The 19 best breakfast and brunch in Pacific Grove

When I travel, I make a point of seeking out the city’s most storied breakfast institutions. In Monterey, First Awakenings more than lived up to its reputation. Step through the door and you’re greeted by bright white walls and soaring ceilings—an airy, urban-clean space where chalkboard menus add just enough contrast to feel fresh rather than fussy. It’s the kind of room that puts you in a good mood before the coffee even arrives. I skipped the printed menu and went straight for a special posted at the entrance: the Crab Cake Benedict. As a Benedict devotee, I order some version of it almost everywhere I go, and this one impressed—crab-forward and well-seasoned, with cakes that held their shape yet stayed tender. It’s a rich plate, and those who are sensitive to oil might find it a touch indulgent, but never to a distracting degree. My daughter’s Chicken Apple Sausage Omelet was a standout in its own right. The gentle sweetness of the apple sausage, nicely browned, played beautifully against fresh vegetables for a bright, balanced bite. My wife and son opted for skillets, where the freshness of local produce really shone; the ingredients tasted clean and vivid, letting their natural flavors do the talking. By the end, it was easy to understand why First Awakenings remains one of the area’s most talked-about breakfast spots: a breezy, uplifting room; well-executed classics; and a few specials that feel genuinely worth the detour. A thoroughly enjoyable start to the day—and a worthy entry on any breakfast lover's itinerary

Great food, I got the biscuits and gravy and the hot cocoa! The wait can be long depending on when you go, and where you want to sit. Make sure to bundle up because you may have to wait outside in the brisk beach weather or eat outside. The good news is they have heated benches and warmers outside. Service was really good, receiving our check was very slow, but they were very busy so it’s understandable. Business speaks volumes of their service and quality of food. I’ll be coming back!

Another of my favorite places for a full tasty breakfast in town. The staff is so sweet, the coffee is great and there's lots of parking space. The only thing that lacks is alcoholic drinks like mimosas, bellinis, etc.

Saw this place on a YouTube review and had to try it based on the massive proportions and the good review. Hubby and I dined in for breakfast and it was fantastic. I ordered the biscuits and gravy, hubby had a daily special, habanero omelette: The bill was very reasonable as well. Can’t recommend this place enough.

Food:10/10 Service:2/10 Ambiance:10/10 For starters, this place was great. The wait was not bad since I had added myself to the list an hour before arrival, so when I got there I only had to wait 15 minutes. The ambiance is good, although it gets crowded you won't feel it since the weather is fresh. Moreover, the one thing that ruined this whole experience at this new food place was the service. After they bring your food the staff will completely disappear, I mean is not a surprise since the majority of the staff are teenagers. There was at least 1 staff that came to check if everything was to our liking and our guess was he was either the owner or manager but to repeat myself that happened only 1 time. For this place to be the jewel of Monterey Bay, they have to tell their staff to constantly check on clients with the most friendly smile IF THEY WANT TIPS. My husband had asked me if we should leave tips, at least $10; my response to him was hell no.

Everything about this place is Perfect 👌. Great location, great outdoor and indoor seating, amazing Customer service! Food is always on top!!! My favorite place to go and take my favorite people 💕. I love the Works omelet and the Peach and granola Pancakes 🥞 😋. All the team members are Always making our day better!!!

Typically very busy on weekends but we walked in around 9am on a Friday and were able to obtain a table for 2 without any delay. Extensive breakfast menus! Very tasty and delicious omelettes served with crunchy buttery english muffins. Generous portions and expedient service.

I ordered the portobello mushroom sandwich and a hot chocolate. The hot chocolate was by far the best part of my meal. It was huge, more of a chocolate soup, served in a bowl and meant to be drunk with a spoon. It was delicious, with a subtle creamy and cinnamon flavor and a clod of cold cream floating around. The sandwich was served with a pasta salad, which was forgettable but to be honest I don't care much for pasta salads in general. The sandwich itself was very good, with a mild flavor but interesting balance of sweet and tangy tastes. The bread was amazing as well. In fact I didn't even realize that they'd accidentally served me the eggplant sandwich (it was pretty similar) until I was almost done and they brought my actual sandwich to someone else -- they ended up giving me the original one, so I got a free sandwich, so hey no biggie :). The service was rather slow, but there were a ton of people and only two waiters. My waiter seemed a bit flustered but was very kind. The menu was smaller than I would expect but there was a good variety of offerings. I would probably return to check out the breakfast menu. The space itself is a very cute little house with a spacious patio. Eat outside if you can as it's a bit cramped inside.

Cute little restaurant. Indoor and outdoor seating with space heaters outside. We shared the fish tacos (special of the day). Big portions, reasonable prices. Tacos were great, also had an order of fries, they were a little greasy and had a fishy after taste. Excellent service.

The Red House Cafe is an adorable place with great food in Monterey/Pacific Grove! The interior is cozy and cute (almost like a movie/tv show set), the staff is friendly and attentive, and the food is delicious. The produce is locally grown in nearby Watsonville. We ate here for dinner and went back the next morning for breakfast! Don't forget to order a piece of pie too!

There’s something about a cozy café that feels like a love story waiting to happen — the kind that starts with the smell of espresso and ends with a champagne buzz. Red House Café in Pacific Grove is exactly that kind of place — quaint, charming, and disarmingly sweet, like the friend who always insists on splitting dessert. I ordered the crab cake Benedict, expecting fireworks, but it landed somewhere between “almost there” and “needs a little salt and sass.” The buttermilk pancakes, however, were soft, fluffy clouds of comfort — though this girl likes her clouds with a hint of sugar and a little more flirtation. Still, the portions were generous enough to make my heart (and my brunch appetite) happy. The real star? The atmosphere — that effortless California charm wrapped in warmth and the faint hum of laughter. And let’s not forget the mimosa menu, which read like a dream sequence. I went with guava, because when in Pacific Grove, why not channel your inner tropical goddess? Top-tier service, cozy ambiance, and mimosas that make you forget about your inbox — it’s safe to say I’d come back. Maybe next time I’ll bring my own seasoning…

We had a great lunch here. Very cozy dining area with a fireplace to enjoy. My portobello mushroom sandwich was delicious and more than enough. We will definitely be back!

We had such a wonderful experience at Red House Cafe! We ordered pancakes, hot chocolate, the Red House frittata, and the portobello mushroom dish. Everything was absolutely delicious. The portions were generous and left us happily full. A special shoutout to our server, who was so kind and attentive. He patiently explained every dish, ensured everything was vegetarian for us, and made us feel completely comfortable. As Indians, we had quite a few questions about the menu, but the staff’s hospitality and thoughtfulness truly stood out. The cafe itself has a cute, cozy ambience and makes for a perfect spot to enjoy breakfast or lunch. Definitely a must visit place, both for the food and the amazing service….!!

A great, cozy spot for breakfast! They don’t take reservations, so we had about a 15-minute wait before getting a table. The café was quite busy when we visited over Labor Day weekend. The portobello mushroom sandwiches were delicious, and overall, it was an excellent experience.

Overall: ⭐️☆☆☆☆ Food: Horrific Avoid this place if you have any sense of taste whatsoever. The words Paris and Bakery should not be used in the name of this shop. There is genuinely nothing at all authentic or good to report here. They serve the poor people of Monterey bland, limp excuses for croissants in the misguided belief customers have no taste and will just put up with it. If you want a croissant which is light, crisp on the outside, fluffy on the inside with layers of flaky pastry served with a little butter and jam as it should be do not go here. Let’s not even start about their interpretation of a baguette. It’s a total disservice to the local community and disrespect to the French. No wonder it was easy to walk straight into as opposed to other local places which had lines. They may have been here a while but I can tell you their days are numbered. People are wiser and standards have been raised. This place is shockingly bad and I really, sincerely mean that. As readers know, I always give credit where it’s due. I wonder if the owners can stand up with hand on heart and look their customers in the eye whilst telling them they are being served delicious, carefully made, authentic French baked goods. I doubt it very much. What I liked: • Absolutely nothing What I didn’t like: • Dirty • Over priced • Not authentic • The ‘croissant’ • Cheap watery coffee Do I recommend going? NO Will I go again? NO Was it good value? NO Price Point: $

What a gem! This spot is a must-visit for anyone craving delicious pastries and a satisfying lunch. Their Croque Monsieur and French onion soup are absolute winners for a quick and tasty meal. I also really appreciate the recent updates with the new tables and cash registers – it makes for an even better experience!

Corner neighborhood bakery, with some nice looking pastry cases. There was a 2 person line when I arrived, but it took a while for it to move. Unfortunately they were sold out of breakfast sandwiches at 10:30, so I got an Almond Croissant which was served warm and a bit greasier than I was expecting.

This is a cute little bakery/cafe, very enjoyable to be in with a great variety of baked goods to try. The food is good, but surprisingly underwhelming -- closer to what you'd expect from a spudnut shop than a fancy French bakery. The croissant is soft and quite buttery, more of an American style. The croque monsieur was a bit forgettable. The capuccino was very nice though, mellow in flavor with a well-bodied foam. I'd definitely like to try their bread and quiches next.

The best quiche I have ever tasted, and a heavenly chocolate almond croissant. Highly recommend.

Been a regular here for over 10 years. The quality and consistency is on point. Easily one of the most iconic breakfast spots in Monterey, and a must stop spot for any friends or family that comes to town!

You can feel the European authenticity…. Wide variety, flavorful options…. A great place to start your day!!!!

The food was worth the mediocre service. My waitress would disappear for long periods of time on a not crowded Sunday night. She returned 3 times to tell me my sparking water was “coming” over 15 minutes. I asked about the specials on Sunday she said they had $1 oysters but were “out” at 7:05pm. I ordered the Prawns with Heads on them very good and the Octopus and a cheese pizza and all 3 were prepared and presented well. I felt like the server maybe had others tables away from mine but not sure.

this is my third time at Esteban's and every time i enjoy a meal here the food is always consistently delicious. Rebecca has been my service twice now and always provides the best service. she's so kind, and truly makes my dining experience even better! i love sitting outside under their covered patio (with heaters!). it’s also pet friendly too! i was so hungry, my stomach ate first -- however, i ordered the breakfast burrito and it was FANTASTIC. it's hearty, there are huge chunks of bacon in it, and the salsa that accompanies it has great flavor! the restaurant is located inside the cutest hotel, Casa Munras. they also offer tapas during dinner service, which is also absolutely delicious. it's also so cute inside with the spanish style decor. parking is easy to find close by in the adjacent lot or on the street. already looking forward to my next meal here when i'm in town again! 10/10 for Esteban Restaurant!

Perfect for Tapas and drinks. Went to try their tapas on a Sunday. Was surprised with the oysters and wine deal. We were so full on oysters and Tapas that we didn’t even need a main meal! Best service by Stephanie. Will definitely go again

We had the Tuesday nigh “date night” special for $79 for 2 of us. 4 courses including sangria. Great value and the service was amazing and it was perfect to sit outside in the garden area.

While we arrived for an early dinner with friends around 5:30 on a Sat night several months ago, the place was already getting busy. And by the time we left around 8:30, it was really the place to be it seemed. We were 3 couples dining and started with drinks and several appetizers which were all very good. We then all split entries and were very pleasantly surprised when they were brought to the table already split! Who does that proactively? Such a great service addition. All of the food was very good - pic of *half* of the chicken dinner.

We came for Halloween and ate out on the patio with our dog. First thing she got was a bowl of water! Delicious meal, drinks and tapas. Appreciated the generosity of a blanket to put over my lap- awesome amenity! Lovely lighting and atmosphere and looked very nice inside as well.

Great Spanish restuarant in downtown monterey. They offer happy hour deals all week!!! Definitely a hidden gem for Monterey!! On sundays they have one dollar oysters! Amazing will go again!!!

Super cute cafe in Pacific grove. Everyone here is so nice and the food is delicious!!! They serve breakfast and lunch. It also has all day breakfast! Great place.

Got seated right away in this cute little café. I got French toast with strawberries and whipped cream and it was DELICIOUS. We had to park a little down the road but it was a very short walk. The staff was very friendly.

Food was yummy! We sat outside with our 3 year old Rottweiler who could fit under the table comfortably :-) We were the last guests to arrive and leave before closing. We did not feel rushed and were well attended to. Food was simple yummy. I can't stand a mediocre breakfast. This was not that! Enjoy.

Nice, unpretentious breakfast spot on main drag in Pacific Grove, friendly staff, decent coffee, good portions.

They ADD a 4% SURCHARGE when you use a credit card! Better establishments NEVER do this. A business has many expenses; the credit card merchant fee is one of those expenses. That cost should simply be "baked in" to what they charge. I would have NO problem if they raised their prices accordingly, but like most people, I hate "EXTRA" or any "ADD-ON" fees. The food here is very good. You can get breakfast all day long. The salads are great, and so are the sandwiches, and burgers. They have Genuine Coke products, but they still don't have Coke Zero, so you'll have to bring one from home. Easy parking, they close crazy early.

Had a great experience here, and I came in quite skeptical. At first I thought things might not be so great when they brought a cup of coffee with quite a bit of grounds floating in it. But they noticed and replaced it right away. We had a Philly Cheesesteak sandwich, a Malibu Chicken sandwich, and a half BLT and Creamy Tomato soup. All of us were very happy with our food and we even had some Mango Mimosas (which are available everyday 😉) Overall it was really a great experience and we’ll definitely be back.

We decided to go here because it opens early, 6:30 AM. It is a small, old school place with lots of menu options. The omelets were solid (the right amount of cheese and toppings)and the potatoes were excellent- well seasoned. Best of all it was not super greasy. The waitress was good and the prices were reasonable.

I had a pretzel with cheese that was very good. A butter croissant that was amazing. The staff was very professional. It was clean, and the vibes were immaculate. 10/10

I’ve been to Portola Hotel numerous times and I can tell you something that Carmel Bakery is an amazing addition to their portfolio 💼 I really enjoy their coffee and salads …. Their Artichoke Hummus is soooooooooooo delicious you MUST try it !!!!! I totally love this place!!!!! My only stop for coffee next time I’m in Monterey, California!!! I totally recommend this place!!!! WOW !!!! 5 STARS ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The literal best cafe experience in all of Monterey! Tina is AMAZING! So kind and really helps to create the magical atmosphere. The pretzel and the sauces are incredible — the best we have had! Love how local everything is too :) secret gem

9am.... no croissants? No butter for Pretzel, no substitute offered. Dissapointing specially for being situated in decent hotel.

What an unnecessary situation. Happy Thanksgiving. I understand the frustration of having to work today and multitasking at the same time. But there is no need to escalate a simple misunderstanding. The two starts were for the good pastries. I was ordering and the male cashier started doing other things at the same time, he served the items in a bag that I did not order and said that I did. The female attendant backs him on that. But I was not alone, it was my mother, my nephew, and I. We started looking at each other in disbelief. Not enough, while serving us the drinks the male attendant slammed the cups on the counter to the point of spilling the drink out.

Best soft pretzel ever! Great coffee as well!

Much better options around in the morning. Seems out of place.

The view of the beach is perfect. The Monterey Seafood omelet is a must! Their tiny sealed condiments and jams are so cute! We also had a complimentary birthday treat for our celebrant. Our server, Roxanne, was very helpful informative, and welcoming. Made our first visit to Monterey extra special. Will definitely come back on our next visit!

We were taken care of from the moment we stepped in. Everyone greeted us with a smile, and despite having kids with us, they did not give any impression of being annoyed like some more bougie places do unfortunately. Instead, they made sure that before we even got to our table, there were already colouring pencils and kids menus as well as high chairs. Beyond that, the servers had excellent attention to detail and genuinely wanted us to have a great time. The views are truly beautiful from outside patio that overlooks the water and the food is also quite good. I would just say make sure you know what you like before you order.

Weird vibes: If they are out of space in the main dining area and offer to seat you in one of their (windowless) “Ballrooms”…run. You pay the same prices, but instead of stunning views, you’re treated to a foldout table and the same vibes as attending an accounting conference without any friends. Food was good, service was meh.

Just stopped in for a drink and some apps, but it was top notch. We sit outside, beautiful view, great service. I had the old fashioned (not the best I've ever had, but certainly not the worst), and the crab dip, which is probably my new favorite seafood item. My wife got the martini espresso and it was awesome with the Kahlua.

"Schooners by the Bay" 🌊⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ At Monterey’s edge where the sea air is sweet, Schooners awaits with a feast to complete. The chowder arrives in a bread bowl so warm, Creamy and rich — a classic in form. A velvety green soup, so light yet profound, Hints of the garden in each gentle round. Oysters on ice, kissed fresh by the tide, With lemon’s bright whisper, the ocean inside. A plate crowned with colors — peppers that gleam, Anchovies dancing in olive oil’s dream. Each bite is a voyage, each dish is a view, The bay through your taste buds, pure Monterey blue. From first savory spoonful to last ocean song, Schooners, you’ve won my heart all along. Five shining stars, for flavors so rare, And the joy of the sea in the salt-kissed air.

I discovered this great place from the foodie show 'Check Please Bay Area' on PBS. What a great place. I hope to stay in the Plaza hotel some day. We came early as recommended by our tour bus driver and were seated with a great view. The two beautiful young ladies at the reception desk were very welcoming and professional. Our server Sean was excellent and the food was AWESOME.

All the food we had was great: the poached shrimp cocktail, dungeness crab drip--these were our favorite items, also had sea scallops really good, the wagu burger- really good, the chowder -- liked it but liked old fisherman's grotto one better. We had a very kind server that very accommodating, the atmosphere was wonderful. We loved sitting out on the patio looking at the water and saw lots of seals/sea lions swimming!

I have driven past this place for many years but have never stopped by to give it a try until today. I was craving for fried chicken and waffles since I last tried them in Atlanta, Georgia. I searched local places and found this place offered it. I saw pictures of actual fried chicken being served so I didn’t hesitate. I placed my order and was surprised that the food was ready very fast! But the second it was placed on my table I realized this was a joke! This was no chicken fried as advertised, these were plain frozen chicken strips! No seasoning, no nothing! The single waffle was a bit undercooked but extra butter & maple syrup made up for it. I cannot believe this child-like meal was over 20 bucks excluding tax and tip. It was not even the real thing. The server was polite upon arrival but never checked on me. He just walked by and dropped the bill without even asking if I needed anything else. Overall, this was a disappointing experience for such high rated place. The dining room was pretty much empty so that does not justify the lacking service. I do not recommend.

Start with the best first...Our server was amazing. Genuinely friendly and helpful. The back door was open which may have something to do with the large amount of flies inside. The food while looking good (see pictures), was lower quality and under seasoned. Googie potatoes was a tiny portion, potatoes tender, but the peppers and onions were basically raw. (I love peppers and onions, and left most on the plate). The ham steak was a very thin slice you would use on a ham sandwich... and the cheap"spongee" flavorless variety. Pancakes were good, but had to cover them with a napkin to keep flies off them while i ate. But they were good. Iced Tea was interesting. Flavored. My dining companion did not care for it. I liked the flavored tea, but it did over power the lemonade in my Arnold Palmer.

First time there. Googlie was recommended to me by the sales manager of the Nissan dealership just up the street. I was told it was very authentic. I was not disappointed. I had the sea bass. It came with vegetables and I up graded to a stuffed potato. There was a lot of different flavors going on. I am in Sea Side 2 or 3 times a month. I will be coming back.

Came to Seaside for the weekend. Had lunch today and it was fantastic. Chinese chicken salad and beer batter onion rings was my choice. Good good & our server was great. Will definitely come back here.

My family and I are visiting from the UK, and based on reviews we thought we'd give Googie a go - it did not disappoint. The seafood linguine was absolutely delicious with lots of fish. The waiters were very friendly and attentive.

My chicken Alfredo was rather soupy my bread and salad was amazing service was great offered to make me a new plate even one to go was just to tired to wait I will return!

This was a very nice place to dine at. Great location for Car Week. Fast friendly service and great food.

Nice place with good vibe. Good draft beers available. The food is also good. They have outdoor seating as well in doors. Great service as well.

Super good wings, burgers and sandwiches! The service was awesome, super quick and really attentive. The vibe of the place was relaxed and the decorations/history was interesting. Slightly pricey for a burger but it was super good and i’d get it again. I’d recommend the blackened chicken sandwich the most!

Legitimately one of the best customer service experiences I've had. Our server was fantastic! She was very helpful and nice, and you could tell she genuinely liked her job and it wasn't an act. Food was also fantastic! A little greasy, but very good! I would definitely return!

Wait staff was excellent. Food for the most part was pretty good. Breakfast pizza was boring. Menu variety is amazing though, so many tempting items.

My recent visit to Melville Tavern was an absolute delight from start to finish. As soon as we walked in, we were warmly greeted by the host and promptly seated at a spacious table for our party of four. The ambiance was cozy with its low lighting and inviting atmosphere, setting the perfect stage for a memorable dining experience. The menu boasted an impressive array of options, making it difficult to choose just a few dishes. To start, we indulged in the mozzarella and spinach artichoke dip, both of which exceeded our expectations. The housemade mozzarella sticks were a standout, impressing us with their cheesy goodness and generous portion size. The spinach dip was equally delightful, offering a tangy freshness that left us craving more. For my main course, I opted for the blackened chicken Alfredo, and I'm so glad I did. The decision to use rigatoni pasta instead of the typical fettuccine was a stroke of genius, as it perfectly complemented the creamy Alfredo sauce and flavorful blackened chicken. Each bite was a symphony of flavors, leaving me thoroughly satisfied. From the friendly service to the delectable food, every aspect of our dining experience exceeded expectations. Whether you're craving a casual meal with friends or a special night out, this tavern is sure to impress. Be sure to try the blackened chicken Alfredo – it's an absolute must-try!

I loved the atmosphere here, sitting outside on a beautiful night with some great music there isn’t much better.The Blackend Chicken Alfredo was definitely our favorite, along with an Ace Pineapple Cider. Some food was missing some salt but overall everything was pretty good. They offer a nice variety of adult beverages as well, there’s definitely something for everyone here. I would definitely come back just to enjoy a bite and a drink on the patio.

Quite a nice place with a variety of food options. A little bit on the expensive side, but totally worth it. The staff were generally friendly, but the kitchen staff took a bit of time. Despite that, I would say the wait was worth it. The food that came out was just amazing. Really enjoyed the food, the atmosphere and the overall ambience of the place.

Wanted to like this place more. Tried a Chile Verde burrito and chips and guacamole. The stand out was their guacamole, it's really good. The rest was just okay. Burrito tortilla was great but the Chile Verde lacked flavor and was about a medium heat wise. Chips were thick kind and very oily. Service was very good though they only offer take out.

The best burrito you could get in Monterey by far! Great price, and incredibly high quality. If you like Southern California Mexican food, you would love this burrito! I got a carne asad burrito for $8!

Saddest and smallest breakfast burrito i’ve ever had. 8$ for a tortilla(which was fresh and good yes) filled with a scoop of eggs(supposed to be eggs with chorizo but the chorizo got lost probably) and a small scoop of salsa . The only good part about this experience is that i did dispute the transaction and got money back from the bank

Ordered a carne asada burrito with Pico and Avocado. Meat was great, pico was good but I wish there was a better ratio of asada to Pico. Burrito was a little smaller than I am use to go a good Mexican burrito but the price was reflected in the smaller burrito. Great place to grab a quick burrito.

Great and CHEAP burritos. Their tortillas are really good, as are all of their fillings. Plus, they're perfect size for a single meal...none of these 2-meal giant burritos that everyone else has for $15. My favorite is the chile verde.

Not as good as the Salinas location! Chile relleno only after 1030am. Burritos were good, but asked for the spiciest sals plus pico but could not taste. Very mild flavors.

Imagine if going to Chipotle at a mall food court but the staff is in a hurry to get you out there and even more overpriced. The food was OK, the tortillas are great but they are not generous with the salsa or the other stuff you pay extra for when you get a bowl. The staff was in a rush to get me out despite having no one in line behind me. Nevermind it's basically a tiny hallway you order in. Will go elsewhere in the future.

The rooms were super clean and well kept! The front desk was awesome! Definitely staying here again!! Super close to Monterey bay aquarium and cannery row but also not far from the 17 mile drive! Very quiet and less busy area which is super nice for staying in a hotel! But not far from everywhere else! Definitely our new go to!

Dates of Stay: September 18th–21st, 2025 Rating: 1/5 The woman at the front desk during check-in was kind and accommodating — unfortunately, that was the only positive aspect of our stay. Shortly after checking in, the experience took a drastic turn for the worse. Our cabin was in extremely poor condition: Cleanliness: The room was dirty on arrival, with visible mold in multiple areas. There were bugs in the kitchenette, and the refrigerator barely functioned — it would freeze and ice over anything we placed inside. Housekeeping Issues: Room attendants reused dirty linens and never properly cleaned the floors. It was clear the space hadn't been properly cleaned or maintained in some time. Health Concerns: My mother became sick during our stay, likely due to the mold and general filth in the cabin. Customer Service: Any attempt to contact the front desk during the stay was met with no answer or a closed office. We would have checked out early if we had been able to reach someone. After the stay, we attempted multiple times to contact the hotel to explain our concerns — no response. We also contacted Expedia (we booked through them), and even they couldn’t reach anyone for nearly a week. When someone finally responded, they refused any refund or compensation, citing a “loophole” related to third-party bookings. Bottom line: This establishment is unprofessional, poorly maintained, and unresponsive. They showed zero concern for guest health or satisfaction. Had they worked with us to resolve even part of the issue, this review may not have been necessary. DO NOT STAY HERE. Especially if you value cleanliness, customer service, or your health.

If I could give this place more stars, I would! We came here last minute to celebrate our anniversary, and they couldn’t have taken better care of us. The location is ideal. The room was fabulous, and the hot tub was just what we needed after a long hike; we definitely would come back here again

Rooms were average, internet was bad. Worst was the behavior of Front office person Roy. I had an issue with my booking and needed to depart early due to an Emergency. Roy did not entertain the request, I had to get Expedia on line and he slammed the phone on Expedia person. I paid directly to the Hotel and booked through Expedia and he wanted to take advantage of this situation. I highly recommend visitors not to book this Hotel. I have stayed in over 6 different hotels at Pacific grove in last two years and this was the worst experience ever. Total Disappointment.

First time traveling with my dogs. Annette was amazing and super accommodating. The location was perfect and close to all the places I needed to go. Loved the quiet neighborhood surrounding the hotel to walk my dogs. I definitely will stay again with or without my dogs. Giving 5 stars because of Annette and her amazing hospitality.

Broken blinds which were tough to raise and lower. Single pane windows in bathroom. No heat in bathroom. Rotting wood on bottom of bathroom vanity. Rust spots on tub. Paint blistering on bathroom wall. Some buttons on microwave not working. Light fixture in bathroom pulling away from wall. Uncomfortable mattress. In spite of claiming to have excellent wifi, it dropped continuously and management refused to move us to another room. Not sure how the facility achieved a 3 star status...2 stars would would be gracious. The night before we stayed there, we stayed in a different 2 star hotel that was in far better condition. Payment is required in full prior to arriving so suggestion is to book one night at a time. Also entry door required repair as it was loose and the dead bolt did not work.

Completely insane. Called to change a reservation and they told me that not only would they not modify my reservation, but they wouldn't even honor the reservation I had made, and had written proof of - AND they wouldn't provide a refund. This appears to be theft. Appealing with my bank and calling the police.

If you are looking for a cute café while you are in Pacific Grove, this is a great spot to stop. My daughter and I split the two pairings in the picture and it was perfect having the savory and sweet combination.

Everything here is delicious and homemade! Their chicken salad is by far the best..whether it is in a sandwich or a tortilla. One of the best hidden gems. We also love their quiche and bread pudding. Service is fast and the portions are generous

HIGHLY RECOMMEND this bakery!!! 🥰 We just ordered an angel food cake with a layer of pastry cream in the middle and topped with fresh strawberries 🍓 and whipped cream for my in-laws 60th Wedding Anniversary surprise dinner. It was not only as delicious as it sounds, it was beautiful! In fact, guests, and the bride and groom of course, lol, wanted to take some home if there was any left over slices at the end of the night! Our family and guests made wonderful comments about how beautiful the cake was and equally delicious! Susan, the owner, did a wonderful job with this cake and it was spectacular! In addition, I, myself, have had many other baked goods and breakfast items in this bakery and have never been disappointed! Everything is so fresh and divinely delicious I just had to write this review to let everyone out there know what a great bakery this is. From her specialty of key lime pie (which I normally don’t like, but I’m addicted to this one), to cheesecake, cinnamon buns, macaroons, banana bread, to crème brûlée, breakfast items and much, much more, this bakery aims to please and tantalize the taste buds! Like I said, I HIGHLY recommend The Perfect Crumb and I hope if you’re ever in the area you make the well-worth-it trip to stop by and see for yourself how good the food is at this bakery! Bring a friend, bring the family or just yourself to enjoy a fresh cup of coffee with your baked goods before going to enjoy all Pacific Grove and Monterey have to offer! It’s the best way to start your day!!!! 🥰

Macchiato made the traditional correct way (not like Starbucks). Breakfast sandwich is to die for. My husband and i split one and were full. We also ordered a breakfast burrito and cinnamon roll. Both look and smell amazing but we are too full. Service was friendly and amazing. Very cute little cafe, comfy and bright.

Visited this cute bakery before heading down to the 17 mile and boy was it worth it. Pictured here is their quiche which was huge and filled with so many great toppings. The staff here were super sweet and lovely. Definitely check this place out for a quick bite to eat and drink before heading to the beaches to see some incredible views

Delicious baked goods ranging from muffins and scones to quiche and croissants. Hot coffee and cute decor complete this great spot for breakfast or a quick sweet treat. It can be hard to find baked goods that actually contain gluten and real sugar and butter etc.. esp in California, so we were thrilled to find The Perfect Crumb Bakery.

The Perfect Crumb.. Is a MUST when visiting Monterey. It really does live up to it's name. From the freshly brewed Peet's coffee, FANTASTIC German chocolate cake, Freshly baked morning quiche, to the Coffee cake that taste so delicious. It's all perfect and feels like home when coming into here. Thank you Susan for the Perfect Birthday Cake and making the birthday even more special. Aside from Fantastic Cakes, the Perfect crumb offers freshly made Breakfast burritos and Fresh Breakfast Biscuit Sandwhiches! On Saturdays the perfect crumb is open for dessert night where you can get your sweet tooth on after dinner!

The worst meal of my life. I went over Valentine’s Day weekend. We had an 8 pm reservation. When we got there, many other groups with reservations had been waiting for 30+ minutes. We weren’t seated until 30 minutes after our reservation. Host did not warn us there would be a wait and did not apologize. Once we sat down, we weren’t served WATER for at least another 30 minutes. We asked 3 times before we finally got any water. It took even longer for us to order our meal. One table near us waited an hour before they could order. We ordered the bread as a starter. They were out. We also ordered a salad which was missing an ingredient from the menu. I ordered the carbonara. Genuinely the worst pasta dish of my life. Inedible. The guanciale was soft and uncooked. The sauce was watery. The poached egg on top was just weird but at least it was cooked. Our server didn’t ask us how our meal was once and we couldn’t flag them down. If we had been able to, we would have complained. This was an absolutely overall unacceptable experience, especially considering the price. There must have been no manager because the place was complete chaos. I will never recommend this restaurant to anyone.

For me Italian food is difficult to rate as everyone has their own "bar" as to what they prefer and each chef their own recipes. All the dishes were tasty in their own way. The servings were more than ample. Great prices. The wine list (by the bottle) is quite nice. Clam chowder - I would rate this a excellent! We've tasted clam chowder many places & this one is not too thick or soupy with plenty of delicious flavor!! YUM!! Food - Spaghetti & meat balls. The pasta was fresh & perfectly prepared, the meatballs were tasty & good size, the sauce was hearty - tasted a bit like tomato paste, good though. Our guest approved! Lasagna - a huge portion loaded with cheese of different types. Same sauce as the spaghetti. Our guest approved. Chicken & with noodles -fresh, tasty pasta loaded with nicely seasoned chicken breast & white sauce. Our guest enjoyed the dish but mentioned it needed vegetables to give it more desirability. Oso Bucco Gnocchi - I ordered & didn't realize I was ordering Gnocchi :| I have had Gnocchi only once, years ago. I do not know what it's to be, the Gnocchi was soft & laid in a Oso Bucco "gravy" with some pieces of shredded meat. It tasted just like Oso Bucco :) Service - the service was friendly, not rushed, with good suggestions. One suggestion was the cheesy garlic bread :) Ambiance - comfortable, Old world casual. Noise level - was like a busy restaurant - fun, vibrant, happy! Yes, you can hear your friends conversation:) A nice compliment was the combo band which was soft background ambiance. During the summer tourist season I'd recommend making a reservation!

Great vegetarian options and they are flexible with the menu (asked for marinara gnocchi and received!) Went here after a whale watch and it was the perfect warm, carb-heavy dinner I needed. Highly recommend the dessert too!

This meal was one of the finest I've had, we were a party of 12 and had excellent service. The squid ink pasta was one of the best pasta I've ever eaten and I spent 5 months in Italy. My wife's chicken marsala was to die for. Typically we never order chicken in a nice restaurant cuz we can make that at home. Everyone in our party was singing praises about the food and atmosphere, and since I picked the location I got a lot of attaboys

They offer a big house salad, and roasted Broccoli. They also have Chicken Cacio de pepe, which I ordered without the chicken. My wife had Carbonara, both dishes were great - good size portions, too! Great service, a little view out the front windows - a great experience!

An absolute must! I've been enjoying this place for over 10 years now. Never disappoints! Carbonara is the best I've ever had.

Had a good dinner here. Love the chill vibes this town has to offer. Ordered Lamb Pappardelle, Osso Bucco, Chicken Masala and Grilled Octopus. All of them was so good but the Chicken Marsala was our favourite! Staffs were very friendly.

Friendly staff, tasty breakfast served promptly. We like sitting in the outdoor seats. ~$50 for two. I’ve read other reviewers saying the owner was cold and unhelpful, and though I didn’t interact with her personally, I watched her be very kind and attentive to many people.

I got the club, it was delicious and the woman that served me was very nice. Highly recommend and will be back 👍 ****(UPDATE) I have ate twice here now and both times have been delicious, the steak sandwich and crab cakes were outstanding. Compliments to the chef here. Must stop and eat here.

Absolutely love this place! Every time we go to Monterey, we specifically eat here every morning!

After a long day exploring 17 Mile Drive and Highway one along Big Sur we wanted a good meal. We drove into quaint downtown Pacific Grove and past the Victorian Corner Restaurant. It looked inviting, so we checked out the menu - with a good variety of choices at reasonable prices - and decided to go in. We were seated promptly and reviewed the specials, the beverage menu, and the dinner menu. I chose a local red blend wine while my wife had a Paso Robles Chardonnay. The server came back after a few minutes, and we placed our order. I ordered the three cheese ravioli with the homemade marinara sauce. We shared an order of the daily special toasted cheese bread and my wife ordered the house salad. I can say the ravioli was delicious. Likely the best I've ever had. Apparently their homemade raviolis with a blend of three cheeses. The texture was just right and often times I find marinara sauce can either be underwhelming or overpowering. It was perfectly balanced. What's the topping of fresh Parmesan and shredded basil. My wife enjoyed her salad with mixed greens, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and croutons and on the side, blue cheese dressing. Last but not least the cheese bread had four slices thinly sliced sourdough with a perfect blend of butter and melted cheese. Truly delicious! We enjoyed the meal so much we asked to review the breakfast menu with the likelihood that we'll be back in the morning!

What a wonderful breakfast Britney made sure that everything went smoothly and everything is so delicious. We will definitely come back. Thanks again Brittany.

Wow! This eating experience was memorable. The staff was friendly and attentive from the moment I walked in the door and the food was even better. The sour dough cheese bread was simple, warm, and delicious. The clam chowder was creamy and a perfect way to warm up on a cool evening. The lasagna was literally the best I've ever had. Overflowing with sauce and rich flavor, it was so good. Finally, the chocolate cake was the final act of a perfect ensemble. Every chocolate lovers dream dessert. It was excessively chocolatey, just what I like. I will be back.

Always ask the price for specials. My son ordered crab cake Benedict- surprise! $32!! The passion fruit drink he ordered was syrupy and excessively sweet. The food was fine, but the coffee tasted bitter, like it had been sitting on a burner too long. The place was busy and the wait staff worked hard and did their best, but didn't manage to refill my coffee (as I held out hope that the second cup might be better quality). The fellow who seemed to be the proprietor refilled my coffee himself - but only halfway! It was a clear message that, having already paid $80 for breakfast for two, he wanted us to vacate the table to cash in on the next diners. The second cup of coffee was bitter too. Although the sign clearly warned of a 3.5% surcharge for credit card payment, of course I forgot and paid by credit card, as is my habit. Sucks. Food was good - avoid the coffee and pay cash if you go.

Really really nice cafe. Had a sandwich there which was really good. I found the pickled things they sell a bit pricy and regretted paying 10 dollars for a small glass of pickled cauliflower. But I got carried away from the vibe, which is really good.

Great breakfast spot in Pacific Grove and amazing coffee!! They make their own jams/preserves as well, and oh my gosh, absolutely delicious. Very friendly staff and cute atmosphere. We didn't have time to look around at all the products being sold in the adjacent store, but I'm sure it was all fantastic.

I loved the chickpea fritatta so much that I couldn't wait to get another one the next day. Delicious vegan baked goods. The coffee was perfect. The pickle slices that accompany the fritatta were amazing, much better than their jarred dill spears. The tomato cauliflower soup was dynamite. You can find pretty much anything you want picked in their store.

Spectacular matcha soy mylk lattes!!! Maddie made our matchas PERFECT!!!! Not too sweet and very creamy! Their GF and vegan options in pastries keep us coming back!! A must try: vegan cornbread, vegan blueberry muffin, and the vegan scones! Customer service is wonderful!

Homemade Jam = one word Parking Easy free street parking around location Service Smooth service and appreciate the guidance on the menu and suggestions Limited indoor seating and a decent amount outside. There’s an entirely another section of different types of jams and marmalades — pretty 👏 and they also let you try some that’s available. Had the veggie sandwich and homemade sourdough with strawberry lavender jam was amazing. We were happy that you can actually pick from a list on the jams that you want to try. The veggie sandwich was OK. I felt it could’ve been more heartier. Avocado toast was nice. They had a sprinkle of salt and pepper at the top to give it a little kick.

This place is amazing! Everything is homemade - the granola, jams, bread, pastries, yogurt even. They have plenty of healthy options and accommodate for vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free. The coffee was the real star for me, I got a honey latte with oat milk and it was the best I’ve had in town so far! Plus they don’t charge extra for alternative milks. They also have a little shop attached where they sample and sell their homemade jams, spritzes, pickled veggies, and more. Our servers were so friendly and welcoming, happy to give us recommendations of menu items. This place is a gem, I highly recommend it!

I do like this place. However, the fritate was a bit old along with the thumbrint cookie, while their cappuccino came in a quarter sized cup; much smaller than their latte, which was unexpected and not satisfying. The kiwi strawberry muffin was excellent along with their mini cheesecake. Soup was okay, too. Ambiance was nice, and we drove out of our way for their gluten-free bread, which uses one of the best recipes we have found anywhere. It's very heavy on the nuts, which is fantastic. Place is pricey, which I understand with the ingredients that they use, but for that price, please provide a large cappuccino and fresher baked goods.

Best bagels i’ve ever had in my life cannot tell a lie, everyone should know about this spot. fluffy tasteful yummy. plenty of toppings they do not skimp!

Wonderful staff and food. Bagels are made to order so super fresh and yum! There was a line out the door when we arrived this morning which is always a great sign!

Bagels are really good, but three times under the new hires (not the people who used to work there, who made it a personable place) has my order been wrong, and honestly usually I don’t care. I’ll still eat it, unless it’s just plain cream cheese. Service isn’t great aside from that. Never ask is there anything else you’d like or something along those lines.

Atmosphere is loud. They are heavy on the cream cheese. Bagels are good

My family and I had the BEST bagels here, my sister had gone for an early breakfast and said it was so amazing we all went back with her for lunch! My Lox Omelet on a sesame bagel hit the spot, and my sister’s everything bagel with lox schmear was just as delicious. The workers are incredibly sweet and we loved the vietnamese coffee. It made us super disheartened to see someone who had eaten their bagels ask for a refund and try to nickel and dime the workers while being incredibly passive aggressive to them, watching the workers be incredibly compassionate to the nastiest Karen possible was amazing yet sad to witness. They were so polite to her despite her unpleasant demeanor and chuckled with us when she left. We now love The Bagel Bakery and hope that everyone who thinks about trying it does!

Walked in at 2:55 not knowing they closed at 3:00 there was approximately 15 bagels on the shelf and he said I’ll be right with you, after a moment he said sorry we’re closed, if he would have said we’re closing in a few moments if it’s something quick I can do it, I only needed one bagel with cream cheese so I think he could have managed that in 2-3 minutes. I just felt he was rude and abrupt!!!!

The bagel selection was decent, but aside from cinnamon raisin there weren’t any sweeter flavors. They have a good size sandwich selection, but all three of our sandwiches we had were pretty bland despite having a variety of ingredients and onions on my bagel were burnt. The staff were nice, but I had to tell her my order three times while she was making it because she didn’t write it down and couldn’t recall what I’d ordered. Overall, I was not impressed.

Nice cafe with many bagel options ; good for a relatively healthy meal. We tried the Jalapeno which was ok, could be tastier. It took them a while to prepare our bagel, so I assume the service is not that fast.

They wouldn’t take our order. Never was told Hi we will be with you in a second. We waited for 15 minutes before asking if we can order and then they threw a ton of attitude at us for asking. Complete crapshow. Would recommend going somewhere else for sure. The worst service I have had in a long time.

Very much enjoyed the atmosphere of this place. It was very cozy and had a lot of places to sit. The bagel options are good and the food seemed very fresh. Aside from that unfortunately the staff were not very friendly after receiving and eating my bagel I returned to purchase a muffin. And stood at the cash wrap for about 7 minutes waiting for the employee to finish an order with a family. Upon me standing there about three different employees past me without any type of acknowledgment. Once the employee got to me to ring me out there was no apology for the wait there was no smile there was no thank you. Which was very off-putting. Other than that I would come back here for just the food I have very low expectations for the friendliness of the staff

Good food, terrible service. Long time customer, waaaay back since the ranchero breakfast burrito (no longer on menu). This morning short line, a couple and a single in front of me. Stood there with no movement for 9 minutes before getting to front (& a line growing behind me). After person in front of me order was taken there was no recognition of me or anyone else waiting. They won’t even look at waiting customers. The LEAST they can do is acknowledge their customers, say they’ll be with us soon. The business had a few people seated and eating, a couple awaiting orders but it wasn’t crazy busy. No matter how good the food- you’re also pay in for the service which is nearly non-existant. Nobody needs to be fake nice to customers, but certainly acknowledge their existence and let them know you see them, that you know customers are waiting.

Stopped here on a whim on the way to the airport. Great spot with some great sandwiches! Had the lumberjack and the big sur.

Service is far below subpar. The entire staff had an attitude and is anything but friendly. We waited for 15 minutes at the counter first in line before one of them even looked at us Highly recommend choosing somewhere else to

Bagel Kitchen has an interesting menu based on, you guessed it, bagels. Also have some wraps on flour tortillas. Quite a few types of bagels offered. However, gluten free is only plain bagels. Both gluten containing and gluten free use the same toaster, so keep that in mind depending on sensitivity. All food prepared to order, so hot and fresh. The bagel sandwiches hold together nicely and very tasty.

So glad I discovered this place during my stay near Asilomar Conference center and beach. They are located in the Lodge for Asilomar, an easy walk on their trails, and I enjoyed morning lattes and quiche, and evening wine and sunset views from the Lodge deck. Lovely.

Great customer service, convenient, delicious food, beer, wine, snacks. Right in the lobby.

Delicious food, attentive service, and a wonderful and calm atmosphere!!!

We stayed at the Pacific Gardens Inn walked across the street to Asilomar to Phoebe's Cafe and the panini sandwiches were awesome as well as the Cherry field chocolate cupcake I recommend it

No selection of baked goods and coffee was mediocre at best. No half and half, told me to just use the flavored sweetener (no thanks) Walked here from a ways away. They could do much better as the only game in town. The guy was friendly but looked stretched thin. Lots of great outdoor seating though

Very friendly wait person. Good vegan even for a meat eater. Had the artichoke appetizer, nicely grilled with garlic. For entree, we had the California pizza. Tasty and enough to fill up both of us. Looked at other people's salad and tamale pie and it was huge. Will try next time.

Very friendly (they filled hot water in a jar for my wife's specific tea MULTIPLE times over three days at no charge). Nice selection of prepared food for all meals and many beverage choices, adult and otherwise.

Empanada’s - 10/10 - brisket is my fave! Apple crème roll 4/10 - was bland and not sweet enough, Yerba mate drinks are yummy, staff is friendly and quick, the cafe itself is cute and has plenty of seating. We come here every time we are in Monterey. I wish this spot was closer to home. Pro tip: grab a half dozen frozen empanadas and bake them at home.

Adorable cafe in the beautiful pacific grove, just a block from the beach. Me and the 7 year old biked here for coffee (me) and some banana bread, yogurt and apple juice (them). Everything was yummy. Best part of this place is the charming outdoor seating in back decorated with beautiful plants, whimsical wall art :) true gem

We got the breakfast empanada, Dulce De Leche Medialuna, and apple custard pastry for a snack. My husband got a latte, and I got a chia latte. The flavor was amazing! Nothing disappointed. The presentation of the food and chia was beautiful. Loved the atmosphere, employees were very kind. Next visit to Monterey, we will be back! 11/10 recommend ❤️

We came to the Monterey Aquarium and were looking for a good coffee spot. Starbucks was a bit far, so we found this small cozy café nearby. Super nice atmosphere, great coffee, and the barista was a real pro. Highly recommend!

Un pedacito de mi querido Paraguay en Pacific Grove, California. I was lucky enough to discover a beautiful and charming gastronomic cafe while I was traveling in California. From the moment I was greeted “mba'éichapa” and entered to the cafe, the atmosphere conveyed warmth and authenticity, with details that evoked Paraguayan culture and attention that made me feel at home. Just remembering gives me chills. Cafe Guarani is certainly one of those places that cannot be missed when visiting Monterey. Located in the heart of Pacific Grove, California. Cafe Guarani offers a charming oasis of peace thanks to the indoor and outdoor seats. Beautiful place with an incredible garden-patio, full of plants, flowers, trees, they even have a Paraguayan hamaca, very relaxing atmosphere! The decor has a nostalgic vibe, with ñandúti and memorabilia from my country. I felt home, immediately! Liliana the owner and her son Sebastian, were so friendly and welcoming! When we get there the restaurant was closed and after I told them that I’m Paraguayan as well, immediately open the doors for my family and me. The cafe serves delicious Paraguayan dishes and snacks. We ordered the beef milanesa sandwich that comes with fried yuca and alioli sauce, also we had baked beef and vegan empanadas that comes with chimichurri and a gluten free mbejú (Tapioca flour cheese flat bread) with Cocido (smoked Yerba mate) Sooo good!! Everything was very tasty and absolutely delicious! I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to feel the real taste of Paraguay in an extremely friendly environment. A place not to be missed! Aguyje Liliana and Sebastian!

This place was great, we got some light fare for breakfast with breakfast empanadas, coffee and pastries. Everything was delectable and the chimichurri sauce they provide for the empanadas was excellent. The atmosphere had nice decor and a calm mood. The service was very nice and helpful. Such a unique and lively experience.

This place is a must visit for me and my family, every time we come into town. Staff is friendly and efficient. The food & coffee is consistently amazing! And their empanadas are incredible! My son loves the fruit tart, with giant chunks of fruit.Even the small coffee has a double shot. 💯recommend.