Hi, eldest kidlet 20-something college graduate meeting friends in Monterey CA on a Saturday and then heading out the next morning for Pasadena. Would really like to find a commercial fishing dock with cafe open early for cioppino somewhere in the area.
Planning to take 101, then I-5. That said, could be persuaded to take 101 to San Luis Obisbo, and from there highway 1 to Pasadena for the right food recommendations.
Budget probably up to about $50/person.
Louie Linguine’s. It’s been five years but I still remember a decent cioppino.
The most fabled spot on the West Coast for Cioppino that I know of is Phil’s Fish Market in Castroville.
It’s been a few years, but my memories of the food are fabulous. I haven’t been to the new facility in Castroville, but they were a landmark in Moss Landing.
They open at 10:00 a.m.
And it’s San Luis ObisPo. 
I was just coming here to say Phil’s Fish Market, and you beat me by 5 minutes.
So I guess I second Phil’s Fish Market.
A fellow traveler of good taste! 
In addition to Phil’s, Tognzzini’s Dockside in Morro Bay has a fantastic cioppino; however, it is not on the standard menu, and Morro Bay is definitely out of your son’s way. I would, however, recommend taking the Hwy 101 route rather than I-5; it is much more scenic, only slightly slower, and not nearly as likely to get backed up as any accident or high winds on the Grapevine section of I-5 is.
No cioppino, but Taco Temple (both in SLO and Morro Bay) is worth a stop. He should hit that about lunchtime if leaving Monterey ~0900. If it were open all the way through I’d recommend a run down US Hwy 1 (Pacific Coast Highway) despite the hours it would add but the lower section from Lucia to Dolan Ridge Road is still closed so no such luck. I would recommend at least driving down to Monterey Beach and Pt. Lobos State Park if they have time to burn, even though they’ll have to backtrack up to US 101.
Stranger
The one here in SLO is closed. But a detour to Morro Bay from the 101 is only about 30 minutes there and back.
And the original location [ETA: Of Phil’s, that is. I was replying to @Aspenglow but new posts appeared while I was typing.] in Moss Landing was exactly what the OP described, a commercial fish market right by the docks, that also had a cafe. I haven’t been to the new location either, but it looks more like a proper restaurant.
The OP asked about Monterey, but since it sounds their son will be passing through San Luis Obispo, in that area I recommend Tognazzini’s Dockside in Morro Bay. They’re right be the commercial fishing docks, and source most of their seafood from the local fishermen. And while they’re there they should look for the sea otters swimming around the harbor.
Seriously, I get ninja’ed on Tognzzini’s Dockside, too!?
Ah, me, such wonderful memories! It was one of my favorite places when I lived in that area… so good!
Or if anyone ever wants the Best Hamburger In the World, PM me for directions to Sylvester’s Cafe in Los Osos.
Well, that’s disappointing but not surprising. I only stopped their once and the food seemed to be of the same standard as the Morro Bay shop, but it is kind of difficult to access from SLO.
Stranger
It really was. To the letter.
Preach it! Also, if you don’t want to divert from the 101, there is a Sylvester’s a block from the freeway in Atascadero.
I never went to that one, but they took so long to open a second space, I’m sure adhering to the quality was their foremost concern. I still dream (and drool!) to think of those burgers!!
It’s a single restaurant space surrounded by half a dozen motels, and some genius decided to put in an eatery that doesn’t serve breakfast. Taco Temple has great food but I’m not sure their business sense is up to snuff.
Cool. I knew this place would deliver.
We did a family drive around 12 years ago from Monterey down highway 1, while nice, kidlet isn’t dying to do it again and there is the road closure thing.
Really appreciate the Morro Bay reminder. We drove out on that dock and saw Tognzzini’s Dockside, but couldn’t stop at the time. That’s not even terribly out of the way, and kidlet will easily detour for that dangling reward. And if they go through SLO, not only do they avoid the boringness of I-5, but could also stop at Pea Soup Anderson’s hotel. Kidlet and I have done the drive to LA many a time and Anderson’s Pea Soup is a must stop every time. Not that it is all that good mind you, but it’s become a tradition.
Any other recommendations for Monterey?
The Pea Soup Andersen’s in Buellton is closed.
Stranger
Definitely the cioppino at Phil’s. The new place has a little charm. I’ve been twice. It’s in a historical old school building. You enter in the back, not the front, and most parking is in the back. It’s a very informal restaurant where you order at the cashier by the door, then swing to the left to pick up your drinks, then go back to the right past the cashier and into the dining room to pick your table. Very informal.
But yes the original location had more charm. It closed because its neighbor MBARI is expanding (Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute).
Also +1 for driving down 101. I-5 sucks. If you do 101, then in Nipomo go to Jocko’s for a great ribeye steak sandwich. They’ve been great there for many years.
There’s really no need to detour to Morro Bay, because the towns along 101 have plenty to offer.