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Loulou's Griddle In the Middle

4.6
·491k reviews·,

A beloved Monterey institution on the pier, famous for its hearty, homemade breakfast and seafood dishes, served with charm and stunning views.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Wed/Fri 18-21h

Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

CrowdLow
Outside

Loulou's Griddle In the Middle

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A beloved Monterey institution on the pier, famous for its hearty, homemade breakfast and seafood dishes, served with charm and stunning views.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"This charming spot offers everything you could want to start your day off right, right on the pier!"

TIP

Beat the Wait

Call ahead or put your name on the list early, especially on weekends, as waits can be long.

Portion Perfection

Generous portions mean you might want to share, making it a more affordable and delicious experience.

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Quick Facts

Cuisine

American

Price

Mid-range

Phone

(831) 372-0568

Address

Municipal Wharf 2, Monterey, CA 93940, USA

Insta-Factor

Medium

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Breakfast with a View

Breakfast with a View

Enjoy hearty breakfast fare with stunning views right on the pier. Cozy atmosphere and friendly staff make it feel like home.

Giant "Hubcap" Pancakes

Giant "Hubcap" Pancakes

Experience their legendary, massive pancakes that are big enough to share. A must-try for breakfast enthusiasts!

The 14 Best Breakfast Places in Monterey – A Local’s GuideGoogle Review
Seafood Breakfast Delights

Seafood Breakfast Delights

Unique dishes like the calamari steak and eggs or crab cake omelets offer a flavorful twist on breakfast.

6 Unique Calamari Dishes That Prove Monterey Is The World’s Squid Capital – FoodbeastWhere to Eat the Best Breakfast in Monterey CAGoogle Review+1
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Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Beat the Wait

Call ahead or put your name on the list early, especially on weekends, as waits can be long.

Portion Perfection

Generous portions mean you might want to share, making it a more affordable and delicious experience.

Bar Seating Fun

Consider sitting at the bar for a unique and engaging dining experience while watching the cooks.

Review Menu Beforehand

Peruse the menu online or in advance to speed up your order once you're seated.

Tips

from all over the internet

Beat the Wait

Call ahead or put your name on the list early, especially on weekends, as waits can be long.

Portion Perfection

Generous portions mean you might want to share, making it a more affordable and delicious experience.

Bar Seating Fun

Consider sitting at the bar for a unique and engaging dining experience while watching the cooks.

Review Menu Beforehand

Peruse the menu online or in advance to speed up your order once you're seated.

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Diners rave about the delicious, homemade food and friendly, attentive service at Loulou's, often calling it the 'best breakfast' in Monterey. The cozy atmosphere and stunning pier views add to the charm, though be prepared for potentially long wait times due to the restaurant's small size. Some diners have noted inconsistencies in food quality on occasion, but the overall sentiment remains overwhelmingly positive.

"Cute lil restaurant! The staff were so friendly. It’s a really small restaurant! So be patient if there isn’t seating! But there was outside and indoor seating as well. The breakfast was very good! The french toast was excellent. Really good price for the meal! It was easy parking for us due to it being a weekday and early in the morning."

JRS

"A Hidden Gem on the Pier - Loulou’s Griddle In the Middle

I stumbled upon this restaurant during a morning scooter ride while riding in the city and it turned out to be a great spot. This charming little spot offers everything you could want to start your day off right.

The setting is absolutely perfect—right on the pier, with stunning views of the water and seeing people board their boats, and kayaks. The atmosphere is cozy and relaxed, with a warm and welcoming vibe that makes you feel like a local, even if you're just visiting.

The menu, though small, is packed with delicious options. I had the Monterey omelette with potatoes and it was fantastic—fresh, and flavorful. The portions were generous, and everything tasted homemade with a lot of love and care. The coffee was excellent too, strong and smooth, just what I needed to kickstart my day. They even refill your cup.

What really stood out was the friendly service. The staff was genuinely kind and attentive, going out of their way to make sure you have everything you need. They’re also happy to share recommendations about the best things to see and do in the area, which was a nice bonus.

If you’re looking for a spot to enjoy a delicious breakfast with a view, Loulou’s is a must-visit. It’s a true hidden gem, and I can’t wait to return on my next trip!

Only negative was the wait time…
We arrived with no reservation and were told it would be 30-45 minutes. It ended up being 65 minutes until we sat down, however, the food came out quickly after ordering.

TIP
Call ahead and place your name on the list. Also, review the menu so you know what to order when you finally get seated."

Anthony Cruz

"This is hands down the BEST breakfast place in Monterey!! The place is small so you must come early. Their sausages are excellent along with everything else. My husband had a crab cake and it was delicious!! Come, come, come!!"

Ivette Chapman

What People Like

Generous portions of homemade food
Friendly and attentive staff
Stunning pier views and cozy atmosphere

What People Dislike

Long wait times
Inconsistent food quality (rare)

Frequently Asked Questions

The 'hubcap' pancakes, Monterey omelette, clam chowder, and crab cakes are highly recommended by diners.

The 14 Best Breakfast Places in Monterey – A Local’s GuideGoogle Review+2

Wait times can be lengthy, especially during peak hours. Arriving early or calling ahead is advised.

Yes, it's a family-friendly American restaurant known for generous portions.

Reservations are not explicitly mentioned, but calling ahead to place your name on the waiting list is recommended.

The restaurant is located right on the pier, offering stunning views of the water and harbor.

While many dishes feature seafood or meat, omelets and pancakes can often be customized. It's best to inquire directly.

Yes, seating at the bar is available and recommended for a fun experience.

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LouLou’s Griddle in the Middle eatery is as entertaining as it is delicious. This classic American locale on the Wharf boasts a hearty number of comfort food appetizers. You can’t go wrong with the ‘Monster Burger’, and if you’re feeling adventurous plump for their daily special which is, in their words “usually something treadmill-worthy!

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If you’re looking for one of the best breakfasts in Monterey that never disappoints, you’re looking for LouLou’s Griddle in the Middle. Located on the Municipal Wharf (not Old Fisherman’s Wharf), you’ll spot LouLou’s as the cute, little yellow building that almost always has a line of people waiting – and for a good reason. From their pancakes the size of hubcaps to their perfect oatmeal with a carmelized crust of sugar on top to their Wharf Wrap stuffed with scrumptious roasted potatoes, my partner and I have absolutely never had anything we didn’t enjoy at LouLou’s.

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6 Unique Calamari Dishes That Prove Monterey Is The World’s Squid Capital – Foodbeast

A post shared by Loulou’s Griddle in the Middle (@loulousgriddle). There’s not a lot of breakfast specialists in Monterey, but those that are around definitely have some form of calamari steak and eggs on the menu. LouLou’s is one of the most celebrated and legendary local spots to offer squid for breakfast, breading and frying a massive calamari steak before serving it up with salsa, toast, and eggs.

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Sitting right off Fisherman’s Wharf is Loulou’s Griddle In The Middle, one of the best breakfast spots in Monterey CA. This stunning kitchen has an open concept, so visitors can watch the chefs work their magic in the kitchen if they please. Many of their dishes are a combination of seafood and breakfast options. Try out their crab cake and egg platter or the Reef Rider Omelet.

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LouLou’s is located right on Monterey’s Fisherman’s Wharf and has an open concept kitchen so you can see the skilled chefs work their magic. LouLou’s was featured on “Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives” on the Food Network, and for a good reason. Many of the diner’s featured items combine seafood and breakfast dishes, like the crab cake and eggs platter and the Reef Rider Omelet.

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The name alone should sell you on the comfort and quality that comes with dining at LouLou’s Griddle In The Middle. One of Monterey’s most beloved brunch locations, the diner specializes in classics like griddle cakes and omelets. There are five different French toast options (try the Nana Split with chocolate syrup) and unique choices like calamari steak with eggs.

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One of the most iconic restaurants in Monterey, Loulou’s Griddle In The Middle has some of the very best breakfasts in Monterey. If you watch Food Network, you may recognize the name of the restaurant as it was Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives. You can find it on the Municipal Wharf which is right next door to the Old Fishermans Wharf.

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If you’re looking for a delicious breakfast in Monterey, CA, be sure to check out LouLou’s!. This quirky little restaurant is located right on the Fisherman’s Wharf and offers perfect harbor views. The chefs here are true masters of their craft, and you can watch them work their magic in the open concept kitchen.

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We close out our 5 Best Restaurants In Monterey article with a place of legend. Featured on the hit television show Diner’s, Drive-Ins, and Dives, LouLou’s Griddle in the Middle is a kitschy joint situated in the middle of the Monterey pier. The restaurant boasts about their good eats and whacky waitresses.

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Start your Triple-D tour at Loulou’s Griddle in the Middle, located right on Municipal Wharf 2. Known for massive pancakes and killer seafood, it’s a Fieri favorite. Cannery Row Brewing Company pairs craft beer with elevated pub grub in a space steps away from Steinbeck’s historic Cannery Row.

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A beloved breakfast and lunch spot, Loulou’s Griddle in the Middle is famous for its hearty portions and friendly service. The restaurant’s quirky decor and casual vibe make it a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Specialties and Unique Features:

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established in 1948, you can rest assured they have a long history of tradition and good meals!. It is a small place but with a big heart!. Located in the middle of the wharf, they put a lot of love, passion, and soul into their food and services!

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I'd say, instead, it's in the middle of a grin and a giggle. There's a real sense of joie de vivre at this funky diner, thanks to its Caribbean color scheme and a waitstaff who seem always on the verge of shouting out a happy "kiss my grits".

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Tiny and charming, LouLou’s is a treasure in a unique Wharf 2 spot. Home fries and fluffy pancakes at breakfast give way to generous salads and affordable fish specials at lunchtime. The counter is old-school diner.

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LouLou’s Griddle In The Middle: To be honest, we have yet to come here. (We just can’t break away from First Awakenings!), but we’ve heard it’s bomb. And Guy Fieri’s been here, so you know it’s good!.

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Municipal Wharf # 2Monterey, CA 93940(831) 372-0568 Visit Website Open in Google Maps. Loulou’s Griddle In The Middle is a family-friendly eatery known for its seafood choices and morning meals.

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