An Independent Cafe with Local Roots
Studio Café isn't just another coffee shop—it's a family-owned, independent café built by The Smiths, a local family raised on the Monterey Peninsula. Tucked in its own building on the Monterey Peninsula Regional Recreation Trail above Cannery Row—25 stairs below the historic Wave Street level, with the café's own entrance facing east—the café serves high-quality, locally roasted coffee while fostering community, creativity, and connection. As one of the few locally owned cafés in Cannery Row, we take pride in preserving Monterey's rich history, offering a welcoming, eco-conscious haven for both locals and visitors to enjoy.
A Historic Landmark, A Living Legacy
Just steps from Studio Café stands the historic Quock Mui cottage—home to Monterey's first documented Chinese American resident. Quock Mui overcame immense challenges to become a symbol of resilience and renewal, and her legacy still shapes this corner of Cannery Row today. The cottage remains a private family home—in 2008, the property was given an H-2 historic designation to help preserve it for generations to come. From the café, visitors can head up the stairs to the Wave Street level to view the cottage's eastern and southern exposures, daily from 9am to 5pm.
A Sustainable Café Experience, Rooted in Monterey’s Local Culture.
More Than Coffee—a Place to Connect
Studio Café is more than a place to grab a cup of coffee—it's a space where people come together for quiet mornings, casual meetings, and meaningful conversations. Sit and relax in our garden courtyard, take in the trail and treetop views, or head next door to catch a show at Wave Street Studios, the independent event venue and broadcast studio sharing our Recreation Trail level, though its entrance faces north. However you find your way here, you're part of something special.
Committed to Sustainability & Community
As Monterey's only Innovator Level Green Certified business, we're committed to sustainability in everything we do—from sourcing locally roasted coffee to our low-waste practices and eco-friendly space. With radiant heated benches, stone walls, and a lush succulent garden, our café is designed for comfort while actively reducing our environmental impact.
Frequently asked questions
