La Monarca Bakery

La Monarca’s Santa Monica location boasts an impressive selection of desserts, though it's their unique coffee choices that may have you sticking around for a while. The Cafe Oaxaca (with Mexican chocolate) and Cafe Taxco (with whipped cream and cinnamon) lure in sweet-toothed passersby looking for a caffeine boost, though if you’re in the mood for something more traditional, don’t worry: there are enough cafe lattes, mochas, and espressos to go around (as well as cafe con leche). Make sure to order one (or five) of the small, 50-cent cookies to go with your coffee. If you’re stopping in for lunch, browse the pastry display as well as their afternoon and dinner menu, which includes salads, molletes and tortas.