious cooked perfectly! It comes with your choice of cheeses and onion rings, and or fries. A small but sufficient wine by the glass list. I opted for the Tobin, James Sauvignon Blanc absolutely yummy. Nadia was our waitress and I think she does. It all will be back. read more

Trailside Cafe & Beer Garden - Burger with blue cheese crumbles, caramelized, onion rings, and deep fried onion rings. No bun for me, however my guest loved hers - Cafes Near Me - Carmel Valley, California

Literally the worst place we've ever eaten. Carmel Valley is a small town so I've given them several chances since they opened, but no more. Moldy bread, microwaved food, rancid fish, I could go on! As a local, I have many visitors. This place is officially off the list for good. Drive to Monterey or pay more to eat ANY place besides this. read more

Our morning was lovely at Trailside! I had never been before and our server Martin was so kind and friendly. Highly recommend the breakfast combo, it was delicious and filling. Very warm seating outside with shady options as well. 10/10! read more

Fish Tacos is good, the bratwurst I had better elsewhere but the French Fries are really really good, very crispy. I like the Cafe Au Lait. read more

Trailside Cafe & Beer Garden - Grilled Bratwurst - Cafes Near Me - Carmel Valley, California

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Fairly average food (for fairness I only had a BLT and onion rings), but the staff were super attentive, helpful, and kind. I'd recommend giving it a try if you're just looking for a relaxing vibe. read more

Upscale bar food. This place is fantastic especially if you have a hangover, both breakfast and lunch menu. I can't describe how good this place is so I took pictures. The staff and owners are also very nice. read more

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The pizza and fish tacos here are the best in the valley. The service is always top tier and the staff go out of their way to make sure that they can accommodate anyone who walks in. The ambiance is quaint and yet very Caramel. We have been to trail side many times and always enjoy our meals. read more

Beautiful location with great outside patio, friendly staff and I am not going to lie one of the best peppermint mochas I have had since college days in San Diego...I was craving a breakfast burrito- it was a tasty and healthy full of eggs, peppers, black beans, and pico de gallo. I honestly was craving a California breakfast burrito with chorizo and potatoes with eggs and a spicy salsa- but this was probably a better option! Sat in the sun on a warm coastal winter day, read my book, people watched, while waiting for my dog to finish her grooming. Great place and seriously would go back a thousand times just for the holiday coffee! read more

Trailside Cafe & Beer Garden - Breakfast Burrito - Cafes Near Me - Carmel Valley, California

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It's a cute spot if you happen to be around and want some place with brunch vibes. Service was excellent too. But the food was more like average for me. The avocado toast I ordered wasn't what I was expecting, as it was simply a sliced avocado salad with balsamic sauce on top of bread. It's a convenient location if you just need a pit stop though but not some place I would necessarily drive out to only for, especially if you're coming in from like Monterey or other places outside of Carmel Valley. read more

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We had a good breakfast here; one of the only places open on Mondays. Service was decent but coffee could've been hotter. The Steinbeck, omelette was very tasty with the spinach, mushrooms, onions, and goat cheese on top. And my companion really enjoyed the eggs Benedict. The place is always busy, but we always get a good meal here when in the area. read more

Trailside Cafe & Beer Garden - Steinbeck Omelet - Cafes Near Me - Carmel Valley, California

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The quality of the food is very good, I had fish taco; the fish was very fresh, and side salad was fresh grown and tasted sweet. The tater tots were the best I had! read more

Nice little spot in Carmel Valley. Incredible beer selection. However, don't order any of their espresso drinks which taste like watered-down Folgers. An espresso shot is about one ounce. We figured that their shots were about four to five ounces leading to a drink in a latte or cappuccino to taste like weak coffee. read more

I'm not quite sure how this restaurant is in business... I have been twice... First time was pretty bad, but I thought I would give it a second chance... The staff is cold and ungracious to say the least... After lunch was served, I did not see the waiter for 30 minutes. My friend had to go into the restaurant two times to get mustard... The first bottle was empty, and I kid you not the second bottle was empty as well... No joke, when I say the only time I saw the waiter smile was when he handed me the check. And that's just the service... Ordered a tuna sandwich..., so bland it was nearly inedible. I could go on and on about the horrible experience, but my dog has to go out to pee. This place is horrific read more

Not sure why this place has such bad reviews, we had a great experience. Came for breakfast and got French toast and a 2 egg breakfast. The food was good, came out quickly and our server was attentive. The bacon was to die for, super thick and perfectly cooked. Perfect casual place to go to for a quick bite with lots of TVs. read more