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Rae's Restaurant
Master Critic Review
Rae's Restaurant
7.8
Vibes:
Comfort Food Classics
Family Friendly Favorites
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Authentic 1950s diner serving classic American breakfast in turquoise-blue retro setting since 1958. Red leather booths, counter seating with griddle views, and old-school hospitality define this local institution where housemade biscuits and gravy, giant cinnamon rolls, and hearty breakfast combos come at remarkably affordable prices.
Must-Try Dishes:
Biscuits and Gravy, Hobo Breakfast, Fresh-Baked Cinnamon Rolls
Scores:
Value: 9.2
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Genuine 1950s diner with 66 years of local history
Who should go: Anyone seeking authentic diner experience and great value
When to visit: Weekday mornings to avoid weekend lines, opens 6:30am
What to order: Biscuits and gravy, hobo breakfast, cinnamon rolls
Insider tip: Sit at the counter to watch the cooks work the griddle
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free street parking available on Pico Blvd and surrounding streets, usually easy to find. Small lot adjacent to restaurant fills quickly on weekends.
Dress code: Pure casual - workout clothes, flip-flops, pajamas all acceptable. This is a no-judgment diner zone.
Noise level: Lively diner buzz - expect clattering plates, griddle sounds, and morning chatter. Good for casual conversation, not intimate talks.
Weekend wait: Closed for dinner - breakfast and lunch only until 3pm
Weekday lunch: 15-20 min wait typical 11:30am-1pm, otherwise minimal to no wait
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - standard diner options like veggie omelets, pancakes, French toast, grilled cheese. Nothing innovative but solid basics.
Vegan options: Very limited - can accommodate with dry toast, hash browns (confirm cooking oil), fresh fruit. Not the ideal spot for plant-based diners.
Gluten-free options: Limited - no dedicated prep but can do egg dishes without toast, fruit plates. Cross-contamination likely given tight kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you both love retro diners and casual vibes. The counter seating is surprisingly date-friendly for morning coffee meetups, but the fluorescent lighting and diner bustle aren't romantic. Better for second or third dates when you're comfortable being real with each other.
Can I get a table without a reservation? They don't take reservations - it's pure walk-in. Weekdays are easy, but Saturday/Sunday mornings expect 20-40 minute waits between 9am-11am. Arrive before 8:30am or after noon to walk right in.
Is it kid-friendly? Extremely kid-friendly - high chairs available, crayons provided, and staff is patient with little ones. The diner noise masks kid sounds, pancakes are huge and cheap, and the retro vibe fascinates children. Perfect for ages 2-12.
Is this worth it for tourists? Absolutely if you want authentic LA diner culture over Instagram-worthy brunch. This is where locals have eaten for 66 years - zero pretense, real prices, genuine neighborhood vibe. Skip if you need craft coffee or avocado toast.
How's the coffee? Classic diner coffee - unlimited refills, always hot, nothing fancy. If you need oat milk cortados, go elsewhere. If you want bottomless drip served by someone calling you 'hon,' this is your place.
Best For
Better for: Authentic diner nostalgia, unbeatable breakfast value (under $15 for massive portions), genuine local character, solo dining at the counter, families with kids on a budget, hangover recovery food, early morning starts (6:30am opening).
Skip if: You want modern brunch cuisine, need vegan/GF options, seeking Instagram aesthetics over authenticity, prefer quiet refined atmospheres, or only have time for quick in-and-out service on weekends.