Rae's - Santa Monica

This restaurant offers a delightful experience of classic comfort food in an old-school diner setting, which feels surprisingly rare these days. The menu is filled with hearty options at reasonable prices, and the service is warm and welcoming. This isn’t a franchise joint; it has the charm of a true diner. I enjoyed a breakfast that was exactly what I was craving—it was a fun and satisfying meal.

The coffee is standard diner fare, but it flows freely. The pancakes aren’t memorable, and the eggs can be a bit greasy, while the chili definitely needs a kick from Tabasco sauce. The bacon, however, is crispy and satisfying, and I recommend ordering the potatoes and hash browns well-done. The real highlight is the french fries, which are unexpectedly light, crisp, and airy even though they are thick-cut. While the food may be unremarkable and serves its purpose as typical diner fare, that's not the main draw of Rae’s. You come for the enticing smell of bacon, the comfort of the vinyl booths, the leisurely indulgence of a long breakfast, and the coffee that never cools down. You come for the experience that is Rae’s, and it never fails to deliver.

Fantastic spot for breakfast!