On day 3 of our adventure in Monterey, CA, we started by having breakfast at Old Monterey Café – one of the best restaurants downtown – and then headed to Point Lobos State Reserve. It certainly didn’t disappoint! As always, here I share with you my honest opinion about what proved to be a family-friendly diner in Monterey, CA.
Quality of Food
I ordered the Californian omelet, which has bacon and avocado served with hash browns. It comes with toasts but I decided to upgrade it with French toasts. I also had a cafe latte and orange juice.
My husband went with two fried eggs, bacon and hash browns served with toast.
Gigi had scrambled eggs and bacon and MM had pancakes. Both with chocolate milk.
The food is good. Really good! Generous portions and excellent flavors.
Menu Options
They have a great selection of breakfast and lunch dishes. From benedict eggs to waffles and French toasts. There’s something for everybody. They also have all the breakfast beverage favorites.
Customer Service
Wonderful and warm staff. They kept the coffee full. Although it seems to be always busy, the food comes out quickly. The server gave us the best customer service I’ve ever had. Very attentive and bonus points for being bilingual in Spanish and English.
Atmosphere
Small, cozy and charming restaurant tucked within downtown Monterey. It feels like a family gathering.
Prices
Fair and competitive. Great value and quality for your money.
Parking
Since it’s located downtown there is no parking in their facilities, but we were able to find a spot in the street very easily.
Location
Old Monterey Café is located at 489 Alvarado St Monterey, CA 93940. Accessible and easy to find. Close to shops, museums and more.
Kid-Friendly
They don’t have a specific kids menu since the food they serve is appealing to all ages. Although they charge a $2 for splitting orders or for extra plates, they make an exception for children under 12 years. They do have crayons & coloring pages available and drinks are served in cups with lids appropriate for kids. There is also a diaper-changing table in the restroom.
Convenience
Their goal is your satisfaction, and they deliver! Although it’s a small place and it’s very popular they do have a great system in place and the waiting time is short. They accept cash and card payments. T-shirts and mugs are available for sale.
Cleanliness
Definitely not a problem. The staff does a very good job keeping the tables clean and ready. The restrooms are nice and clean too.
Overall, we had an excellent experience at Old Monterey Café. Delicious food, delightful staff, and very reasonable pricing. Definetly the best breakfast in Monterey. I recommend it and will go back next time I’m in the area.
For options of Monterey restaurants for lunch or dinner check our review on Louie Linguini’s restaurant! For more ideas on things to do with kids in Monterey, CA just check our posts on the Monterey Bay Aquarium, the Dennis the Menace playground and Point Lobos Natural State Reserve.
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Too bad I live on the other side of the country. I would love to give this place a try!
One good reason to travel for a family vacation! In addition to the Aquarium which is also amazing!
I love reading food guides and reviews. Breakfast is my favorite meal and that Californian omelette looks so delicious
It was really good. Breakfast is my fav meal of the day too!
Looks like such a cozy little restaurant with real home cooked meals! That omelette looked delicious!
It does feel like home. Very cozy and personnel are really kind and warm.
I love breakfast spots and this place looks so cute
and delicious, and great service! 🙂
I love cafe food. It reminds me of home and it’s always delicious comfort food that you can never go wrong and always leave satisfied.
This place really feels like home.
The food looks delicious! Some real comfort food right there. 🙂
LOL Yes! 🙂 Comfort food for the win!!!!
Thank you for the very honest review..! Even if I’m not able to eat their.. 😊 The egg omelet look so damn great and the hash brown is so gorgeous..! Ugh… Love it.. 😊
The hash browns look so delicious!! A great place to add to my list of places to try
I think you’ll love it! 🙂
Sounds like a good spot to go to. The menu is quite extensive and I appreciate that about restos.
What a great place to go! Good to know that you can take kids there as well 🙂
Monterey California sounds like an interesting place to visit. I am so looking forward to it!
I honestly never heard of it prior to relocating to California, although it’s a pretty popular dets8ination among locals.
It is indeed a lovely place to explore, Such great captures I must say that and your description is lovely and the food looks really good.
The pictures are absolutely awesome. It is pretty obvious you had an awesome experience in that cafe.. I am quite jealous actually.
Oh my this looks so good! I want to go there and try their good food now!
Please do if you’re in the area. I’d love to hear about how you like it. 🙂
I love how extensive your review is. I relish breakfast food with gusto., I consider it the most enjoyable meal of the day. I like the French toasts — thick cut! Avocado in omelet is also a breakfast for champions!
We have similar taste in breakfast my friend. I LOVE French toasts in thick bread!!!! And avocado is definitely one of my favorites not only in the omelet but also in a turkey sandwich! LOL 🙂
Your food dishes look so delicious, it makes me want to eat there! Thanks for reviewing all the parts of your experience. Perhaps I’ll pay a visit if I’m in the area!
Definitely a great option!