First Awakenings
Est. 1993 · Cannery Row
Monterey · Salinas · CA
Sunrise
A morning on the Monterey coast

First
Awakenings

Scroll, and watch the day break. Fresh all-American breakfast served from first light since 1993 — towering pancakes, brimming skillets, coffee that's always hot.

before first light
Where it began

Three decades of good mornings by the bay.

In 1993 we opened with one idea: a family place where the food is fresh, the plates are generous, and every guest is treated like a regular. For nearly thirty years we poured coffee inside the old American Tin Cannery near Cannery Row — and today we welcome you on David Avenue in Monterey and in downtown Salinas.

  • Fresh, quality ingredients — cooked to order, every morning.
  • Treat every customer like family.
  • Hire kind & happy people. It shows on the plate.
1993Established · Cannery Row
First Awakenings outdoor patio with fire pit at golden hour
Mornings on the patio
worth the wait
Guest favorites

The plates people wait in line for.

The benedict
Eggs Benedict smothered in hollandaise with hash

Eggs Benedict

Poached eggs and rich, house-made hollandaise over a loaded base — the brunch cornerstone.

The omelet
Green chile omelet with home fries and English muffins

Green Chile Omelet

Fluffy eggs, melted cheese and green chile, plated with home-style potatoes and a griddled muffin.

The skillet
Carnitas hash topped with two eggs and salsas

Carnitas Hash & Eggs

Crispy potatoes and tender carnitas under two eggs, with roasted green and red salsa.

in good company
Recognition

A local legend, in good company.

🏆
2006–2016

Best Breakfast

Best of Monterey County — eleven years running.

📺
2017

California Dream Eater

Featured by Chase Ramsey & Visit California.

🥇
2018

Certificate of Excellence

Awarded by TripAdvisor travelers.

★★★★★
Loved by thousands of Monterey Bay regulars
come find us
Visit us

Two kitchens, one warm welcome.

First Awakenings Monterey dining room interior
Monterey
CA · 93940

Monterey

300 David Avenue · Corner of David & Lighthouse
Dog-friendly patio

Hours
7a – 2p daily
Phone
(831) 372-1125
Salinas
CA · 93901

Salinas

171 Main Street · Historic McDougall Building
Free Main St. parking

Hours
7a – 2p daily
Phone
(831) 784-1125
The sun's all the way up

Good morning.

First-come, first-served — the pancakes are worth every minute. Come early, bring the dog, and start your day the First Awakenings way.

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