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Monica's Livermore
Master Critic Reviews (5 Lists)
Monica's Livermore
7.8
Daytime spot for from-scratch breakfast and lunch with seasonal bakes and a shaded, dog-friendly patio. Portions and pricing land well for casual brunchers who care about ingredient quality.
Must-Try Dishes:
Eggs Benedict, Chicken-fried steak, House pastries
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Handcrafted brunch and bakes using seasonal, local ingredients.
Who should go: Casual brunch crews and families
When to visit: Arrive early on weekends to avoid waits
What to order: Benedict, chicken-fried steak, daily pastry
Insider tip: Ask for the pup menu if you’re dining with a dog.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free 2-hour street parking is available along Second Street and nearby side streets, plus a small public lot behind the building. Weekends can fill up by 10am.
Dress code: Casual and relaxed—typical brunch attire like jeans, sundresses, and casual shirts fits right in.
Noise level: Moderate during peak brunch hours; patio is quieter and dog-friendly, while indoor tables can get lively.
Weekend wait: N/A – breakfast and lunch only.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal wait, though sunny days can bring a short queue for patio tables.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – several options like veggie omelets, avocado toast, and salads.
Vegan options: Limited – can customize some dishes by removing dairy or eggs; ask the server for guidance.
Gluten-free options: Yes – gluten-free bread and a few menu items available, though prepared in a shared kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? More suited to a casual morning or daytime meet-up than a romantic evening; the patio’s relaxed energy works well for easy conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes – Monica’s doesn’t take reservations; arrive early on weekends or plan for a short wait during brunch rush.
Is it kid-friendly? Absolutely – plenty of space, a flexible menu for young eaters, and friendly service that handles families with ease.
Best For
Better for: Lively brunches with family or friends, fresh pastries, and dog-friendly patio seating.
Skip if: You’re after dinner service, cocktails, or an upscale fine-dining experience.
Monica's Livermore
7.7
Daytime spot for from-scratch breakfast and lunch with a covered, dog-friendly patio and an actual pup menu. Brunch classics run big and approachable with steady service.
Must-Try Dishes:
Eggs Benedict, Chicken Fried Steak, Cinnamon Roll
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 7.6
Atmosphere: 7.1
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Dog menu and shaded patio for easygoing brunch.
Who should go: Brunch crews and families
When to visit: Weekend mornings; arrive early to avoid waits
What to order: Benedict; chicken fried steak; house pastry
Insider tip: Ask for the Fur Babies menu if you’re dining with a pup.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free street parking on Second Street and nearby surface lots; can fill by 10am on weekends.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable—athleisure, jeans, or brunch attire all welcome.
Noise level: Moderate during peak brunch hours, quieter on weekday mornings; patio remains conversational.
Weekend wait: Closed for dinner—breakfast and lunch only.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal wait; walk-ins seated promptly unless it’s a holiday or event day.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple omelets, scrambles, and salads are meat-free by default.
Vegan options: Limited—can modify avocado toast or veggie hash; no dedicated vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Yes—gluten-free bread and several breakfast plates available upon request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for a relaxed morning or casual coffee meet-up than a formal date; comfortable patio seating and cheerful service keep it easygoing.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins only. Arrive before 9:30am on weekends to avoid 30–45 minute waits.
Is it kid-friendly? Absolutely. High chairs, a kids’ breakfast menu, and friendly staff make it a hit for families with toddlers through tweens.
Best For
Better for: Casual brunches with family or friends, especially with dogs in tow—few spots downtown are as welcoming to pets.
Skip if: You’re looking for a boozy brunch or upscale setting; nearby spots like Range Life or Posada offer more refined environments.
Monica's Livermore
8.4
Scratch-made brunch staples and house-baked pastries served in a historic downtown space. Portions are generous and the patio keeps things relaxed for families and weekend meetups.
Must-Try Dishes:
Classic Breakfast with house jam, Chile Relleno plate, Cinnamon roll
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Scratch cooking with local sourcing in a historic building.
Who should go: Families and weekend brunch regulars
When to visit: Arrive by 9:30am weekends to skip peak wait
What to order: Classic Breakfast, chile relleno plate, fresh pastry
Insider tip: Ask for the rotating house jam on toast.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free 2-hour street parking available on Second Street and adjacent side streets; additional public lot behind the building with weekend overflow spots.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable—jeans, sundresses, or polos fit the relaxed brunch setting.
Noise level: Moderate—buzzing during peak brunch hours but manageable for conversation, especially on the patio.
Weekend wait: N/A - breakfast and lunch only.
Weekday lunch: Usually seated immediately or within 5–10 minutes except during local events.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – multiple options like veggie omelets, pancakes, and avocado toast.
Vegan options: Limited – a few modifiable dishes such as fruit plates and salads; staff can guide substitutions.
Gluten-free options: Yes – gluten-free toast and select entrées available upon request; prepared with care but not in a dedicated kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you’re aiming for a relaxed daytime vibe—patio seating and local charm make it easy conversation territory without pressure.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—Monica’s operates first-come, first-served. Arrive before 9:30am on weekends or expect a short wait list, especially for patio tables.
Is it kid-friendly? Very—staff welcome families, and high chairs are available. The menu includes shareable breakfast classics suited for kids 3 and up.
Best For
Better for: Larger groups and families seeking hearty brunch plates with a homey atmosphere and budget-friendly pricing.
Skip if: You want a quiet, upscale brunch or espresso bar experience—try Wingen Bakery or The Press instead.
Monica's Livermore
8.4
Brunch-forward kitchen known for scratch-made classics, local sourcing, and generous portions in a historic downtown space. The menu spans benedicts, griddled plates, and hearty steak-and-egg options with house-baked treats.
Must-Try Dishes:
Classic Breakfast with house jam, Country Fried Steak & Eggs, Chile Relleno Breakfast
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Scratch-made brunch staples in a historic downtown building.
Who should go: Families and weekend brunch regulars
When to visit: Arrive by 9:30am weekends to skip peak wait
What to order: Classic Breakfast; Chile Relleno plate; fresh pastry
Insider tip: Ask for house jam on toast—made in-house and rotates seasonally.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free street parking along Second Street and nearby municipal lots—expect light competition during weekend brunch hours.
Dress code: Casual and relaxed—jeans, sundresses, and brunch attire all fit in comfortably.
Noise level: Moderate—bustling during peak brunch but still conversational indoors and quieter on the patio.
Weekend wait: N/A—closes after brunch hours.
Weekday lunch: 10–15 minutes during the lunch crowd; often immediate seating midweek mornings.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—many menu items like veggie omelets, avocado toast, and pancakes are vegetarian-friendly.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 plant-based dishes, though modifications (no eggs, no dairy) are possible on request.
Gluten-free options: Yes—gluten-free bread and select breakfast plates available; staff accommodates with care.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—especially for a casual morning or midday date. The bright, relaxed patio offers an easy setting for conversation without pressure.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—Monica’s operates on a walk-in basis. Arrive before 9:30am on weekends to minimize wait times; weekday visits are usually immediate.
Is it kid-friendly? Very—high chairs, kid-sized portions, and friendly service make it ideal for families. The outdoor patio also welcomes strollers and pets.
Best For
Better for: Ideal for hearty, locally sourced breakfasts with a relaxed small-town feel—beats chains for freshness and hospitality.
Skip if: If you’re looking for espresso drinks or upscale brunch cocktails—beverages lean simple and classic here.
Monica's Livermore
7.7
Daytime bakery-café serving from-scratch American comfort breakfasts and lunch. Expect generous plates, house baking, and a neighborhood crowd.
Must-Try Dishes:
Biscuits & sausage-bacon gravy, Huevos rancheros, Chicken fried steak
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 6.9
Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: Scratch-made daytime comfort dishes with in-house baking.
Who should go: Hearty breakfast and brunch seekers
When to visit: Arrive by 10am on weekends to avoid waits
What to order: Biscuits & gravy; huevos rancheros; chicken fried steak
Insider tip: Order pastries to-go—selection dwindles after brunch rush.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free two-hour street parking is available along First Street and nearby cross streets; the adjacent public lot behind the building usually has open spots before 10am.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable—athleisure, jeans, and weekend wear are all common.
Noise level: Moderate to lively during brunch rush; quieter on weekday mornings—conversation still possible indoors or on the patio.
Weekend wait: Not applicable—closes after lunch service.
Weekday lunch: Typically a short 5–10 minute wait; immediate seating after 1:30pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—omelets, pancakes, salads, and vegetarian scrambles are all solid options.
Vegan options: Limited—some customizable salads and sides, but most entrées use butter or eggs.
Gluten-free options: Partial—staff can modify some dishes; no dedicated gluten-free kitchen space.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for a casual breakfast date than a romantic outing—bright, bustling atmosphere with generous portions and coffee refills.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins only. Arrive before 9:30am on weekends to avoid long waits; weekday mornings are easy for immediate seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Very—high chairs available, a kids' menu with pancakes and eggs, and a relaxed patio ideal for families.
Best For
Better for: More consistent house baking and generous breakfast portions than most downtown cafés.
Skip if: You’re looking for an upscale brunch or cocktails—Monica’s is strictly daytime and casual.
Hours
Monday9am - 2pm
Tuesday9am - 2pm
Wednesday9am - 2pm
Thursday9am - 2pm
Friday9am - 2pm
Saturday8am - 3pm
Sunday8am - 3pm