Seemor
Wave Street CafeA-Worth Trying
550 Wave St, Monterey, CA 93940
· Breakfast restaurant, Brunch restaurant, Lunch restaurant
· 4.5/5 Google (1333 reviews)
Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Popular ocean-view brunch spot with hearty classics, long waits, and occasionally uneven service; food and views usually deliver.
Why it gets an A- for overall quality
Wave Street Cafe delivers solid brunch execution anchored by strong food quality and a standout ocean-view patio that justifies its Cannery Row destination appeal. However, inconsistent execution—cold dishes, service gaps during peak hours, and occasional food safety concerns—prevents grade A territory. The cafe excels at what it does best: hearty benedicts and omelets in a pleasant setting, but timing and reliability remain variable.
Restaurant Summary
Set just off Cannery Row, Wave Street Cafe buzzes with ocean-view energy and a parade of brunch plates. Diners talk about piping-hot omelets, rich hollandaise, and a patio where heaters keep the breeze at bay—“we caught the view with hot coffee and it just worked.” Arrive early or expect serious wait times, and know that service can feel stretched during the rush. The cooking leans classic American brunch over flash: crisp potatoes, well-loved benedicts, generous pancakes, and a sleeper hit steak and eggs. There are a few lighter or vegan-friendly options, but the soul here is hearty comfort done with care. Most find the prices fair for the location, though a few note recent price bumps. Families do well thanks to a menu kids actually eat—pancakes, waffles, eggs, fruit sides, and simple swaps. The main catch is timing: long weekend lines and slower pacing can test patience with little ones. Early seating and patio spots make it an easier win.
At a Glance
- Ocean-view patio with heaters and dog-friendly seating
- Hearty benedicts, omelets, and steak and eggs draw repeat visits
- Portions are generous and pricing is fair for Cannery Row
- Long waits and slower service at peak hours
- Occasional quality lapses (cold dishes, to-go misses) reported
What Sets It Apart
- ocean_view_patio_with_heaters
- hearty_classic_benedicts
- house_hot_sauce_favorite
What People Love
- Ocean views from the patio
- Rich hollandaise and classic benedicts
- Surprisingly great steak and eggs
- Generous, satisfying portions
- House hot sauce on crispy potatoes
Points of Concern
- Waits of 30–60 minutes are common on weekends; arrive early
- Service can be slow or inattentive during rush, with missed refills
- A few reports of food safety lapses over years (eggshells, hair, produce issues)
- Parking nearby can be costly or scarce during peak hours
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$28-40 per person
ReservationsNot required
What to Order
- For gluten-free diners: order Classic Benedict on gluten-free toast (+$1) and consider fruit instead of potatoes
- For vegans: Vegan Omelet with plant-based eggs and spinach
- For kids: Two-stack Buttermilk Pancakes with warmed syrup and a side of fruit
- For lighter eaters: Greek yogurt bowl or cottage cheese with fresh berries
Perfect For
- A scenic brunch after the aquarium
- Casual weekend breakfast with out-of-town guests
- Hearty post-walk meal on the coastal trail
- Early-bird weekday breakfast with a view
Location Insights
Area: Touristy waterfront corridor with ocean views, high foot traffic, and mix of cafes and attractions.
Safety: Generally safe, busy during day; well-patrolled tourist area.
Nearby: Adjacent to Cannery Row, coastal trail, hotels, and aquarium within walking distance.
Old MontereyOld Monterey is a historic and charming neighborhood featuring a mix of boutique shops, cafes, and restaurants. It attracts visitors exploring the waterfront and nearby attractions like Cannery Row, offering a relaxed yet lively dining atmosphere with a focus on fresh seafood and casual fare.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday08:00–15:00
Tuesday08:00–15:00
Wednesday08:00–15:00
Thursday08:00–15:00
Friday08:00–15:00
Saturday08:00–16:00
Sunday08:00–16:00
Available: Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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