Rae's Restaurant
Diner · Santa Monica ·
Old-school diner serving classic breakfasts, chicken-fried steaks
Old-school diner serving classic breakfasts, chicken-fried steaks
"Googie architecture remains a beloved part of the Los Angeles landscape, and this Santa Monica greasy spoon is an archetypal 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." - Rebecca Roland
"A vivid robin-egg blue 1950s-style diner on Pico Boulevard that’s been operating for nearly eight decades, it delivered exactly the nourishing breakfast I needed after a long medical visit: a simple plate with an over-easy egg, glistening turkey sausage rounds, and a small dune of steaming griddled potatoes (plus a side of sautéed spinach, but who needs to know about that). Somehow, a mug of black coffee and a glass of orange juice felt like they could heal me more than medicine—probably did." - 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." - brant cox, sylvio martins, garrett snyder
"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." - Eater Staff