Cafe 50's Diner - West LA

Loved the interior design and the classic tunes that were playing. Definitely a mini time traveling experience. Food was good and came out in a timely manner. Our server was very nice. Plenty of sitting inside, with minimal sitting outside. Paid parking available in the back and paid meter parking on the street. Prices were fair too. I will definitely be coming here again.

Interesting place with super friendly staff, felt like you are in the US Movie / @50's. Generous portion, tastes pretty good. I ordered spinach mushroom omelette, it's a huge bunch of fried spinach ever seen inside an omelette.

Awesome awesome. Awesome! If you love diners, you’re really going to love cafe 50’s It’s like stepping back in time, and all of the Staff is awesome. Food is delicious.! We went back 4 times on a five day trip🤣

I was excited to try this place. I heard great things but was not impressed with what I got. The place itself was super fun and cool. Lots to look at. Probably a better experience when you dine in. I ordered the tuna melt. On the menu it said rye bread and some other things. This was a basic tuna sandwich on thin white bread. It fell apart while I was eating it. The fries were cold and flimsy. I got the lemon lime pie as well and it tasted like egg. I might try something else next time

Classic diner vibes with great service and friendly staff. The food was tasty — loved the [chicken tenders/lemonade/iced tea — match to your photos]. The atmosphere really takes you back, with fun retro décor that makes the experience unique. Perfect spot if you’re looking for comfort food and a nostalgic setting.

My experience at Cafe 50s was a 10/10 I feel bad for others that might not have had my experience. I was greeted with warmth, smiles and great service. Going inside during the holiday season felt like a big hug. I ordered what I’d consider a sampler plate with waffles,scrambled eggs, & bacon. I know I know sounds basic but boy was it good! The decor is a plus very retro and cute! Good for photo ops & everyone seemed to be getting work done! I would 100% go back

I really enjoy the atmosphere of this restaurant. particularly the charm of the staff. The decor has a unique, nostalgic appeal that adds to the overall experience. The food is quite good, though the portions may be on the larger side. I would definitely recommend it!

I passed by here last week & said I'll be back & rolled through tonight. It was quiet around 830pm & got packed. Maria was our server & she was awesome!!! Food was fresh & good! I couldn't finish my burger! Then I got dessert!! This place is so dope look at my pics

This cute diner was full of delightful ambience. The food was delicious, same with the sundae we had. The service was top tier and seems like a well-warmed family. I would 100% recommend and will be recommending to my family and friends! I will be back here again:)

I came there for thanksgiving!! They have thanksgiving special. Food is so good , the regular all brekafast menu/ lunch menu. Moreover the ambiance! So cute , it's taking you back to 1950s hence it's name I didn't get the chance to try the milkshake but i heard it's a must

It started like any other Sunday lunch. Sun shining. Bell jingling as we stepped into Café 50s, the kind of place that whispers nostalgia and chrome-coated promises. But what awaited us wasn't retro charm--it was a culinary horror story. The coffee arrived first. It looked like coffee. Smelled like coffee. But one sip revealed a bland, soulless brew, like something drained from the bottom of an old radiator. Then came the fries--twice. The first batch was so over-fried and greasy, they practically shattered on contact. We sent them back, something we've never done in our lives. The second batch? Just as bad. Not fries. Charred relics of something that once was food. Then the burger. A soft, soggy bun concealing a patty that was somehow both undercooked and dripping with grease, like it had crawled off the grill halfway through its own creation. We stared at it. It stared back. After providing this feedback to the waiter who was friendly , the manager appeared. She spoke in an apologetic tone, yes--but there was something off in her eyes. The conversation grew tense, like an interrogation under fluorescent lights. No compensation offered. No items taken off the bill. Just our unease growing with every passing second. We paid. We left. We swore to never return. Café 50s, you were once iconic. Now, just a ghost of better days. We hope you find your soul again before more diners fall into the same trap.

This is my favorite local diner! My friends and I always come here on Sunday mornings. I ordered for Togo today and opted for 2 sausages and 1 bacon. They gave me one and half of a sausage :( but I still love it here

They say it's impossible. They say, It. Can't. Be. Done. But I say... Forget about the science. Throw out the laws of relativity. And get ready to travel back in time! Dust off your Letterman jacket, grab your poodle skirt and bring a bag of coins for the jukebox.... Because we are going back to the 1950's!!!! (well, sorta) Established in 1986, Cafe 50's has been a staple 50's-style diner located in West Los Angeles that serves up Classic All American eats and OVER 43 styles of Milk Shakes. @Kelis, It might be your MILKSHAKE that brings all the boys to the yard.... But it's Cafe 50's Milkshakes that brings the BEST SHAKES in Town to the masses. Open EVERYDAY from 8am-Midnight.... There is absolutely no excuse that you can't make it here for breakfast, lunch and/or dinner... Well parking is kinda horrendous, so thats about the only excuse you'll get. But once you land a parking spot on Santa Monica Blvd., put a few of those coins you brought along for the jukebox into the modern day parking meter and go get your Cafe 50's Diner on! Breakfast is served ALL day so don't feel bad if you oversleep or just want to sleep in. And just like a 1950's Classic All American house party, this diner offers homemade deviled eggs. I highly suggest ordering a few of these bad boys for the table to hold you over until your main courses arrive. But even more fun than Cafe 50's classic diner dishes and the milkshakes for days... One of the funnest parts of traveling all the way back to the 1950's especially for the kids... No we won't be reenacting Duck & Cover Drills at the diner for an Atomic Bomb Fallout... I'm talking about the TOYS!!! Yes, Cafe 50's sells toys from the 50's that is sure to bring back some nostalgia for you and some joy to your grandkids. So grab a Diving Submarine, Paddle Ball, Silly Putty or even some Candy Cigarettes and be a kid again! Alright 1950's.... You've been fun, but we gotta get back to 2025 where it's safe before a Nuclear bomb actually drops.... Oh wait, about that. Somebody get me a candy cigarette!

I loved the environment, but the food wasn't the best. We got a salmon omelette and the huevos rancheros I thought it was wayyy too saucy, and just too many tortillas. Service was okay, they took a little long for the food, but they kept checking in to see if we were ready to order.

First timer! You walk in and immediately feel like you've teleported to the 1950's. A lot to see, a lot to read, can spend hours in here. 10/10

This is a great throwback to the era of diners, jukeboxes, and ice cream sodas. The food was great diner fare, but I will have to return to try one of their ice cream desserts

Visited a few times and never disappointed. The service people are a joy and attentive. The 50s theme is as interesting as it is entertaining. The food is delicious and healthy portions. Well worth the money and experience. Warning: After 4 pm, the city can and does tow. Park in the rear for a couple of bucks.

Cafe 50's is a beacon of hope, for those looking for a proper diner. In this day and age, we never see Food of this quality for this price. The Service is superb and attentive, even if you just want to go in for an O.G. Milkshake and sit by the window. The motif and design of the restaurant really help shape the overall ambiance of the meal & dessert. You've gotta give them a shot, what've you got to lose. We go here several times a month. I don't know or recognize some of these other reviews, as they're only focusing on something ill-equipped or being overtly myopic. Go for the food, the service and the ambiance. Esp for when people come into town to visit. This place is a throwback and is close to the beach. It beats Mel's Diner 11/10 times. You pay a fraction for better quality food and a plethora of parking. What else does one need in a legit diner? Go for Gold.

Stopped by Café 50s for lunch and had a really solid experience. Classic diner vibes and great comfort food! I started with a bowl of their homemade clam chowder, which was tasty on its own--but adding a little Cholula hot sauce took it to the next level I also ordered the Fifty/Fifty (half fries, half onion rings), and both were super crispy and satisfying--the perfect diner side. My sister got the bacon cheddar burger, and it looked juicy and packed with flavor. It was pretty packed when we arrived, so we had to wait a bit for a table, but the staff was super friendly and helpful, and the overall vibe was upbeat and welcoming. Definitely a fun, nostalgic place to grab lunch, and I'd go back for sure!

Once you walk through the door you are thrust into the 50's, probably the only time I will travel back in time. The cafe, staff and all of the materials are from the period. The food however, is fresh and tasty with old fashioned service. Prices are reasonable and food delicious. Great salads and sandwiches or if your waistline can handle milkshakes and malts that Cunningham and the Fonzie would love. So grease up your pompadour and bring your Poodle skirted sweaty to Cafe 50's and rock-around-the-clock.

Solid diner! The decor inside was fun, and the staff was friendly. I got the deviled eggs and a key lime milkshake--both were solid. Good choice for a diner experience.

Another memorable and tasty experience at Café 50s Read my previous review for more details on the food, service and ambience. Dine here - you'll like it

I had a traditional cheeseburger and fries and a shake with some friends. Fun atmosphere and decent food. There aren't many diners left on the west side so it's nice to have a place with. Diverse menu in the neighborhood.

Let the amazing Kim & Benjamin serve you a big plate of nostalgic, diner-style goodness. The whole staff is friendly and on point--fast seating, conversation w/ coffee refills, and your check right when you need it. The 50's decor is so good it hurts--literally, my neck from staring at all the vintage posters, magazines, and trinkets covering the walls. It's done right. You really feel like you've time-traveled to a simpler era, at least for the length of a meal. You probably won't finish the big breakfast, but it cost you less than a $20 bill. Plus got a free spinner toy from Benjamin, and Kim gave you a hot coffee refill -in a to go cup!

I haven't ordered here in a while. And I had forgotten that what I like about their Burgers is that you can order it with Sauteed Mushrooms. So when I viewed their menu and saw the Sauteed Mushroom topping, I was very happy. I proceeded to order a Cheeseburger topped with the Sauteed Mushrooms, and cooked Well Done. However, when it arrived, I noticed that it was smaller than it used to be. Moreover, the burger-meat was not Well Done. It was Medium Well only. Two disappointments. But at least the Sauteed Mushrooms was still delicious.

In the middle of other stores, you certainly cannot miss this place. Exterior is bright and welcoming. Memorabilia everywhere from top to bottom. They have an array of milkshakes and malts. 43 shakes and malts to be exact. Anything from your standard vanilla shake to a strawberry cheesecake shake. Delicious! The Rocky Road shake was a blend of marshmallows and creamy chocolate. It reminded me of eating a cup of chocolate pudding. The Hawaiian Tropic Shake was a delight, made with strawberries, bananas and pineapple. The name says it all. I opted for a standard American breakfast. I loved the sausage which wasn't very salty. The French toast had a crunchy exterior and spongy center topped with a dollop of butter. The avocado omelette surprisingly was tasty. The avocado was atop a slice of tomato and muffin and the poached egg with hollandaise laid perfectly on top, with potatoes. It was a great combination for those looking for a healthier version. The Mexican breakfast consisted of huevos con chorizo with diced jalapeño mixed in for a little kick as well as a side of refried beans and tortillas. Lastly, the Banana cinnamon French toast. 4 slices with caramelized banana and a dollop of butter on top. Come in and take a quick step back in time to enjoy the memorabilia, service and wonderful food.

Good food, service, and ambience. If you have any interest in 1950s greasy American cuisine, or just enjoy its artifacts...you'll love this place. Best onion rings anywhere.

Went in the past month to Cafe 50's and had my favorite omelette that came with breakfast potatoes.. I've had this dish for many many years. But the other week, I was served my mushroom and cheese omelette and potatoes DROWNING in oil. Like a lot. Way too much. When I pointed out the pools of oil all over my plate to my server, I was told that it was from inside my omelette. Inside. Not only was that not true but if that had been the case? Um, can you even imagine??? Just ugh. She did offer to replace the entire thing. But I had waited probably 10-12 minutes for her to come by and check on me and finally when she was zooming by me - I just showed here briefly. I had already eaten 1/2 of my food (using napkins to blot). The food, although beyond greasy, was tasty. So no, while I did appreciate the offer, I wasn't going to wait, and then eat another omelette and potatoes. Ambiance is occasionally just as entertaining as my phone (I was on my own). So, IDK what's going on over there but.. Come on now.. Do better.

Good food and cool 50s themed diner. Employees are dressed for the part and we had a good meal before heading down to Santa Monica pier for a show. We also got a peanut butter and chocolate shake at the end for our dessert. The only complaint is that the mashed potatoes were cold when they were served. But the hot gravy on the sandwich made up for it.

This place is absolutely amazing! I love the old school decor. The staff was very friendly and give the best recommendations. They have games to play while you wait. The deviled eggs are a must try. I also ate the mushroom burger with onion rings. I'm definitely going back to try more food and some shakes.

Deviled eggs were sour, not in a good way. The meatloaf was whatever, the gravy could have used some sweetness. The fudge brownie tasted like a normal box mix brownie. Ambience was fantastic if you're looking for a diner experience. I recommend getting a burger if you're coming for dinner.

Get ready to be transported back into time... Literally right on a busy street, you walk into something that's completely different from the outside. A cool diner that gives you the chance to live out your old school diner vibe/experiences. It's not a big space but does pack a major lunch when you walk in. With all of its poster, figures and so on, tour completely transported to the 50s. The bar counter with its tufted seat, the jute box, and of course the soda floats. Menu does pack a major punch. There's plenty of things to choose from. Breakfast is served all day. Portion wise, they're pretty big. Food was great, service was amazing. The staff were all great in their uniform. It's like hanging out right after school. The walls are covered with poster so just staring at them was pretty cool. As well as the music playing, the whole vibe was great.

I have nothing bad to say about this restaurant. The lines outside says it all! The staff is wonderful and very professional. The cooks are great and the food.... Exquisite!

Amazing food and cheesecake! The service was amazing and Daniel was awesome! The environment was a cool idea and it paid off because the place looks great!

I'm such a typical beach person. I hate going past Lincoln to the East, Pico to the North, and Venice to the South. Do I anyways, yes, but ugh. For many decades I went to the Cafe 50's location that was in Venice and I still get sad when I drive by. Somehow I've been a complete IDIOT. No, I didn't know this location existed and I'm so pissed at myself for all the good food I've been missing over the last quite a few years. I love diners, I love diner food, and I love Cafe 50's. Same brilliant memorabilia *everywhere* like the Venice location had and has the jukeboxes as well. I've been twice in the last three weeks since finding it. The first time I had a yummy turkey club with French fries, cole slaw, and a pickle. All so delicious. A couple days ago I went again and had a spinach and avocado omelet. Also delicious. Service both times was amazing but the second time was extra special since the server I knew for decades at Venice was there, Kim, and I love her!!!!! They have a club thing you can sign up for which includes a free birthday meal but it takes a long time to get in the mail, apparently over 4 weeks, so I guess I'll be waiting a year from this month to use it. Even though I have the yellow plastic card they give you, management said that I couldn't do it without the mailed coupon. Kind of a bummer but I'll get over it. There is street parking in front and a very small parking lot in the back.

Service slow food average small portions for what you're paying more ambience than flavor

Street parking out front, not sure if there is a lot somewhere. Extensive menu, nothing special imo. Tons of milkshakes though, which are yummy. For me, I do not need to come back again.

I went there around 6:45pm after attended the taping of Wheel of Fortune with family. It was a very nice experience. Not too busy and was seated in a few minutes. It was my first time and had a hard time deciding what to order. First Orange creamsicle shake, wings as appetizer and bacon burger with b fries. Everything came out in good time and was great I love these things all over the walls and hope to get to come again. They have a gift store, and a working landline pay phone!

The staff is so fun and friendly. There is (paid) parking in the back. There is a super fun vibe with the 50s theme. Wine and cocktails, and breakfast all day. So much to love! Just super disappointed they changed their sourdough to some strange soft spongy no-sourdough flavor bread. The waiter was kind enough to confirm with the kitchen that it was indeed sourdough and not switched with something else. Nope. Oh, well.... Mel's Diner in Santa Monica ain't bad, I guess.

Second time there burger hand done meaning meat hand rolled. My wife had a chicken salad which is plenty.

Oh my goodness this is such a nostalgic treat and a taste treat as well-a feast for the eyes and the mouth. I had the American Bandstand omelette and it was so delicious and fresh with bacon and cheese and it was so big I had to save half for later. The cubed potatoes were cooked to perfection. Even the English muffin was lightly buttered and just perfect. It was so delicious and served so well. The atmosphere is fun with all of the decorations and the memorab on the walls. The staff was very friendly. I will definitely be coming back here and I highly recommend it. Save room for the milkshakes!

This place always has great service and it's always fun. I tried the mocha shake and it was yummy. We all shared a slice of apple pie and in my opinion, I prefer a flakey light crust and smaller apple pieces, my fiancee prefers a more sour apple like granny Smith. Our friend loved it as is. He inhaled the rest.

The aesthetics of this cafe is amazing. The theme is the 1950's. Jukebox's on every table (sadly) they don't work. But this place from top to bottom was a true beauty. Servers are extremely kind and very welcoming! I would definitely come back for their shakes. I got their pumpkin shake and it was amazing.

The eggs were good, but charging 3 to 4 dollars for AVOCADO and get a sad little black amount of guac thats too much. i asked for corn tortillas since im gluten free but i got flour tortillas. i always order from this place but today was not a good day

Fun for kids with the toy dispensers great milkshakes all in all would visit again ! (Bring quarters)

Really awesome experience! This place didn't have much happening on Google, so we took a bit of a chance--and we were happy that we did! The owner, Craig, is SO sweet. Upon both entering and leaving we had a very cheerful conversation. Our server didn't seem as content, but everyone else was great. We only got milkshakes and fries, so it wasn't a super comprehensive tasting, but they were all really good! I got the Peanut Butter Chocolate Cup shake and my friend got the Apple Pie shake. Both were quite good, and tasted very accurate to their descriptions. The restaurant inside is so cool, too! Just a great place to have lunch. Will come back and try more food, for sure! ** Note: the small fries are massive...

Excellent! Fun! Relaxed atmosphere! Great customer service! Clean! We had a delightful time. We got a top (little toy) each of us to play with as soon as we sat down along with our menus. A few minutes later, server came by to offer us some-kind of little trinket (toy) to play with (it curls up).... Sooo fun! And a few minutes later came by again to offer us little sheets for guessing on the Oscars for best pictures, actors, etc. the food was homey (good) and the shake was yummy (nice and thick). I definitively do recommend. parking is a bit tricky. but, do not let that discourage you. there is street meter parking if you are fortunate to get a spot.

I loved this little restaurant! Decoration was so cute!!! The food was yummy! Only bad thing was that my turkey dinner had way to much gravy but still really good, I really appreciate the waiter for asking if I could order a dinner plate even though it wasn't 4 pm yet! BTW our waiter was super sweet, I think his name was AJ ... I loved going and celebrating my b day!!!

I love me some Cafe 50's! This place is a true neighborhood gem. I was in desperate need of some breakfast one Saturday morning so my friend and I took a stroll. Wait time was about +/-10 min around 11am for a table of two. I ordered the eggs+bacon+pancakes and it was exactly what I wanted. All of the staff is extremely helpful and nice and they really go out of their way to make sure you have everything you need. Huge menu with all of your basic diner foods, and a LARGE milkshake list. Love having this spot nearby. Bonus: large menu, lovely staff, fun ambiance Bogus: can't think of anything!

This is such an adorable diner with an authentic 1950s vibe and I can't fault the great service. Everyone that works here is so nice, and I accidentally left my credit card with the bill and they were so helpful getting it back to me. The decor is definitely the best part. They have old 1950s movie star photos all over the walls and a real working phone booth! There's an authentic soda fountain and they make over 45 different exotic and insanely delicious milkshakes; don't forget to check out the full milkshake page on the menu. Their classic malts will take you back to "Happy Days" (remember Fonzie?) and this place is so cute. They offer a deviled eggs special (so mid century!) You can even take a seat at the counter and watch them prepare your food. I had to try a Monte-Cristo sandwich which is probably one of the most fattening things you can possibly order. Roasted turkey, ham, swiss cheese, cheddar cheese on triple layered white bread, dipped in batter and deep fried with a sprinkling of powdered sugar on top and a side of strawberry jam. Garnished with a nice coleslaw. I didn't realize that the Monte-Cristo sandwich was invented in Southern California in the 1950s! This place supposedly makes one of the best ones around. The menu mentions how they make them in Disneyland at the Blue Bayou restaurant.... and I think that's the last place that I've had one. The Cafe 50's version was crispy and fried perfectly, almost like a tempura grilled cheese. With the powdered sugar (optional) and the side of strawberry jam, plus the 2 cheeses and 2 meats, it has a few different flavors mixed in there and it's very sweet and savory. My friend loved her classic tuna melt. They also have very good soups. We tried a creamy clam chowder. There is parking in the back and you can also usually find metered parking in the front or on the side streets. Definitely a great and unique option if you want some '50s nostalgia and classic American food on the west side. Open late until midnight.

Service was okay--our waiter was a little forgetful but incredibly sweet. However, I was shocked to learn that they use microwaves for their food--something Gordon Ramsay definitely wouldn't approve of. My friend ordered biscuits and gravy, but they were stale and hard. The chef even came out to inform us that they were microwaved rather than freshly made, which was disappointing. The shakes, on the other hand, were amazing! Overall, the food was just okay. We had a large group, and unfortunately, I ended up with a stomach ache from the poached salmon, which was not good. If you visit, l'd recommend sticking to shakes, breakfast and burgers--avoid anything else. One major downside was how the staff handled a traumatic situation. A customer rudely shushed a baby and called the mother a bad mom, even though the baby was simply making quiet, cute sounds. The mother ended up in tears. The staff should have stepped in and at least comped her meal, but instead, our friend covered it. I personally spoke to the parents to encourage them because no one deserves to be treated like that. On a lighter note, the decor is cute, and the atmosphere is nice, though the jukebox volume was too low. This spot is great, but there's definitely room for improvement in both food quality and customer care.

I've been driving there for years whenever I'm in LA, every year it seems there is something new to see, but the majority of the staff has been here for over a decade! The item that stood out for me this trip was the coffee, it was really good. I asked and found out they only serve organic wild hand picked beans from Central America and then roasted by the distributor right there on Orange County!

1st off, the customer service is spot on! I started coming to this establishment in 2022 after volunteering at the Los Angeles National Cemetery in support of Memorial Day. It was every Tuesday after. I came in a large group (Monster Energy) and they have always taken care of us. The food is outstanding and priced well. If you enjoy the 1950's, you will not be let down. I still come in from time to time, and will continue to be there every Tuesday after Memorial Day. Thank you for your continued excellent service and food.

This place is great. Everyone is super nice, they accommodate children (coloring, kids menu, Mickey Mouse pancakes, toys they give you etc), The ambiance is like no other. Plenty of Parking in the front off Santa Monica...metered. For an hour it was $1. A+++

Came here on a Saturday around 9pm & was sat right away. I got the turkey burger and it was BOMBB. Service was excellent! I enjoyed the retro vibe with all the posters and ephemera on the wall. I hope LA never gets rid of our retro diners. Can't wait to come back :D

Deviled eggs were good, and the food was ok in general. The vibes are definitely there and we enjoyed the '50s decor. We wouldn't come back only for the food, but to play the jukebox for real. The deep fried toast somewhat lacked flavour, albeit its interesting texture. The 3 egg breakfast was nice, but it's nothing to write home about (Which also means they weren't bad). The milkshake is on the sweeter side, but it was fun to try new things out. Overall, it's worth a visit for its amazing decor and laid back vibes. But the food isn't going to be 'spectacular'. Definitely get the deviled eggs though!

Cafe 50s is a cool, iconic 50s diner in the middle of high tech Uber modern West LA. I enjoyed the 50s atmosphere, food and wall displays. Service is friendly, fast and accurate by manager Justin. The milkshake selection is possibly the biggest in LA. I also like they do late hours until midnight. Recommended for fun and food.