Old Monterey Cafe
If you're ever in Monterey and craving a delicious, hearty breakfast or brunch, Old Monterey Cafe is the perfect spot to visit. Nestled in the heart of the city at 489 Alvarado Street, this charming cafe offers a cozy, laid-back atmosphere that makes it ideal for everything from a casual meal to a fun family outing. Whether you're a local or just passing through, Old Monterey Cafe quickly becomes a favorite place to kick-start your day.
The menu here is packed with mouthwatering dishes that cater to every taste. For breakfast lovers, the Eggs Benedict is an absolute must-try—perfectly poached eggs and rich hollandaise sauce make it a standout. If you prefer something sweeter, the French Toast, with its soft, golden-brown exterior and dusting of powdered sugar, is sure to hit the spot. For a more savory option, the Huevos Rancheros is a fantastic choice, delivering bold flavors that are sure to satisfy. Another favorite is the Crab Benedict, which takes the classic dish up a notch with tender crab meat. Don't forget to order some scrambled eggs on the side—they're perfectly fluffy and make for a great complement to any dish.
The vibe at Old Monterey Cafe is casual and inviting, with moderate noise levels, so it's never too quiet or overwhelming. It's a great spot for groups to gather, whether you're enjoying a meal with friends, family, or colleagues. Plus, the outdoor seating option allows you to soak up the beautiful Monterey weather while enjoying your meal. With a family-friendly atmosphere, it's also an excellent choice for those dining with kids.
All in all, Old Monterey Cafe isn't just a place to eat—it's a local gem that offers a relaxed environment, great food, and a welcoming vibe. It’s one of those spots that makes you feel right at home from the moment you step inside.
Reviews
This place was very busy. It felt very energetic inside, lots of chatter everywhere and the servers were working hard. I felt like there was a constant line throughout my entire meal. I ordered 2 over hard eggs with 2 pork chops, hashbrowns and a side of sourdough toast (2 slices). The pork chops were easy to chew but a little salty. The hashbrowns were good, had good potato flavor. The eggs were good but a bit bland on its own. I should have combined everything in each bite but I ate them separately unfortunately. Our table got charged hot coffee even though no one ordered it so I informed our server and they quickly fixed it and gave us our correct bill.
A great location for a restaurant that serves classic breakfast fare. We were able to sit with our dog in the front outside which was a huge plus! The menu had the typical breakfast staples we were looking for, and the vegetarian in our group had a lot of options to choose from. The food maybe won't win any awards, but it did its job and was delicious!
I've been wanting to try this spot for a while, but it's always busy which makes sense now that I've finally had the chance to visit! I stopped by on a weekday and got to fully enjoy the experience without the usual crowd. The interior is beautifully decorated with old vintage signage, giving the place a cozy and nostalgic vibe. It's clear they've put a lot of thought into creating a welcoming atmosphere. the staff made us feel right at home. They greeted us immediately and were on top of their game with customer service, it's clearly a priority here. The food was absolutely amazing! We ordered the chorizo with eggs and eggs Benedict, and I was blown away by how generous the portions were. They don't hold back when it comes to serving up a full plate! Every bite was delicious, and you can tell they use fresh, quality ingredients. If you're in the area, this is a must-visit breakfast spot. If going on a weekend then plan to arrive early since they're very busy on weekends.
Look. I've got history with Old Monterey Cafe. My family and I have gone on yearly trips to Monterey since I was a young girl. We have always gone to Old Monterey Cafe for breakfast and I can say with confidence that they have never let us down. I will always love this place!!!! The food is delicious and the staff are always nice! I love the decorations, and how it has stayed the same all these years. Their waffles and pancakes have been a favorite in the family, and I can always count on Old Monterey Cafe for a nice breakfast.
The pancakes were amazing. The kids portion was huge but my son hardly left anything on his place. Good, fast service and a clean place.