By Simur Kaur Badhwar
Sweet treats go hand in hand with successful academia. Stuck on a question? A sweet treat is your solution. Writer’s block? There’s nothing like a sweet treat to get your creativity flowing. Here’s a comprehensive list of the most affordable, easily accessible, local sweet treats and coffee spots that can help you ride the wave through your perfect productive day.
1. The Creperie Cafe
If you’re feeling a bit of cabin fever and need to get out and feel open air and enjoy some crepes and some coffee, this cafe is for you. A winning feature of this cafe is its glass wall of windows. This brick-and-mortar cafe has savory and sweet crepes made from vegan batter. They also offer gluten-free crepe batter. Despite their name, they also have paninis on sourdough and ciabatta along with a selection of bagels.
Located at 1123 Fremont Blvd, Seaside, CA 93955.
2. East Village Cafe
Looking for a rustic cafe to enjoy a historic cup of coffee? East Village Cafe has inhabited the old Monterey Herald historic building in old Monterey. It’s an iconic local favorite with outdoor and indoor dining. They have a very diverse menu, ranging from kimbap and noodles, to slices of decadent cake and quiche.
Located at 498 Washington St, Monterey, CA 93940.
3. Carousel Candies
This classic-style pink candy shop is a stop you can’t miss on Old Fisherman’s Wharf. From milkshakes to award-winning fresh warm caramel corn, this candy store has every guilty pleasure you could crave. Their menu includes caramel apples that are made on-site, almost every manner of brittle, gummies, and candy one can imagine, along with boba and chocolate-covered strawberries.
Located at 31 Old Fisherman’s Wharf # 39, Monterey, CA 93940.
4. Parker-Lusseu Pastries
You may have seen this bakery on the backside of Trader Joe’s in Monterey, and chosen not to explore it yet. This bakery is a gem hidden in plain sight, with French pastries and to-die-for quiche. They also do custom cake orders, for almost any holiday and birthday celebrations! It’s located in the historic Fremont Adobe building next to the post office in Monterey.
Located at 539 Hartnell St, Monterey, CA 93940.
5. Alta Bakery and Cafe
Alta Bakery is located in the incredibly historic site of Cooper-Molera Adobe that dates back to 1827. Their menu contains fresh items, made daily on-site. They have a large variety of coffees and teas, along with affordable breakfast and lunch a la carte options. They also have delicious pizzas along with mimosas and wine for those looking for more of a 21+ sweet treat.
Located at 502 Munras Ave, Monterey, CA 93940.