coffeehouses
ACME Coffee Roasting Company
This friendly café in an industrial neighborhood serves expertly roasted coffee along with loads of personality. Stop in for an individually brewed Valve Job (dark roast) or Powerglide (light). 485 Palm Ave., Seaside, 393-9113.
Caffé Cardinale
Tucked away down a beautiful garden lane, Caffé Cardinale boasts Carmel’s only on-site coffee roaster. Featuring 25 daily roasts, baked goods and sandwiches, with dining inside or outside on the beautiful patio. Ocean and Dolores, Carmel, 626-2095.
Pacific Grove Coffee House
Rich cappuccino and espresso, along with iced specialty coffee drinks and tasty pastries, make this a morning and lunchtime favorite for locals. 510 Lighthouse Ave., Pacific Grove.
Carmel Valley Coffee Roasting Co.
With a relaxed atmosphere and plenty of pastries to pacify any sweet tooth, the Carmel Valley Coffee Roasting Company is a beloved local institution. Various locations in Carmel and Carmel Valley. 319 Mid Valley Center, Carmel Valley, 624-5934; 3720 The Barnyard, Carmel, 620-0844; Lincoln and Ocean, Carmel, 626-2913.
Cherry Bean Gourmet Coffeehouse
Located in Oldtown Salinas, the Cherry Bean is a favorite hangout for the denizens of Salinas, thanks to its high-octane coffee drinks and friendly staff. It’s situated just down the street from the Steinbeck Center on a strip with a variety of unique shops. 332 S. Main St., Oldtown Salinas, 424-1989.
Diva Dulce
This comfortable, sunny café perched near Fisherman’s Wharf and historic Heritage Plaza is the ideal place to take a break from a busy day of sightseeing in Monterey. Enjoy light lunch fare, espresso drinks and delicious homemade pastries inside or on the comfortable patio with its view of the harbor. 99 Pacific St., Suite 255 C, Monterey (near Heritage Harbor Plaza), 649-4811.
East Village Coffee Lounge
Located just two blocks from downtown Monterey, East Village has won a passionate fan base since its 2006 opening. With its sleek, Asian-inspired décor, strong coffee drinks, desserts, mini-sandwiches and free wireless Internet access, it’s a great place to chat, refuel or study up. 498 Washington St., Monterey, 373-5601.
Juice ‘n’ Java
This fun, lively hangout features four fruit and five veggie drinks with a fireplace to boot. Live music plays some nights of the week, the better to enjoy several varieties of coffee and a great selection of soups, sandwiches, burritos, steamed veggies and pastries. 599 Lighthouse Ave., Pacific Grove, 373-8652.
Miriam’s
This postage-stamp-sized coffeehouse in New Monterey is short on standing room but long on charm and good taste. All coffees and teas are organic, and patrons may choose from a small selection of baked goods. 615 Lighthouse Ave., Monterey, 277-5655.
Rollick’s Specialty Coffee and Internet
Right in the heart of downtown Salinas sits the pleasingly comfortable Rollick’s. Great estate coffees and teas, along with an assortment of baked items and other goodies, fortify local students, business folk and others interested in a cup or some conversation. There’s regular live music too. 210 Main St., Oldtown Salinas, 422-1760.
Surf City Coffee
Just off Highway 1 in Moss Landing is a small, friendly outpost of the small Santa Cruz café franchise. Grab a cup of joe and pick up a cool sweatshirt while you’re at it. 7990-C Highway 1, Moss Landing, 632-2077.
