Chopstix
1868 Fremont Blvd., Seaside, (831) 899-2622 1244 Munras Ave., Monterey, (831) 372-2622 chopstixboba.com
Chopstix juggles a menu of snacks, appetizers, vegetarian dishes, noodle soups, dry noodles, rice platters, specialty platters, sandwiches and boba… lots of bobas. The food usually comes out faster than expected, in an array of bright colors signifying fresh ingredients. The dining rooms of both locations are sensible and casual. None of this would mean much if the food didn’t taste good. It does, with lively flavors and engaging textures. And when you realize that no single menu item exceeds $10, a well-balanced equation emerges: Diverse, fast, fresh, cheap, delicious, colorful + levity = best.