The best cafes in Monterey

9 cafes we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.

Browse another shelf: all of Monterey’s best · Restaurants · Beauty · Bakeries & Sweets · Shopping · Entertainment · Nightlife · Arts & Culture · Home & Garden · Antiques, Thrift, & Vintage · Hobbies, Books, & Crafts · Health & Wellness · Parks & Outdoors · Pets · Services · Sporting Goods

Pinned in Monterey today

This spot is open today.

Two pinned places a day in Monterey — $10 here, $25 adds the newsletter. List your business →

Paid placements are always marked.

Cafes · 9 places · showing the latest additions first

Waypoint pours reliably good coffee and gives you just enough calm to knock out that last email before you bolt. An easy, no-drama option…

411 Dyer Road Suite 177A

Waypoint pours reliably good coffee and gives you just enough calm to knock out that last email before you bolt. An easy, no-drama option for Seaside folks who want a quality pick-me-up without fuss, plus a friendly crew that remembers faces.

From the Monterey newsletter, September 1, 2026

Website ↗

Acme Coffee Roasting Co keeps Seaside fueled with house roasts like Valve Job, Road Dog, and Motor City Espresso, plus a rotating Roaster's…

485 B Palm Ave (Seaside)

Acme Coffee Roasting Co keeps Seaside fueled with house roasts like Valve Job, Road Dog, and Motor City Espresso, plus a rotating Roaster's Choice every 3-4 weeks, so you can switch it up without leaving town... and yes, they do the hot, cold, and pastry-to-go thing right.

From the Monterey newsletter, September 11, 2026

Website ↗

Treat yourself this week to Co Ba Dessert, Tea & Coffee, where pandan waffles pair with silky coconut sauce and the Hoi An Imperial brings…

3730 N First St Ste. 110 (San Jose)

Treat yourself this week to Co Ba Dessert, Tea & Coffee, where pandan waffles pair with silky coconut sauce and the Hoi An Imperial brings warm grass-jelly nostalgia. Sip a zesty Kumquat Royal or floral Mekong Majestic, then share dessert flights or a heritage dessert box with the crew.

From the Milpitas newsletter, August 19, 2026

Website ↗

When you want a no-fuss, made-to-order fix, Old Monterey Cafe nails it with a nostalgic diner vibe, generous portions, and…

489 Alvarado St · ✓ checked Sep 10

When you want a no-fuss, made-to-order fix, Old Monterey Cafe nails it with a nostalgic diner vibe, generous portions, and fresh-from-the-griddle favorites like French toast, buttermilk pancakes, and eggs Benedict. Slide in this week, sip coffee, and let them handle your morning right.

From the Monterey newsletter, September 18, 2026

Website ↗
Run a Monterey business? Two pinned spots a day — $10 here, $25 adds the newsletter. Advertise →

For that Milpitas afternoon slump, Caffe Bene has organic, fair trade coffee and tea plus Kusmi tea, milk tea, cakes, waffles, sandwiches,…

181 E Tasman Dr #80 (San Jose)

For that Milpitas afternoon slump, Caffe Bene has organic, fair trade coffee and tea plus Kusmi tea, milk tea, cakes, waffles, sandwiches, and plenty of desserts sourced from local dairies and bakeries. A quick pick-me-up that easily becomes a treat-yourself stop.

From the Milpitas newsletter, August 25, 2026

Website ↗

A.M. Craft treats every cup like a tiny culinary project, with single-origin brews, house-made syrups and a mocha made from 100% cocoa…

481 E San Carlos St (San Jose)

M. Craft treats every cup like a tiny culinary project, with single-origin brews, house-made syrups and a mocha made from 100% cocoa rouge, plus fresh-baked pastries. , and abroad, so your coffee this week doubles as a mini tasting tour.

From the Los Banos newsletter, August 28, 2026

Website ↗

Need a serotonin boost that also does good? Itty Bitty Kitty Cafe lets you unwind in kitten playrooms with adorable, adoptable kittens, all…

14420 Union Ave (San Jose)

Need a serotonin boost that also does good? Itty Bitty Kitty Cafe lets you unwind in kitten playrooms with adorable, adoptable kittens, all supporting Itty Bitty Orphan Kitty Rescue’s mission to get every tiny meow into a forever home, so reserve a spot this week for maximum purr therapy.

From the San Jose newsletter, September 17, 2026

Website ↗

If your afternoon needs a reset, The Orange Tabby pours seriously good tea drinks, from silky house matcha and roasted hojicha lattes to a…

1344 Ridder Park Dr (San Jose)

If your afternoon needs a reset, The Orange Tabby pours seriously good tea drinks, from silky house matcha and roasted hojicha lattes to a pink coconut matcha that tastes like summer behaving itself. Treat yourself between Zooms, then text a friend to meet you for refills.

From the San Jose newsletter, August 20, 2026

Website ↗

The Wild Plum Cafe keeps mornings and lunch easy with organic, sustainable, handcrafted fare that tastes like someone actually cares. Head…

731 Munras Ave Ste b

The Wild Plum Cafe keeps mornings and lunch easy with organic, sustainable, handcrafted fare that tastes like someone actually cares. Head downtown when you want a cozy spot for wholesome breakfast, a satisfying lunch, and a little something sweet to pocket for later.

From the Monterey newsletter, August 13, 2026

Website ↗

Listed here?

You’ve earned the mark — get the BaseLocal’s Best badge for your site →. Want in? List your business →