food Paris Bakery Paris Bakery offers light lunch selections like sandwiches and salads along with a dazzling array of cakes, Napoleons, fruit tarts and buttery cookies. There’s a smaller Seaside location as well. 271 Bonifacio Place, Monterey. (831) 646-1620, parisbakery.us Parker-Lusseau Pastries & Cafe This locally revered French bakery, with its croissants, brioches and galettes, also serves quiches and sandwiches at its small and utterly charming downtown location. 539 Hartnell St., Monterey, (831) 641-9188; 40 Ragsdale Drive, Monterey, (831) 655-3030. parkerlusseau.com Red’s Donuts Red’s is a staple. They’ve been preparing doughnuts every morning since 1950. And Red’s is regularly named best by Weekly readers. A second location is in Seaside. 433 Alvarado St., Monterey. (831) 372-9761, redsdonutsinc.com Rock N Roll Donut Bar Most shops close sometime after lunch. So what do you do if you want an after-dinner doughnut? That’s when this spot comes in handy. They are open until 9pm. And they have a lot of interesting options. 685 Cannery Row, Monterey. (831) 264-6555, rocknrolldonutbar. com The Perfect Crumb This bakery has a surprisingly diverse selection. Owner and pastry chef Susan Carter built a solid following at local farmers markets with decadent key lime pie, puffy almond croissants and her best-selling cookies. 301 Lighthouse Ave., Suite B, Monterey. (831) 2416269, theperfectcrumbbakery.net Coffee, Tea, Juices Captain + Stoker A local favorite, this bright and open space is serious about good coffee, and also good avocado toast. The Pacific Grove location has a smaller selection of bites. 398 E Franklin St., Monterey. (831) 901-3776, captainandstoker. com East Village Cafe This is more than a coffee shop (though it is that). It’s also historically been home to an open mic and other live entertainment. 498 Washington St., Monterey. (831) 392-6617 Perfectly Pressed See listing under Salinas. 491 Alvarado St., Monterey. (831) 747-1127, perfectlypressedjuice.com Plumes Coffee & Tea Organic roasts and organic teas with windows for people-watching. This beloved homework spot is open until 8:30pm, too. 400 Alvarado St., Monterey. (831) 373-4526 Tidal Coffee Tidal Coffee has an enviable location, tucked in the corner of a courtyard overlooking Monterey Bay. The coffee drinks are worthy of the scenery. 400 Cannery Row, Monterey. (831) 645-4030, tidalcoffeemonterey.com NORTH COUNTY 101 Wine Press Barbecue The restaurant works meat Santa Maria style, but then finishes tri-tip, sausages and chicken in a smoker. But you dine in a sleek wine bar (local wines, including their own label) that doubles as a sports bar. 8049 San Miguel Canyon Road, Prunedale. (831) 272-3025, 101winepress.com Birrieria & Restaurant Estilo Coalcoman Mexican Even if you have never been, you already know what to expect from Birrieria Coalcoman: birria, the soul of Jalisco. The dish is a warm, spicy stew and the restaurant is justifiably known for it. 10500 Merritt St., Castroville. (831) 453-7060, birrieriacoalcoman.com Haute Enchilada Cafe Mexican A colorful cafe and gallery, with an antiquestrewn patio, that has become a favorite haunt of Moss Landing locals. As the name suggests, there is a bit of inventiveness—maybe more than a bit—to be expected from the kitchen. 7902 Moss Landing Road, Moss Landing. (831) 633-5843, hauteenchilada.com Phil’s Fish Market & Eatery Seafood For decades a Moss Landing destination (Phil beat Bobby Flay in a cioppino throwdown), the new location of this iconic restaurant has at least one advantage: parking. Otherwise, it’s the same enticing seafood menu. 10700 Merritt St., Castroville. (831) 633-2152, philsfishmarket.com Shawarma King & More Eclectic The best shawarma in Monterey County, and it comes from a kitchen wedged in a gas station. These things are saucy, so a warning should be heeded: eat in the parking lot, not in your car. 11601 Merritt St., Castroville. (831) 6333333 Woodward Marine Market American Don’t go in thinking seafood, although there are bowls of clam chowder and classics like fish and chips. The menu leans toward familiar comforts like burgers and tots, with a few flourishes. Did we mention outdoor seating and a harbor view? 10932 Clam Way, Moss Landing. (831) 632-0857, woodwardmarinemarket.com Delis, Markets and Shops Phil’s Snack Shack & Deli A typical deli doesn’t serve calamari sandwiches. But Phil’s is on the coast and is hardly your typical deli. Burgers, burritos and hot dogs put the snack in this Moss Landing fave. 7912 Moss Landing Road, Moss Landing. (831) 6331775, philssnackshack.com Bakeries, Ice Cream and other Treats El Nopal Looking for traditional Mexican breads? El Nopal has been baking it—and attracting lines of customers—for more than 50 years. 103 Salinas Road, Pajaro. (831) 724-0473 Tristan’s Cookies & Cream There’s a reason this Gilroy treasury with its new branch in Moss Landing is so popular. Cookies. Cookies that crumble. Cookies that melt in your mouth. Oh—and ice cream. Put the two together and you get rich, creamy-cold sandwiches. 8425 Moss Landing Road. (831) 632-5175, tristanscc.com Coffee, Tea, Juices The Power Plant Part nursery—cool house plants here—part coffee shop and all urban cool, but in Moss Landing. A good stop for a relaxed latte or chai before you are on your way again. 7990 Highway 1, Moss Landing. (831) 453-0022, thepowerplant.com Pacific Grove Aquino’s Birrieria Mexican You can settle for a regular burrito, or go all in with a super burrito. They jack up quesadillas, as well. Aquino’s can be traditional, but they also like to push boundaries. Birria ramen, anyone? 1116 Forest Ave., Pacific Grove. (831) 224-6760, aquinosbirrieria.com Beach House at Lovers Point American A historic property with modern and homestyle fare and a few surprises. A breathtaking location perched right above Lovers Point Cove along with early-bird and happy-hour deals. 620 Ocean View Blvd., Pacific Grove. (831) 375-2345, beachhousepg.com 104 The Best of Monterey Bay ® 2024-2025
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