Published November 3, 2025
By RUBY IRANMANESH
One of the biggest perks for upperclassmen at CHS is the opportunity to go off-campus during lunch and grab a quick meal with friends. With only a 35-minute lunch break, here are the top six places for juniors and seniors to go off-campus, according to CHS students.
Sweet Reba’s, located in the Carmel Crossroads, is famous for their homemade baked goods and breakfast burritos. photo by RUBY IRANMANESH
Sweet Reba’s
206 Crossroads Blvd.
Carmel-By-The-Sea
Although eating a healthy lunch is important, a little sweet treat every now and then doesn’t hurt! In fact, there is no better place to go for dessert than Sweet Reba’s. Located in the Crossroads, this local bakery serves all kinds of goods such as cookies, doughnut holes, cupcakes and brownies. Besides desserts, they also serve hot food like breakfast burritos, which students can get for a discount.
Terra’s Superfoods
570 Munras Ave Suite 50
Monterey
Looking for something a bit more on the healthier side? Well, Terra’s Superfoods has tons of healthy options to keep CHS students feeling fueled for their next class. Their acai bowls, smoothies and wraps are delicious! Plus, with Trader Joe’s located right next door, students can browse other snacks while they wait for their order.
5th Avenue Deli, located in Carmel by the Sea, serves custom sandwiches, salads and soups. Photo by RUBY IRANMANESH
5th Avenue Deli
3300 5th Ave
Carmel-By-The-Sea
Recently, there have been a ton of CHS students heading down Ocean Avenue for a fresh sandwich from 5th Avenue Deli. With an assortment of sandwiches, plus other homemade meals such as pasta salad, tamales and soups, this family-owned deli is the perfect place to grab a quick lunch. However, it seems to be gaining popularity, so head there fast to beat the line!
Starbucks
3650 Rio Rd
Carmel-By-The-Sea
Did someone say Strawberry Acai Refresher? Yes please. Starbucks is the perfect place to grab a quick drink, hot or cold, to keep students awake for their next class. Famous for its seasonal items, right now Starbucks is in the middle of their fall menu, so head on over to grab a Pumpkin Spice Latte! After all, it’s only a five minute drive from campus.
Safeway
5 Crossroads Blvd
Carmel-By-The-Sea
Coming in second place is Safeway! While it may not seem glamorous, Safeway is a popular lunch spot for CHS students because of its variety of food options. Whether students are craving chicken tenders and fries, some grab-and-go sushi or even just a bag of chips, Safeway has something for everyone.
Chipotle
500 Del Monte Center
Monterey
Nothing makes students more happy than having a fresh bowl or burrito at Chipotle. Located just about eight minutes away from campus at Del Monte Shopping Center, Chipotle is an efficient and reliable way for students to attain a filling lunch that includes all of the food groups. Plus, if you’re lucky, you might even catch Mr. Schmidt, a Chipotle regular!
Honorable mentions include Dutch Door Donuts, Subway, RG Burger, Cafe Luna, Bagel Bakery, Dametra Fresh Mediterranean and Whole Foods. Have a nice lunch!
