Established in the nineties and still carries a funky punky vibe. The employees are so friendly and casual. You won't find Influencers taking pics with neon signs. You'll find friends making collages from magazines, lifelong friends battling over chess, employees working on their free wifi, and students practicing a presentation to other customers. It's a community. This is definitely a locals only place in the heart of touristy downtown. The food is completely sourced from Costco and they use a microwave judiciously. It does not taste great, but it does remind you of mama's sandwiches that she'd put in your lunch bag as a kid. Coffee and coffee drinks are available and rival Starbucks in their variety and "fun" trends. But they also fresh grind different beans and can do classic coffees (like pour over and cappuccino). It is not the best coffee in the entire world, but it kicks my butt in the best way. I can actually taste the love. Do not come to Plumes if you are looking for quality cafe/bakery experience to give you and your girlies mochaccino mustaches that will go viral. Go to Plumes if you want to feel like a normal human being connecting with your community. Some may disagree with my 5 star rating because the quality of food is disappointing to pretty much everyone, but to me this place fits the bill of a real and welcoming coffee shop where the barista remembers your order and you know the owner's name and hobbies. It's a home away from home. And that's why I love it. read more

Bottom Line: The little cafe you are looking for Screw it, I'm updating my review. We just spent five days in Monterey for race week and stayed in the Hotel next door to this spot. There are a half dozen other breakfast spots in town that we enjoy when we are in Monterey - we blew all of them off. This place is too fast and too good, honestly to want to get in the car and head over to any of those other spots. Is this place fancy? No. Is this place big? No! Its tiny! Is the food gourmet? No! Stop asking questions. The food is delicious and hot. The coffee and tea is yummy and hot. Everything is hot. The people are super friendly and hot. I like how real they are too - it's Saturday at 6am, everyone is dragging. I asked the people behind the counter how they were doing and they were (gasp) honest! We don't want to be here! Getting to work at 5am on Saturday is terrible but I respect and appreciate a human response. I really like this place - even the pastries are good and thats a good thing because we bought a bunch of them. I will end with this and then leave you alone - we left this place at 615am and sat down in the main grandstand in Turn 4 at Laguna Seca at 715am to watch epic Historic car racing and sank my teeth into a HOT and beautiful croissant breakfast sandwich with bacon in it in the heavy fog. Everything was wet and cold - I drank my hot tea and ate my food.... and it was simply glorious. Thank you to the real humans at Plumes. Yall rock. read more

3 stars $9.75 Tuna on multi-grain: solid, tastes like homemade. It's not plentiful buts at least affordable. read more

Plumes Coffee House - Tuna on multigrain - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Monterey, California

I've always walked by without too much of a thought to stop. Honey surprised me with a Vietnamese coffee from here while I stayed at our hotel. That option alone in this area gets 4 stars from me. Lol. Not as strong and sweet as the usual Vietnamese coffee but it did the job and surprisingly good! I'd def return to see what else they have. read more

Pleasant and inviting place near my hotel. I've a standard morning meal and Plumes Coffee House prepared my breakfast to a tea... coffee actually but you get the reference. Rather comfy wooden chairs at a dozen tables and a recliner leather chair and couch. Music is pleasing without toning out conversation. Not being from Monterey, I observed several locals, then even more locals, so indicator is that Plumes has solid clientele for good cause. Staff are pleasant in manners and efficient in their jobs. Prices decent for really good smoothie, two eggs, coffee and steel cut oatmeal. Big windows views of boulevard scenery and historic architecture. Plumes is clean and tidy without being a sterile chain coffee house. Decent variety of coffee, and pastries look tempting... maybe a treat after a long run. Plumes is a cozy, casual vibe worth your dimes, times and appetites. read more

Plumes Coffee House - Berry smoothie, steel cut oatmeal, coffee and eggs - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Monterey, California

Excellent Mexican Mocha! Great way to start the day. Pairs great with one of their croissant breakfast sandwiches. Also really quick service so I can get in and out when Im in a rush, but there is plenty of seating if needed. I would definitely recommend to others if looking for a quick breakfast spot and will definitely be back. read more

See all

I really like this place, however, they should really put a warning or something on the wall next to the window corners. When I sat on the chair near one of the window counters, I turned the chair slightly to go get my drink and banged my knee very hard on the protruding wall. My peripheral vision is great, and I'm not a clumsy person so this was a bit of a painful surprise that made my eyes tear up a bit. It is quite an awkward position for the chairs. I thought it was just a superficial pain but it bruised by the next day and has been painful for a couple of days. I would suggest sitting at one of the tables instead to avoid the awkward corner wall thing, but other than that their lattes are good and I appreciate the efficient service. The prices are decent and I recommend their teas here. read more

Plumes Coffee House - Bruise - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Monterey, California

See all

From the moment you walk in, you can feel the friendly, laid-back vibe. The coffee is absolutely delicious -- rich, smooth, and perfectly crafted. You can tell they really care about quality and presentation. The atmosphere makes it easy to relax, whether you're catching up with a friend or just enjoying some quiet time with your drink. I love how welcoming the staff are -- they make you feel like a regular even on your first visit. It's the kind of place that instantly becomes a favorite. If you're anywhere near the area, do yourself a favor and stop by Plumes -- you'll leave happier (and more caffeinated)! read more

The girl with the dyed reddish hair was incredibly rude. I ordered a breakfast croissant that came out with the wrong protein. It wasn't a big deal at all. I wasn't upset but instead of simply correcting it, she became oddly defensive and insisted that it was what I had ordered. Plus, when I first walked in, she was on her phone and didn't even acknowledge me until I walked up to the register, even though there wasn't a line and the shop wasn't busy. I also left a tip, only to be treated like I was a huge inconvenience. That weird interaction was enough to make me decide to get my daily coffee from Carmel Bakery for the rest of my trip. read more

Great little coffee shop. I was able to stop in here twice. My office is under construction so I'm working my way through local coffee shops. This place was great for a local place to work. Great food and coffee. Lots of outlets and I was able to find a table. It's all about timing here, this is a popular spot but especially if you're looking for a great cup of coffee and super friendly staff. This is definitely a spot to check out. I'm definitely going to add it to my rotation. read more

The owner believes she is entitled enough to speak to people ANY rude way. Take your money somewhere better

This coffee shop is very charming when you walk in a classic looking cafe in the heart of the Central Cost Monterey. It reminds me of old New York style coffee shop. I had the horchata latte and my husband had the vanilla latte. awesome both had whole milk with our lattes. The horchata latte wasn't so sweet the way I like it. You can still taste the coffee and was not overpowering. The vanilla latte wasn't so also delicious. My husband also had while milk and also was o early too sweet. Both lattes were delicious and when we go back to visit Monterey on a couple months , we make sure to stop and get our craft coffee. They do have a lot to offer such as pastries, bagels, smoothies, Fraps , more craft coffee, and a small breakfast menu. This coffee shop is a must in Monterey. read more

Plumes Coffee House - horchata latte and Vanilla latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Monterey, California

I actually really liked the drinks here, very flavorful. The little place itself is so cutesy and they have outside seating so you can people watch as you enjoy your coffee or breakfast bagel. The coffees and bagels were out quite quick. The bagels themselves were quite good in the texture department, the flavor department was lacking a bit for me. I only really enjoyed it with lots of hot sauce which they very much do provide!! read more

See all

Best coffee I've had in California at affordable prices with friendly staff. Cozy spot with comfortable couches and tables. Great music too.

Had a fantastic Mexican mocha here. The cheese danish was just standard, nothing to die for. Just really disliked the compact layout of the area. The inside was overwhelming when trying to enjoy my coffee and cheese danish. Trash cans were difficult to get to as well. read more

They know how to make excellent coffee in a European style. Amazing cortado and almond croissant. read more

Plumes Coffee House - Cortado and almond croissant - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Monterey, California

I was hoping for a local cool coffee shop.... This is NOT IT. The coffee tasted like the cup it was poured into and the croissants are obviously store bought. Zero flakiness, no texture. Terrible. Service... couldn't even crack a smile. Believe me, go somewhere else!!! read more

In town for Big Sur Marathon and needed my Matcha latte. Got with oat milk and hit the spot. Mom liked her cappuccino as well. Big menu. read more

Plumes Coffee House - Matcha latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Monterey, California

Good coffee & tea cafe with lots of options for beverages both hot & cold. They also have alternative milks such as oat milk. Lots of espresso/latte options in a variety of sizes. They have a wide selection of pastries, baked goods and quiche options. Good for breakfast, brunch, lunch or snacks. Pleasant place to sit and eat or drink. Conveniently located downtown Monterey. read more

Plumes Coffee House - Many choices for coffees, teas, boba, frappe, smoothies, sandwiches, breakfast sandwiches, pastries, crepes and omelettes. Great place. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Monterey, California

Apple pastry w/ English toffee was great here! Service with a smile and mellow, comfortable vibe at this clean establishment. Stop in for a good cup of java. read more

We got an iced coffee and a ice lavander tea. Inexpensive. Yummy. Fast service. What's not to love ?

Coffee is not great. Wrong temperature. Sorry but i make better coffee from my coffee maker at home :(

Plumes Coffee House is located in downtown Monterey, right under The Monterey Hotel. Parking is a bit difficult most of the time, it does not matter what time of the day. Not much service - the employee was not the most friendly or welcoming. You order at the counter like a typical cafe / coffee shop and then you wait until they call your order out - for just 2 drinks, it took a little longer than expected, even without any customers ahead of us. We stopped by here because I remembered coming here years ago and they had a good jasmine / green milk tea with boba. Well, we ordered their jasmine / green milk tea with boba and Thai milk tea. The jasmine milk tea was not what I remembered - way more bitter and watered down, while the boba was on the more chewier side and was a bit melty. The Thai milk tea was on the stronger side and was a bit bitter. read more

It's nice and cozy. The service was amazing and loved my Mexican Hot Chocolate! It was made with milk which makes a BIG difference. The hubby tried a new season latte and he enjoyed it! read more

Plumes Coffee House - Cheese Danish - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Monterey, California

See all

Too expensive for basic bakery items and breakfast foods. I got a croissant breakfast sandwich with sausage and pepper jack cheese with a small Mexican mocha. That was $15!!!! And the only thing fresh was the croissant. My boyfriend got a sandwich which was basic bread, with basic lunch meat and cheese, with like one slice of tomato and lettuce. And that was $12!!! Not worth it!! The only thing somewhat worth it was the Mexican mocha,, that was unique and tastes so yummy. Perfect for a cold day. Service was meh as well and not very friendly and it also took forever and they were not that busy. Inside was nice though there are lots of tables and I like that they have a little private-ish corner with a window view, and a nice view of downtown in general. It's also around many different shops and within walking distance of the Marriott. Overall though not impressed, and not coming back when I visit in the future. read more

Been coming here for decades. The service last time was s-l-o-w. 2 gals working. One goes on break and leaves the other gal alone. This gal isn't in any sort of hurry to get drinks made either. Finally after 10 minutes I asked if our drinks were coming. Only then did she start making them. Both were tepid even though he wanted his tepid and I didn't. I love to support the local guy, but in this case I would go to Starbucks first next time. Actual friendly people who have some sort of interest in doing there job. read more

Excellent customer service from barista Nicole. Had low expectations for the matcha but was exceptional from Nicole. Nice peaceful environment for studying. read more

They're open late, the smell if cofeewas amazing so was the taste of their coffee and Chai tea latte. Nice and cousey, its great place to relax. Service was ngreat, they have free water and d bathrooms were clean. read more

I got a mexican hot chocolate and a pumpkin muffin. The service is quick, and drinks were good! Inside, has a lot of seating! read more

Plumes Coffee House - Large mexican hot chocolate - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Monterey, California

This coffee shop is all the vibes for me. It's tight inside, but there is a lot of seating in there. When I walked in there were a lot of students working away on 9 year old MacBooks (a testament to their quality). There are plenty of food options available, mostly coffee shop fare. The coffee, tea, and drink menu is substantial. My wife got a milk tea and I got a vanilla latte. There was only a single barista at the counter when we arrived, several minutes after we ordered another appeared. The shop was busy and the coffee and tea took some time to come out. I wasn't in a hurry, so I dock no stars. The drinks came out and they were delicious. The prices were also quite good considering you're getting an actually good cup of coffee. If I still lived in Monterey I have a feeling I'd be camped here often. Definitely calling this a 5/5. I'd give it more if I could. Stop in and enjoy! read more

See all

Plume's is an excellent, convenient place to get coffee and a light breakfast. My only suggestion is to add more selections for breakfast. We love their coffee selections, they are welcoming and accommodating, and their prices are reasonable. read more

Not too much to say about this place. It's chaotic in there, there's no place to comfortably stand and wait for your coffee to be made without being in someone's way or hovering over someone. My biggest gripe is that the employees here have no people skills. Very rude interactions, no acknowledgment or hello, and overall just really bad attitudes. I wish I would have spent my money elsewhere, but it is what it is. Hopefully management sees this and figures it out! read more

Great coffee selection (my favorite is heart of darkness) and the service was excellent as well.

Low-key place with excellent coffee and pastries. They'll make pretty much any kind of coffee you want. Excellent service & no line. Plenty of places to sit inside or out. read more

This place is a cute coffee shop I got a Mexican latte and the taste was average The pastry was average I bought a bag of whole bean coffee Kind of odd they have no label or tastes date Barista has limited coffee knowledge Service was slightly below average read more

Excellent service from Morgan. She prepared the Vietnamese coffee to perfection. Very casual atmosphere and super friendly staff all around. Glad we stumbled into this little gem. We were told the oldest coffee place in the area. Next morning we came back again and I got the same and my boyfriend opted for a cold brew. He enjoyed it as well. He said well prepared coffee. I love supporting small business when visiting any new areas. read more

Plumes Coffee House - Viet Coffee 16 oz. Perfectly delicious - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Monterey, California

I ordered the Mexican mocha and it was so good. Other places try and it's grainy but this one was smooth. I also got pastries and a sandwich they were equally as good and the space is nice I love the decor read more

Decent coffee spot located near our hotel. This place offers a variety of sandwiches, pastries and drinks. We stopped by on 6/30/24 Sunday morning to grab some breakfast. Boyfriend went for their breakfast egg sandwich and mocha and I went for a croissant and iced Mexican mocha. Overall, good coffee spot. Service was quick and friendly. read more

See all

They have a wide selection of coffee and drinks! Been coming here for the past two years and the drinks are always consistent. The customer service varies but most of the time they are friendly. Best to go coffee shop in Monterey! -favorite drink here is their Mexican Mocha, hot or cold read more

Plumes Coffee House - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Monterey, California

See all

$8 for a chocolate croissant and plain croissant, yikes. Nothing special about them really. We walked in, ordered and left. It was pretty much empty inside so service was quick. read more