Alta Bakery
502 Munras Ave., Monterey, (831) 920‑1018, altamonterey.com
What makes a good coffee shop? Good coffee, of course. While that pretty much goes without saying, Alta brings something more to the coffee game. They mix up the regulars by featuring a special latte of the month, for one. Sweet treats are important too – check. But we’d argue that what really makes a coffee shop the best is when it’s a nice place to hang out, to savor that lavender latte or read a book (or, ahem, the paper) or catch up with friends. And space is what really sets Alta apart – whether you choose to sit ensconced in adobe or out back in the inviting garden.