The Serving Spoon is a beloved Inglewood diner celebrated for its all-day Southern breakfast staples, friendly service, and bustling, community-centric vibe.
"The Serving Spoon in Inglewood has been serving the epitome of a Southern comfort brunch since the early ‘80s, and it's still incredible. There's almost always a line of people waiting to eat grits, fried catfish, chicken drumettes, and waffles (our favorite version in town). Trust that the tremendous compilation of deep-fried and golden brown dishes that are named after Black celebrities are worth the wait—as are the adorable husband-and-wife team who own the joint." - brant cox, sylvio martins
"The Serving Spoon could technically double as a soul food spot, but the diner-esque menu leans towards breakfast more than lunch or dinner. You'll find families, big groups of friends, and solo diners who have been coming every week for decades for fried catfish and eggs. Waiting for a table is the norm any time of week, but on the other side are tremendous shrimp and grits, fried chicken drumettes, and our favorite thin, chewy-crisp waffles in town. If you can, snag a seat at the counter, where you’ll be treated to pleasant conversation with the waitstaff." - brant cox, sylvio martins, garrett snyder
"This community favorite has been in the daytime soulful breakfast and lunch business since 1982 and remains family-operated. Weekdays are an ideal time to visit because the weekend wait can test one's patience, especially on Sundays after church. The savory options are endless, like cheese grits with catfish and eggs, collard greens, candied yams, and chicken and waffles." - Mona Holmes
"Opened in 1982 by Harold E. Sparks, the Serving Spoon is a full-service diner serving Southern classics in a brightly lit and energetic room. Today, the restaurant is run by Sparks's daughter and son-in-law. Cookie’s Wings & Waffle combines well-seasoned and expertly fried chicken with a cinnamon-dusted waffle. Also spectacular is the fried catfish, a boneless fillet battered and beautifully browned." - Cathy Chaplin, Eater Staff
"Walking into this classic diner on Centinela feels like entering a secret club at the center of the neighborhood. Everyone is here— families, big groups of friends, and solo diners who’ve come in every week for the last 35 years. “I like the French toast because it melts in your mouth—warm, sweet goodness,” he describes. “I also love their more savory options, like cheese grits with catfish and eggs, or their collard greens. I come here whenever I’m craving soul food.”" - kat hong
