The Fountain Court Café, Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula
23625 Highway 68, Monterey, (831) 625‑4863, montagehealth.org
Don’t think you’ll get away with ordering a beer milkshake at this favorite establishment in an unusual setting. The hospital – known by its acronym, CHOMP – serves milk, herbal teas, fruit smoothies and such, but no beer. While their handmade shake selections are limited to vanilla, chocolate and strawberry (or an espresso option), they are rich, thick, throwbacks to the heyday of the malt shop, which is why residents take their lunch hour, snack break or even dinner at a hospital cafeteria. It’s even possible that some people get themselves checked in so shakes can be delivered to their rooms. But if you do have the gall to ask for a beer milkshake, no worries. CHOMP offers great mental health care as well.