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Rutts Hawaiian Cafe
8.2
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Comfort Food Classics
Family Friendly Favorites
Quick Bites Champions
A family-run Hawaiian plate lunch counter operating since 1976 in Mar Vista, turning out scratch-made loco moco, kalua pork, and short rib plates that earned a Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives visit. The format is straightforward — order at the counter, grab a seat in the 30-seat dining room, and let the portions do the talking at diner prices. Fifty years of the same family cooking the same style means you get the same plate whether it's your first visit or your hundredth.
Must-Try Dishes:
Loco Moco Plate, Kalua Pork, Portuguese Sausage
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 7.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Family-run since 1976, serving scratch-made Hawaiian plate lunch that earned a Guy Fieri visit on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives
Who should go: Families and breakfast lovers craving authentic Hawaiian comfort food
When to visit: Weekday mornings to avoid the weekend brunch rush
What to order: Build around the Loco Moco, add Portuguese sausage on the side, and save room for the Hawaiian Bread French Toast
Insider tip: The short ribs are marinated in Rutt's own special Kalbi sauce — order them as a side with any breakfast plate
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Small private lot on the side of the building plus street parking on Washington Place — lot fills fast during breakfast rush, but street spots are usually easy on weeknights
Dress code: Total come-as-you-are diner — flip-flops and board shorts fit right in with the tiki decor and surfboards on the walls
Noise level: Moderate — casual diner buzz with about 30 seats inside, conversation-friendly but not quiet
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Vegetarian Bowl available in three sizes (Jr., Reg., King) with broccoli, carrots, and rice
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? No — this is a casual Hawaiian diner with tiki decor, surfboards on the walls, and a no-frills community vibe. Tables are close together in a small space (~30 seats), and the atmosphere is lively and bustling rather than intimate. Great for a low-key hangout, but not the spot for a romantic first impression.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — Rutt's operates primarily as a walk-in diner. It's described as always busy, but waits are generally short. Weekday evenings (like Monday around 6pm) you can typically walk right in. Weekend breakfast and brunch see the heaviest traffic, so expect a brief wait during peak hours. Calling ahead for a party is an option but not usually necessary for 1-4 people.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — this is a family-friendly neighborhood diner that's been serving the community since 1976. They offer kids food options, and the casual, laid-back atmosphere means nobody will bat an eye at noisy little ones. Breakfast served all day is a plus for picky eaters. High chair availability not confirmed — call ahead if you need one.
Is it good for groups? Manageable for small groups up to about 6. The restaurant is small (~30 indoor seats plus counter stools), so parties larger than 6 would take up a significant portion of the space. Call ahead for groups of 6+ to see what they can arrange. For very large gatherings, they run a full catering operation next door that handles bigger events.
Is there outdoor seating? Yes — they have a covered patio area (an attached hut-style structure) that's the prime outdoor spot, plus a couple of tables out front. The outdoor area is dog-friendly with complimentary water for pets. No heating or climate control confirmed for the patio — best enjoyed in mild weather.
Best For
Better for: All-day breakfast cravings, big Hawaiian comfort-food portions at diner prices, and feeding the whole family without worrying about the bill
Skip if: You want nuanced or complex flavors — some plates lean one-note and need hot sauce or teriyaki to liven up
Hours
Monday7:30am - 9pm
Tuesday7:30am - 9pm
Wednesday7:30am - 9pm
Thursday7:30am - 9pm
Friday7:30am - 9pm
Saturday7:30am - 9pm
Sunday7:30am - 9pm