"When it comes to old-school diners, Santa Monica is as sparse and barren as our mini-fridge in college. Options are limited, but at least there’s Rae’s. Eating at this neighborhood treasure feels like a brain massage at 9am. Your butt sinks into a comfy leather booth that probably hasn’t been reupholstered since the ‘60s, they’re quick with coffee refills, and the cooks behind the counter flip pancakes in paper hats. Rae’s menu is big, as are the portions of hearty diner staples, like soft, housemade biscuits covered in hearty gravy, giant fresh-baked cinnamon rolls, and a simple fried egg sandwich on sourdough that doesn’t skimp on mayo." - nikko duren, brant cox, sylvio martins, garrett snyder