On a mobile device? Try our mobile site, optimized for faster browsing.
Loading...
First let me say that Miriams wouldn't be as good if it wasn't for the owner Miriam. She makes that place what it is, fun, quirky, and entertaining.
Secondly you should know one thing before you come. She puts crack in the bagels. Ok not really but its the only explanation I have for why it tastes so good and I seem to have developed an addiction to them. I go back sometimes twice a day to eat them. I once had two in one sitting. I have a problem, I know. But when you are faced with a plate containing a spinach bagel toasted with avocado and tomato(and sprouts every now and then), you would do what any red-blooded american would do. Gobble it up and ask for seconds. Foreigners from the nearby hostel seem to also enjoy this drug known as bagels from miriams. Be warned, once you try one you will keep coming back for more.
On a more professional note, she now serves acme coffee(local coffee roasters and she has a way with an espresso machine so you know you are getting a good coffee drink), and she gets all her food locally so her business is pretty much as local and independent as it gets. Also its the only completely vegetarian place in Monterey(Tilley Gorts is also all vegetarian, but its in Pacific Grove).
If you are not completely absorbed with your bagel take some time to look at the local art that hangs on the wall, but get there early to get a good seat, since space is limited and you will want to stay for a while.
I do not like bagels. It's like eating sawdust or something. But after years of holding on to this belief, I tried some garlic bagel. Super moist, great texture and really flavorful. Not sure what made me crave such a thing, but it was worth the wait to get a seat with my wife (10 mins. on a Friday morning). It was like bizarro land because I also drank a really strong cup of coffee, and I do not like the stuff...tastes nothing like it smells! Just really rich and flavorful. Of course, after my addition of cream and sugar, I was drinking coffee ice cream. Still, very good.
My wife wanted me to make sure that I noted the attractive cafe decor. Very friendly service, limited but good menu. When two things I usually dislike taste good, I give the place five stars. Bravo, Miriam.
I stop at Miriam's each time I visit Monterey. Lovely lattes and bagels.
Miriam is a bundle of sunshine!
I'm not thrilled. The coffee was fine; haven't tried the bagels. Miriam has never been anything other than businesslike with me--not a complaint, but it's just weird when I see the other reviewers raving about her. Perhaps I'm too square for her.
This is a fine place to go if you're into indie/alt/artsy stuff. Family oriented it is NOT. Personally, I prefer not to see tattoos, especially not in association with food, and Miriam has tattoos and displays them. Just so you know.
I know this space because I had my Sr. Prom dinner here with my closest friends. It used to be called the Gallery and it was a French restaurant ran by two chefs. I don't think they are open unless you call in advance and make reservations. the place only seated maybe 8 tops.
Anywho, was always interested to see what took over and have been meaning to stop by Miriam's Cafe...
It's a cute cafe with great service. Limited menu but they what they do offer is very lovely. I was picking up some coffee and breakfast for a friend and made my own bagel sando. I asked for cream cheese, avocado and hummus. I know a bit strange but like things creamy... I wanted to ask for mayo too but didn't want to freak Miriam out. Haha. No seriously, I think mayo would have brought out the flavor of the avocado and added another level of creaminess.
I cut it up and shared it with a friend and it was delcious. Look forward to going back for more. Oh and they also had fun art on the walls and unique mostly blank gift cards too.
I go here for two things. . . Miriam and the delicious bagels.
Fantastic place! Definitely stop by for some delicious coffee when you're in Monterey.
The bagels were also great - so great that we took 2 to bring back to the Land O Bag Bagels (SF).
Parking is easy, so don't let that stop you from checking this place out. I noticed that there were a lot of empty store fronts in Monterey on my last visit, so do your part to support the local economy/Miriam! :)
This place is TINY! It looks like a veritable closet amongst the other stores around it--and a little hard to find. But... oh so good!
I didn't really want to go here because I love me some meat, and this place just doesn't have it. But the reviews were just so glowing, that how could we not try it?
1st of all, Miriam is so friendly and smiley. Wifey and I had really no idea what to order, so as we were going along with our order, she would drop little hints, "spinach bagels are the best," or "lots of people get the cream cheese and tomato on it." No rush, no fuss, just a great big smile!
2ndly, the coffee is really good.
3rd, the spinach bagel with cream cheese and tomato is amazing! It's topped with freshly ground black pepper and coarse salt. I never thought something so vegetarian could taste so good!
4th, the little decorations in the place are cute. From the art on the walls to the little details like small doors along the bar/counter.
It's a fun little place and literally minutes away from Monterey Bay Aquarium, which is where we went next!
I have to say this is the epitome of the indie coffee shop, a tiny little stop on Lighthouse that's worth its weight in gold. Local art adorns the walls and shelves. Limited seating in here, so you're fortunate if you catch the place empty or with only one or two other folks. The morning of my visit I had an americano and a really awesome coconut pineapple muffin (the last muffin available). In speaking with Miriam (I don't know who else it could have been), she informed me that all the baked goods are made locally as well--another win. My friend really liked his mocha, and I was pleasantly surprised by the depth and spread of flavor in my americano. When getting ready to hang out around Monterey, I'll count on Miriam's as my first stop.
Great cups
i am biased. I love Yam and want her to prosper.
She has vegan options for all you coffee goers looking for a cruelty free breakfast snack.
her coffee is kickin too. and the art is (usually) impressive. Local artists and such.
lots of regulars, good place to sit, but not for too long... theres not much seating.
The basics:
The coffee is the best organic espresso and drip that you'll find on the culture- and cuisine-challenged Monterey Peninsula. Again, it's organic.
Food: muffins, sandwiches, and the crowning jewel of the menu: bagels, topped with homemade hummus, sliced avocado and a liberal dose of fresh pepper and coarse salt. Salty avo is the best.
Some additional points:
Tiny. Seats 8, including Miriam behind the counter. 10 if you count the bench out front. Often crowded. Come in more than twice, and there's a good chance she'll remember your drink.
Every last thing is made with love and care and rainbows and moxie. Don't forget to talk to the artist sitting beneath their work. Most of them live here. Finally, they will talk about you after you leave, be it good, bad, or indifferent. There's more than coffee going down here.
what a gem, run by an absolute sweet heart ... a true "hole in the wall" coffee shop, great coffee and bagels.
I love love Peets coffee... but always drop by Miriam's when in Monterey.... and so should you!
Came here this morning for some good strong coffee, a cinnamon raisin bagel with cream cheese and great, friendly service. Perfect start to the day.
Super tiny joint with BIG character. cool cards for sale, too.
Since previously writing this review I've now become a Miriam's regular and am in there practically everyday. It is five hundred times better than the chain coffee shops. Miriam is always there with a smile on her face, and she's FRIENDLY. Plus she'll have your regular order memorized in no time. The shop is cute, there's always awesome art on the walls, the coffee is EXCELLENT, and the bagels she serves are absolutely addicting - try getting a spinach bagel with cream cheese, tomatoes, and fresh salt and pepper! Depending on what she's got back in the kitchen there's usually a variety of muffins, bagels, sandwich fixins, and soup. Recently she added some very tasty vegan cookies to the selection. I'm always shocked at how many people I come across that love coffee but have never visited Miriam's even though they drive by everyday- it's worth a try, really!
Cute little friendly coffeeshop, but small small small! It's one of those places you feel good… Read more »
Oh, yes! I always forget about this place!
It's THE BEST.
I will go tomorrow!
I happened into Miriam's a little over a year ago and now it's my go-to place for coffee and bagels. She makes the BEST coffee/mochas in town. And I don't know what she does to make her bagels (all-seed bagel with cream cheese, avocado, salt and fresh pepper) taste so good but I haven't found a place yet that can duplicate the taste. I've even tried to make my own at home and they just don't stand up. Sometimes I'll even wake up dreaming about her bagels!
Miriam is always friendly and remembers small details of my life that she'll bring up on my visits (such as to ask about my daughter and such).
My only suggestion to new customers is that her fill in baristas ( even the owner needs time off sometimes) do not make coffee as well as she does and so I avoid the days that Miriam herself is not working.
I really like it here. I try to go whenever I walk to work. The owner is really friendly and always remembers how I like my coffee. Best tasting coffee! highly recommend this place!
Let me tell you, when you have to get up at 6am and encase yourself in neoprene and 100 lbs of scuba gear and submerge yourself in the icy waters of Monterey Bay, the least you can do is treat yourself to a perfectly-made cappuccino from Miriam's Cafe. This sweet, simple hole in the wall with just a few things on the menu--organic coffee, tea, and a few snacks--will warm your heart and extremities before you take the plunge.
Miriam is a cool cat. and if you happen to be a cool cat too..the coffee here just might make you purr.
I don't know how I ended up with an animal analogy, but I do know this. Any type of Mocha you get there will be damn delicious!
The place may be small but makes up for it with character. You might not be able to pen your next novel here, but you will get service with a smile..and most importantly..coffee. I can miss months between visits and she still remembers what I like.
You want uniformity and a long line..go to starbucks. Or would you rather walk away feeling good about yourself. yeah, thats right. Have a cup and make your day that much better.
Ooh. She makes the best dang Mexican mocha around! The bagels are yummmmmmy and the people who congregate there are interesting, smart and funny. I wish she were open later, but one person can only work so much and it's worth the energy to try to get there on time -- that's how good the experience is. Support local!
Good times, good people, good coffee.
Seaside, CA
Category: Coffee & Tea
Monterey, CA
Category: Coffee & Tea
Monterey, CA
Category: Coffee & Tea
Monterey, CA
Category: Bakeries
Monterey, CA
Category: Mexican
After realizing I'd lived in the neighborhood over…
My local dry cleaner, watering hole, deli, cafe,…
