Ashley Sector

We went here as fans of the film True Romance. The diner looked just like it did in the film, even the stalls were the same. Not having pie on the menu was the only let down, but the breakfast was lovely and the service was great

What you need to know!

Overall a 5 ⭐️ as I've been going to Rae's for over 30 years and little has changed. The only thing to go for is breakfast. The car park is now a gazebo covered 'patio' area. Expect wobbly tables, fairly indifferent service but also a really good value, old school diner breakfast. I hope it outlasts me! Do I recommend it? YES Will I return? YES Is it good value? YES Price point: $

+1

Darren U

Excellent simple brunch spot. Outside seating option. The staff was accommodating and friendly. Side street parking with pay but worth it. Highly recommend. You will need cash. I will visit again once we are in town again.

Adam A. Z.

Great place for breakfast! 🥞 My first time here at Rae’s and was a welcoming experience…not pressuring nor hassling me but inviting instead! Love the atmosphere here. Lots of regulars coming in who are known by a first name basis and most of the staff have been here for years! You walk in can sit wherever you’d like when it isn’t busy of course…inside, outside patio, or the counter which is where I sat. There is a menu on a whiteboard or they have the full menu which they will give… The pancakes are talked about as being the best so I’m going to try those of course…biscuits and gravy with eggs and potatoes sounds good too so I’m getting that! The food comes out fast. Less than a 10 minute wait and all my food arrived still piping hot just how I like it! The pancakes are very good. Mine were a little burnt on the bottom but good overall..it had a slight bitter taste because of that. Good flavor, fluffy, hot and fresh! oh I do wish they weren’t burnt on the bottom though… The country breakfast, the sausage patty was the standout component on the dish. Salty, juicy, meaty, peppery! That along with the biscuit and gravy…best by far. The potatoes and eggs plain as usual need salt and pepper. How do you eat your eggs and potatoes? Hot sauce or ketchup, salsa maybe? Haha The service was good too…a few people checking on me. Good food, priced right, all in a lovely neighborhood! Definitely a local favorite and now one of mine! Going to come back to try their waffle which looked amazing haha! Love this place. Be back soon!

+1

Selin Sahin

Nice atmosphere, food could be better.. But quality is good for the price…

Jim O

Classic diner. Good coffee, breakfast and inexpensive. Biscuits and gravy deliver enough calories for a week .. for less than a buck. Comfortable seating

+1

Wren Lee

This place has great, classic diner food. There is a bit of a wait since it doesn’t have a ton of seating, but you can sit inside or outside. I sat at the counter. They were super busy, so it took a bit of time to get our order in. I got the pancake egg combo. The pancakes were super fluffy. Overall, it was good.

Brandon Britt Smith (Travelin Smitty)

Rae's hasn't changed in many years. That's probably the best part of visiting this restaurant. This is just a classic west coast diner. Once you sit down and look around you know exactly what's gonna show up on your plate. The staff are friendly and the prices are what you'd expect to pay. If you're looking for quinoa just keep walking. Clarence & Alabama recommend the pie. Bring cash with ya partner....

+1

Miguel Cruz

Really good diner! Probably one of the best diner experiences specially for the price! Would definitely recommend this place. Coffee is pretty bad, but the food is delicious. Nothing fancy or special, but good comfort food. The frecnch toast is my favorite, really well made. The service is great, staff is really nice and attentive. Eggs, potatoes, omelets are all good.

JohNNy HdeZ

When the lady is in charge, everything goes well, (service, food friendly etc..) but when the guy (curly hair) is in charge, he doesn't provide any of those things that makes Rae's different and special, my order was incomplete, I needed to drive back for the rest of my order, and he complaining that I wanted free food, I told him only what I paid for and he gave me attitude and gave me something else that I didn't even order. I just left without saying more. First time I see this guy and not the Lady and first time having this horrible experience

Justin

This is a Santa Monica staple where multiple movies were filmed. the food wasn't horrible but not the best I do have to say the biscuits and gravy were fantastic. service was fast and nice it is cash only.

+3

Gabe G

We have come here multiple times and the food is always inexpensive, good, and comes out fast. However our last visit was quite a disappointment and I don't think we'll be coming back. We had put our name down for 2 people and was told that the wait would be 10 minutes. A group of 4 people arrived after we had waited the 20 minutes and yet they were somehow seated a couple minutes after they came (despite them just putting their name on the waitlist while ours was at the top). We had asked why they were seated first and the front staff said it was because there was 4 of them, and the table was meant for 4 people (even though 2 people were sitting there beforehand). If you come with 2 people expect to be treated lesser than groups of 3/4.

MJ Hansberry

Wanted to love this place being just down the street from us. Great character to the building & interior. Basic diner food which is fine especially at a great price point. Just don’t expect to be wowed by much. My problem is the constant pestering & rushing of the wait staff towards patrons just wanting to relax & eat their food at their own pace. I totally get that you need to turn tables but sweet Jesus you don’t have to literally put down the next customers silverware on our table while we’re still sitting there. After I paid the bill (& tipped well) wait staff chose to ignore us & not take the courtesy to even fill up our coffees, clearly sending us a message to *get the hell out of here, we already made $ off of you*

Hyeyoung Kim

Five years of coming here for convenience—not because the food is special (it isn’t), but because it’s close. What is special is the selective visibility: female customers are optional, male customers get eye contact and service. Today confirmed it. I asked a waitress—card terminal in hand—to let us pay. She suggested I navigate the crowded counter instead. Seconds later, my husband returned from the restroom and suddenly she reappeared, smiling, with takeout containers and the card terminal. Amazing how service improves with a Y chromosome present. I paid, tipped, and left unimpressed. Kindness shouldn’t be gender-specific. If you’re visiting Santa Monica looking for a warm American diner experience, I’d look elsewhere.