Rae's Restaurant

"Googie architecture is a beloved part of the Los Angeles landscape, and this Santa Monica greasy spoon is a perfect example of the style, with its midcentury signage, teensy red booths, and mint green and blue color scheme. Westsiders flock here for affordable waffles, hot cakes, omelets, and breakfast specials, like buttermilk biscuits with gravy." - Cathy Chaplin, Eater Staff

"Welcome to 1958 and have a seat at the counter of this little turquoise time capsule of a diner. It’s the real thing and it’s been that way, like, forever. You’ve probably seen Rae’s in movies like Lords of Dogtown and True Romance - just don’t tell anyone. Get there early for some homemade corned beef hash and eggs, biscuits and gravy or Huevos Rancheros. In LA’s youth-obsessed culture, Rae’s reminds us that there’s history here - and it’s tasty. Cash only, baby." - TRÜF

"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

"When it comes to old-school diners, options in Santa Monica are as sparse as our mini-fridge in college. 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." - Sylvio Martins

"Santa Monica’s enduring roadside diner could be the most picturesque place in the city to dig into a plate of fried bacon, eggs, and fried country potatoes. The beautiful turquoise paint, formica countertops, and friendly service just complete the diner feel. Just remember it’s cash only, like it’s still the 1950s." - Eater Staff