The 5 Best Cafes & Coffee Shops in Monterey California: My Favorite Spots for Coffee in 2026

I’m one of those people who needs coffee first thing in the morning before I can function like a normal human being. So whenever I’m traveling or visiting somewhere new, the hunt for a good coffee shop starts all over again.

I only spent a weekend in Monterey, so obviously I didn’t manage to try every single cafe in town. But I did get to check out a decent number of coffee shops, and I was actually pretty surprised by how many I really liked.

So, to save you from spending half your morning Googling coffee shops and trying to figure out which ones are actually worth visiting, I’ve put together this guide to my 5 favorite cafes and coffee shops in Monterey that I’d recommend checking out.

What are The Best Cafes & Coffee Shops in Monterey? I’ve Got the Answers

I’ve tried countless cafes and coffee shops all over the world at this point, and even just within California, I’ve been to so many different places in so many different towns. And one thing I’ve learned is that a good coffee scene is very much hit or miss!

Monterey was actually a really pleasant surprise. I thought the coffee scene here was pretty damn good, especially compared to nearby Carmel-by-the-Sea, where I struggled to find coffee I really loved.

One quick thing I always like to mention in these guides is that I’m a specialty coffee guy. My usual order is a flat white, cortado or latte, so that’s mainly what I’m judging these places on. If you’re more into cold foam, shaken espresso drinks and all those crazy sweet coffee creations, you might have a slightly different experience with some of my recommendations.

Anyway, there were a few places in Monterey that I reeeeally loved and want to mention right away. Captain + Stoker was a super solid coffee shop that I’d absolutely recommend checking out. Bookworks was basically a dream come true for me because it’s a bookstore and cafe all in one. This is pretty much the kind of place I’d love to own myself one day!

And then there’s Six Over Coffee, which is a tiny little espresso bar that made what was probably the best flat white I’ve had in a long time.

1. Captain + Stoker // Overall Best Cafe in Monterey

Opening Hours: 6:30am-4pm
Price: $$
My Rating: ★★★★★
Menu & Location

My favorite cafe in Monterey overall was Captain + Stoker. And by overall, I mean the whole package: really good coffee, a cool atmosphere, and a few decent food options if you want something to eat with your morning caffeine fix.

Captain and Stoker has a really cool warehouse-style to it, which reminded me quite a bit of some of the coffee shops I visited in Santa Barbara.

When we visited, it was actually pretty busy, with a decent line out the door. But the coffee was worth the wait! I ordered my usual flat white, and we also tried a couple of their pastries, which were delicious.

So, if I were back in Monterey and looking for a really good coffee to start the day, Captain + Stoker would definitely be my first choice.

They apparently have a couple of other locations in the area, too. I went to the one on E Franklin Street, but I’d imagine the other locations are worth checking out as well.

2. Alta Bakery & Cafe // Best Bakery in Monterey

Opening Hours: 7am-4pm
Price: $$
My Rating: ★★★★
Menu & Location

Calling this the best bakery in Monterey might be a little ambitious since I obviously haven’t tried every bakery in town. But I can tell you that Alta Bakery & Cafe is the best bakery I tried while I was here!

This place was basically pastry heaven. We tried quite a few things, and everything was so good that I honestly could’ve kept ordering half the menu.

The Reuben croissant was insane. Seriously, that thing was to die for. I also had their almond croissant, which was super flaky and still warm, and we tried the monkey bread too, which was another winner.

I’m being dead serious when I say this was one of the best bakeries I’ve visited in California. I came here expecting to grab a pastry and a coffee, and ended up wanting to try pretty much everything they had on display.

And yes, the coffee was really good too!

3. Bookworks // My Favorite Cafe for a Rainy Day

Opening Hours: 7am-5:30pm
Price: $$
My Rating: ★★★★
Menu & Location

Bookworks is basically my personal dream come true. Seriously, if you love books and coffee, you’ll understand why I wanted to stay here for hours.

As you might have guessed from the name, it’s half bookstore and half cafe, which is pretty much my idea of a perfect combination. I could genuinely see myself owning a place like this one day!

We stopped in to browse the books, have a coffee and hang out for a while, and it was exactly the kind of cozy little place I love finding when I travel. They have super comfortable sofas, so we could actually hang out there for a while. This is the type of place I just wan. to hang out at ona rainy fall day if you know what I mean?

4. Six Over Coffee // My Favorite Coffee Shop in Monterey

Opening Hours: 6:30am-2:30pm
Price: $
My Rating: ★★★★
Menu & Location

Six Over Coffee & Company is a tiny little espresso bar in Monterey, and I can genuinely say that here I had the best coffee in Monterey.

I didn’t put it at number one on this list because it’s literally just a small espresso bar. There’s no real food menu and not much space to sit and hang out. But when it comes to the actual coffee, this place takes the crown for me.

In fact, out of everywhere I tried between Big Sur and Santa Cruz, this was the best cup of coffee I had.

We ordered a flat white and a regular latte, and both were fantastic. They were creamy and silky without tasting too milky, which is exactly how I like my coffee.

I know I sound like a massive coffee nerd here, but if you’re anything like me and actually care about getting a really good cup of coffee, Six Over Coffee is the place I’d send you first. Forget the food and the seating for a minute. Just come here for the coffee.

5. Studio Cafe

Opening Hours: 8am-4pm
Price: $$
Menu & Location

And lastly, we have Studio Cafe, which I actually didn’t get to try myself. A friend who used to live in Monterey recommended it to me, though, so I wanted to include it in this list.

Apparently, they have loads of goodies I’d have loved to try, including quiches, cakes, muffins and all sorts of pastries, along with good coffee. They also have a pretty extensive tea menu, with options like oolong and peppermint tea, so it’s worth considering if you’re more of a tea person.

The main reason my friend recommended Studio Cafe, though, was the outdoor courtyard. It’s surrounded by beautiful red-brick buildings and apparently makes for a really nice spot to sit outside with a coffee on a sunny day.

So, take this one as a local recommendation rather than a personal review. I didn’t make it here myself, but I trust my friend’s judgment on this one!

FAQs About the Best Cafes in Monterey California

Is Monterey Worth Visiting?

Absolutely! Monterey has some great things to do, from whale watching to driving the 17-Mile Drive, but I was also really surprised by the food and coffee scene here. There’s definitely enough to keep you busy for a weekend.

Where in Monterey Has the Best Specialty Coffee?

For me, Six Over Coffee had the best specialty coffee in Monterey, and possibly anywhere between Big Sur and Santa Cruz. It’s a tiny espresso bar, but the flat white I had there was one of my favorite coffees from the entire trip.

What Are the Best Restaurants in Monterey?

I didn’t get to try that many restaurants in Monterey, unfortunately, but I had my very first clam chowder at Old Fisherman’s Grotto, and it was fantastic! If you’re visiting Monterey, I’d definitely recommend trying some clam chowder while you’re here.

What Is the Best Coffee Shop in Monterey?

For the actual coffee, Six Over Coffee was my favorite, but Captain + Stoker was also fantastic. I’d go to Six Over if I wanted the best possible espresso drink, while Captain + Stoker would be my pick for a proper cafe where I could also grab a pastry and hang out for a bit.

Is Monterey Expensive to Visit?

I’d say Monterey is fairly reasonable compared to some of the nearby towns, especially Carmel-by-the-Sea, where accommodation can get pretty pricey. I still managed to find fairly budget-friendly accommodation in Monterey, which made it a good base for exploring this part of the California coast.

Final Thoughts on the Best Monterey Coffee Shops and Cafes

All in all, I thought the coffee shops and cafes in Monterey were actually really good, especially considering I didn’t have particularly high expectations before visiting.

I ended up with three clear favorites for different reasons: Six Over Coffee had the best coffee, Captain + Stoker was my favorite cafe overall, and Alta Bakery & Cafe had some seriously good pastries.

If you only have time to visit a couple of places while you’re in Monterey, I’d make sure to check out those three. And if you’re in the mood for a cozy cafe where you can sit down with a book and a coffee, Bookworks is also worth a stop.

I hope this guide to the best cafes and coffee shops in Monterey gives you a few good options for your next morning coffee!

Check Out My Other Monterey Guides

Where to Stay in Monterey California: My Favorite Areas and Hotels

Cafes & Coffee Shops in Monterey: My Top Spots for a Good Coffee

How Many Days in Monterey Do You Need? My Honest Day by Day Guide

Is Monterey California Worth Visiting? My Honest Review

Things to Do in Monterey California: My Top Activities and Places to Visit

Is the 17-Mile Drive Worth it? My Honest Review