My favorite breakfast, world-wide, is served at the Old Monterey Cafe. This tiny restaurant is smack in the middle of downtown on Alvarado St. It's open for breakfast and lunch, and weekend mornings will have a line out the door and down the sidewalk by 7am. Get there early...the food is worth it! The first time I went to this restaurant was in '96 or '97...since then, the staff hasn't rotated that much because there are still familiar faces every time I go back. My favorite dish the Monte Cristo sandwich (which is difficult to find in the first place) with a great cup of hot chocolate, piled high with whipped cream. Though I never order anything else, I try to steal a bite from everyone else's plate and I have yet to find something untasty at the cafe. The staff are quick and friendly, but space is tight, so don't be surprised to start a conversation with the neighboring table.




