Author: ENU

Carmel Coffee House and Roasting Company
Ocean Avenue between San Carlos & Dolores, Carmel by the Sea, CA 
Company website is for ordering coffee by mail; Yelp reviews at http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-carmel-coffee-house-and-roasting-company-carmel-by-the-sea
Review date: October 2011

It can be distressingly difficult to find simple things in Carmel by the Sea, as like Mendocino they strictly enforce downtown zoning to eliminate a lot of chain businesses. So finding a cheap breakfast sandwich, or a cup of coffee to go, isn't as easy as one would think.

As a result, Carmel Coffee House does a decent business, even hidden as it is inside a building's narrow courtyard. They have various coffees and espresso drinks, along with a modest selection of sandwiches, muffins, and other quick carb-loaders for when you absolutely know you or your family aren't going to be able to last until that late lunch you had planned.

It isn't the greatest coffee, but it's decent enough if you get the Americano (coffee with a shot of espresso). And you can get a basic ham and cheese croissant or breakfast muffin, eat at one of the pleasant little bistro tables outside, and get away for less than $20 for two. Sometimes, that's all you need.