Now I realize that you’re not supposed to go into a diner expecting any kind of pristine cleanliness, and maybe I’ve been spoiled by the big health board letters in every restaurant window, and maybe Swingers and Cafe 50’s set the bar a little high, but my first impression of Rae’s was that it was a little more dingy than I’d like. Usually that adds character to a diner, but in this case I really wanted a Flo-type waitress to come by and wipe the table a few more times.
That said, the service was friendly, the breakfast came quick, and it was top-notch breakfastizing. I got the eggs over easy, wheat toast, and the taters. The toast was buttered, the eggs were perfectly runny, and the taters were fried. In this case I liked the fact that the potatoes were a little overly fried because it prevented me from scarfing them all down in three bites. The coffee was perfect too.
Here are two things to keep in mind: Don’t put your name in, just hop in line.. sure you might feel like an asshole standing there with people staring at you (and they will, what’s up Los Angeles?) but it’s the only way. Secondly, for God’s sake bring cash. They don’t take credit or debit here, and if you come cashless, you’re going to have to make a run over to the Joker where the owner will give you a coldish greeting because he knows you’re there just to use his ATM and not to start drinking before 10am.
In the end, I like this place. If I lived walking distance from here and was a blind man, I’d be a regular.
Rae’s Diner
2901 Pico Blvd
Santa Monica
(310) 828-7937
Cross Street: 29th St.
