Rae’s Restaurant Santa Monica – Picture Perfect

On a chillsville day back east, here's a warm West Coast Retro Report from Keith Valcourt. enjoy! Mod B"

Rae's is the ultimate old school diner-type restaurant. Don't believe me? Just ask director Quentin Tarantino.

Why else would he have filmed a pivotal scene in “True Romance” there? And he's not alone. Dozens of classic TV show and movies have used Rae's as a classic backdrop. Including Sir Elton John, who shot the cover of his “Songs From The West Coast” album cover here.

Since 1958, the little coffee shop/diner that could has been chugging along serving the the beach community of Santa Monica the very best in American comfort food.

The place has an authentic “Retrorific” vibe. Nothing has really been updated since the joint first opened fifty-six years ago. Let your eyes soak in the red leather booths. Gaze upon the blue leather counter seats, usually occupied by a collection of characters that look like they came right out of Central Casting, and breath deep.

Some may want to visit just to suck in the ambiance. But if you did that, you would only capture half the experience and miss out on all the hot and yummy food Rae's serves daily.

Breakfast is always a go-to. No one does steak, eggs and hash browns quite like the chefs at Rae's. Do yourself a favor and sit at the counter to watch the “Grill Show” that goes on as the cooks rock your order on the hot griddle.

It's like watching a virtuoso musician in concert. Precise, artistic and beautiful. And tasty. So damn tasty. On my most recent visit, I had the above mentioned breakfast combo (with a chicken breast in place of the steak) and my stomach was beyond happy.

My pal Dave had the “Chili Omelet” which is exactly what one would hope it is: an omelet smothered in chili. the folks in the booth next to us ordered “The Donuts.” We watched in amazement as the waitress brought them a plate for of donuts to choose from.

On other visits I have had lunch, the chicken fried steak is perfect. I also swear by the biscuits and gravy. Best in the West!

Clean freaks may be a little uncomfortable with the diners “Gritty” feel. Not dirty. Just gritty. Also Rae's is cash only. Those wishing to use their corporate card or rack up more credit card debt need not apply. Maybe eat at Denny’s.

But don't worry. You don't need a fat bankroll. The prices at Rae's are so damn low you can feed two full sized folks a hearty breakfast (complete with cups of Joe) for under $20 bucks. And that includes a twenty percent tip!

Rae's is easily the closest thing California has to an authentic East Coast Diner. If you're a transplant like me or visiting the Golden State and find yourself missing some hot, delicious food at reasonable prices, you have to go to Rae's. Just remember NO ROLLER SKATES!