The last diner on Route 66 is a trip —literally, figuratively, and gastronomically. Just a few miles from the terminus at the Pacific Ocean in Santa Monica, Café 50’s is the last diner on the quintessential American highway. And the owners, staff, ambiance, and menu live and breathe a bygone era when (at least for us in "flyover" country) California was thought of as a State of Mind. To their credit, management requires proof of vaccination to eat inside, and the wait staff all wear masks in addition to classic '50s ice cream parlor dresses and shirts. And it's obvious they love working there; they don't just take your order but chat you up about your day and food choices. They're delightful. The food is what you expect from a diner: comfort food, well-made and reasonably priced, with breakfast served all day. Growing up in the '50s, I expected the usual malts and shakes. But there's the "Sputnik Turkey & Swiss Melt" sandwich, the "Leave it to Beaver omelette," "California Burger," and blueberry pancakes. In addition, there is what we think of as "typical" of California: Avocado and spinach omelette, the "Healthy Fresh Sandwich," and "Deviled Eggs." We settled on a typical diner breakfast that included two eggs, breakfast potatoes, turkey sausages, and whole-wheat toast; all washed down with freshly made coffee. Excellent! While waiting for our food to arrive, I scanned the small jukebox mounted on the wall in our booth (filled with '50s rock 'n' roll classics that also blared from speakers throughout) and then got up and walk around the dining room trying to absorb the overwhelming collection of '50s memorabilia displayed floor to ceiling and the ceiling. Words can't describe the array of items, including many consumer brands that no longer exist and Saturday afternoon B movie posters. It's a trip for the stomach and the mind. I love this place!
We heard about this place by word of mouth. What luck! This is a charming restaurant or diner that is reminiscent of the 1950’s. Lots of memorabilia on the walls and ceilings. Great menu and friendly service that focused on following all recommended Covid protocols with a smile. They checked fir vaccination status and everyone including staff wore masks unless you are seated and eating. The food was delicious and ample. We enjoyed sandwiches, cole slaw, burgers, fries, onion rings and specialty milk shakes. We will definitely be back. These challenging times for restaurants make their business a hard slog uphill…you can help by being a cooperative patron and customer.
Rude service, using allergens more than once. Only excuse from the same manager 3 separate times at night time. "We're busy". No apology or refund.
Great place to have lunch at, took the little ones and the staff was so friendly and courteous. Definitely will come and visit this family owned business
I like the whole 50s look and service was Friendly food was Awesome.
It’s not just the decor that is great here, the food was really good, and the service too. The walls and ceiling are plastered with 50s Americana with 50s music playing in the background and a retro TV on the wall. The food was great, juicy burger and excellent pancakes. Service was excellent too and the owner was really friendly, Haring time for a chat with our group. Definitely we will be making a return visit when we are in LA again.
Now I’ve never considered myself as a writer/poet. However after arriving to this amazing , masterpiece of a diner, I saw a glimpse of what true happiness really is. And that my friends is this super super insanely gorgeous most perfect waitress I’ve ever seen in my life. She had eyes as blue as the pacific, and a body as banging as a gymnast in her prime. She wasn’t originally me and my friends waitress, but ended up taking our bill tonight. Whoever you are, just know I will love you for ever and ever, for always and ever.
Great burgers and shakes. And love the 50s era atmosphere. And friendly servers. Thumbs up.
Wonderful food and Staff!
This place is great it is awesome and if I could eat this kind of food all the time I’ll would be here for me three times a day. Seeing that I can’t. I am enjoying the times that I do order from you.