Allmusic awarded the album 4½ stars, with its review by Al Campbell stating: "All compositions are Weston originals and feature a strong African thematic influence. The 25-minute heated finale is the percussion laden 'African Cookbook,' in which everyone contributes strong and inspired soloing".[2] The JazzTimes review by Bill Shoemaker said: "In a program containing some of Weston's most well-loved compositions Monterey '66 reveals the working of one of the great unherealded bands of the '60s and the sublime chemistry that existed between Weston and Booker Ervin".[3]