Captain + Stoker
Captain + Stoker — photo 2
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Captain + Stoker

206 Forest Ave, Pacific Grove, CA

★★★★★4.5(148 Google reviews)

Crema's Take

Captain + Stoker is a beloved neighborhood gem where knowledgeable baristas pull excellent single-origin espresso that shines in both traditional drinks and creative specialties like their standout undertow. The warm, welcoming crew and early opening hours make it the go-to spot for Pacific Grove regulars seeking quality coffee alongside surprisingly stellar pastries and avocado toast, though the compact space means you might catch a cozy queue on busy mornings.

What to expect

Specialty drinksSlow sitEspresso focusedTraditional drinksPastriesEarly hoursQuick grab

Google Reviews

Gokhan Kilic
★★★★★a month ago

This review is only for the products I purchased which were a mocha latte and a matcha latte. ​Mocha Latte (Oat Milk): The flavor profile is dominated by a sugar-forward syrup rather than high-cacao or "dark" chocolate notes. It lacks the depth typically associated with premium mocha preparations, favoring sweetness over a complex espresso-chocolate balance. ​Matcha Latte (Almond Milk, No Sugar): Removing sweetener reveals the tea's raw quality. This preparation was notably astringent. While premium matcha is characterized by a smooth "umami" finish, the sharp bitterness suggests culinary-grade tea or improper brewing temperature. Service: Exceptional. The staff was highly professional and efficient and they were upfront when asked about the details of the drink. ​Atmosphere: This is strictly a grab-and-go establishment. There is an area with a window to stand around while waiting for your drink to be prepared.

Emily Kapallen
★★★★★2 months ago

My favorite coffee shop in PG! Everyone here is always so kind and friendly. I’ve been here multiple times and the baristas are always so welcoming to everyone who comes in. A huge plus is that they’re willing to accommodate special requests! For example, I’m very sensitive to hot foods and drinks, and I asked if they could make my London Fog less hot so I wouldn’t burn my tongue. Danny was there at the time, and he got the temperature perfect! I’m also gluten-intolerant, and they’ve got fantastic gluten-free pastries available! They do occasionally run out, so stop by early to nab one while they’re available. :) Highly recommend this spot!

ira werner
★★★★★2 months ago

Excellent espresso. Single source origin from Peru. Amazing flavor. Excellent base for all the specialty drinks. The undertow is great The staff is friendly and helpful. Barista knows his stuff. Perfect rating

Maddie
★★★★3 months ago

cant lie the 40 minute wait was hard but this was THE BEST AVOCADO TOAST I HAVE EVER HAD!! Toasting perfectly with olive oil, chili flakes and soft boiled egg (+3.5$) ouh it was so good! The matcha was less good but still nice. Maybe open more registers in the future but amazing quality food.

Lauren Barnes
★★★★★7 months ago

Captain + Stoker is an excellent choice for coffee in Pacific Grove! They are open early and offer delicious coffee and baked goods. This location is very small, so you may have to wait outside, but drinks came out quickly.

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