Snug Harbor

Excellent fare and vibe, very small retro diner feel, enjoyed breakfast today for my first time there and their menu has at least a couple more dishes I wish to try some day. Bon appetit!

We driven down from the Bay Area with no sleep and manage to find this goldmine of heaven in Santa Monica. We were dead tired but our waitress was awesome. She refilled the coffees, attentive, and the food was awesomely delishes. Cool small restaurant that is a great mom and pop shop feel!! 10/10 Im coming back!

Perfect diner to attend! It’s definitely where all the locals love to go. The service was fast, and friendly. Big portions of food. Daily specials and fresh juices. It’s a little loud, mostly because it’s just an intimate space. We loved our food, and left full and happy :) I got the breakfast sandwich with fries, and my partner got the double patty burger with curly fries! We will be back UPDATE! I visited Snug Harbour again recently and my review does not change! Adding a couple extra photos to my review. My partner and I both had the breakfast burrito with hash browns. I subbed out the steak for vegan Chorizo and my partner kept it original. Both were excellent! The house made spicy salsa is a must! Delicious! 😋

I think this place is an underrated LA gem. It’s a beachy/ basically diner style American restaurant. The food is great and more interesting than the run of the mill breakfast place. They have many different seating options (it was a nice sunny day so we sat on the patio, which has dividers so it felt more private which I appreciated). Our server was amazing, super sweet. I would recommend to anyone who just wants a chill breakfast/brunch.

One of my favorite diners in West LA. It’s a true California diner in the best sort of way and as the name suggests it’s very small, but it doesn’t feel too crowded. They have indoor and outdoor seating as well as counter seating in the front. Parking was easy to find in the neighborhood behind the restaurant, otherwise it will be metered street parking. Our server was extremely polite and very fast with the refills. Also all our food items came out quickly with no errors. They have a lot of great options on the menu, mostly traditional American diner classics. One of my all-time favorite dishes is Eggs Benedict so I wanted to try that for my first time visiting. It was terrific and the eggs were cooked perfectly. We also ordered the Deuces Wild and the pancakes were especially delicious. They were really fluffy and really tasty. We also ordered a biscuit on the side and had that with some fresh strawberry jam and it was a great combo. Everything was honestly really good and made me immediately want to come back for future visits.

Johnny Novo

Do you ever sit in an environment where you wonder how they survived the existential threat of convenience culture? One where it feels almost criminal to be on your phone and that a newspaper is the proper form of media consumption? This is exactly how I felt sitting in a barstool in Snug Harbor. I was back in LA for the Holidays, and was planning to meet with a friend for breakfast. He runs a restaurant and a coffee shop in Venice, so I trust him with my life when it comes to a breakfast recommendation. He texted me "I'm about to put you on this spot that will blow you away. I'm not even going to say anything else, just going to let its game do the talking..." followed by a google maps link to Snug Harbor in Santa Monica. When I arrived, I stopped and stared for a second. The sign has seemingly been untouched since this place opened in 1941, and the "N" in Snug Harbor was leaning noticeably more forward than the other letters. I opened the creaky old door to an environment that has somehow embalmed the 1940s-50s feel perfectly. A front dining area with faux letter booths and barstools, a vintage Coca Cola branded sign where you have to change each individual letter by hand, those thick ceramic coffee mugs where servers come and refill the black gold with a pot every few minutes, etc. I was GEEKED, and locked eyes with my buddy Nick who was sitting at one of the barstools. He must've seen the look in my eyes and said "How REAL is this spot!?" as we exchanged a clean dap. "The vibe is INSANE, but I promise the food is even better than you're expecting..." Inject it into my veins. I was so ready. As we caught up and went down the most random rabbit holes you could ever think of, I noticed a guy in his mid 30s sitting at the bar alone as he was demolishing a stack of buttermilk pancakes just for the love of the game. Whenever I see someone eating alone, I always think they have it all figured out. You can tell someone is secure in who they are as a human being if they are just enjoying a meal alone. As we waited for our food, Nick would comment on things that only someone running a restaurant would notice. "Look at how yellow those eggs are... The way this guy keeps his griddle spotless is next level... Look at how the 2 of them are handling these 7 tickets, they are moving fast but not rushed. They are in a genuine flow-state right now..." I love sharing a meal with someone who sees the world in a totally different way than I do. I learn so much in such a short period of time. Every time I go to a diner, I get the same simple breakfast of 2 eggs any style with bacon or sausage. My girlfriend makes fun of me saying "You always get something you could easily make at home," which is true. But to me, this plate shows the quality of a place and really just gets me back to homeostasis. My steaming plate was filled with very yellow eggs, breakfast potatoes, a whole real sausage that was cooked perfectly, and pre-buttered rye toast. Every bite had me cheesing from ear to ear. The ingredients are much higher quality than a typical diner, and the food is made with the care and love of a home cooked plate. Truly a phenomenal meal to pair with an ambiance that has been untouched by the river of time. I’m obsessed. Places like Snug Harbor have a special place in my soul. IG @johnny.novo Tiktok @jnov__ Substack @johnnynovo

Belly

This diner is just so perfect! The egg spinach hollandaise is beyond delicious! Blueberry pancakes were soooo big, fluffy, and amazing! Service was very friendly and we had no wait for a table and received food quickly after ordering. Will be returning!

Megan Musquiz

Partners on a quest to find best breakfast burrito in LA “this is top 5”. The coffee was good and the hash nice and crispy but soft interior. The salsa for both were great. Service was quick and the atmosphere was pleasant. Patio seating in back and booth and bar inside.

Gabriela Plata

This spot is an absolute brunch gem! ✨ One of the cutest, coziest, and most delicious places I’ve ever eaten at. I finally tried the chicken and waffle for the first time ever (I know, shocking! 😅) — and wow… totally worth the hype! The chicken-to-waffle ratio was on point, crispy, fluffy, and downright scrumptious. The pork sausage gravy.... chef's kiss!💋 The service was just as amazing — super friendly and attentive without hovering, which made the whole vibe feel so warm and welcoming. From the outside it looks like a snug little spot, but there’s actually more seating in the back, so don’t let the size fool you. I left full and happy! This place is definitely rave-worthy! 💯😋✨

Ana Salt

Great place for hangover breakfast lol. we love it. One of the best corned beef hash, delicious. Avo toasts was good

Nicole Fifer

The service was great and with a smile. The breakie was tasty. The place was like old diner charm. That burger on the menu looks so good, we will have to come back for lunch.

Hala Faour

I think this place is an underrated LA gem. It’s a beachy/ basically diner style American restaurant. The food is great and more interesting than the run of the mill breakfast place. They have many different seating options (it was a nice sunny day so we sat on the patio, which has dividers so it felt more private which I appreciated). Our server was amazing, super sweet. I would recommend to anyone who just wants a chill breakfast/brunch.

J W

Excellent fare and vibe, very small retro diner feel, enjoyed breakfast today for my first time there and their menu has at least a couple more dishes I wish to try some day. Bon appetit!

Cristian Carrillo Castillo

We driven down from the Bay Area with no sleep and manage to find this goldmine of heaven in Santa Monica. We were dead tired but our waitress was awesome. She refilled the coffees, attentive, and the food was awesomely delishes. Cool small restaurant that is a great mom and pop shop feel!! 10/10 Im coming back!

T M

Perfect diner to attend! It’s definitely where all the locals love to go. The service was fast, and friendly. Big portions of food. Daily specials and fresh juices. It’s a little loud, mostly because it’s just an intimate space. We loved our food, and left full and happy :) I got the breakfast sandwich with fries, and my partner got the double patty burger with curly fries! We will be back UPDATE! I visited Snug Harbour again recently and my review does not change! Adding a couple extra photos to my review. My partner and I both had the breakfast burrito with hash browns. I subbed out the steak for vegan Chorizo and my partner kept it original. Both were excellent! The house made spicy salsa is a must! Delicious! 😋

Zan Lee

One of my favorite diners in West LA. It’s a true California diner in the best sort of way and as the name suggests it’s very small, but it doesn’t feel too crowded. They have indoor and outdoor seating as well as counter seating in the front. Parking was easy to find in the neighborhood behind the restaurant, otherwise it will be metered street parking. Our server was extremely polite and very fast with the refills. Also all our food items came out quickly with no errors. They have a lot of great options on the menu, mostly traditional American diner classics. One of my all-time favorite dishes is Eggs Benedict so I wanted to try that for my first time visiting. It was terrific and the eggs were cooked perfectly. We also ordered the Deuces Wild and the pancakes were especially delicious. They were really fluffy and really tasty. We also ordered a biscuit on the side and had that with some fresh strawberry jam and it was a great combo. Everything was honestly really good and made me immediately want to come back for future visits.

eriko p

March 2025 Snug Harbor is my GO TO place for American Diner food. The staff all work hard and work well together with a smile! I love their BBQ chicken hash with 2 eggs over easy. YUMMMMM! I also enjoy their sandwiches, Cilantro Chicken: with spinach, grilled mushrooms tomatoes, and more. In fact, everything I have ordered here is tasty! I love love love their burgers! Best burger and curly fries in LA! Come here during the week for their $15 burger+fries+soda, WEEKDAY BURGER SPECIAL. Last week was the first time I tried it and I have been dreaming about coming back. We sat at the counter and saw the guys making our delicious burgers! Is your mouth watering yet? The staff here all work very hard as a team. You can tell they have pride in their work and care about their customers. Today I saw the cook pan fry a ton of onions!!! Oh boy! Snug Harbor is a cute Diner with tasty food open daily from 7am-3pm. Metered parking or if you are lucky, free parking on the side streets, but read the parking signs carefully. Best steak burrito EVER! I ordered on the phone and spoke with Lisa who was very sweet. I placed our order and picked up our Sunrise Burritos within 15 minutes. Easy! This burrito is made with steak, eggs, avocado, pico de gallo and cheddar cheese. This is so filling it can at least 2 meals, depending on how hungry you are! Yay! Update! 6/4/2023 I love Snug Harbor for their good food, nice friendly hard working staff and old time diner feeling. The prices are comparable and actually lower than other breakfast restaurants in Santa Monica, such as Mel's Diner ( more expensive). Sunday morning breakfast at Snug Harbor! The original building has now expanded ( post pandemic) to patio seating! There are two levels to choose from! We sat in the "Middle" section, but next time I might try the upper deck. This restaurant is not wheelchair or walker friendly. There are narrow spaces, and their restroom is tiny, neutral gender. Khadija was the best server! Service with a smile! Our food came out promptly and hot! I ordered from the Mix It Up menu where I chose to have my scrambled eggs , burrito style. My Fiesta was really tasty and when Khadija offered to bring Snug Harbor's homemade salsa, I said YES! Their salsa is so good, with just the right amount of heat. My friend ordered the Chicken and Waffles with the gravy on the side. This way she was able to bring half home for later. She loved all the flavors, except the chicken, fried, was a bit bland I love their BBQ Chicken Hash for breakfast! It comes with 2 eggs on top. This dish has the BBQ sauce with shredded chicken with crispy hash browns underneath with 2 eggs on top!! YUMMMM!!! I have also tried their chilaquilas, which was a chalkboard special, but there was something lacking in that one, but I am glad I tried it. Bottom line, I truly love Snug Harbor as a breakfast diner. The folks there are kind and service is fast! PS, The bathroom is not handicapped friendly. This building is old and the original restaurant is tiny. Today they have expanded the back for 2 levels of outdoor protected dining!

John K

Been here 3 times now and it’s my favorite cute diner in the Santa Monica area. Lots of charm and a great menu. Service is always friendly. Never seen it too busy at all. Recommend the sweet potato hash and pancakes. Specials always look good. Parking usually isn’t an issue even on the Main Street around lunch. I think they have an outdoor/patio area but I’ve only sat at the booth cuz it’s the cutest.

John Harvey

Saw the name and had to come in. This will be the third place named Snug Harbor I've been to! (Lakewood, California & Kearny, New Jersey if you are wondering). The place is really cool inside. Straight out of the 1940s, which is very cool. Okay, I started this review years ago and never finished my draft. I had an opportunity to come back today and am very happy that I did! Sergio took care of my drink order right away and with a smile. He definitely made me feel very welcome here. I started off with a Bacon Bloody Mary. Very tasty and you cannot go wrong with bacon. Delaney took care of my order and was fun to talk to as I had to share my Snug Harbor story with her! Food was delicious. I ordered the corned Beef Hash. The potatos were surprisingly flavorful, and the hash was done just right. Just a bit of salsa, which added some depth. The apricot jam was also great! If you have an opportunity to eat here, you should! Hopefully Delaney is working!

Ciara Che

This is a true gem. A real diner with booths and counter top spinning stools. Great music. Lovey people. Even better menu. Everyone can get something to eat here for breakfast. From the quintessential California breakfast of avocado toast to the luxurious red velvet waffles. 😋 from ham and eggs to Soyriso and goat milk. Truly loved this spot. Worth coming out to Santa Monica for.

Becca

Ordered a hot chocolate and Sunrise Burrito, both of which were very tasty and reasonably priced. The staff and cooks are also incredibly friendly. :)

Lowe Quay Shush

Tasty breakfast sausages. Delicious French Toast. They know how to Poach Eggs Soft- Which is not easy to find. They served in a cup that is NOT filled with the water too. Why is it so hard to drain the cup of water like they rightly do here? Perfection.

Super cute diner aesthetic. Think food is a bit better at a few other local spots 🙈 but the menu has a large variety of options. There is coloring and high chairs for kids.

My daughter and I saw the great reviews on this place so we decided to stop by and try it out. They offer indoor & patio dining. We opted for the indoor dining. When you walk in, the place gives off an old time diner feel; which I love. The staff is very nice and personable. We decided to try their biscuits and gravy, chicken and waffles and their well reviewed red velvet pancakes. The food was tasty. My daughter loved the biscuits and gravy and we both really liked the red velvet. I was just okay with my chicken and waffles. I was not fond of the waffle and I wished the chicken was whole breast of chicken not pounded & breaded down chicken bec it was very dry...the sausage gravy was tasty though. Overall, we would come here again; definitely for the pancakes & biscuits and gravy. I will have fun and try other things on the menu.

Jacqueline Cerniglia Dion

Super cute diner aesthetic. Think food is a bit better at a few other local spots 🙈 but the menu has a large variety of options. There is coloring and high chairs for kids.

Jovic Snyder

My daughter and I saw the great reviews on this place so we decided to stop by and try it out. They offer indoor & patio dining. We opted for the indoor dining. When you walk in, the place gives off an old time diner feel; which I love. The staff is very nice and personable. We decided to try their biscuits and gravy, chicken and waffles and their well reviewed red velvet pancakes. The food was tasty. My daughter loved the biscuits and gravy and we both really liked the red velvet. I was just okay with my chicken and waffles. I was not fond of the waffle and I wished the chicken was whole breast of chicken not pounded & breaded down chicken bec it was very dry...the sausage gravy was tasty though. Overall, we would come here again; definitely for the pancakes & biscuits and gravy. I will have fun and try other things on the menu.

The food is great. Waitress is cute. An omlete with a bagel and coffee and tip $40. The most expensive breakfast in town.

Solid diner coffee. Really fast service. Good portion-size for the price. Would have loved if my breakfast potatoes weren't cold when they came out though. How does one make a fried potato that's both crispy AND cold?

Atmosphere was appealing, service was good; unfortunately that wasn't the case for the food my family and I had ordered Everyone seemed to enjoy their meals respectively as we've been here before and have always enjoyed ourselves! However I decided to try their "chicken hash" which is their play on "corned-beef hash" and it was practically inedible (for me personally speaking). It was just very dry chicken breast with potatoes and the chicken was marinated in something that made it overwhelmingly sweet for me. This place is a nice establishment on the westside, however if you go and see the "chicken hash" on the menu, order something else

Andrew Heric

Atmosphere was appealing, service was good; unfortunately that wasn't the case for the food my family and I had ordered Everyone seemed to enjoy their meals respectively as we've been here before and have always enjoyed ourselves! However I decided to try their "chicken hash" which is their play on "corned-beef hash" and it was practically inedible (for me personally speaking). It was just very dry chicken breast with potatoes and the chicken was marinated in something that made it overwhelmingly sweet for me. This place is a nice establishment on the westside, however if you go and see the "chicken hash" on the menu, order something else