Rae's Restaurant...workingman's breakfast to soothe the soul

2901 Pico Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA 90405
(310)828-7937
Daily 5:30AM-10:30PM

When I was growing up on the East Coast we had (and they still do for that matter) diners that served up food that was super inexpensive and packed with people who know that diners should never cost a lot. These people weren't cheap but they knew that there's no reason to throw away hard earned money. Rae's Restaurant has been around since 1958 and has seemingly stuck to being a diner of the old school. God bless them for it.

You won't see too many places like Rae's left in LA. They're around but you have to really look hard for them. Sure you could say Norm's is like it, but they don't have the magic like Rae's. The magic isn't in the orange cushioned booths or the long counter with it's monochromatic blue chairs. It's more like the place is just a living entity that houses all the good that people have brought in with them over the years.


While they do offer lunch and dinner as well, breakfast is really what diners are all about and this one is no different. The breakfasts here shine (not just from grease) and have prices that would stun LA. Here's a snapshot of their Hobo Breakfast that has a ham steak, 2 sausage, 2 bacon, 2 eggs and a 3 stack of hot cakes...and the staggering price? $6.25. If you think it looks good, it tastes even better. Their griddle is old and all the years of use have likely added to the killer taste of the meats and the consistency of the pancakes being what they are. It's a hearty breakfast for one or a lighter breakfast for 2 that will have you thinking about when's the next available time you want to go out for breakfast.

We grabbed some of their biscuits and gravy last time we went specifically cause I wanted to show you their simplistic and yet terrifying beauty. Behold. Oh and the price...$1.85.

Though we went for breakfast, we grabbed a shake, cause dang it...lactose intolerance is for wimps (and for people who can't smell). Their shakes are smoothe and tall with lots of chocolate but not on overkill thankfully (so many shakes are ruined tasting like melted chocolate syrup soup).

Their 2+2+2 (2 eggs, 2 bacon or sausage and 2 hot cakes) goes for $4.50. They have a Bacon Tid Bit Waffle that has bacon bits in it (fresh bacon bit from the grill...waste not want not I always say). Their lunch time burgers stack up well to most burger stands in LA. They are always packing people in, and though a line is never unusual to see, the turnaround is super fast. Heck, as far as diner's go, this is one place I'm proud to eat at.

Free Drink Refills: You bet
Entree Price Ranges: Breakfasts cost from $4 to $6.50, burger plates for lunch $3.25 to $6.25, dinner specials are $8 but they have steaks that only top out at $10.50 for filet mignon.

Buddha's Belly

7475 Beverly Blvd

Los Angeles, CA 90036

ph: 323-931-8588

M-Th 12-10pm

Fri-Sat 12-11pm

Sun 3pm-10pm

This is precisely what I'm talking about! Last night I drove around for about an hour and a half in LA looking for a place to eat! I have driven by this place countless times in search of food and thought..."hmmm, looks a little pricey for me right now. For this part of town and having valet...yeah has to be expensive. Maybe I'll catch it some other time." I WAS WRONG!

Let me start by saying the prices are shockingly affordable! The food, which is glorious Pan-Asian, was dynamite! The service was exceptional! This place is deceptively excellent. We had these Albacore andAvocado Spring Rolls that were crafted by masters!

(Had to take a pic with the camera phone)

The Har Gow (steamed dumplings with chinese hot mustard soy dipping sauce) was large and well balanced. Celeste had the Wok tossed vegetables and I had the Ahi Tuna Burger with Sweet Potato Fries. Everything was just great. We'll DEFINITELY be returning there for more of there amazing food.

The staff was friendly and the cooks looked like they love what they were doing:

By the way, we parked on the street and didn't do valet though valet is cheap enough if you want to use it (as can be seen by the top picture).

Free Drink Refills: Yes

Entree Prince Range: $8 to $16 (only one dish was $16 most were way less)