Kafe K

304

397

1478

7 months ago

Ordered take out on the way to Day of the Dog event on Main Street Smoked salmon on a bagel with side salad was delicious! The dressing on the salad was tasty and sweet. Everything was delicious! Husband ordered the burrito Kurito. Loved the spicy kick to it! Service was excellent and pickup was quick! Would definitely return! read more

Helpful 1

Thanks 2

Love this 1

Oh no 0

Eugene C.

236

398

25

3 months ago

Probably the best Americano I've ever had. I'm used to an Americano that is a lot more watered down. I got a double shot Americano and it was almost like a very large espresso. The flavor was perfect. Rich and bold without excessive bitterness. I asked for a splash of soy like I normally do with Americano or drip to combat any bitterness. They actually made a small pot of frothy soy milk on the side (no additional charge). But I really didn't need it or sugar because the Americano was so smooth. They also gave me a few chocolate almonds to munch on. Didn't need it but the gesture was appreciated. i definitely felt good vibes from the people here. Will definitely be back. read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Tiffany K.

1093

1545

1242

1 year ago

Loved this gem of a casual sidewalk cafe with reasonable prices. I liked the planter boxes so much that I am going to replicate this look chez moi! Opted for the poached eggs ($17) that came with two eggs, cheese on bread, tomato, avocado, red onion, pesto sauce, and salad topping. The owner adds a personal touch and provided great service. I dig their brewed coffee too, you can tell it is quality! read more

Kafe K - Lots of seating outdoors - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Santa Monica, California

Helpful 10

Thanks 3

Love this 8

Oh no 1

Erinn Alissa S.

0

5

0

3 months ago

Ah, this place is amazing! The BEST coffee, great food, and above all, the kindest owners/servers/coffee makers. It's a lovely neighborhood, feel at home vibe, which sure beats the corporate place down the street. Let's support local businesses. read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

alina

0

19

56

7 months ago

The coffee tasted great and the set up was lovely. The chicken Panini and egg white sandwich were both a nine out of 10 and tasted delicious and light, not too greasy. The service was nice with a nice ambience. read more

Kafe K - Egg White Sandwich - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Santa Monica, California

Kafe K - Chicken Panini - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Santa Monica, California

Kafe K - Coffee - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Santa Monica, California

See all

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Cynthia H.

133

506

2316

2 years ago

Nice neighborhood cafe spot in Santa Monica and a short walk from the beach. Great meeting place for coffee or food with indoor and outdoor seating. I ordered the Open Sandwich, which is fresh mozzerella, tomato, avocado and pesto on a baguette. Overall the sandwich was delicious and fresh. If only they had a cafe like this in DTLA. read more

See all

Helpful 1

Thanks 1

Love this 1

Oh no 0

Marcie M.

0

168

7

5 months ago

Chris will make you the best matcha ever !! Had mine with almond milk. Delish. And a super cute space read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Nicole R.

2

60

61

1 year ago

Kafe K is a hidden gem on Main Street! I'm grateful to have it so close to the office. The salads and soups are great and every sandwich we've had has been a hit. Highly recommend for a quick lunch! read more

Business owner information

Aleksandra K.

Dear Nicole!…

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Sanela S.

63

263

3764

2 years ago

Small café with a nice variety on the menu. The food was good and the service was great. The margherita pizza (7/10) was more like a regular cheese pizza; it didn't have the fresh mozzarella, just regular cheese on top. With that said, it was still a tasty pizza. The crust was SUPER thin, like a tortilla, but still managed to be nice and crispy. I highly recommend the fresh lemonade. 9/10 I used my Yelp check-in to get the lemonade instead of the beer/wine which they were offering, and they were happy to accommodate. read more

Kafe K - Margherita pizza, pretty good. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Santa Monica, California

See all

Helpful 1

Thanks 1

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Cat C.

0

8

6

1 year ago

Delicious healthy food and amazing service. The owners are kind and hardworking. My boyfriend and I stop by here every time we're in Santa Monica. Love the aesthetic and the music they play here. read more

Kafe K - Chicken Panini Avocado Toast Latte - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Santa Monica, California

Kafe K - Latte - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Santa Monica, California

See all

Business owner information

Aleksandra K.

Thank you we are looking forward to see you back at our place!

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Desi S.

0

6

1

1 year ago

Food 5/5 Service 5/5 Ambiance 5/5 The husband and wife duo along with server Chris really provide such warm and excellent service. A true local vibe, non-corporate feel-at-home experience. Main Street gem. read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Mary T.

Elite 25

964

138

111

1 year ago

Lovely cafe that we stumbled onto after an early morning beach walk. Most delicious and fresh coffee served from huge cup and saucer sets. A beautiful and gracious proprietor. My sister loved her breakfast. Thank you for a delightful repast! read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Janette W.

322

1185

586

2 years ago

We got off an early morning flight to LA and needed to find a spot to do work for a few hours. Kafe K is the perfect place to chill or knock out a few emails. They have a great coffee and drink selection so I was able to get all my beverages in. I had the omelette with bacon, feta and tomato and it was just the perfect breakfast. Props to the nice outdoor seating and even nicer staff. read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

J B.

0

1

11 months ago

Oh, Kafe K! There are not enough stars in the world for you! The beautiful friendly owners, the fantastic food, the welcoming atmosphere. What else could you want?! Check out Kafé K for the best Santa Monica coffee, food, and vibes! read more

Kafe K - Chocolate cheesecake is divine! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Santa Monica, California

Business owner information

Aleksandra K.

Dear J B!…

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Hannah O.

Elite 24

560

22

75

2 years ago

Wow, I'm so glad I discovered Kafe K! There are tons of gluten free options, but beware gf bread is in a shared toaster so if you're celiac like me, it's not recommended. The owner was so nice & accommodating and said he could still do something with bread for me but not toast it; it just wouldn't taste as good because it wouldn't be warm. I decided to go with an omelette, and I asked if he could sub the bread for fruit and he said no problem! I looked to the right and saw GLUTEN FREE MADELEINES. I've been gluten free for 11 years now and have never seen or had one...I almost teared up! It was very yummy and the omelette was yummy too. I sat on the patio which is so cute and I loved people watching on a nice sunny day. Great experience and I'll definitely be coming back! read more

See all

Helpful 0

Thanks 2

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Heather B.

11

97

39

3 years ago

The food at Kafe K is so yummy! I couldn't decide what I wanted for brunch so I ordered both the Margherita pizza and the poached eggs with a mimosa :) My husband ordered Capricciosa pizza and the Blackberry Power smoothie and enjoyed them both as well. The couple that runs this place is very sweet as well. Thanks for the complimentary Kombuchas!! The next time we are in Santa Monica for brunch, we'll come by! read more

See all

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 1

Oh no 0

Heidi C.

0

5

4

10 months ago

Service and kindness goes a long way. Needs improvement. Employees act too busy to even look you in the face when they're speaking to you.

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Charmain C.

0

9

0

9 months ago

Like Renee Zellweger said to Tom Cruise in Jerry Maguire, "You had me at hello," KAFE K had me at the first bite! Their food is uniquely delicious! The seasonings immediately arrest your taste buds. I took KAFE K menus to work at the nearby courthouse, brought breakfast to couple co-workers and after the first bite they were raving about how delicious the food is telling me they are going there. Owner Nino is very nice as well as the workers. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND KAFE K to everyone. They have a great setup, worth the trip, worth the meal! Don't doubt, GO EAT!!! Watch out, they'll make a regular customer out of you! Happy & thankful customer Charmain Campbell read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Elisa G.

3501

3346

15240

5 years ago

2.5 stars This place is popping on a Sunday morning on July 4th, 2021. The owner seems overwhelmed and not thrilled to be here. The açaí bowl is $15. They are out of pitaya. So crowded full of bicyclists and kids. I miss social distancing!! Lol. I waited 31 minutes for my soupy açaí bowl and it was definitely unimpressive. The gluten free granola was hard and the açaí was runny and goopy. The blueberries were few and far between. I am surprised at all the good reviews. After waiting 31 minutes, the owner and his wife kind of apologized, more her than him. read more

Kafe K - Sidewalk - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Santa Monica, California

Kafe K - Bars - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Santa Monica, California

Kafe K - Açaí Soup - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Santa Monica, California

See all

Business owner information

Aleksandra K.

Dear Elisa,…

Helpful 15

Thanks 0

Love this 9

Oh no 0

Mary Kay K.

2174

136

300

2 years ago

Delicious food, little cozy breakfast, lunch place. Family owned. This was my first time, I'll definitely be back.

Helpful 0

Thanks 1

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Carol O.

0

23

3

11 months ago

Love the avocado toast, especially. Staff are really nice, too. Especially Nino, the owner

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

cynthia b.

0

4

0

1 year ago

Kafe K, consistent great service. I've only gone in for breakfast & chai! So Good! Thank you for being apart of my morning routine!

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Darryl W.

0

166

269

2 years ago

Great spot for lunch, excellent food, service and a nice outdoor patio. We had the spinach quiche, cup of zucchini soup, 1/2 of turkey panini with a salad. read more

Kafe K - Spinach quiche - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Santa Monica, California

Kafe K - Cup of zucchini soup, salad and turkey panini - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Santa Monica, California

See all

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Shecrise J.

290

174

356

3 years ago

Customer service is superb, inside is bistro vibes. I loved to see the owners inside. Food was delicious all around, walked her while my vehicle was getting tinted. Great place to stop and recharge. #MelaninFriendly read more

Kafe K - Turkey Panini Sandwich - delicious - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Santa Monica, California

Kafe K - Acai Bowl - delicious - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Santa Monica, California

Kafe K - Pepperoni Pizza w/ jalapeño - delicious - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Santa Monica, California

See all

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Pamela L.

90

96

3

2 years ago

Extremely friendly people, good coffee, great pastries just an all-around worthwhile stop in your day And they are dog friendly! read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Mihal F.

13

155

26

4 years ago

Boo. I knew as soon as we sat down that this was the type of place that looked like a health food spot online but in reality was just trying to be a tourist attraction. It's insanely overpriced. $18 for an anemic bagel with one strip of lox. The oatmeal was insanely sweet. The coffee was mediocre. I regretted the decision as soon as we sat down. But regretted it even more when our food came. The regretted it again once the bill came. read more

Business owner information

Nino K.

Thank you for taking the time to leave us this review. We appreciate…

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 1

Oh no 0

Jill M.

13

344

435

3 years ago

Very nice employees! I sat inside, but there is also outside seating. I had a very yummy Margherita pizza and a cup of coffee. Their desserts looked delicious, but I was too full. I will definitely be going back! read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 1

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Albert K.

663

1697

31651

4 years ago

Good coffee. Good almond croissant. Nothing mindblowing, but got the job done. Quite a few seats outside. read more

See all

Business owner information

Nino K.

Albert, thank you for taking the time to leave us a review! We are so…

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Francine M.

0

11

0

1 year ago

Their "open sandwich" is best sandwich in Santa Monica. Fresh and delicious. Try it. Plus the owner and staff are friendly and efficient. I've become a definite repeat customer. read more

Business owner information

Aleksandra K.

Thank you very much for recognizing our quality of products and…

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Peyton W.

0

28

15

1 year ago

Literally the worst matcha I've ever had. My friends latte was super watered down too. I asked the guy if it was high quality matcha and he said "I love matcha it's organic ceremonial grade" - BS and was straight water, very little matcha, and milk. read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Miss P.

0

110

23

2 years ago

Was looking for a quick breakfast option but lines were long at other place and I ended up here. It seemed more like a sit down experience. I was pleasantly surprised! Ordered the breakfast burrito to go. I had the dogs in the car so asked for an estimate on time so I could pop back in and grab it. The cashier offered to walk it to the car and wouldn't take no for an answer. 12/10 customer service! Burrito was bomb, too. read more

Business owner information

Aleksandra K.

Thank you so much for such a thoughtful and thorough review. We’re…

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Jordon S.

225

230

192

6 years ago

Pretty solid - healthy - breakfast joint. I just did an awesome workout and was feeling motivated. Wanted something healthy and Kafe K hit the spot. I got the avacado toast with a fresh orange juice. Very good. The pulp in the OJ was very prevalent - definitely too much. And one of my pieces of toast was the heel - so that was weird. But as far as taste and service, it was great. read more

Kafe K - Avacado Avocado Toast - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Santa Monica, California

Business owner information

Nino K.

Thank you for the review, Jordon! we hope that you will visit us…

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Sona G.

Elite 23

257

135

653

2 years ago

Whattttt a phenomenal place!!!!! I highly highly recommend this place! Owners and staff are such incredible humans! The service is amazing, food is delicious, the coffee, attention to details. We just stumbled upon this on accident on mother's day, and I'm so glad we did! Will definitely revisit and recommend to all. They are so attentive to children, dogs and generally everyone. read more

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Mark B.

80

25

17

3 years ago

I don't get to Santa Monica often, 2 or 3 times a month and was cruising around looking for a coffee shop where i wouldn't have to pay $15 for parking just to get a coffee and a snack. Found this place, KafeK on accident, so glad i did! It's so good I'd consider a special trip! I really think it was one of the best coffees I ever had, and the Lemon Almond tart was insane. Super friendly service and free parking on a side street just steps away. Love this spot. I'm so glad I discovered it. read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 1

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Danielle M.

336

182

177

3 years ago

Food is great, prices are reasonable (especially for Main Street) and the owner is the nicest human you've ever met. I love to grab breakfast and a coffee to go on the weekends, but the outdoor seating on the converted street area looks pretty serene too. read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Angeles F.

0

11

30

3 years ago

Great brunch! We tried the poached eggs and they were delicious and the smoothies are fresh and delicious too. Great service!! Highly recommend! read more

Kafe K - Organic Poached Eggs - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Santa Monica, California

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Morgan M.

0

17

6

2 years ago

Delicious food. And always a fun atmosphere. If you're looking for a great family owned restaurant with the best food in Santa Monica this is the place to go! 10/10 recommend. read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Nikolai K.

0

6

0

2 years ago

All the food & beverages are so delicious, it's got a lovely ambiance & the service is so friendly & personalized. Everyone there genuinely makes sure you can enjoy your meal to the fullest! read more

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Page 1 of 10

See more reviews

More info about Kafe K

2209 Main St
Ste B
Santa Monica, CA 90405
Directions
(310) 399-6369
Call Now
Order Takeout or Delivery
Start Order
Visit Website
http://www.kafekcalifornia.net

Full menu

Hours

What time does Kafe K open?

Kafe K opens at 8:00 AM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

What time does Kafe K close?

Kafe K closes at 2:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Mon-Sun 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Payment methods

Does Kafe K take Bitcoin?

No, Kafe K does not take Bitcoin.

Does Kafe K take credit cards?

Yes, Kafe K takes credit cards.

Food & Alcohol

Does Kafe K have catering options?

Yes, Kafe K does have catering options.

Does Kafe K have a drive thru?

No, Kafe K does not have a drive thru.

Does Kafe K have a happy hour?

Yes, Kafe K has a happy hour.

Does Kafe K serve alcohol?

Yes, Kafe K serves alcohol. Beer & Wine Only

Indoor Amenities

Does Kafe K allow dogs?

Yes, Kafe K allows dogs.

Does Kafe K have TVs?

Yes, Kafe K has TVs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does Kafe K have bike parking?

Yes, Kafe K has bike parking.

Does Kafe K have outdoor seating?

Yes, Kafe K has outdoor seating options.

Does Kafe K have parking?

Yes, Kafe K has parking options. Garage Parking, Street Parking

Other Amenities

Is Kafe K wheelchair accessible?

Yes, Kafe K is wheelchair accessible.

Does Kafe K have free WiFi?

Yes, Kafe K has free WiFi.

From the Business

Specialties

* Now serving beer and wine* PATIO OPEN! Kafe K is a delightful cafe and bistro in Santa Monica serving fresh, delicious food and unbeatable coffee. We provide a pleasant European-style escape, where everything from our seating and decor to the flavor of our house blend espresso will whisk you away to the streets of Paris. Our bright outdoor patio is the perfect place to bask the beautiful Santa Monica weather to enjoy our delightful food with nice glass of wine. In addition to our tasty coffee treats, we also serve a variety of sandwiches, pizzas, soups and salads. Pick from one of over 20 homemade soup options, try the classic Mediterranean Salad for a light afternoon meal, or dig into our decadent Italian deserts. Everything is made with the finest ingredients available, and we offer an impressive selection of vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options. Come enjoy breakfast ,lunch or dinner with us! We look forward to serving you!

History

Established in 2008.

For the past several years, Kafe K has served as a unique, healthy alternative to traditional breakfast and lunch options. Our goal is to bring the taste and charm of a European bistro to Santa Monica, and to serve food and coffee made from the finest ingredients available. Our house blend even won 2008 World's Best Espresso Beans, so our commitment to quality ingredients is clear. We appreciate the positive reception we have had from the Santa Monica community over the past 10 years so far, and look forward to greeting regulars and new faces alike in the years to come.

Meet the Business Owner: Aleksandra K.

Aleksandra opened Kafe K in 2008 with the intention of serving tasty coffee and bistro fare in a comfortable, European-style atmosphere. She is thrilled with the positive response people have had to Kafe K, and goes out of her way to make your experience enjoyable. Aleksandra and the rest of the staff at Kafe K are proud to offer quality ingredients and friendly service in a fun and inviting atmosphere.

More Info

Health Score

Kafe K Reviews in Other Languages

You might also consider

Mel's Drive-In

4.0(958 reviews)

0.7 mi

If you have been to other Mel's, you know what kind of food they serve. This place stands out in…read moreterm of the classic Mel's vibe, service is friendly and attentive. Strongly recommend!!

Mel's Drive-In on Lincoln Blvd is one of our favorite spots, and we visit often. On this visit, I…read moreordered the steak and eggs, and my girlfriend had the French toast with bacon and eggs. Everything was delicious, and the breakfasts here are always incredible. We definitely recommend this restaurant to anyone craving classic American food. It has easy parking, a welcoming atmosphere, and good accessibility, which makes the whole experience even better. Coffee never runs out!

Wide shot of the inside of Mel's drive-in

Short Rib Grilled Cheese

See all

Awesome interior with a jukebox

Rae's Restaurant

3.9(800 reviews)

2.1 mi

If you're looking for an iconic 50s diner experience with great food this is the place in Santa…read moreMonica. There's a nice patio and the service was prompt and attentive. I had a chorizo omelette and corned beef hash which were excellent and filling before I went to see a play at the Morgan Wixson theatre down the street. Prices are also very reasonable for an expensive town. Recommended.

The food isn't that good, but it kind of doesn't matter…read more Weird statement for a restaurant but hear me out. I live in Santa Monica which means I'm surrounded by overpriced trendy restaurants that capitalize on their location by overcharging on their menu. No qualms with that. That's what you have to expect when you live here. And then you have a spot like Rae's. Rae's is a classic diner vibes in every sense of the word. It almost looks like a place out of time with how retro it is, but it works. Can you expect the best meal of your life? Absolutely not. Can you expect an authentic diner experience with questionable but unlimited coffee and everything you expect a diner to have on the menu for under $15? Absolutely. Personally, I like that places like this still exist and there is no better cure for a hangover than a breakfast at a diner like Rae's.

2 eggs 2 sausage, potatoes

See all

The outside

Teddy's Cafe

4.1(555 reviews)

2.7 mi•Sawtelle

Casual attire, casual dining. I absolutely loved this…read moreplace! It brings you back in time to that inviting, comfortable, cozy feel. It was busy but the service is still fast (so be ready to order, etc., they dont play around! Lol) the staff are very quick and accommodating. Seems like this is a family owned business, loved everyone we interacted with. Warm & welcoming. Say "yes" to the coffee they serve when you first sit down. Brought me back the days with my grandparents and parents. It was good ole fashion coffee. Yumm. The food was delicious!! From now on, this will definitely be a regular "go to" spot when we are in the area. So happy we stumbled across this place, ended our Valentine's weekend so perfectly. Simple & Sweet.

I didn't realize that I had never posted a review of Teddy's! We don't go often, but we have been…read moregoing to Teddy's on occasion when we travel to the west side to go to Santa Monica College, for years. We've gone twice in the last few weeks, and it's as good as ever. Teddy's is an old school home style cafe/diner on Bundy and Pico. It actually is a community landmark where locals congregate and hang out. The other plus is that they are Spanish-language friendly. Ambiance is cozy, friendly and homey and service is great! Menu includes standard diner fare, comfort food. We've recently had the open faced hot turkey sandwich with gravy and mashed potatoes, which was good, and we enjoyed it. The next time JJ had a bowl of split pea soup, which was excellent! He also had the tuna sandwich, which he enjoyed as well, but said it was a little on the dry side. I ended up deciding on breakfast at 5 pm in the afternoon--- combo with pancakes, eggs over easy and sausages. It was so good! I thoroughly enjoyed it. The pancakes were steaming hot and fluffy and the sausages were really plump and juicy. Excellent. Recommended, if you're in the area---give Teddy's a try. Cash only, but there is an ATM inside. Parking lot always has plenty of parking.

Inside

Up close and personal with the inside of a piece of fried Fish

See all

Flapjax

I love Flapjax! Vast menu for breakfast and lunch! My friend enjoyed her huevos ranchero served…read moreinside a crispy taco shell. I loved my Grain Bowl, the crispy garbanzo beans, farro and veggies all mixed together! Yum! I ordered a Red chicken Curry Bowl To Go which my husband loved! The staff here work hard and work well together. There is a back patio that allows dogs, but there are a few stairs in the patio. Indoors there are no stairs and easily accessible by wheelchair. They also have a reasonable side menu for under $11, rice and noodle bowls and smash burgers and fries! Go for it!!

When looking for a brunch spot in West LA Flapjax should be on the top of your list! From the fresh…read moresqueezed lemonade, to the home potatoes, to the speciality pancakes, Flapjax has everything to satisfy your sweet and savory needs! The seating is organized well l, but try to sit on the patio outside. The staff is always friendly and welcoming!

Inside

Brioche French Toast

See all

Avocado toast

Snug Harbor

3.9(432 reviews)

2.0 mi

Do you ever sit in an environment where you wonder how they survived the existential threat of…read moreconvenience culture? One where it feels almost criminal to be on your phone and that a newspaper is the proper form of media consumption? This is exactly how I felt sitting in a barstool in Snug Harbor. I was back in LA for the Holidays, and was planning to meet with a friend for breakfast. He runs a restaurant and a coffee shop in Venice, so I trust him with my life when it comes to a breakfast recommendation. He texted me "I'm about to put you on this spot that will blow you away. I'm not even going to say anything else, just going to let its game do the talking..." followed by a google maps link to Snug Harbor in Santa Monica. When I arrived, I stopped and stared for a second. The sign has seemingly been untouched since this place opened in 1941, and the "N" in Snug Harbor was leaning noticeably more forward than the other letters. I opened the creaky old door to an environment that has somehow embalmed the 1940s-50s feel perfectly. A front dining area with faux letter booths and barstools, a vintage Coca Cola branded sign where you have to change each individual letter by hand, those thick ceramic coffee mugs where servers come and refill the black gold with a pot every few minutes, etc. I was GEEKED, and locked eyes with my buddy Nick who was sitting at one of the barstools. He must've seen the look in my eyes and said "How REAL is this spot!?" as we exchanged a clean dap. "The vibe is INSANE, but I promise the food is even better than you're expecting..." Inject it into my veins. I was so ready. As we caught up and went down the most random rabbit holes you could ever think of, I noticed a guy in his mid 30s sitting at the bar alone as he was demolishing a stack of buttermilk pancakes just for the love of the game. Whenever I see someone eating alone, I always think they have it all figured out. You can tell someone is secure in who they are as a human being if they are just enjoying a meal alone. As we waited for our food, Nick would comment on things that only someone running a restaurant would notice. "Look at how yellow those eggs are... The way this guy keeps his griddle spotless is next level... Look at how the 2 of them are handling these 7 tickets, they are moving fast but not rushed. They are in a genuine flow-state right now..." I love sharing a meal with someone who sees the world in a totally different way than I do. I learn so much in such a short period of time. Every time I go to a diner, I get the same simple breakfast of 2 eggs any style with bacon or sausage. My girlfriend makes fun of me saying "You always get something you could easily make at home," which is true. But to me, this plate shows the quality of a place and really just gets me back to homeostasis. My steaming plate was filled with very yellow eggs, breakfast potatoes, a whole real sausage that was cooked perfectly, and pre-buttered rye toast. Every bite had me cheesing from ear to ear. The ingredients are much higher quality than a typical diner, and the food is made with the care and love of a home cooked plate. Truly a phenomenal meal to pair with an ambiance that has been untouched by the river of time. I'm obsessed. Places like Snug Harbor have a special place in my soul. IG @johnny.novo Tiktok @jnov__ Substack @johnnynovo

The food was great, potatoes that felt like butter in my mouth…read more Some of the best damn rancheros I've ever had too They immediately sat us down and did everything they could to make me and my whole family comfortable. The ambience, is great. Has the whole rustic vibe going on but you can definitely tell they take care of the place. Definitely screams old-school diner but you know you're in Santa Monica. Love this place would definitely come again!

Interior

Artichoke omelette

See all

The interior.

Cafe 50's

3.7(1.4k reviews)

3.3 mi•Sawtelle

Step into Cafe 50's Diner in West LA and you're instantly transported to a time when jukeboxes…read morehummed and milkshakes ruled. The vibe hooks you first, but it's the food that keeps you coming back. Service is friendly and fast, the kind that makes you feel like a regular even on your first visit. The menu leans into classic comfort, executed with care. The cinnamon banana French toast is rich, warm, and deeply flavorful, with just the right sweetness. The eggs Benedict come loaded with plenty of tasty sauce, indulgent without going overboard. Even the potato skins hit the mark, crisp, satisfying, and perfect for sharing. What really sets this place apart is the ambiance. It's fully committed to the 50s theme without slipping into cheesy territory. Every wall has something to catch your eye, from vintage movie posters to old magazines, giving you plenty to take in while you wait for your food. People might show up for the nostalgic setting, but they stay because the food genuinely delivers. It's a fun, easygoing spot that balances personality and quality in a way that feels rare these days. Portions are generous, prices fair, and the experience feels like a small escape from the usual rush of Los Angeles life.

Old school diner with 50s theme running thru its blood…read more Breakfast to-go before dropping the rent a car off and then to LAC Service on point. Busy spot.

Decor

Did anyone say Hot Fudge Sundae?

See all

Mexican Breakfast

1212 Santa Monica

4.5(4.8k reviews)

1.1 mi

Had a great time. We got the lasagna and it was delicious. Nike was our server and he was awesome…read more He was so kind and brought the energy.

emma was such a great server she made our experience worth it! would definitely be back just to…read moreexperience her energy.

Our new outdoor setup

See all

Outdoor patio & View of the main bar.

Blue Daisy

3.9(2.2k reviews)

0.8 mi

I recently rediscovered this place, and it's by far my favorite breakfast spot in Santa Monica…read more The wait staff is friendly and attentive, and there's both indoor and outdoor seating. The back patio is especially lovely; modern yet cozy, with thoughtful decor. The food blends California-fresh ingredients with Turkish and Middle Eastern flair. I especially enjoy the zucchini fritters and sausage patties, and the chicken mango salad is excellent as well. The drink menu is equally fun, with a unique variety of milks like pistachio and walnut, paired with creative beverage options. Weekdays are definitely easier since it's less crowded, but the food is consistently great no matter when you go.

Blue daisy exemplifies an aesthetic, overpriced, and mediocre at best brunch experience. I came on…read morea Sunday around 12 and was seated right away. I was seated outside with a view of a busy road intersection, which made for nice people watching. The menu didn't have any stand-out dishes that you couldn't find at any other brunch place and there were barely any savory vegetarian options. I went with the Napa scramble. The scramble itself was very heavy on the spinach and light on the sun-dried tomatoes, which made for a not great texture and duller flavor. I did appreciate the bites with the creamy, tangy goat cheese. The toast was just ok and the strawberry jam it came with was very runny. I did enjoy the fresh greens on the side that were lightly dressed.

Sliders and fries

See all

AVOCADO TOAST

Sweet Maple

I never leave reviews, but Joseph from Atlanta was our server and he was absolutely amazing!! Food…read morewas great, specifically the blueberry cloud French toast. But the best part of the experience here was our amazing server, thank you for making our day!

Best brunch ever. The menu is full of delicious and new combinations of foods such as the moffle (a…read moremochi waffle with raspberry and Brie and the the soufflegg skillet gardena was exceptional. the millionaire bacon is a must try too! Gluten free, and vegetarian options a plenty, too. the good food was matched by the great energy of the staff. Kate is a magical unicorn who has a bright smile and wonderful knowledge of the menu and the Santa Monica neighborhood. Thank you and please open one in Santa Clarita, CA!

See all

Breakfast By Salt’s Cure

4.2(177 reviews)

1.7 mi

Always a hit. The apple griddle cakes are the star crispy on the edges, soft in the middle, and…read moreinsanely good with the maple butter. Everything tastes super fresh and made with care. The menu is simple but dialed in, the portions are just right, and the service is quick even when it's busy. Perfect spot for a satisfying, no-frills breakfast that still feels special.

I visited this breakfast cafe for the first time recently and had a mixed experience. The food…read moreitself was genuinely good -- I enjoyed what I ordered and would have happily returned if not for the service. Unfortunately, the host at the register, Denae, was extremely unpleasant. When I politely asked for eating utensils, she practically snarled at me. It was off-putting and made the whole visit feel unwelcome. As a first-time customer, that kind of attitude at the front of the house really stands out, and not in a good way. I don't expect perfection, but basic courtesy costs nothing. Good food can't make up for rude service that leaves a bad taste. I won't be returning.