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Mary & Robbs Westwood Cafe
Master Critic Reviews (7 Lists)
Mary & Robbs Westwood Cafe
8.1
Mary and Robb's Westwood Cafe is a classic neighborhood diner known for all-day breakfast, stacked burgers, and a warm, white-tablecloth setting that feels more polished than its casual menu suggests. Regulars use the back and side areas for small private breakfasts, casual business meetups, and low-key celebrations that don’t need a sceney backdrop.
Must-Try Dishes:
Combo pancakes with bacon and eggs, Breakfast burrito, House burger with fries
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: A decades-loved Westwood diner where semi-private corners and back tables host everything from family breakfasts to attorney meetings.
Who should go: Locals and groups wanting reliable diner food in a relaxed, semi-private setting.
When to visit: Late breakfast or early lunch before the peak brunch rush hits.
What to order: Combo pancakes with bacon and eggs, a breakfast burrito, a classic burger.
Insider tip: If you’re planning a casual meeting or small celebration, call ahead to reserve the quieter back section so your group has its own nook.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Westwood Boulevard and the adjacent residential blocks is usually manageable before midday; it tightens significantly during weekend brunch hours. No valet service.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable—jeans, athleisure, and everyday wear fit right in.
Noise level: Low to moderate; conversations are easy most of the day, with a gentle uptick during peak brunch.
Weekend wait: They close early, so evening crowds are light; typically no wait.
Weekday lunch: Occasional short waits during the noon rush, but usually seated within 5–10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Solid selection—omelets, salads, pancakes, and several diner classics can be made meat-free.
Vegan options: Limited—some sides and modified dishes, but not a dedicated vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Basic accommodations available, including gluten-free substitutions on some breakfast items; verify with staff for cross-contact concerns.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? It’s better suited to casual meetups than a true first-date setting—warm, friendly, and comfortable, but not particularly atmospheric or romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes. They operate on a walk-in basis, and most groups are seated quickly except during peak weekend brunch windows.
Is it kid-friendly? Very. High chairs, flexible booths, and an easy all-day menu make it ideal for families with toddlers through teens.
Best For
Better for: Relaxed diner-style meals, dependable breakfast classics, and small groups needing a quiet corner without the fuss of formal private dining.
Skip if: You want a polished private-room experience, upscale ambiance, or a menu with extensive dietary accommodations.
Mary & Robbs Westwood Cafe
8.0
Vibes:
Comfort Food Classics
Family Friendly Favorites
Business Lunch Power Players
Brunch Bliss Spots
Open since the late 1960s, Mary and Robb's is a classic Westwood diner with booths, counter seats, and a sprawling menu of all-day breakfast and burgers. It’s a strong pick for informal business lunches, mentoring sessions, or recruiter meetings where comfort food and a low-key setting help people relax.
Must-Try Dishes:
Breakfast burrito, French dip sandwich, Buttermilk pancakes
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 6.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: A decades-old diner where locals, lawyers, and Bruins all share booths.
Who should go: Mentors and mentees who want relaxed, nostalgia-heavy lunch conversations.
When to visit: Late breakfast or early lunch before weekend brunch peak hits.
What to order: Breakfast burrito, French dip, short stack buttermilk pancakes.
Insider tip: Ask for a side booth toward the back for longer, laptop-free talks.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Westwood Blvd and nearby residential blocks; generally manageable on weekdays but tighter during UCLA events.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable — jeans, tees, and business-casual attire all fit naturally.
Noise level: Low to moderate — easy to hold extended conversations, even during peak brunch hours.
Weekend wait: Not typically a dinner destination; minimal waits if visiting in the evening.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, though booths may fill during the noon rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — omelets, salads, veggie sandwiches, and breakfast plates are easy to customize.
Vegan options: Limited — a few modifiable salads and sides, but not a dedicated vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Moderate — gluten-free substitutions available for some plates, but no dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you want something extremely casual and low-pressure; it’s more diner-comfort than romantic ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s walk-in only, and daytime seating is usually easy outside of peak weekend brunch.
Is it kid-friendly? Very — large booths, quick service, and a familiar menu make it ideal for families with younger kids.
Best For
Better for: Relaxed, nostalgia-heavy lunches where comfort food and conversation matter more than presentation.
Skip if: You want polished ambiance, chef-driven menus, or a setting that feels more formal than classic diner comfort.
Mary & Robbs Westwood Cafe
7.8
A longtime neighborhood diner serving hearty American breakfast, brunch and lunch plates in a comfortable wood-paneled space just off the UCLA zone. Known for friendly service and generous portions.
Must-Try Dishes:
Buttermilk Pancakes, Santa Fe Scramble with turkey sausage, avocado, Classic Veggie Burger with Mediterranean salad
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 8
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 7.6
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 7
What makes it special: Reliable diner for breakfast-through-lunch with locals and students.
Who should go: Families, students, casual brunch outings.
When to visit: Weekend brunch around 9–11 a.m. to avoid line.
What to order: Buttermilk Pancakes, Santa Fe Scramble, Veggie Burger.
Insider tip: Street parking is easiest before 9 a.m.; after that meter zones fill quickly.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking on Westwood Blvd and side streets; easiest before 9 a.m. and between late morning and early afternoon. Lots fill quickly on weekends.
Dress code: Casual and relaxed—athleisure, jeans, and campus-wear all fit the room.
Noise level: Moderate during peak brunch but still workable for conversation; quieter on weekday mornings.
Weekend wait: Not applicable—they close before dinner service.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal wait; brief 5–10 minute queue during the noon rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several options including omelets, salads, veggie burger, pancakes, and sides.
Vegan options: Limited—customizable toast, fruit plates, and certain scrambles minus dairy, but no dedicated vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: A few adaptable items (scrambles, salads); no gluten-free pancakes or bread.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Suitable for a low-key, casual daytime date where comfort and conversation matter more than ambience; not ideal for a romantic setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins only. Arrive before 10 a.m. on weekends to avoid the brunch queue.
Is it kid-friendly? Very. High chairs, flexible seating, and familiar breakfast items make it well-suited for families with children of all ages.
Best For
Better for: Consistent diner-style breakfasts, friendly service, and generous portions at student-friendly prices.
Skip if: You want upscale brunch, specialty coffee, or a trendy ambience—this is a classic neighborhood café.
Mary & Robbs Westwood Cafe
8.1
A Westwood institution since the mid-20th century, Mary & Robbs is a classic diner known for all-day breakfasts, big portions, and a long menu of omelettes, scrambles, and burgers. Service can be a little old-school and timing varies, but the history and regular crowd give it a neighborhood-comfort feel you don’t get from chains.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chili Omelette Supreme, Buttermilk Pancakes, Reuben Sandwich
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.2
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Midcentury diner mainstay serving all-day breakfasts and classics since the 1950s.
Who should go: Neighborhood regulars, families, and UCLA grads feeling nostalgic.
When to visit: Weekend breakfast before nine or midafternoon to avoid peak waits.
What to order: Chili Omelette Supreme, Buttermilk Pancakes, Reuben Sandwich.
Insider tip: Ask about daily specials; longtime servers often steer you well.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Westwood Blvd and surrounding residential blocks; generally manageable before 9 a.m. and after 2 p.m., tighter during peak weekend brunch hours.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable; classic diner atmosphere where shorts, tees, and athleisure are all common.
Noise level: Moderate—family chatter and clattering plates, but still easy to hold a normal conversation.
Weekend wait: Dinner isn't a peak period here—typically no wait except during UCLA events.
Weekday lunch: Often minimal wait, though the room can fill for office lunch rush between 12–1 p.m.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Solid selection—omelettes, scrambles, salads, and customizable breakfast plates.
Vegan options: Limited—some sides (hash browns, fruit, toast without butter), but most mains rely on eggs or dairy.
Gluten-free options: Moderate—omelettes, scrambles, and basic plates can be adapted; no dedicated gluten-free bread.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you're aiming for casual and nostalgic. It’s more comfort-focused than romantic, so great for low-pressure meetups but not ideal for a special-occasion first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes. The diner doesn’t take reservations, and walk-ins are standard. Arrive before 9 a.m. on weekends to avoid a wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Very. Families are regulars, high chairs are typically available, and the menu has plenty of kid-appeal staples like pancakes and burgers.
Best For
Better for: Hearty, unfussy all-day breakfast, nostalgic diner energy, and big portions at reasonable prices.
Skip if: You want sleek design, artisanal coffee service, or chef-driven brunch—consider trendier Westwood cafes for a more modern experience.
Mary & Robbs Westwood Cafe
8.3
A midcentury diner turned Westwood institution, Mary & Robbs serves hefty omelettes, scrambles, and burger plates from morning through afternoon. Regulars come as much for the throwback booths and local ownership as for the reliable griddle cooking and bottomless coffee.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chili omelette, Buttermilk pancakes, Chicken fried steak and eggs
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Old-school neighborhood diner with all-day breakfasts and local regulars.
Who should go: Fans of classic American brunch plates and bottomless coffee.
When to visit: Early weekends or midafternoon lulls to skip peak waits.
What to order: Chili omelette, pancakes, chicken fried steak and eggs.
Insider tip: Counter seats are quickest if there’s a line out the door.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Westwood Boulevard and the side streets; spots turn over steadily in the mornings but tighten by late brunch hours.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable—typical diner attire is perfectly appropriate.
Noise level: Moderate during peak brunch with lively chatter; still easy enough to hold a conversation at most tables.
Weekend wait: Not applicable; the cafe closes before dinner service.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal wait, though a short line can form around the noon rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good coverage—omelettes, scrambles, salads, and customizable breakfast plates.
Vegan options: Limited—may require modifications like skipping cheese or opting for toast, fruit, and sides.
Gluten-free options: Some workable options such as egg plates, salads, and protein sides, but no formal gluten-free menu.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? It can work for a casual daytime meet-up, especially if you want something unfussy and classic, but it’s not ideal for a romantic or stylized first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—Mary & Robbs does not take reservations. Arriving earlier on weekends or during midafternoon on weekdays gives you the best chance of walking right in.
Is it kid-friendly? Very—plenty of space, kid-appropriate menu items, and a relaxed diner setting that works well for families with children of any age.
Best For
Better for: Classic diner comfort, reliable griddle cooking, and generous portions in a nostalgic neighborhood setting.
Skip if: You want a trendier brunch, lighter health-oriented dishes, or a polished ambiance suited for special occasions.
Mary & Robbs Westwood Cafe
8.6
Vibes:
Comfort Food Classics
Family Friendly Favorites
Brunch Bliss Spots
Business Lunch Power Players
A classic Westwood diner dating back decades, Mary & Robb's loads its steak fries, waffle fries, and tots with chili, Reuben toppings, and diner-style gravies. Locals treat it as the neighborhood standard for hearty, fork-and-knife fries alongside burgers, patty melts, and all-day breakfast plates.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mary & Robb’s Rueben Fries, Chili Cheese Waffle Fries, Chili Cheese Tater Tots or Fries
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Old-school Westwood diner piling serious toppings onto steak fries, tots, and classic comfort plates.
Who should go: Students, locals, and families craving hearty fries-centric comfort.
When to visit: Weekend brunch or early dinner before peak dinner rush.
What to order: Mary & Robb’s Rueben Fries, Chili Cheese Waffle Fries, patty melt.
Insider tip: Ask for extra thousand island or ranch on the side for dipping those loaded fries.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Westwood Blvd and neighboring residential streets; typically manageable before 6pm but tougher during peak UCLA hours.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable; jeans, tees, and everyday wear are fully appropriate.
Noise level: Moderate — lively diner hum but still easy to hold conversations at most tables.
Weekend wait: 15–25 minutes depending on student traffic and game days.
Weekday lunch: Usually little to no wait, even during the noon rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several solid options including salads, omelets, loaded tots without meat, and customizable plates.
Vegan options: Limited — some sides and salads can be adapted, but toppings and gravies often include dairy.
Gluten-free options: A handful of options like eggs, salads, and certain grilled items, though the environment is not gluten-free due to shared fryers and prep areas.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for casual hangouts than romantic first dates; ideal if you want low-pressure comfort food and conversation without pretense.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it's walk-in only. Tables turn quickly, especially at lunch and early dinner, so waits are rarely long.
Is it kid-friendly? Very — friendly staff, booster seats, and a menu full of fries, breakfast plates, and simple comfort dishes that appeal to kids of all ages.
Best For
Better for: Loaded fries, nostalgic diner plates, and hearty comfort meals served fast without the wait times of trendier Westwood spots.
Skip if: You want gourmet fries, a plant-forward menu, or a quiet setting for a special-occasion dinner.
Mary & Robbs Westwood Cafe
7.8
Vibes:
Comfort Food Classics
Family Friendly Favorites
Business Lunch Power Players
Hidden Gems Heaven
Mary & Robbs is a long-running neighborhood cafe south of Wilshire where all-day breakfasts, classic burgers, and patty melts share space with diner staples. Regulars treat it as a homey fallback for straightforward, well-seasoned burgers in a relaxed, family-friendly room with sidewalk seating.
Must-Try Dishes:
Classic cheeseburger with lettuce, tomato, and toasted bun, Beyond Burger with toppings for plant-based diners, Patty melt on griddled rye with onions and cheese
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 6
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: A long-standing cafe serving classic diner-style burgers alongside breakfast favorites.
Who should go: Locals wanting comforting burgers in a relaxed, family setting.
When to visit: Weekday lunches or early dinners before peak family crowds.
What to order: Cheeseburger, Beyond Burger, patty melt with fries.
Insider tip: Ask for patio seating when the weather cooperates for people-watching.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Westwood Blvd and adjacent residential blocks; typically manageable outside peak meal times.
Dress code: Casual and relaxed; everyday attire is completely appropriate.
Noise level: Low to moderate—easy to hold conversations, even during busier weekend brunches.
Weekend wait: Usually minimal; 10–20 minutes during peak family hours.
Weekday lunch: Generally no wait, even at the height of the lunch rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good variety—salads, veggie omelets, and a Beyond Burger option.
Vegan options: Limited—Beyond Burger can be customized, but most items require modifications.
Gluten-free options: Some items can be adapted (salads, protein plates), but no dedicated gluten-free menu or prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for casual meetups than romantic first dates—it's homey, friendly, and low-pressure, but not particularly atmospheric.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—reservations are not typically needed. Walk-ins are standard and seating is usually available quickly.
Is it kid-friendly? Very—families frequent the café, and the menu includes plenty of approachable options for kids. High chairs and roomy sidewalk seating help accommodate strollers.
Best For
Better for: Classic diner-style burgers, comfort breakfasts, and a relaxed, neighborhood feel that’s hard to find in the busier parts of Westwood.
Skip if: You want a trendier, elevated burger experience or a lively ambiance—this is more of a calm, old-school café.