I stumbled upon this place because I wanted breakfast and not a chain place like Ihop. I agree with most of the reviewers, this place is great! The one thing to remember is it is cash only, but if you forget there's a Rite Aid and a Ralph's close to get cash back . The service there is really good, my server was a lady who came to LA on vacation from Norway and never left! Really nice and friendly and patient. The Asian dude others mention as the possible owner was also really nice and on our way out seemed generally concerned about if we enjoyed our meal. Onto the food - the pancakes were fluffy and delicious and the hash browns were bomb! I also got some eggs which I forget the name of, but they had spinach and mushrooms and were also pretty good but not as seasoned as I would have preferred. Their hot chocolate was delicious and they keep your coffee filled automatically, don't even have to ask. My boyfriend tried some peanut butter banana shake and it was THICK and he didn't even finish half... I didn't like the taste, but I imagine a shake I actually like to be so so good. Anyway, the prices are good so if you're looking for an affordable breakfast with good portions, or a very nicely made milkshake in the Venice area, head here!
I don't usually care for Johnny Rockets or any old style cafe diner either. This was an interesting place to go just to relive the 50's again. The diner is very small and crunch for spaces. It reflects the 50's alright... how skinny people were back then. Geesh, I really felt claustrophobic in here. However I am not going to hold them on that. There are some charms to this particular diner. Sitting on the counter seats, you will get a play list selections of music available for the jukebox. You will need to put in the money on the main jukebox near the front door. The menu consist of breakfast items, classic Traditional American dishes and their famous milk shakes. What is a Traditional American dishes? Try think of meat loaf, steak, and burgers/hot dogs. They also do serve breakfast items all day long. The omelet selection is filled with catchy names of entertainers from the 50's. I ordered the "La Bamba" Omelet which lets me know it's going to be spicy with pepper and onions along with the sausage. To wash it down I ordered the Blueberry milkshake (vanilla ice cream mixed with fresh blueberries). The milkshake was creamy and smooth, just the way I liked it. This absolutely hit the spot on what I need. The staff was wonderful and it shows because it seemed like the place do get a lot of regulars dining in the place. I like the low key elements and simplicity of a simple meal (like the "TV Dinner Special" aka meatloaf and veggies in a tray..LOL). The prices are also reasonable as I walked out paying less than $10. Cheap and simple has always been my motto. This is nothing like Johnny Rocket, but the diner gave it an oldie worn down look for it. I'll definitely would come back here to try their dinner dishes, but the burgers and breakfast seemed to be my preferred choice along with any of their selection of milk shakes. Oh, it is a CASH ONLY place. So bring cash or go to an ATM Machine across the street at a deli to get cash.
(4)
Vincent C.
The classic "greasy spoon" with all the right ingredients: fast service with faster short-order cooks, decent food, inexpensive prices. One big surprise was better-than-expected orange juice. The cheesy 50's theme is useless but no one eats there for the ambiance.
(3)
Grace K.
Mmmmmm...bacon. This place has the best bacon ever. Other pros: -Nice British (?) waitresses that are like the Auntie Imogene you never had -Really nice owner (?) smiles at you when you walk in -The bathroom is not as gross as I thought it would be (!) -Hash browns and home fries are YUM. -Cheap as all get out Cons: -Pancakes, as mentioned before, are too chewy -Eggs are sometimes sketchy. Mix them with the hash browns and you're golden (just like the hash browns har de har har) -Coffee not as good as coffee gets
(4)
Chris C.
Typical Diner. Classic music. Classic ambiance. Waiters look like they may be from the 50's as well. Food is nothing to write home about - but it's pretty good and if you're just looking for your typical diner fair - this is a good place to go. Nothing pretentious about it, which is definitely a plus. Shakes were definitely worth it - and you can split one between two people they are so big. I had the meatloaf. Not bad.
(3)
Min T.
Cafe 50s is one of my favorite lazy Sunday breakfast places. Though, they do great lunch and dinner as well. I honestly loved everything I had here. I used to come for breakfast almost weekly for over 2 years. But since I wasn't in the area the last year and half, I hadn't gone back. I'm glad to say nothing has changed. I went on Sunday and had the country scramble and a tall glass of iced tea that they refilled. It was nice to see all the old staff still there. Things I've liked in the past: the meatloaf, fried chicken, coleslaw, Joe's special, chicken sausage and the Super burger.
(4)
Jeff P.
I've been coming here for years with the kids. It's very unpretentious and the staff is super friendly. Everything we've tried is good and we are especially fans of the shakes and the fried chicken. Always a relaxed atmosphere. One bummer is that to get to the men's bathroom you need to leave the the restaurant and got around the building to the back.
(4)
Stephanie V.
food was really yummy, decent price, staff are really friendly, only thing for me is that the drinks are tiny (don't know just me i guess) but they would refill asap, and there is no parking i had to park on the street, other than that everything was perfect
(4)
Pam A.
Now, this is what a diner is all about!! We sat at the counter and got quick service on a busy Sunday morning. These are the kinda prices you expect at a diner, ahem....S&W Country Diner in CC can learn a few things from this joint. I had the 50's T-bird omelet...a pretty healthy option with spinach, and avocado. Can't wait to go back for a quick bite around lunch or dinner time. Wish I would've came here a lot sooner!!!!!!
(5)
mark s.
I've been going 12 years for breakfast. You can expect consistency, same people always working, Max and Kim and others have been there forever, after a few visits you feel comfortable. It's a comfort place with comfort food. Breakfast is cheep and its great and you have healthy choices too. Plenty of free parking on the street. Love the food at the price and it's fast and easy! They have everything you would expect, shakes and Malts as well. And the atmosphere is of course the 50's. It is what is tiss. I have to give it 5 dingdongs, I have breakfast a few days a week! Oh!.....And I like the coffee...
(5)
Mike R.
This place is the real thing, an authentic 50's style diner! Large portions, great service, with a great fast order cook. Fat juicy cheeseburgers, wide breakfast selection, generous portions, reasonable service. A really fun dining experience.
(5)
chris p.
Good burger and chocolate shakes! I used to eat there all the time while waiting to get a haircut next door. Good service and not too expensive, if you are offended by cheesy 50s decor this is not the place for you and parking can be a pain in the ass.
(5)
Ezra C.
I love this place! It is inexpensive and nostalgic. The burgers and shakes are delish.
(4)
Philip J.
Omg ! Best five dollar breakfast in LA. Cozy place friendly service and cool shops aroud.
(5)
Tom B.
Great ice cream sodas!!!
(4)
Holli H.
Pretty average diner, gets the job done. There's nothing overly creative and is standard diner fare, which is executed rather well. Fun for breakfast. Service is friendly and prompt. Parking is tough. Street parking only - park across the street in the Ralph's lot and you'll get towed. They for sure have regulars as the waitresses know their names. Makes it feel like a real neighborhood joint. Cash only.
(4)
Serena V.
The food taste great. The service is fast. Although, I think I have seen gum under the tables. I know that the place is great. I like going there. I think its good for children too. Awesome place. Keep up the good work!
(5)
Chester C.
yakety yak - BEST THING ON THE MENU! cash only
(5)
Remington D.
I find it annoying that someone would give this place 2 stars because the food is greasy without a lot of "healthy" options. Dear self absorbed clueless customer that infest our lovely city and the internet. Why don't you go to one of the many vegan, health conscious, juice bar, free range, organic cafes that are all over this town? I work in the restaurant business and I'm always amazed the way people just can't order off the menu. There is this general mentality that any restaurant should just whip up what ever you're in the mood for because you're a paying customer. I don't go to an Indian restaurant and expect to get sushi do I? It's a greasy spoon diner and that why it's freaking awesome. I love this place. Talk about reasonable, It's almost as if the prices are from the1950's. The power breakfast with 2 eggs, pancakes and hash browns (that's what I get but there are many other combos) for $4.50 is a fantastic deal. The burgers are great as well. If you want an old school diner with great diner food, reasonable prices and good service this is it. If you want organic dehydrated raw kale chips with a side order of miso steamed tofu, a glass of kombucha and almond milk for your free trade organic coffee I would suggest never leaving your house.
(5)
Sylvie C.
Went here after a valentines date for a post-dinner dessert. (the restaurant we had gone to had zero interesting dessert options, and all i wanted was a classic brownie ice cream sundae.) Luckily, Cafe 50s pulled through! I got a totally decent brownie ice cream sundae, that hit the spot for that evening. It wasn't the best sundae I've ever had, but the environment was adorable (jukebox, etc.), and made for a cute valentines date. A-OK, but I don't really feel the urge to go back.
(3)
Lyndsay F.
Simply put. I love this place. The food, is always rockin, the waitress's are from Heaven, and they have amazing memorabilia all over the walls. My friends and I come here at least once a week, and the little girl I nanny for loves that they always give her a pink balloon. She actually calls it "The Pink Balloon Place" You truly are treated like a "guest" here, and the employees go out of their way to make your meal great. DEFINITELY a must try!
(5)
Melki T.
Best burger and milkshake in Venice area. We love it. It is very affordable.
(5)
warner t.
A great local spot. Perfect for breakfast or a good burger. The best buttermilk ranch dressing in the world. The staff that has all been there for a million years are amazing people. The cash only thing makes me happy. Why the heck not...
(4)
Patrick M.
I have been going to Cafe 50s for quite some time now, and I must say it never lets me down. I've tried just about everything on the menu and it's all good. Reasonable prices, healthy portions, and such friendly staff. They always make me feel right at home. No better breakfast place in the Lincoln/Venice corridor. 50s is a great way to chase away a hangover Sunday morning, just be sure to get there early. Lunch is equally yum. Try the grilled chicken salad with ranch and you will never go back to your silly little salads again. They might just have the best ranch dressing I have ever had, not kidding. The pastrami is delicious, and not what you were thinking...I could go on. Just go...and tip the staff, they work hard 4 u!
(4)
Alex S.
Is this cafe 50's under the same ownership as the one in Santa Monica? Or the one in Sherman Oaks? Or are they all different? I know that the one in Santa Monica is different from the Sherman Oaks one. Anyway, the reason I asked was because their menu looks different from the other two although the food is more or less the same. I had the chili cheese fries. They were ok. Fat fries with firm, but not crispy, surface. Warm enough to melt the square-ish cheese that they use. The chili was good - tasty, not too oily - and it had slices of onions, tomatoes and bell peppers, but there wasn't enough to go around for all the fries. I would probably ask for extra chili next time. And all chili fries indulgence must have a perfect happy ending and this time the vanilla malt did the trick! It was thick enough to force you to use 22.8% more sucking power, but not too thick that your face turns into the "scream mask" face and you still don't get any of your shake.
(3)
Kelly S.
I was in dire need of a remedy that was in the form of either hot noodle soup or some traditional American cookin' to cure me from the alcohol-induced weekend that debilitated me completely. We went the Traditional route and i was smiling from all corners. I ordered the Great Western Omelet which had yummy ham, avocado, potatoes and jack cheese that was blanketed with 3 beaten-eggs sided with 4 pieces of toast. The boys had Banana pancakes and a traditional eggs and bacon breakfast. I also ordered a to-go order of Joes Scramble to bring home to team Korea, who decided to stay passed out at home. They said it was heaven packaged in a styrofoam box. Sadly, we were Rosa Park-ed into the back of the restaurant near the kitchen (clink-clang), which sucked, but its okay. Service was great and seating was prompt. CASH ONLY!
(4)
Ryan M.
Thumbs up! I vouch for diner dishes and oreo cookie shakes.
(4)
Budz D.
One less star from perfection for being cash only. That's so 50's. I got the super burger with banana shake. They were pretty good.
(4)
AJ B.
Sometimes, you have one of those mornings where only a good-ole American breakfast will do. I dropped my car off at the shop at stupid o'clock int he morning and had to ask a friend to pick me up. We had some time to kill before work so I wanted to treat her for breakfast. We ended up at Cafe 50's because we were both craving for an American breakfast with really crunchy hash browns. I also had a bit of a craving for a malt, but having a malt shake at buttcrack dawn and then having to deal with a long work day seems like hell, so I wised up pretty quickly. I love how old-school this place is. It's like being transported back in time. The counter seating looked cool, but we opted for a seat in the back. I went with "Joe's Scramble" and B went for a "Country Scramble"... with hash browns... crunchy slightly-overcooked by request. The wait staff was courteous, but they did take their sweet time. The food was really good. Scrambled eggs with lean ground beef and spinach? Hell yeah. It took quite awhile to get our check, and our waitress apologized for the gaffe. Otherwise, it was a really good time out. It's not often that I crave American diner-style food, so I might not make my way back here for a bit, but if I'm in Venice once the craving hits, at least I'll know where to go.
(3)
Joseph L.
i love this place. it's cute and cozy and quick. orders are in and out in under 5. CASH ONLY... love all the blue plate specials, but the chicken picatta really takes it to the next level for diner food. i mean the capers in the sauce??? fuggedabboutit you're gonna be great... the peanut butter and jelly milkshake is awesome-ness.. come to think of it, every shake on the menu is good. really thick and rich, just like a 50's joint should be. it's like swingers without the annoying crowds or the "high" waitresses. Norms??? never again dear readers... love the patty melt here, made with swiss cheese instead of cheddar (but to be honest a patty melt always tastes the best with good ol' fashioned processed American cheese). i usually sprinkle some salt on the sandwich for good measure. the fish with green beans is my favorite. i forget which fish it is, but it's so fresh and the beans are not from a can. they're both sauteed in a lemon shallot sauce, which just blows my mind when it comes out of this little kitchen so fast and so tasty. better than A LOT of overpriced places in L.A. this is the place to be for weekend breakfasts. sure the Firehouse is good and across the street at The Rose Cafe you pay slightly more and might even see a celebrity.... BUT hands down Cafe 50's gives you more bang for your buck and tops both the latter restaurant with their home fries. dash some ketchup and tabasco on these little babies and your good to go.
(5)
Sandip C.
Went on a Sunday after searching for a 4+ star (on Yelp) breakfast place in Venice. The place is small and pretty crowded, and I had to wait for over half an hour. I found out that it is a "cash only" restaurant, and so had to run to get some cash. It was not quite worth the wait. The silverware was not clean, and the coffee cups were dirty. The quantity of food was large, but it tasted just OK. Hash brown was undercooked, and my stuffed omlette, although huge, was not up to the mark. The food was very very cheap, and so I can't complain much to be honest. Go to this place if you are looking for a low-cost breakfast restaurant that has an old-world charm. And avoid going to the restroom.
(3)
Richard F.
Wasn't to impressed. I'd go back again if I was in the area and needed something quick to eat. The food was as normal as the Denny's menu. The soft drinks are small and you only get 1 free refill, so that wasn't very thrilling. I ordered the Chicken Fried steak with gravy.. lacked flavor.
(3)
Jackie L.
My favorite spot for a burger. Nothing beats the california burger and an oreo shake. mmmmmmmm:)
(5)
Lux W.
I eat here about twice a week and I love it more and more each time... I usually come here for breakfast and get the good times power breakfast-a true meal with many different options at a great price. When I come by myself I usually eat at the front tables or the bar, but when I bring friends I like to sit in the back where all the posters and 50's decor is. Forget what Bobbie K. says about their decor....It wouldn't be Cafe 50's without all the old school shit all over the walls...duh. And it gives you a better appreciation for the place. On my second visit, I was impressed when the waitress remembered me and what I ordered the first time...I gotta find out her name, but all of the staff here is really great. They take care of you and don't bother you-a perfect combination of service. I would recommend it for any meal but be sure to have some cash.
(5)
Russell S.
Aside from the hobo convention happening out front, this place is great! Friendly service. Great place for breakfast. A real diner with authentic greasy spoon-ness. Server was kind enough to have a breakfast burrito made to order for me. That's definitely what I want in the morning.
(4)
Jennifer L.
This is a fun little cafe to grab a bite for lunch. They have a great diner menu, that can fit anyone's diet. The prices are great and the staff is friendly. What more could you want?
(4)
Matt M.
Was looking for a local, cheap restaurant and stumbled across this place. Loved the (massive) peanut butter milkshake - it went well with the grilled cheese and fries. A good ol' American meal. And a lunch that kept me satiated more than 7 hours later. The site listed on yelp ( cafe50s.com ) is no longer relevant to this location (at 838 Lincoln). I was stoked to have sweet potato fries & a peanut butter cup milkshake, only to find out that they have neither. Bummed about that. (When I asked about that, the waitress - very friendly, able to converse - said that the owner of the other Cafe 50's was no longer the owner of this location.) It's a tiny place - don't bring a really big group (1 booth will hold up to 6, otherwise 4 looks to be the biggest seating). And cash only - while that probably helps keep their prices down, it did irk me as I never carry cash. FYI - the atm at Ralph's charges $2.75. The jukebox takes quarters, and while I only saw one person choose a song, we heard oldie's playing throughout our meal. Good times.
(4)
Jackie G.
I love this place!! it has the best food for a denier, I have never been to a better diner. all their sauces are homemade as well as their soups!! I just love their clam chowder, I think they make, yes they actually make it, the best clam chowder I have tasted thus far! and you go there anytime of day and it all tastes fresh and delicious!! and it's hard to come across good gravy and sauces in Diner's and we found a place where they have great homemade gravy and sauces! their roast beef is tender, you can cut it with a butter knife, all there food is tasty, it's cheap and a great atmosphere! I love all the 50's memorabilia they have all over the walls, and the jukebox is amazing, it's definitely not the crappy kind that is always on a loop with the same crappy songs!! Best Diner ever!!!!
(5)
Michelle A.
Awesome lil' joint that won't disappoint. As good as it gets! Tiny restaurant in classic Americana--what Johnny Rockets mass markets Cafe 50s is the real thing. Best hash browns and home potatoes.
(4)
Rachel G.
I love this place!!! My best friend and I are regulars...their breakfast is the best. Really good prices, very friendly staff. My favorite is the sunshine shake....also the chocolate malt shake is quite yummy. It is cash only but there is a rite aid across the street that you can get cash back at :)
(5)
David I.
The Bacon burger was good, plus the waiter was very nice. Very good service, plus the diner is a throwback to another era. Really cool.
(4)
Judy T.
In rebuttal to negative or mediocre reviews, as a lifelong resident and Venice local - I thank this place for keeping its prices low, staying consistent, great food and servers always being so nice and accommodating. It's a simple neighborhood place and if one expects 'gourmet' burgers or is looking for anything beyond a modest little independent neighborhood cafe - GO ELSEWHERE - there are many places tailored for the new Venice clientele. Good luck finding a place that has low prices and decent diner food. I love, love Cafe 50's and have for decades. Amazing shakes, great breakfast options, burgers and fries, kids love it!!! Hope it manages to stay open for many decades to come.....
(5)
Jared J.
Service is pretty good depending on the time of day, it's pretty crowded in the mornings. Good vibes from the waiters/waitresses. Prices are amazing and the food is even better! I highly recommend Cafe 50's to everyone. Stay hungry my friends
(5)
Yuri C.
wow, i must have really came here at the wrong time and ordered the wrong thing, b/c i may be the only one that had a bad experience. the food was the main problem. so the lumberjack burger: when it came out, it literally looked like anyone could have made it, kind of like the burger that you would not want to get at a cafeteria, with a weird & lifeless piece of lettuce, a slice of a pretty green tomato, small mediocre buns, unfresh beef patty.... i REALLY REALLY REALLY don't think the beef patty was fresh. every bite left a really gamey after taste, and i covered it up by shoving down french fries drenched in ketchup. whilst this situation, the jukebox stopped playing music, and it was awkwardly quiet inside. 4 other people were eating somewhere in the restaurant too, but the silence made my thoughts sounds even LOUDER in my head. as i ate quickly so we can leave already, i noticed that my husband was really quiet as well, looking like something terrible happened to him. i looked at his plate, the turkey dinner special, and it looked worse than mine. seriously, like cafeteria food... and the steamed veggies WERE FROZEN FOOD!!!! yuck. as soon as we were out of there, we both looked at each other with relief, and vowed never to come here ever again.
(1)
Jim S.
Good food at a great price! BIG omelets, lots of good fried potatoes and a bagel to boot - all for around $7-8 (I forget the exact price). I made the mistake of going to IHOP the other day and was shocked to get a SMALLER omelet for $11 and no bagel or toast included with the potatoes. The Cafe 50's is always good, very consistent, the waitresses are friendly - if sometimes distracted - and you get your money's worth. Oh, and the wall is fun to look at - though I always wonder - When's the last time they CLEANED that wall? Must have been YEARS ago based on the look of it...? But the plates etc. are clean... All in all I give this 5 stars for a breakfast place. And yes you can get breakfast all day long!
(5)
Deirdre C.
What a cool place. A rockabilly's dream. The restaurant is covered in 50's memorabilia and the food and drinks are nice and simple. The only thing that could have made this place cooler would be waitress in hairnets and roller skates! I had the susy Q sandwich and it was delish! Just remember that its CASH ONLY so be prepaired and there are no ATMs around.
(4)
Lina B.
Lovely place! As tourists; we loved the original (?) decoration from the 50's. Jetlagged; we woke up early and had breakfast here at 7. No stress, lot's of space, great service and food. Came back a second time, still in love! :)
(5)
Ludovica R.
I recently went to Cafè 50's. I found this restaurant because a friend of mine brought me there for a Saturday brunch. Cafè 50's is a cozy American diner, located in Venice, on Lincoln Boulevard. The furniture and everything else in it looks authentic and I really like the choice to keep the old-fashioned look. When We arrived, we had to wait for a few minutes, but it was worth it. The staff was very kind and they did their best to prepare a table for us as quickly as the could. I had a delicious omelette. I suggest you order blueberry pancakes, because I think it's the best way to end your meal. I will go for sure at least one more time before I leave LA, because this place really makes you feel the perfect experience in an American diner. Last but not least: best value for your money!
(5)
Christi T.
It's a small place located on the corner. Street parking only, but we had no problem. Great assistance. Prompt service. Cash only!! Very affordable.The booths are small, but very cozy.We sat at the counter. Blue Plate special after 4pm= full dinner with soup or salad, fries, veggies and chicken for $10.
(4)
Jasmine C.
Great, local American diner! They have some of the best and most affordable breakfast food in LA! I personally love their clam chowder and shakes! They have a really vintage diner atmosphere and the service is always friendly. The only cons are that they're cash only with minimal street parking.
(4)
Jennifer P.
Great local spot with very reasonable prices. Surprisingly the Thai food on the menu is delicious. We mostly come for breakfast and its consistently good. Only downside is cash only
(5)
Patric B.
Great place for breakfast, good service. Nice 50's environment with jukebox and all that comes with it. Prices are good, food is tasty and fresh.
(5)
Rebecca P.
Diner food. Diner prices. Bottom line: You get what you expect, and I like things meeting my expectations. Oh, and bring cash; cash only.
(3)
Lauren G.
GREAT FOOD! GREAT PRICES! Totally greasy diner food, set in a place that hasn't been dusted (to keep that 50s vibe, I'm sure), since Elvis ate there himself.
(4)
Julie A.
Hubby and I ate here while passing through. Very good cheeseburger! Hubby had chicken fried steak. He said was very good also. Servers were super friendly too!
(4)
Jiemei G.
Love this place, so quaint for breakfast. Their pancakes are nice and fluffy. Their scrambles are equally on point. Our 11 year old was fascinated with the jukebox! Service is always nice, but the tables get filled up quickly so try to get there early on weekends!
(4)
Elena C.
Feels like an old school Johnny Rockets with more options. Btw, Cash Only. That's how old school this joint is. I came in here impulsively just to pass time, waiting for a long ass audition line. And we were supposed to wait under the scorching sun for more than an hour, so I walked over to Cafe 50's. I came in and ordered only a side of fries with no salt. The guy offered me iced water and that was that. 5 minutes later my fries came. Hot and plain. The way I want it. They didnt seem to mind me under-ordering, if there's ever such a thing. They're really personable with the customers. One customer was leaving and the lady wished him luck on something. Another customer came back to pick up a pair of sunglasses she had left earlier. Oh, I ended up ordering the Sunshine Shake which is vanilla ice cream with orange juice. It's pretty funky and refreshing. I enjoyed my time. People were pleasant. I forked $10 in total including tips. Remember, cash only.
(4)
Michael J.
This place vibes the 50's with a slightly shabby diner feel but they serve happy stuff! pancakes were fluffy and tasty fresh, burgers were and sides very nicely done and the coleslaw was original and not soggy like most places. Good menu variety and the coffee was decent. Service was friendly and attentive. We came when it wasn't crowded around 6 PM so the service might be slower with a full crowd. Probably a cool place for breakfast too and by the way...parking is easy on street, no meters!
(5)
Sarah H.
The burger was great, especially the coleslaw, which normally I'm not too fond of, but the places self seated, so this may be a plus. Very similar to Johnny Rockets.
(5)
Leigh G.
I cannot say how much I love this restaurant enough. You truly feel like you are walking into a 50s style diner and they serve the food to back it up. Every time I have been its the same friendly staff, so if they love it enough to have zero turn over in staff it must also be a great place to work. Super busy on the weekends and you have to wait outside so either prepare for that, or don't come for breakfast or brunch. Also, it is cash only. So go to Rite Aid and get cash back while you are waiting for your table. The cafe has an atm inside, but go to Rite Aid and do cash back to avoid the fees.
(5)
BryAnna A.
This review pertains to the person answering the phone specifically (not Robert though he helped us when I called back a second time). I ordered the 3+3+3 unaware that this place has a different menu from the other cafe 50's. I called and asked to have the blueberry pancakes swapped out over the phone, but was told that was impossible because I had already eaten everything else. The fact was I hadn't touched the food at all, and they refused me over the phone "assuming" I had eaten the eggs and bacon when in fact I hadn't touched a thing because Im allergic to blue berries and there were blue berries all over the place. So this rating is specific to their low over-the-phone customer service skills. Work on your customer service in every aspect of your business rather over-the-phone or dining in.
(2)
Daniela C.
Great little diner, all your great comfort foods your mom made you. I had fried chicken called the TV dinner, he had spaghetti with meat sauce. Super yummy, huge portions and the price is incredibly cheap. The customer service is top notch, locals are greeted like family, and is tourists were treated just as well. Great place for some home cookin after a day at the beach. They serve beer and wine nice! Remember your cash as they don't take cards. If I was local I'd be here all the time.
(4)
Karen T.
I have nothing to say negative about this place. I been going here since I was ten years old ..I love there burgers ..milkshake are to die for specially elvis one...people are very nice there nice .
(5)
Randy H.
Damn good burger and fries! If you are on the mood for a no nonsense, generous, flavorful burger that is well cooked and made with fresh bun, you found it. I get the bacon ( generous) and avocado burger...quite delicious and really filling. You always get lots of fries too. The malt are old school, glass plus left over in mixing cup. This for less than $7.
(4)
David L.
Such an amazing breakfast joint. Been around for 31 years. The chicken fried steak and eggs(over medium) with hash browns and an English muffin is too real.
(5)
Greg D.
While the location is a little small and cramped, and parking can sometimes be inconvenient (street parking only), the food is top-notch diner fare at reasonable prices. Cafe 50's is the only place in L.A. I've found that serves a tasty chicken fried steak and eggs combo. Most other places serve what could pass for rubber dipped in batter, burnt to a crisp. Cafe 50's tops their chicken fry with a delicious creamy gravy. Yum. Just thinking about it is making me hungry. In addition to the great food at reasonable prices, Cafe 50's also offers a friendly environment with friendly, attentive servers. One suggestion to management, please turn the juke box down. The music is too loud for such a small dinning room.
(4)
Lina P.
Came in on a Saturday for breakfast and it was busy but seating was available. Service was pretty bad. Had to constantly call on the waiter for everything...water, butter, take our order please. We even had to ask to be seated when we got there and there were a few open tables. Service could have been much better! I ordered the smoked salmon scramble with egg white - it was a bit bland but ok. The breakfast potatoes were good. Although service wasn't great and food could be better I like the 50s diner feel and the atmosphere is very comfy. I'll be back but maybe next time I'll go for a sandwich.
(3)
Gala A.
Was excited to try Cafe 50's as I'm always on a search for a good diner. Unfortunately, Cafe 50's wasn't all that I hoped for. The place is a little dated but it's a landmark restaurant. CASH ONLY. The menu has a little variety which I liked. Waitress was not mean but wasn't really nice either. I thought it was weird that the men's restroom is only accessible from the outside. We ordered 2 veggie burgers -- both were decent. The fries were kind of blah. The coleslaw was really not my thing, but I'm not a fan of mayo based coleslaws to begin with (I prefer vinegar based ones). I brought it home for my mom, who used to frequent Cafe 50's years ago. She had one look at it and said it wasn't the same coleslaw that they used to serve there and that she didn't want it, too much mayo and pickles. I understand that things change over time, but I was disappointed that the coleslaw didn't change for the better. My favorite thing I got at Cafe 50's was an oreo shake, which was super tasty and was made really well. This place sure knows how to make a mean shake.
(3)
Sarah R.
I like Cafe 50's. They have good food, and usually good service. The last time I went with my daughter I was a little disappointed because the waitress I had wasn't as friendly as she could be. I guess she was antsy to be off because a few minutes later she ran out the door (without a word), thankfully to be replaced by a guy who was super nice and made my visit a little sweeter. I usually get the grilled cheese and fries, although their burgers and just about everything else there is delicious. Their milk shakes are really good and I'm not even into sweets. Not good if you're looking for something healthy but definitely good if you're looking for a greasy spoon.
(4)
Michael N.
No trip to LA is complete without a stop at Cafe 50's. Cafe 50's is a simple, no frills breakfast, cooked to order and extremely cheap. I generally with the hungry man equivalent of 2 eggs, hashbrowns, toast, bacon, and pancakes. It's a lot of food, but for $5.95, you can't beat it. Great milkshake selection as well. As for the decor it's 50's kitschy and there aren't many seats, so be prepared to wait on occasion. Luckily the food comes out pretty quickly if you are on the ball. The only weird thing about this place is that you have to walk outside and behind the building for the men's bathroom. I guess that's part of the charm.
(5)
Tim C.
$$$CASH ONLY$$$ - Just walk over to the RiteAid and get some Cash Back on your Debit card. 'Open until 11p' but will lock the doors around 10:30p. Had the La Bamba - A little Spicy and a half stack of cakes. If you are a fan of the 50's, this is your place. Mainly because the place hasnt changed : the paint, the pictures and even the servers has been there...since the 50s (or at least it feels that way). If you are feeling a short stack, it's worth a stop. Nothing really special about it though.
(3)
Sandra S.
Best breakfast joint in LA. Have a stack of Blueberry banana pancakes or grab the La Bamba. Love their food. They finally put an ATM in the back of this cash only joint! It's worth the drive and the wait, if there is one. All the waitresses and waiters are super sweet!
(5)
Holly S.
Haven't been here in years but it wasn't as good as I remember. I had a patty melt, it was greasy, the lettuce in my salad was brown and service was poor. Also, I get the retro posters and the whole 50's theme but the walls are filthy, comic books mounted on wall in plastic have years of dust and grease... u can't even see covers...cash only or your sent to Rite Aid across the street.
(3)
James C.
Good quality food, excellent service, and awesome 50's vibe and decor. CASH ONLY. Highly recommend for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Recommend to locals and visitors alike. Get a shake for sure.
(5)
Minnie A.
Ohhh me and a friend of mine love having breakfast here. Portions are big, selection is big, prices are pretty cheap, and the ambiance is just plain cool. There's a jukebox that actually works if you pop in a quarter! Awesome. I love the pictures on the wall and the seats are comfy. It can get a bit noisy but nothing too bad. I loooove the egg whites with bacon and toasts. Yummmmm. The burgers are not bad either but I usually prefer getting breakfast stuff here. It's cash only though so be sure to stop by an ATM. There's one inside the Ralphs in front of this spot.
(4)
Bryan W.
No wonder the diner is packed on Saturday and Sunday. You can get 3 pancakes + 3 eggs + 3 slices of bacon for about $6. I was expecting a Venice up charge and was delighted to discover the affordable price. The wait for a table was about 15 minutes. The food came quickly. Solid choice for a reasonably priced breakfast. Was disappointed to see that the menu said the 50s diner opened in the 80s. Lots of 50s memorabilia though makes up for this anachronism.
(3)
Selene D.
I ordered pancakes and they were delicious. My husband had chicken piccata with mashed potatoes and he loved them! Baby tried his mashed potatoes and a few bites of his milk shake. She's a fan now! It's not fancy but it's cozy with nostalgic music. Service is good too.
(5)
A.J. P.
Love the bacon and eggs here. I'm picky about my breakfast and these guys do it right. UPDATE: Went back on a recent trip and tried the fried chicken. Stick to breakfast.
(5)
Veronica S.
This place was on my list to try... It was ok. Homemade food, but nothing special. The strawberry malt... It's a different type of taste... If you like whoppers candy, then you'll love the malts! I had the california burger.. It's Ok... Loved the music... But like I said it's ok...
(3)
Seth N.
Absolutely loved this place. Great menu with some original items to try. Waitresses were awesome and our food was amazing. Will seek this place out next time we're in the area.
(5)
Stefanie T.
Great food. Good prices. They cook the food directly in front of you. I could have fish instead of chicken for my salad and they just charged me 2$ more. The place is really cute furnished with all the posters etc. all in one a pretty good deal.
(5)
Daniela R.
Super super heavy food but it's cheap and tasty. They have REALLY good soups lol. And they have so much variety food wise! I mean I can order some panang curry with a side of fries if I wanted to. Service is friendly Cash only which sucks but hey there's a riteaid across the street with an atm.
(4)
Ray A.
Whenever im in town and want a no fuss meal that hits the spot, im heading here. busy or not, the folks that work here are always available. i hadnt been there for a year, and when i returned, they remembered us!
(4)
Michael D.
We had dinner here tonight. The food was fantastic. The staff was so friendly and helpful. Everyone in my group had a fantastic meal. The price was reasonable and we highly recommend the restaurant.
(5)
Monica G.
Been coming here since elementary school and now bringing my kids! Despite the trendiness of new Venice, this little gem has remained untouched. The posters on the wall, all though dated, bring back a certain post-cell phone age nostalgia. The prices haven't really changed much; they even have the same wait staff from years ago! If you want cheap, delicious eats, I recommend you give this place a try.
(4)
Alyssa P.
It's cheap, it's quick, no fuss - you can walk over here after Gjelina and Tasting Kitchen are telling you it's over an hour wait for brunch. It's simple, no-nonsense diner food. Oh, and bomb milkshakes. Cash only.
(3)
Eileen K.
Power breakfast: mon-fri 7am-11am 2 eggs any style 2 bacon or sausage and your choice of a bunch of different stuff! (see photo) all for just $4.95 i got 2 eggs sunny side up, sausages, hash browns, and buttermilk pancakes. the hash browns were crispy and delicious, pancakes fluffy. so much food! besides that, they have many other breakfast options for very low prices (think omelettes for ~$5-6) Cheapest breakfast joint?
(4)
David C.
Real! good hamburger! Home cooked style real meat. I got the "super burger" big burger. I really enjoyed this place awesome workers and really great atmosphere. I highly recomemd this place.
(5)
Angelica C.
Their breakfasts are wonderful, and the prices are awesome. The power breakfast can't be beat. Their pancakes are perfect -- they're fluffy and have great texture -- they won't fall apart or get crumbly on you like those awful pancakes from IHOP or Denny's. Their menu is so huge, you'll have a hard time figuring out what you want. Next time, I'm definitely going to go for their shakes and pie!
(4)
Saul R.
Love this place! Juicy Burgers and Juicy Fries! everything is delicious. Great customer service, fast and friendly. Waitresses are very attentive. Great Staff!
(5)
Ted K.
As much as I wanted to love this place I just couldn't get over a few things. The music and ambiance were amazing but they need to get the table top juke boxes functioning. Also, the "cash only" thing is cute but out dated and only works in smaller restaurants and specialty stores that want to keep quality and value high but volume low. (see cactus taqeria) But it's really not a big deal in the end and it's not why I'm giving it three stars. I am actually writing this as some constructive criticism because I will be back and I want them to improve. The service was great and quite friendly. The food however was not. I got the "Dan's Favorite" it was one of the more oily things I've ever eaten. Mind you it is filled with bacon and cheese. However, there are a some things that could have been done to prevent that. Using a more dry, low fat cheese and cooking down the bacon more thoroughly to keep the grease low. The hash browns were just as greasy and had a mushy texture that did not tickle my fancy. I know this place is a greasy spoon but they didn't need to take that literally. The coffee was weak too. Perhaps this was an isolated incident and I will be trying it again to get a more accurate assessment.
(3)
Joseph N.
It's a small diner located on the corner of Lincoln. The theme of the place is of course the 50's. There are plenty of booths for couples and the bar is located at the front sporting some 10 or so bar stools. THE FOOD: Amazing for the price, I got a cheeseburger and fries which was about $6 and a drink. The food came in within 10-15 mins of being ordered The service was great, every waiter/waitress was kind. I would definitely recommend this place to people searching for an affordable great tasting meal.
(5)
Cari P.
I like this place! Nostalgic decor that takes you back to the good days gone by! Reminded me of old times when I would grab a bite and a soda pop with my dad! Great menu with tons to choose from, and best deal around town! Down for some breakfast at 4pm? No problem, they serve breakfast all day! Next time I go, I will try the sandwiches though, they look amazing too! Check out all the pictures on yelp! They are great for helping you to choose what you want!! I went for a scramble with egg whites, served with old fashioned hash browns, crispy and brown! Oh, don't forget to ask for their homemade salad. Not spicy but great flavors to coat your scramble with! I'll be back soon! Oh, portions are huge, you can definitely share!
(4)
Samantha T.
Okay so I really really wanted to love this place. I went in on a Saturday afternoon and was greeted with really really bad service. Our waitress was so busy discussing remodeling options with another customer that it took almost an hour for me to get a drink. Ugh. The food is okay but nothing you can't find at Ruby's or Johnny Rockets. I'll pass next time and go somewhere that has FANTASTIC service.
(3)
Loki U.
Awesome service and great food! Artichoke chicken for her and spicy turkey meatloaf... bomb. Real potatoes and fresh vegetables. Original owner of 31 years who shops twice a day for the freshest ingredients. Visit here after any local activity and avoid lines and hassles.
(5)
Jennifer Y.
I wanna eat a Sputnik Melt so freaking bad Not eating one right now is making me sad I want just one Sputnik Melt or maybe fifteen Yes, I am a big, fat eating machine Oh, every time I close my eyes I see that crispy grilled rye, yeah Turkey, Swiss, Russian dressing, and coleslaw piled high, oh my I swear, you better be prepared To say NO if your friends ask you to share Yeah, I love this 50s-themed diner business Get excited for the cheap prices like it's Christmas Then give the waitress your hit list I'm just going to come out and admit That some people who come here are probably lit If you are undecided on what to get Then just pick something on the menu and point to it I suggest getting the Sputnik Melt or the Monte Cristo Each order comes with either fries or coleslaw and a pickle Those two sandwiches will make you wanna disco But the Sputnik Melt really makes me go loco No, I am not feeding you a bunch of bull So come eat one and remember to bring your friend, Michael Oh, every time I close my eyes I see that crispy grilled rye, yeah Turkey, Swiss, Russian dressing, and coleslaw piled high, oh my I swear, you better be prepared To say NO if your friends ask you to share I'll be eating until my stomach is content By the time I'm done, it will have expanded by 110% Who cares about proper eating etiquette When the food is just too good to quit You should also order a milkshake just for the heck of it You can wash your Sputnik Melt down with it The blueberry shake here is a big hit Add in fresh blueberries and vanilla ice cream, and let it rip It's creamy and smooth, just the way I like it But the sunshine shake is seriously legit It's like an orange creamsicle that I can sip Or an Orange Bang that is absolutely on crack Drink it with your Sputnik Melt, and damn... you whack These two things are enough to keep me coming back I wanna eat a Sputnik Melt so freaking bad Not eating one right now is making me sad I want just one Sputnik Melt or maybe fifteen Yes, I am a big, fat eating machine Oh, every time I close my eyes I see that crispy grilled rye, yeah Turkey, Swiss, Russian dressing, and coleslaw piled high, oh my I swear, you better be prepared To say NO if your friends ask you to share // TIP: And now, a few wise words from Wu-Tang Clan: "Cash rules everything around me (C.R.E.A.M.) Get the money, the dollar, dollar bills, y'all" ... AKA CA$H ONLY! Don't worry if your pockets aren't lined with a lot of dough because the food here is so inexpensive that you'll feel like you're stealing from them. I think the Sputnik Melt costs around only $8, and a milkshake that will bring all the boys to the yard will set you back only $4. +5 stars to Robert because he is a sweet and genuine man who truly cares about customer satisfaction. He doesn't treat you like a business transaction; he'll actually engage you in conversation to ensure that you feel welcome and comfortable in his cozy, little diner. In fact, everyone here is so super friendly that you'll think you may have accidentally crossed over into the Twilight Zone.
(5)
R T.
Pretty sure their Elvis Shake is one of the 7 Wonders of the World. The Ruben's we ordered were also very good (we went here on St Paddy's Day specifically looking for a Reuben, trying to navigate through all the drunk people everywhere) and definitely made the right choice by coming here. Server was lovely. Open late. Cute place. How a diner should be...have I mentioned how good the Elvis shake is?? Cash Only, fyi. Highly recommend this 50s joint !
(5)
Michael P.
Affordable diner food with maybe enough space for 30 people total. Walls and ceilings are covered in '50s memorabilia which adds or takes away from your dining experience (depending on your personal preference for that kind of thing). Personally I thought the cafe was in need of some cleaning but the food is good and so is the service so I don't mind.
(4)
Tom G.
Whenever I come here, I always wonder why I took so long to come back. Standard diner fare, but they actually cook their food. The burgers taste homemade and not like fast food. The shakes are dynamite. Prices are insanely cheap. I absolutely hate cash-only joints, but I can't bring myself to take a star off from this place.
(5)
Mata C.
Really cool 1950s vibe. I had the patty melt and it was really good. If you like milkshakes they have over 45 flavors. The juke box seems to work too. It open late with parking behind the restaurant. There is also a rear entrance. If you have kids they will love this place. It is also a nice casual date place too.
(4)
Angela W.
Now this is a diner! It's small and a little homey. The servers are very friendly and fast. I ordered a country fried chicken with buttermilk gravy and it was so delicious. Their milkshake was also delicious. For a nice, cheap, American meal, definitely check this place out. I'll be back for more!
(4)
Haley B.
The best for a value meal. Their stuff is diner style food but they do a good job and service is always good too. Always my spot for a good Reuben or patty melt!
(4)
Tosh F.
Great food and friendly service! It's everything I expected nothing more nothing less.
(3)
Jason A.
Great service and atmosphere. Food is good, come here for breakfast and lunch service and both do not disappoint. Club sandwich has great flavor as well as the spicy omelet for breakfast.
(5)
Kevin T.
A very charming place--as others have mentioned good prices and a great staff. Everyone was so welcoming. I came here for a very, very early lunch and the place was bustling, nearly every spot filled on a weekday about, 1030? in the morning. Pretty good. While it's corner may not provide much parking, I found plenty down the street towards the residential side of things. Cash only. Everything is better with a milkshake.
(4)
Jay G.
One of my favorite places to eat burgers and fires . Staff has been there for years and food is always the same . They also make some great dinner meals . Shakes are awesome too and old time junk box . The one on Lincoln is case only . Santa Monica location takes credit cards( different owner)
(5)
Linda J.
Great power breakfast! The bacon is soooo good! The French toast are amazing! And the price is incredible! I will definitely come back soon!
(4)
Thania S.
Great little place to.have breakfast in Venice, you just need to bring cash. The food was great and with good prices. There was a wait to get in but it was worth it.
(5)
Judy W.
This is one of my favorite places to eat. I started coming there in the mid 1980s and it's never disappointed. I was a working single mom, living in Santa Monica, working in West LA, and i would bring my daughter there when she still had to sit on a booster seat. We liked the juke box. In recent years we eat there every chance we get, not that often because i live in the Valley now and my daughter/son in law live in the Bay Area. My daughter and i order the same thing every time, lots of other good things on the menu but it's our favorite--the spaghetti with meat sauce, comes with delicious garlic bread, green salad, we love the ranch dressing, and then for dessert, we always get a chocolate shake, made with real chocolate ice cream. The prices are very affordable, the atmosphere is like a real cafe from the real fifties. i was 10 years old in 1959. The other Cafe 50s are too modern and trendy, i love this funky place. The owners and managers know us, and they know what we want to order. But son in law is not so fixated, sometimes he gets a burger. sometimes he gets eggs and sausage and pancakes, but he gets the chocolate shake too, best chocolate shake i know of. As another reviewer said, and i would've forgotten had i not read that review, the place is cash only. How quaint, and yes, a tad inconvenient. There is a CVS and a Ralphs super market a one minute walk from Cafe Fifties so it's not exactly a hardship to get the cash. I assume it's so they can save money on the the credit card company charges they would have to pay. The prices of the food are downright low, gotta cut corners somewhere, that's not cheap real estate where they are. They are usually busy. btw, there is plenty of parking in the huge lot for the CVS and Ralphs (or maybe it's a Vons, something like that). Street parking can also be found. Parking is not an issue, no sweat.
(5)
Derek M.
had a great breakfast here. and soooo inexpensive. I tried dinner, it was ok. but the will definitely return for breakfast!
(5)
Carter G.
I go here for breakfast about once a week. They have all your standard greasy spoon breakfast options including a dirt cheap special that goes everyday until 11am. Service is friendly and fast. I've tried dinner once and would probably stick to just breakfast. Cash only.
(4)
Ali B.
Nice staff, the norvegian waitress is my favorite, good food, good price, a little slow sometimes, but one of my favorites places in venice
(4)
B L.
Great service! can't beat the price and the food is great. we tried the turkey burger and believe it or not thai green chicken curry at a 50's diner. we also enjoyed the banana split too.
(5)
Jessi L.
Cafe 50's has been the chillest spot for my friends and me for years. Staff is like old friends. No matter what time of day we always find a place to sit and grub. Food and prices are very reasonable. Can come here and get a bagel at 2am or a chicken fried steak at 8am. Side salad with onion poppyseed ranch dressing and toasted wheat bun.. um yes. Patty melt on sourdough with onion rings.. totally. Chili cheese fries with Denver omelette.. bow bow chika chikaa. Etc. Never had to wait for an order, never been ignored by staff. It IS a whole in the wall, a lil dirty, small and cramped but, Yay! I am a fan.
(4)
Gen C.
Great diner food; very inexpensive but cash only! The waiters have an amazing sense of humor and great customer service skills. The whole ambiance of this place is amazing; I feel like I'm in a small town in middle America. The Elvis milkshake is a must if you're a peanut butter lover like myself.
(5)
Rahm T.
As diners go, this place hits all the points: - FAST service - they know you aren't there to hang out all day, so they keep your water glass/coffee mug filled, and keep checking on you... no 5-minute waits for a waiter. And if you do want to hang out... they don't annoy you. - FRIENDLY service - genuine smiles from the staff, most of whom have worked there for 10+ years. They act like you'd expect service used to be in the... '50's. - HOMEMADE food - not frozen, pre-made/mix items. There's real ice cream in that chocolate malt. The eggs are cracked fresh, pancakes fluffy, sandwiches are awesome (try the Sputnick melt!). - PRICING is great - $5 for the power breakfast, and if you're into something massive, you'll still get out of there for under $8 for a meal. This is my go-to place when I want a quick Sunday morning breakfast, or a late-night, fast, easy, and reliable dinner with my wife.
(5)
George V.
Real iced tea...so far so good. Funky Venice vibe makes this place immediately comfortable. The staff is friendly and efficient. I really liked my Grilled Californian even though it was a touch heavy. The only thing that might be a problem is parking since Lincoln is so busy. I went at 1PM so it wasn't a problem, but I could see how it might be a bit loony. While we are on the subject, it's a itty-bitty place so weekend breakfast might get waity, but again I didn't have a problem. I love greasy spoons and 50's hits the nail on the head.
(4)
Diane A.
Great place to get a legit classic breakfast. The prices were also awesome which was nice. Sometimes it's difficult to find a good breakfast place that has classic fried eggs, bacon, toast, etc. Cafe 50s does this beautifully!
(5)
Teresa L.
I ate here once, and I was so impressed by the value that I became a big fan right away. My boyfriend got the Elvis shake (banana and peanut butter), which we ended up splitting, and it was one of the best shakes I had ever had. The combo sounded gross to me, but it was addictively good. He also got the Beach Boys Barbecue Chicken chicken sandwich. I got the grilled cheese. The portions were just right, and the food was what I expected from a diner. Our bill was less than twenty bucks, so it was a steal. The service was friendly, and I liked the vintage diner atmosphere. I'd definitely go back.
(4)
Jacklyn R.
Sweet and simple- The food is good The price is cheap The service is great - the only flaw is this place is CASH ONLY
(4)
Matthew S.
Pretty cool place. It's legit on being from that time period.. All the fixtures and Seburg music players are pretty damn cool and not knockoffs. Has a very cool vibe, so that part I really liked about it. The food was okay... I had the California burger. Not bad, not amazing. Service was the only thing I wasn't impressed by... Not the most friendly, but not rude if that makes sense? I was digging the vintage tunes but only one speaker works in the back, and so in the front all I can hear is the loud Spanish from the three cooks. Just okay.
(3)
G C G.
Heaven for those who want a real diner. I get the Monterey Scramble every time. The waitresses are patient, nice, and have all been there for a long time. You'll meet some interesting people at the counter.
(5)
Jessica W.
so - so... not the BEST burger. Also, if you sit in the back, you will be forgotten. Service shouldn't compromise comfort.
(3)
Angela Y.
It's an American diner. Solid food for cheap. My ratings are based on what kind of restaurant it's meant to be and the dining experience and not on how fancy the food is. The food is nothing special, but like I said, it's solid. Good portions, great service and quick!
(5)
Jeanna A.
Loved this place! It's adorable, the staff provided the best service I had during my short time in LA, and the food is greasy spoon diner good! They have a breakfast special with eggs, hashbrowns, a meat, and pancakes for under $5. Eat it, IHOP.
(5)
Rich M.
Great place, great food, kitschy atmosphere, fast friendly staff and very reasonably priced! What else can I say? Oh yeah, it's not your typical douchy hipster beach place!
(4)
Alfred L.
I love their ambiance!! Good food and you get great service! It's family owned and run. Bring the family!
(5)
Raven R.
Ranch, ranch, and more ranch! They make their own home made ranch and its to die for! Made with onion and poppy seeds it took a few times to get used to it but now I crave it! I have been coming here for years I love it so much I can't even explain:) Always a great experience
(5)
David T.
Excellent, reliable diner in a location that is relatively easy to get to. Everything I've had off their menu has been solid (from burgers to fish to breakfast), so I would recommend getting whatever tickles your fancy at the moment!
(4)
Dinorah M.
Great food, great service, and of course awesome 50's theme i LOVE the milk shakes! Can't go wrong with fresh toast there too. 5/5
(5)
Andrew S.
Pros - Super good value - Tasty bacon avocado burgers - Awesome waitresses - Sunshine shake Cons - No dedicated lot but parking was pretty easy to find around this area This small neighborhood joint felt really homey. The waitresses were very chatty and joked around with my friend and I. I ordered a bacon avocado burger (had to customize this) and got a sunshine shake (think: orange creamsicle in milkshake form). Both were absolutely delicious. The food came out relatively quickly and the price was just right. Be warned, this place is cash only but there's apparently an ATM in the strip mall across the street. There was a ton of Americana memorabilia and decorations.
(5)
Jay J.
Great little place. Absolutely excellent shakes. Great omelette with steak and salsa. Everything was fresh -- and the hash browns were nice and crispy!
(5)
G N.
My favorite diner! It's cash only, but that's probably why this place is so inexpensive. Omelets, scrambles, french toast, sandwiches, ALL good. I'm not sure if they are the same chain as the one in West LA and Silverlake area. They have similar menus, but they don't have the rewards program like the others. Power breakfast, $4.95. YES! Don't forget their shakes!
(5)
Hillary S.
My favorite little greasy spoon in Venice. $5 breakfasts on weekdays, endless coffee and staff that always greet me and are happy to see me. Love this little joint.
(5)
Janeth L.
I love this diner! I've been coming to Cafe 50's since I was a kid and honestly the food tastes just as great as it did back in the day. It might have changed ownership. I saw new faces when I was seated and was a bit concerned about how the food was going to taste. I worried for nothing. My dish was delish! I ordered the Cali Burger and others ordered other burgers on menu. We all agreed that the burgers were juicy, fresh and just like a burger should taste. The tuna melt is super good too! I order lettuce and tomato on the side to add to my melt. (On previous visit) We ordered shakes as well and again, nothing has changed other than new faces. All is good! We were all very content. P.S. I did notice the table jukebox was not on booth table anymore! I recall you being able to play some cool tunes with nickels that you would get from the waiters. Hmm
(5)
Lauren H.
I just moved back to L.A., and this was the first place I ate at upon my return. Food was good and affordable, and service could not have been friendlier. I used to eat here in the 90's when I lived here, and now that I am back, I intend to eat there again. Thanks for welcoming me home so warmly!
(4)
Tricia H.
Good food. Cash only :-( Friendly staff, but kinda musty smelling inside.
(3)
Michael S.
Dining at Cafe 50s is like being in a scene from Grease. I don't mean the musical starring Olivia Newton-John. I mean the artery clogging drama starring fats and oils. In fact, Cafe 50s is like a smash hit of Coronary Artery Disease with grease, salt, trans fats, and saturated fats raising your cholesterol to hand-jive levels. Finding a healthy choice is about as difficult as finding a parking spot at Cafe 50s. So, don't even try. Instead, stick to the restaurant specialties: Freakishly yummy high-calorie Milk Shakes, classic Chicken Strips, traditional Burgers, 50s-style Fries, Breakfast Eggs, diner Sandwiches, and good ole' Pancakes. My favorite so far? The Monte Cristo Sandwich. The worst? The Meatloaf. Most diners are known more for nostalgia than their food and ultra-tiny Cafe 50s lives down to those expectations. Besides actual grease, the walls are covered with movie posters, odd ads, and memorabilia from the 1950s. The rest of the restaurant is full of red vinyl, chrome, and white formica. The long counter is the place to sit to take it all in while enjoying plenty of triglycerides and lipo proteins. Bring Cash and Lopid Medication.
(2)
Ken B.
I picked my son up at the airport. He was starving. We stopped here. Got a table right away and then they took forever and a day to get us our food. I am not sure why or what the problem was that day but I hate places that are inconsistent and hot and uncomfortable inside.
(2)
Paul W.
It's a mistake to go to Cafe 50s just for the food. You go to Cafe 50s when you have a hangover I had the turkey chili and, after a couple cups of coffee, banana pancakes with blueberry sauce. Chili was nicely coated in cheese, onions and heartburn. Pancakes felt undercooked: gummy without airpockets, mushy. This is the perfect stuff to take the overflow work from your liver. But I won't continue to gripe about the food (which, at my most generous, I can call mediocre) because Cafe 50s is just an amazing place to BE when you just need a place that feels like a post apocalyptic LA: The main waitress at this American-themed diner is an Englishwoman backed up by a full kitchen staff of 3 Latin men, who in turn are supported by two Southeast Asian cooks trimming the gristle off steaks. Over your shoulder, there will be an Eastern European single mom (who apparently couldn't find a sitter for her 16 year old basket case son) on a date with a very patient Canadian man. Around the corner in deluxe, plush, rounded vinyl booths, you'll see a woman in a leopard print shawl and 6 inch pumps--deep purple eye shadow from lash to brow--rubbing the shoulders (and possibly other things) on a man clothed entirely in stained sweats. Cafe 50s is the kind of place where heists are planned and never executed, petty drugs are traded, and--once in a while--decent food is served. Sit around for a bit, feel your arteries clog, and wonder just exactly how you fit into the ensemble cast.
(3)
Jacob S.
Great service, very reasonable, low key.. This place feels like a neighborhood diner. Not upscale at all, but quick, easy, fun affordable... very consistent too.
(5)
Mike T.
If you love milkshakes, you'll love this place. Those places that give you the milkshake plus the leftovers in the silver shaker. Breakfast all day. Cheapish. Friendly service. Fairly big menu. Great location. Only takes cash!!!
(4)
Hugh M.
Great staff, great service, great food and the prices can't be beat, tight quarters.. Seeking food and adventure on a Halloween weekend after a great party night, I rolled out early on a Saturday morning to get some diner food with my good friend Will W. and no, I'm not talkin Wheaton.. I originally thought we were going to the Lincoln & Santa Monica location, but my buddy quickly updated me on this new to me place and damn was I glad we came here, I like a little something new with my meal. Let's start off with Parking, its non-existant, i.e. they don't have a lot, so you're hitting the street and walking up or parking in the nearby grocery store lot and hoping to not get towed. I opted for the lot and possible tow with the results that my truck was still there when we finished grubbin down.. This place is a corner diner, small, tight and wrapped in leather and chrome.. yeah, I'm still talking about the diner.. but I like where you're going with that thought. a few booths, a counter with sit down stools make up this venue's only seating and people enjoy this local favorite as there is a line and a wait list, but it was short and friendly. On to the Om nom noms.. I was hungry.. I mean really hungry, we're talking big Texas man sized hunger. I asked the waitress for a cup of coffee an ice water and to start with the La Bamba scramble, yes I said to start with.. I was hungry. The coffee tasted a little burnt and a creamer in the bowl had been opened and turned upside down so it soaked the others, I'd blame a prankster patron for that over the restaurant. They replaced the creamer and refilled my coffee without asking, I couldn't believe that I got a refill in this town without having to beg for it! The La Bamba scramble came out hot with lots of meat and vegetables.. we're talking 3 eggs scrambled with jalapenos, tomato, onion, bacon, jack cheese with salsa! For $5.50!! and breakfast potatoes, I was thrilled and took a pic then dove right in. The Scramble tasted as good as it looked, was filling and well worth its price on the menu. My buddy, Will W. got the 3+3+3 for again $5.50! Thats 3 Eggs + 3 Blueberry pancakes + 3 bacon, ham or link sausage. It looked tasty, but I had my own meal to deal with, so we set to it. After finishing my meal, I picked up the menu again..yes sports fans, I was stepping back up to the plate.. This time I went for the Country Scramble, a little pricier (haha) for only $5.75 I got 3 eggs scrambled with ground turkey fresh spinach, mushrooms and tomato. I'll tell you what, this combination worked so well together it had me singing its praises right there in the diner. This was even tastier than the La Bamba! All in all, great eating experience. I'm glad my buddy introduced me to this place and I'll definitely be going back again. Update: I love this tiny little diner in Venice and go there often for breakfast (I seriously am in love with the Country Scramble) and I try to bring friends with me more often than not. As, I said its tiny and popular, so you might have to wait a bit and its cash only. Parking can be had by either street or the Ralphs nearby. Its great and if you're hungry and want to try it, be sure to hit me up and I'll meet you there.
(4)
Leah R.
I love this place. I always order either their pancakes, or their tuna-tom-jack. Sometimes I switch it up and add pickles or change the cheese or the bread. The same guy always takes me order for take out, and his phone service is always excellent. They make me feel like they've known me for years. The waitresses at dine-in are awesome! I'm a regular.
(4)
Susan T.
This is neighborhood restaurant with great food at excellent prices. The breakfast special is an excellent choice. Staff is terrific.
(4)
Jeff L.
We just had breakfast here for the first time and everything was perfect. The scrambled eggs were just right, hash browns were great, and the pancakes were fluffy & delicious. The sunrise shake is especially noteworthy. It is orange juice and vanilla ice cream...basically Orange Julius on steroids...and wonderful. For the price, you just can't beat Cafe 50's for breakfast on the west side.
(5)
Martha P.
This place may have character and good deals BUT it is FILTHY! Kitchen looked DIRTY. I will not be coming back!
(2)
Anita L.
Came here one night for dinner with BFF and her BF. I loved the retro decor and the Filipino staff here. They were just great! We got a super burger, a sputnik and a tuna melt. We shared it all and got 3 different sides -- onion rings, french fries and coleslaw. We also shared a black and white shake. I was in such a sweet tooth mode (soooooooooooo unlike me) and drank a few sips of the shake which was delicious. I was good though, so I let those 2 have the rest. I didn't like the sputnik too much.... the coleslaw in it was too sweet for me. The super burger wasn't bad, it was huge with 2 patties, avocado, onion rings etc etc. My fave was the tuna melt. I've never really eaten "fried sandwiches" except for Reubens so the tuna melt was quite good. I enjoyed myself here. Food was good, company was good and service was good.
(4)
Tessa C.
Great local American diner - family feel. American classic breakfast, lunch, and dinner entrees. Everything is freshly made. Ordered a vanilla milkshake and a fish sandwich. The french fries were hot crisp and starchy. Just how I like it. The fish sandwich was great with fresh tomato and lettuce. You could tell that their tartar sauce is also not from a jar. Service is friendly and prompt. Clean booths and great vintage ads and record covers decorating the space. There's a working jukebox!
(5)
Joanne W.
I love Cafe 50s, and it never disappoints. Cheap, delicious food and welcoming, friendly service.
(5)
Zana F.
Been going for many years ~ always super friendly staff ~ quick service and good prices! The only place I drink a regular coffee ;-) besides my Soy Latte's!
(4)
Reviewer X.
The Good, it's cheap, milkshakes, pancakes, they have healthy choices, fruit, cottage cheese, oatmeal, blueberry's will make you anything. and they have everything. To me it's a breakfast spot. The Bad, its not all that clean and why the hell dint they do Cafe 60's I mean Frankie Valley really? The Ugly, the waitresses...
(4)
Francisca S.
I have been here twice and no disappointment. I had the tbird omelet and it was great! I love the nonstop coffee refills and the great service. My husband has had the bamba both times and he seemed to love it. I am yet to try the Malts but this place is our go to place when we come to Venice beach.
(5)
Sharmaine E.
It's OK but cash only and I RARELY carry cash these days so I usually have to take the extra step of going to the ATM across the street in order to eat there. It's not THAT great so I'd rather go someplace else. Plus it's a little cramped. Prices are OK though.
(2)
Luna A.
Friendly staff. Good portions. Not super delicious, or I may have ordered the wrong dish. :-)
(3)
Beth G.
As a Venice local, I love to support local businesses - especially in this time of rents being raised and the little places who have been here forever are being pushed out. I am very tolerant. Understaffed and device slow...ok I will roll with you. Order messed up...ok I can work with you. But the one thing I draw the line at is people disrespecting other people. I have never witnessed the blatant rudeness of some of the staff we experienced today at Cafe 50's. The experience started with a waitress passive aggressively grumbling out loud (to know one in particular) about the 4 people standing in the doorway. No one was in her way and even if so - ask them to please move. Very easy and simple. The service today was less than acceptable. It took 3 asks to get a water with no ice. When the water came 30 minutes in - it was filled with ice. Ok fine. Happy just to have clean water in our country really. Too many other small misses to mention but the icing on the cake was they dropped the food on the table and walked away. My friend tried to wave down the guy to alert him something wasn't right in her order. She took a couple bites of her eggs and when he finally came back she reminded him she wanted her hash-browns cooked well. He wanted to take them back (her whole plate) and she said I want to eat my eggs - can you just bring the hash browns on a separate plate? She reminded him since she was eating from the plate so he couldn't take the old hash towns back to the grill. He aggressively grabbed her plate while she was eating and she held on. And was like hold up...she grabbed a plate and put the hash-browns on it. He grabbed the plate and immediately threw it on the trash can next to us. It was such an unnecessary exchange and was a little jarring. I would have chocked all this up to a bad day at Cafe 50's until the guy in the blue went agro re the potatoes. It was aggressive, rude, and considering it was his fault they weren't cooked well - made no sense. So long Cafe 50's...would have loved to support the little guy but refuse to spend my hard earned money in place where you are treated poorly and on every level the service was a miss.
(1)
Layla A.
I was happy to see they were open on new year's day. My boyfriend's sandwich was undercooked but the service was great and my burger was tops. The waitress comped his sandwich and gave us a malted for free. To be honest, I was never a regular at any of the Cafe 50s locations (they're just diners!) but I will usually choose them over the nearby options at either the Lincoln location or the Santa Monica Blvd one. tl;dr: good food, good service. I had a not-so-okay experience the last time I was here, but that doesn't really detract from all the good food I've had there over the years.
(3)
Damian J.
nice staff, good food, great for brunch.
(4)
Julee H.
Great little diner! Friendly staff. Very reasonable prices. I ordered the chili cheese fries. Chili was average and there could have been a bit more cheese. The burger my friend ordered was good. Fries and onion rings were good. Love all the movie posters and pictures on the walls. Dinner for two that's nostalgic and under $20 in an interesting and friendly place.
(4)
Jamie M.
This is a great diner to hit up anytime of the day. I absolutely love the decor that is literally everywhere including the ceiling; retro product advertisements, movie posters, band memorabilia, jukebox, and the list goes on. If you got time there are old board games to enjoy while you wait for your food (upon request, and if no one snagged them before you!). They have the old red leather style seating with a coat hanger at the table, at the end you'll not only find a large amount of condiments, but a monthly newsletter that has a bunch of random yet entertaining rambles on it. Of course, the waitress are rocking the old outfits and always have really pleasant attitudes. All of which makes this a really awesome atmosphere. I usually order the California burger and have never had any complaints, also have ordered the BLT with avocado, yum! I really like their sweet potato fries, but I have to say the major selling point for me is their large selection of shakes/malts. I have yet to try them all, my faves so far have been the Mocha Shake and the Coffee Banana Malt...drooool. I have to warn though that this place is rather small, not really large group friendly, but that's no reason to stop you from going. Just plan accordingly.
(4)
Kristopher V.
I am such a sucker for cash only diners that serve comforting America staples for only a few bucks. The grilled cheese and fries are made just as you would expect. The milkshakes (peanut butter especially) are all really good, the chocolate cake was better than I expected, and the waitress is treat to talk to. Bottom-line: If you find a few bucks in your back pocket come to Cafe 50's for a cheap meal.
(4)
Heidi C.
Love this place. The decor is awesome and the staff is super nice. I come here for the shakes mostly. The Elvis shake was good but really thick. The blueberry shake is amazing. Definitely one of my favorites.
(5)
Sandee W.
This is not the best diner on the west side. I mean its pretty divey and honestly had a weird smell to it, not my taste at all, I do not like the plastic cups at all, I mean more into the glass standard! Call me a little bit snobby but I would rather go to Panns, or even Roll and Rye or something like that for American Breakfast just not my taste here!
(2)
Jonna J.
Do you like malts? I mean really LIKE Malts? There's are THE BEST and the cheapest. Power breakfast rocks - everything is yummy and is the perfect hangover ambiance. Find me here at least a couple weekend mornings a month. CHEAP (cash only/but ATM at door just in case). Great staff, no-nonsense service, reliable eats. Now if only they had a decent INDOOR powder room....then I'd give them a full 5 stars. But hell, I can walk home so no biggie for me :-).
(4)
Sunny D.
Its places like these that make LA what it is. I used to pass this place a thousand times while traveling on Lincoln blvd but once I discovered it I travel the distance just to step inside this time machine. The staff is so friendly, you feel like you're family. Its the perfect little place to go if you're in the area. I love love love the cherry cokes and the shakes. I've tried the breakfast and the lunch. This is Venice at its best. Insider tip: get cash before you go. They don't take major credit cards. ***Update: I was just informed that it has been closed down. Im on a mission to find out why. ***Update #2: I drove by, saw that it was opened and had lunch. Yum!
(4)
Kat F.
This is by far the best diner in town. It's a great little place with good food, lots of choices -not so much that it will overwhelm you, but just enough to satisfy a hangover, a french fry craving...you get it...
(4)
Rick M.
Been coming here since I was pooping in my diapers. Love this amazing breakfast place.
(4)
Ruth A.
Everyone's mostly said it already -- but I have to say something about the grilled cheese sandwich, with cole slaw on the side. Think of the great works whose design is utter simplicity and therein lies their beauty. Think of Frost's "The Road Not Taken." Think of the Mona Lisa. Think of the clean, elegant lines of a Coco Chanel suit. THAT's the grilled cheese sandwich at Cafe 50's. It is perfectly what it is. Nirvana.
(5)
Erin R.
I'm having some inner conflict about giving this place only 3 stars, but let me explain. Okay, I love this place, I really really do. I can walk to it from my house, hungover even. Especially when hungover actually. Classic American breakfast served fairly slowly by a very kind waitress who doesn't really give an eff. Don't get me wrong! I love her don'tgive-an-eff attitude, it's just that it's not the service you get at, say, Cut. Honestly though, that kind of service is what I want when I come into this place. I love it for what it is, which is cheap, honest food that hits the spot (although it IS cash only. boo) Just for reference I always get the Power Breakfast for $4.50 on weekdays and $5.50 on weekends. Can't beat it!
(3)
Jasmine F.
I love how you can order an egg white omelette at even the "greasy spoon" type diners in the L.A. area and no one even bats an eye. We stopped into Cafe 50's for breakfast, and I was impressed by the freshness and flavor of the ingredients, as well as the variety, given the type of joint it is. I ended up with an egg white omelette with spinach, feta, avocado, and tomatoes; a side of fruit; and some bacon (I figure that's a deserved reward for removing the yolk and potatoes from the meal). Everything was spot on. Also, the prices were fair (you could get a solid breakfast for around $5) and the service was super friendly and efficient. Oh, and I hear the milkshakes are excellent.
I have nothing new to add to the other reviews except that if you go back often enough, eventually they know your name and your order. Big city? Cafe 50's! The food sometimes borders on gross when its busy on the weekend but you remind yourself you're spending 4.25 for what you would pay 11 bucks for at the omlette parlor and it's all ok. Milkshakes- a total plus, jukebox too. (Advice for the coffee complaint above, go to Groundworks on Rose and byoc.)
(5)
Sue Z.
there's so much nostalgia surrounding cafe 50's for me. my first date with my the now love of my life. the staff that became family after our frequent visits. the music always blasting the 50's tunes, while everyone knew everyone's name. yet. i always have chet's rendition of 'the thrill is gone" wafting through my head when i pass this place now. it ain't what it used to be. i don't know what happened. maybe they changed cooks? maybe something this good just doesn't last. listen. this place is awesome, i assure you! but it ain't 5-stars kinda good anymore. i went today for some breakfast, and it was...ok. now let me pull myself out of the past, and tell you what's good to get here. The Joe's Special. -a scramble with lean beef, spinach, onions, and some other random goodies. this was THE STAPLE cafe 50's dish i got all the time. it was my 'usual'. with home fries, and sourdough toast. i might have gone on an off day, but this time, it was overly salted, dry, and not very good. but take a chance on this, when it's good, it's heartwarming, and sets your morning right. The Killer Burger! eat this with A1 sauce. i usually get this with the turkey patty, with chunks of fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and onions. the patty is so deliciously seasoned, it's heaven. it comes with coleslaw (yum!), and steak fries. it's moist and one of the best burgers i've ever gotten. Blueberry Milkshake. -they use real blueberries and premium vanilla ice cream. they always used to give us the leftovers, and there were A LOT of left-overs. it was delicious, the way milkshakes should be. au natural, made with all the love one can get. this was our staple from back in the day. i hope it's as good as it used to be. this morning, we got Huevos Rancheros and The Father Omlette. the portions were ginormous. but hey, quality over quantity. my omlette was ok, not phenomenal. the potatoes that came with were good, but a bit on the chewy side. bf's huevos rancheros looked like what it should look like coming out the other way. sorry. but it did....said it was good, but very heavy and unhealthy. so overall, it was meh. i will come back here again.....because i do love cafe 50's. : ) cash only!
(3)
vicky c.
This is a really great restaurant! Great staff and even better food! I love it here. It's like one of the last remaining treasures left in Venice! Helpful hint, order a scramble!
(5)
Jill M.
I've been eating here for over 20 years, yeah that long. Why, you might ask? The service is great and so is the food. You can kick back and enjoy a meal here without being rushed, play a little somethin' on the jukebox, and stuff yourself until you can't breathe. Whatever I haven't tried on the menu (I'm a picky eater) all of the friends that I have taken there over the years have, so it's all good. This is one of those places when someone asks me "where do you want to eat" I say Cafe 50's.
(5)
Hali M.
gets 5 stars for being the best hangover/saturday afternoon-breakfast place in the Santa Monica/Venice area. -one time i went around 1pm for breakfast and sat right next to Quentin Tarantino. Its really a place for anyone. -with regards to lunch or dinner.... EH. Breakfast is the way to go!
(5)
Dr J.
Me gusta Cafe 50's. If Grandma opened up a little diner in Venice, this is it. The milkshakes are luscious; we had the mocha, the 50-50 bar, and the black and white ("The thing about eating the black and white [shake], Elaine, is you want to get some black and some white in each bite.") My friends both had the power breakfast, which is basically one of everything, and I tried the scramble with lox and onions. We left stuffed and you can't beat the prices. This place is the size of a Kleenex box, but that won't spoil your fun. We parked hassle-free next door in the Rite Aid lot. Cash only.
(4)
Bruno J.
Genuine place, great value for money and very nice people ... awesome
(5)
Ben B.
Sunday wouldn't be Sunday without a stop at Cafe 50's. It really is the sunshine in my morning. Even though I don't get nostalgic about the 50s decor flooding every square inch of wall space, I can appreciate its charm. This place is a breakfast "experience" for anyone willing to participate. Start by grabbing the morning paper from the stack by the front door. You'll need it because you'll probably be waiting a few minutes for a table. The entire menu is fantastic, but the go-to selection is the Good Times Power Breakfast. It used to be three bucks, but they raised it a few the last couple years. It's still a steal. If you're up for it, their shakes are fantastic and will take the place of lunch.
(4)
Jason W.
I don't like the fifties that much except once in awhile. I like them aesthetically for like a david lynch movie or something. There were no serial killers back then and every thing was pushed under the surface. This diner is okay. The place is crowded and there is some shouting. I thought the food was okay nothing super great. I didn't like the experience that much plus they give you a jukebox at your table but you don't get to pick a song unless you go to the main one. That sucks...really. I love little jukeboxes at tables.
(3)
Wendy P.
The food was not very good and the booth was possibly the most uncomfortable I've ever sat in, but the service was great.
(3)
Kevin F.
Very good diner! Tim C and I went here before the big birthday bash for Sarah Beth and Trisha at Air Conditioned. Good little hole in the wall cafe with good diner food. I had the spicy meatloaf. It wasn't really spicy, but it had a good flavor to it. The dinner comes with veggies, potato and soup or salad. A filling meal for under $10. The best part though was the Elvis Milkshake! Vanilla ice cream, peanut butter and banana, to which I had them add some chocolate syrup. Awww, that was one good shake! Thick and chocolate banana peanut buttery goodness! The staff was really friendly and all in all it was a great meal. I'll definitely go back when I'm in the area.
(4)
Boise T.
we love 50's! we go there whenever we have family in from out of town. the neighborhood in venice is always well represented: you'll have a celeb in one booth, two body builders in another, a family of 4-6 that speak something other than english, a hung over couple, some old people sharing a paper and an assortment of randoms. it's great food, great music, robert and the staff are always old school friendly. they remember you everytime and seem to know exactly when you were there last. it's like 1979 in there but with a 50's theme.
(5)
Tim L.
Very yummy food at a good price. Had the 3+3+3. Gf had two eggs any style. Even the toast was yummy hehe.
(4)
greg a.
Great diner prices and the food is above par. Try their "Blue Plate Specials" or come for their breakfast. If you go in enough they remember your order (I love cherry coke) making you feel right at home. Breakfast time gets busy so get there early. Cash only. The chicken fried steak is divine.
(4)
Vicki C.
Yum! Great breakfast food at Great Prices!! Only issue is it is SO small, you feel kinda trapped. But very tasty and good spot for quick cheap breakfast.
(4)
Miriam F.
this is a diner, and I'm from the south, so I expect certain things. everything is always delicious, the service is always phenomenal, and best of all, the atmosphere is perfection. the music is always just right. basically, this place is the bomb, you should go.
(5)
Scott M.
The place is a dirty, small and old hole in the wall, but they have delicious diner food. This is one of the best breakfast spots in the area. The scrambles and omelets have high quality ingredients and assortment of tasty combinations. The pancakes could be a bit fluffier and less chewy. They would taste a whole lot better with real maple syrup. Why don't breakfast places serve real maple syrup? I'd pay extra damn it! I generally don't eat pancakes, waffles or French toast out for this reason. But, their French toast did look good.
(3)
Kristen B.
best.food.ever. wonderful place to be a regular...they remember you. Service is fast and really nice. Hours are great, since they are open until 11. Anything you get will be good, and the atmosphere is great. P.S, this is the non-pretentious version of the Santa Monica location. But FYI, they don't accept credit cards!
(5)
Kendall M.
I went here for breakfast with the bf yesterday, and I thought it was pretty standard fare. Weirdly, the service started out super attentive and then eventually took a complete nose-dive to the point that in lieu of a visible waitress anywhere, I got up and asked the grill sergeant for some more cream cheese. But the atmosphere was accurately dinery and the food was cheap, there's an awesome breakfast special that's like 4.50 or something, so my poverty stricken boyfriend could actually afford it... bonus points for that!
(3)
Mike F.
Get the most for your money here. The omlettes are big enough for the hungriest and theres plenty of food served here. One of the few original style soda fountain eateries left and original cause of its nostalgic posters with various celebs. Hangovers and bleary eyed customers are the norm here so just order your food, pay your bill and go back to bed knowing you just ate a shitload. BTW, a must is their Cobb salad with creamy italian dressing. Along with their little muffin thats served along with it, its a great low carb meal! (eh? whats a low carb?) also, this place is a tad better than the one in santa monica only because its "at home" atmosphere.
(4)
Phillip P.
I'm very cautious about giving five stars, but I had one of the best omelets I've ever tasted here. They use high-quality ingredients and the service was great despite the place being packed. It's definitely not "health food" but I can't wait to go back and try some more dishes. Great prices and great food.
(5)
Bobbie K.
The nostalgic 50's decor has not been spruced up in many a year, and without any special ambience this tacky diner has nothing going for it. From an overcooked omelet to the mayo-drowned cole slaw, even the simplest of items wasn't prepared competently. To be fair, someone said the melted cheese and turkey sandwich was OK. But the place is dilapidated, noisy and uncomfortable and the service was lousy - if the 50's were like that , what's the point of remembering them?
(1)
Aaron A.
Cafe 50's is a dying breed. The owners are friendly, charming, and extremely caring of their food and customers. I once overheard the owner sharing the "secret" to their coleslaw: They dress it to order! So much attention to detail, and that's just the coleslaw. Burgers are perfect, so are the fountain drinks and shakes. Try the Yakety Yak too! Don't be afraid of the jukebox either...It's nice to know there's restaurant owners that truly care about their food and have a good time doing it. 5 stars for the whole dining experience...I always have a lot of fun, and great food here.
(5)
Ivana I.
I must say I'm sad, so very sad, to have discovered this place just recently. I've been missing out on a true L.A. gem. It's a near miss, right next to a large Rite-Aid, but this crisp white cottage of a classic diner serves up great grub that's simple, all-American, and CHEAP. Breakfast served all day, so there's none of that must-get-there-in-time-before-brunch-ends crush rush. I recommend the Power Breakfast (crisp hash browns, two eggs, pancakes, sausage (or veggie sausage: v.v.bueno) or bacon)... fill your body tank up for just $4.25! Very friendly service. Good, strong coffee with plenty of refillin' going on (under a buck)... a true American diner w/ true diner prices.
(5)
George F.
Must have driven by this place a million times on Lincoln. Checked it out on yelp this sunday and went for breakfast/lunch... Brunch! What a sweet little spot - very reasonably priced, milkshakes are always a plus, oh and the food was good too - huge selection. All in all a worthwhile spot.
(4)
Amy H.
HELLO Elvis & Marilyn! What a fun spot this is! After hearing a few friends say they like the place...we decided to go and check it out for ourselves. We loved the decor...true 50's feel...nostalgic pictures and mini jukeboxes on the counter. I had an omelette and my husband had the "Power Breakfast" and he couldn't resist ordering a side of onion rings and a beer. The food was yummy. After we finished, we were already talking about coming back next time to try their burger, fries and milkshakes...which all looked quite good! If I had to make one criticism...their coffee was a little watery. Other than that, the it was great!
(4)
Andrew K.
Overpriced, dirty, and crappy food. Gross. At least while I was there I got to watch 10 cops arrest some drug dealer.
(1)
Jennifer W.
I am having such a hard time writing this review, because I was constantly comparing this Cafe 50's to the one on Santa Monica Blvd, which is much closer to where I live. I asked the waitress (owner perhaps?) if they were affiliated, and she said at one point in time 4 friends opened a few, but then each took 1 and went off in their own direction. First of all...parking. Is a beotch. We found some on the street though. Neighborhood is also a little sketch, being right off Lincoln Blvd in Venice. This menu is not nearly as big as the SM Blvd one....seriously less shakes/malts and food items all around. I already knew in my head that I wanted the Choc & Banana shake, with an avocado BLT w/ sweet potato fries. No shake....no BLT....no sweet potato fries. That being said...they did make me a BLT off the menu, and I'm sure they would have made my shake too. And what I did have was delicious. Bonus: the customer service was excellent. Bogus: cash only!!
Very cute place! I went there with my boyfriend for dinner :) I know this place is famous for breakfast but dinner was still great. They have super good milk shake! Next time def trying breakfast :)
(4)
Kyle O.
Really small place and the wait was rrally long with only a few couples in front of us. Parking stinks, street only and the lot across the street does tow your ass. Food is classic diner style, which means hot, good, greasy, fast. Breakfast spot for sure. Nice staff and service, cheap prices. Just needs to move people faster and allow you to put your name on the list before showing up so you don't get towed while you wait to eat.
(4)
Drew C.
No better place to walk into with a mean hangover. The excellent serving staff are always cheery and motherly, which is an addd hangover bonus. The hours here are wonderful, the coffee is flowing steadily (which makes up for it being a little light), and the food is fast and delicious. Classic breakfasts are my go-to and they're made exactly to standard and at a huge discount compared with most other breakfast spots on the west side. Just remember to bring cash.
(5)
Josh W.
Wish there was a negative rating option. Ate there once or twice and never eating there again. The reason is the last time (many years ago) we ate there and a family member got food posioning and came back within the week and they didn't seem to care 1 bit and wanted to get us a free meal instead of a refund. Went on and on.
(1)
Nic D.
Very fun place with great beach-town atmosphere! The food was great diner-style fair, served quickly, and with excellent prices. Do not miss the malts!!! They are amazing!
(4)
FB W.
This diner has the nicest staff around. Ultra sweet and helpful. They made me feel at home and at ease. The food is very reasonably priced, too. And, the best music...wow, ultra-nostalgic. Cash ONLY though, so come prepared.
(4)
John Purroy J.
Excellent diner. Kitschy, fun, with nearly all of their original waitstaff from the 1980s. Food like I haven't had since New York City diners. And those saved my life on many an occasion!
(4)
Sandy G.
Friendliest place in town. Same staff for the 24 years I have been coming. They don't ever rush singles out of a booth. In fact, one night I had long finished eating but got no check. Robert, the waiter, said he didn't want to bother me because i was reading. Fresh food, nicely prepared. I grew up in the 50s, so it feels like home. Great omelets.
(5)
Jason B.
A friend of mine recently flew into the LAXative airport and it was my job to pick him up before he was picked up by either the FBI or the NAACP. He was starving after his flight from London so I told him I was going to take him somewhere for a burger. That place should have been In-N-Out though it wasn't. I know - Jason, you're a retard. Not surprisingly, Cafe 50's has 1950's memorabilia covering the walls and 1950's music playing. Can you imagine the disappoint that I felt thinking that this was going to be based on the 1850's? The show was being run by an older Asian man. I gotta tell ya, there's something pretty amusing about an older Asian man happily singing along to The Beatles and Elvis. The guy knew all of the words but I guess I would to if those songs were drilled into my brain every day. My friend changed his mind on the burger thing and went with a sandwich instead (a Reuben?). I went with the Lumberjack burger and added an egg. To get to the bathroom you have to walk through storage and food prep areas. A couple of the guys working back there looked at me like I caught them doing something that they shouldn't be doing. I noticed a pile of pre-cooked bacon near the grill that they used for my burger. When our food arrived, I looked at my burger and said to myself, "Self, that's a pretty small burger." The burger and fries were average as was the sandwich. In fact, I didn't even eat all of the fries. yelp.com/biz_photos/jeub… yelp.com/biz_photos/jeub… Everything was average. For the 20 bucks we spent, we could've went to In-N-Out and had better for half the price. Let that be a lesson to me!
(3)
Yona Y.
Soooooo bad.... Dont even wanna give one start to their monte cristo... Simply they dont know what monte cristo is...... Horrible, horrible food....
(1)
May S.
Cafe 50s in Venice is my favorite diner! The service is always wonderful and the food is delicious. I especially recommend the La Bamba breakfast and the blueberry pancakes. Also, I think the food is considerably less expensive then most diners and the quality is better at 50s.
(5)
Chris H.
Our family typically doesn't eat out for breakfast. Trust me, its not because I enjoy standing at the stove for an hour and a half, cooking what everybody wants, rather because breakfast restaurants typically haven't a clue. While on vacation, we stopped here for breakfast. Unbelievable!!! Everything was cooked perfectly, the decor was neat and the staff was amazing. If we had this gem on the East Coast, I promise I would eat there every day. Thanks!
(5)
Matt H.
Fantastic service; IHOP cheap. Actually, it's cheaper than IHOP--and they don't torque you for add-ons. A burger is 5.50$. A burger with cheese, avocado, and tomato? 6$. I LOVE that. A root beer float is 2.95$ and is in exactly the glass you're thinking it's in, but the ice cream is pouring out over the top. Yes. This is correct. The coffee's mild, which is good because it's infinite. Their apple pie was Really Good. The catfish wasn't great, but the turkey dinner was just fine. It's clean. I had no problem putting a coffee-stirring spoon on the table; nothing was sticky or greasy or gross. The service was phenomenal. Perfect orders, perfect attentiveness, perfect accommodation. Two dinners, a root beer float, a slice of pie, and two coffees was a hilariously low 30$ (cash only). I tipped around 7.50$, and it's rare that I go over 20%. I was Really happy with them. The bathroom situation reminds me of Doughboys: A health code violation waiting to get noticed. I'm coming back for breakfast though, and I have a feeling it's going up to 5. Those pancakes smelled Great.
(4)
E J.
50's Cafe on Lincoln is the best! 1) CASH ONLY--i'm sure that helps keep prices down! 2) SUPER FRESH! owner makes all the soups (Yum Chicken Gumbo), dressing (BEST BLEU CHEESE!). Favorite side veggie is green beans--so fresh and tasty! good broccoli & carrots too. 3a) ELVIS MILKSHAKE: peanut butter banana shake.... mmmmmmm 3b) YAKETY YAK dinner with rice--high quality lean beef burger over bed of spinach, topped with melted swiss cheese and a homemade mushroom suace 3c) BLACKENED SALMON with home made real mashed potatoes! mmmmm, nice cut of salmon :) 4) Robert the singing waiter--just hums his favorite juke box tune in between tables. 5) AUTHENTIC VINTAGE posters and decor in the second room go Go GO!
(4)
Eva J.
Oh, yum! I was in LA yesterday with a girlfriend to get a little break from San Diego, and drop by a friend's radio show. We were up there early and decided it was a good move to snag some breakfast. . .the only catch was we didn't want to pay a lot, and it IS the Westside. I used to live in Venice Beach, though, so I know quite a few yummy grub spots that won't cost $20 per person for breakfast. HotToo/House of Teriyaki Too was closed (seriously, they had an awesome breakfast), so we went a bit east to Lincoln and hit Cafe 50's. It was crowded and busy, even for Friday morning at 11 a.m. We got seated in a booth and ordered. Our food came super-fast -- I got a spinach and Swiss omelette with hashbrowns and my homie got an omelette with bacon and avocado and homefries. The coffee could have been a little bit stronger, but the 80-something nanas in the next booth talking about pot brownies totally made up for it. Good food and good service, and we paid $20, plus a tip. Oh, it's cash only, so be prepared.
(4)
Blaiz C.
I only ever come here for breakfast because it is such a good deal that they have going until 11am. 2 eggs, hash browns, 2 sausage or bacon, and 2 pancakes all for $4.95! It is a locally owned cafe 50's and when I go in there I get the vibe of teamwork, like a family. Always the same people. I give this place a 4 because they only take cash.
(4)
Danielle S.
Best breakfast in L.A. Good Times Power Breakfast for $4.50 can't be beat. Includes veggie sausage (for no extra cost) if you want it. Best damn waitresses on the west side. Very accommodating. Just beware, they get busy. Oh yeah, it's CASH ONLY.
(5)
Sandra V.
Great food great service great price. The only place open past 10 that serves breakfast all day around this side of town. The waiter was super nice, took our order and made our food while we went to get cash across the street then didn't mind making a fresh pot of coffee for us even though we were the last costumers. Awesome place!
(5)
Diana L.
The hashbrowns here are really crispy. What else do you need to know?
(4)
Gabriel C.
The most satisfying burger I've had in a while. Great prices. Pleasant service. The only problem is that they only take cash so you have to go across the street to the ATM. But other than that it was just what I needed.
(4)
James G.
I normally don't find a reason to give three stars...but this place got my first one. All's I can say is..not too bad...but not that great. The inside can surely use an update!
(3)
Josh A.
As noted in another review, this location is no longer owned by the same people who own cafe50s.com and the menu is a little different from the menu listed at that URL. I'm not able to find a website or online menu for this location. I have been to both it and to the location in West Hollywood (which I am given to understand is the original or at least is still owned by the creator of the concept) and I like this one better because a) you get fries with the grilled cheese instead of having to order them separately, b) it costs less, and c) if I'm not mistaken, there's a peanut butter milkshake directly on the menu whereas at the West Hollywood location, you'd have to ask to have the chocolate syrup (probably just lame-o Hershey's) kept out of the peanut butter cup milkshake (which is something I should have done). I'm not going to give it 5 stars as to me 5 stars means "you gotta go!" but it's very, very good and chances are that if I'm ever back in Venice, I will go there again. As you can tell from the comments above, I did have, as recommended by another reviewer, the grilled cheese, fries, and peanut butter milkshake. The grilled cheese is very good and the peanut butter milkshake is awesome.
(4)
Cathy N.
I went here because I had an intense milkshake craving and they have a giant list of different milkshakes. I went here with a friend and I got the chocolate ice cream with hazelnut, but I switched out the chocolate ice cream with vanilla. My friend got the chocolate ice cream and peanut butter one. Since it is a diner they give it to you in glass cup and what ever is left overs in the metel mixing cup. Their milkshakes are pretty thick and you need two straws to drink it. I would definitely come back again for their milkshakes
(4)
Mark K.
I love this place. It's a typical 50's style diner that looks like it may have been there in the 50. It's a greasy spoon kid of place but that's what I was looking for when I found it. Prices are good and the breakfast special is great Get the 3 3 3 for 5 bucks. The thing that would make it better is if the remotes for the jukebox actually worked
(4)
R R.
Classic diner. I had the 2 egg breakfast with home fries. Perfectly cooked with tasty bacon. Nice price- less than Denny's, and a personality!
(5)
Richard M.
Classic diner food - affordable and well done. I've had the club sandwich and it was perfect. The Panang pot roast is a more fragrant and flavorful beef curry than most of the Thai places on the Westside! The wait staff are fast and friendly.
(5)
Carolyn R.
Came here with my boyfriend yesterday for lunch. I have mix feelings about this place. I love the decor an our waitress was nice, but the food could of been a little better, I got the California burger, substituted the beef patty for a turkey one. My fries needed a little salt. My boyfriend and I shared an elvis milkshake it was enough for the both of us. My boyfriend got chili cheese fries, which I didn't quite enjoy, something about the chili wasn't satisfying. It needed more flavor. and he also got spaghetti that I didn't try. Our bill came up to be $22.00 Not that bad I guess. I would come here again, and try a different dish.
(4)
Winnie Y.
This is exactly the type of place you want when you're thinking of a diner: 50s-style booths and counter. Decor includes jukebox and other typical 50s paraphernalia. The food is also standard diner fare: burgers, milkshakes, fries. What I found surprising was its offerings of curry, which I didn't order--I got a burger--but any diner that offers off the beaten path gets bonus points from me. The burger I ordered (the mushroom and cheese) was delicious and as artery-clogging as one would expect. The fries were nothing to write home about. The friend I went with is a vegetarian who has never had a burger in her life, and she LOVED the veggie burger she got. That alone has me sold.
(5)
shawn v.
This place all around rules, been going here for 20 years! Love this place! I used to live across the street from them, when the side salad was a $1! The prices really haven't been raised that much since. Still a super deal for anything. Forewarn....CASH ONLY here! There's a Ralph's/Riteaid across the street to grab some cash. Amazing, better than-diner food, awesome people, beer served, great shakes, jukebox rockin' at all times. Easy street parking as well. Breakfast is a super deal! Out of towners...um..go there! Was short one time, they were cool, came back and paid the balance and gave a fatty tip. Really? Who does that in these times?
(5)
Levi S.
Great food ! Great prices! Quick service! no complains here
(5)
shinobu k.
Um, ...am I the only one who thought it was a little weird that when we walked into this "50's Diner", with all the Happy Days outer accoutrements, we were greeted by a couple of Thai(? I'm assuming) gentlemen who sat us, as they without warning would burst out crooning along to the 50's jukebox as if they were the local karaoke bar? It was a friday night, about 9:45pm, this section of Venice seemed straight outta sleepytown, USA, with everything but the market across the street closed for the evening. Where were the sock hop waitresses in the short skirts and Biff telling Marty McFly to make like a tree and get outta here?! They must've been at the other location in West L.A. along with the rowdy night life, because the Cafe was pretty empty and quiet except for our server (possibly an owner?) singing doo wop. The menu threw me for a further loop, as I scanned through the obligatory burgers, blt's, and shakes and was dumbstruck to see odd offerings such as Thai Curries and some kind of Curry Pot Roast, I think called the Panang Pot Roast, which I'm sure was "Buddy Holly's Pot Roast" with curry instead of brown gravy. Nevertheless, what would be more David Lynchian than succumbing to the madness and ordering the Panang Pot Roast at Cafe 50's on what seemed to be a pretty slow night in Venice? I had wished we had gone to Baby Blues a few streets up, but when our food arrived, the Panang was devoured and it was actually quite delicious. Not too spicy, not very fancy, but hearty. As everyone else has remarked, the prices really are quite reasonable, (CASH ONLY), the place is clean, and as we sat, quite a few regulars began streaming in. Thai food at Cafe 50's. I guess it could work. I wonder if the experience is any less weird during the day?
(4)
Shari P.
Checked this cash only place out this morning - great for the price! I am a vegetarian and their veg burger was standard fare (I don't expect much for the price and the reality of being a vegetarian is you make compromises when you can). Their onion rings are very good, not processed tasting and not soaking in grease, just right. (I do bring my own HFCS-free ketchup, organic sugar and organic half & half! LOL) My hub had the eggs, bacon and pancake combo. He liked everything and the pancakes were very fluffy and good. The coffee was good albeit a bit weak but acceptable. $20 including tip out the door is pretty darn good and we'll be back again. Next time I'll have a veg omelet and veg sausage links!
(5)
Diana W.
UGHH!!!!! G-R-O-S-S. A huge waste of money. I ordered a strawberry milkshake, w/ burger and fries as did my bf. In the end, when I tried to pay for it....guess what? They don't take cards. I didn't have cash with me at the time, so had to go across the street to an ATM that charged me for withdrawing money in order to pay for an unpleasant, stinking, rotting food that was too deep-fried and covered in salt to even taste anything worthwhile. I almost felt like throwing up then and there. I've had better burgers, not to mention the degrading walk to the ATM. Guess what? Not coming here again. Get modern w/ the rest of society and improve the quality of the food you serve to better match your prices. Sick place.
(1)
Dave E.
Love the 50s ambiance! excellent cheeseburgers and shakes! at times service can be slow but the great burger makes it worth the wait!
(4)
Janna R.
We always forget that they take cash only everytime we come here. There is an atm next door but it still is a bitch withdrawing funds. Anyway, the person who greets you is so nice, he's the asian dude, he might be the owner. Food is GREAT! Small place with cool decors, a Jukebox. Definitely a place to go to for lunch or cravings and munchies. Have never gone for breakfast yet. Try the Monte Carlo with jam--you will not regret!
(5)
Paola I.
around the corner from my house. so I come here often. great malts, burgers and sandwiches. waitresses are "eh" ... bus boys are marvelous. stay away from the chicken fried chicken - yikes! can u say frozen? love their breakfast.(when done right... had some bad ones) I'm from jersey so this is the closest I can find to an actual diner in LA. anyways... that is all :)
(3)
Sanel S.
We were visiting here from Boston. The malts, oh my god, the malts! Everything else is superb as well... but the malts... my god, the malts.
(5)
Bannister C.
Had breakfast here today and ordered the sirloin steak and eggs and English muffin for $8.49. And home fries. What a surprise, it actually tased good! The hell with thise who complain this is not a "health place", go to Whole Foods down the street. The steak had hardly any gristle or fat, well trimmed, best of all, tasty, like real steak! I usually don't expect much from such places as to steak tasting like from a real steak house, this one though had great flavor. Everything came quickly too, hot and tasty! I'm just not too happy about cash only, but what the heck. Also it's not in a very nice part of town. But as far as holes in the wall go, this place is OK. And that was not a backhanded compliment.
(3)
Geoffrey M.
If you crave decent breakfast food at a great price then Cafe 50's will do the trick. Servers are friendly and food will hit the spot. Great price point - $10 for breakfast and a coffee, so I can't really complain.
(4)
Benjie S.
This place is fucking ridiculous. Ridiculously good! But before we go any further here... it is CASH ONLY. Remember that because you'll look like a real ass walking in and finding out it's cash only. As I was saying though this place is pretty great. Everything's always fresh and seems to be made in house. Dinner, breakfast and deserts have all been awesome here. It's also not that expensive. It really is a nice little diner that is well worth the money. The shakes are the shit.
(4)
Andrea W.
Good diner food but not open all night.
(3)
Amanda D.
come here two days in a row ordering the same thing. it's that addictive. The place is so old school. But you know usually that's exactly where you can get GOOD FOOD. Breakfast all day! I get Joe's special whenever I am there.
(5)
Rebecca T.
Finally - FINALLY - we found an affordable, yummy breakfast spot in our generally overpriced neighborhood (MDR/Venice) YAY, can't believe we only just now found this local gem! The service is warm and friendly, and the food delicious. BF got the 3+3+3 w/blueberry pancakes, eggs, and bacon. I got the country scramble: eggs, turkey sausage, mushrooms, spinach and had them add some mozzeralla. Plus it came w/bagel and cream cheese and hash browns! I was able to take at least half the scramble home yesterday and had the rest today for breakfast w/half an english muffin. SO good! With coffee and soda, the total for all this yumminess was less than $20. Thank goodness there's old school diner food that's scrumptuous and relatively cheap... and WAY better than IHOP or Norm's. We WILL be back, and probably pretty regularly. :)
(5)
Jan B.
Sunday morning ritual! I love their breakfast options. The food and service is pretty good. I love the fact that it' s not fast food joint but they serve your food as if it was! The waitresses are very sweet and our friend who we like to call 'cash only' is always making sure our coffee is topped off. The only thing is that i wish they took credit cards. It's a cash only!!!
(4)
Brendon D.
50 reasons to have breakfast for dinner in Venice. I've got a thing for counters. Any place that has a counter is always a favorite for me. This place delivers on the counter scale. The inside is simple and has red seat coverings and white floors. The staff was super fast and efficient. They were NOT messing around. This place is usually quite busy. It's also VERY busy on weekend mornings for the hangover crowds. This place is the hook-up for that. There is not too much to report other than the coffee is hot, eggs are not too runny or dry and the staff is on top of things. Don't half step. Do your eggs "over hard" here.
(3)
Matthew W.
3.5 stars on average is probably more a reflection on the small physical size of this location and the fact that it is not a late night diner. But, if you explore their menu you cannot beat the value here. Their Asian menu items are out of this world, the owner is from Thailand which explains things. The Power Breakfast is the best value on the menu hands down. And I have to mention the waitresses are all super friendly and have very unique personalities. If you go there at night the Asian waiter has a hilarious sense of humor and has never let me down with a menu suggestion. For those that like pressing shuffle on your iTunes, come here frequently and do the same with the menu.
(5)
Jaime M.
This is one of our favorite spots to hit when the wallets slim and the belly's-a-grumblin'! I'm always surprised there's not much business but I guess this place's "dive" atmosphere doesn't draw people in but I love it! The guy who owns it is ALWAYS there and is very polite. The food is FRESH every time, (super crisp fries, delicious burgers!!) The best part is the food is super cheap! After I got the bill last time we decided we needed a mocha shake too since it was only 12 bucks for the two of us! Always get the shake to eat in btw, or else you won't get the tin with the shake, only a take out cup of the shake. Don't worry though the shakes are bomb too. There's a Cafe 50's on Santa Monica with more flair and is bigger, but trust me, that's all it's got. So pass up all that phony hype and stop in for real folks and REAL FOOD! PS- The only drawback is cash only but once you hit this spot, you'll remember for the next time. :]
(5)
Jenna H.
This place gives me that warm fuzzy feeling inside when you read their home cooked menu : ) My fiance and I both really enjoyed the place when we went and to be honest, wish I lived closer to Venice! My ass would be twice the size if I could drop in for shakes and warm plates of grandma's goodness every time I craved it. Their chicken piccata was awesome... generally one of my all time favorite chicken dishes. If you're living away from home and want a down home feel good meal, here's the place. Hands down, great diner. Damn. Now I'm hooonngry...
(4)
Denise D.
Some friends and I came across the Cafe 50's completely at random when we were looking for a late dinner one night. It was a great find. It's on the small side, but the booths are roomy. The 1950s decor is interesting and the juke box plays an endless parade of 50s hits. The prices are downright reasonable--the three of us each got a full dinner entree and the entire bill came to $24, INCLUDING a 20% tip. They serve breakfast all day. The servers are super-attentive and the service is fast. It's a cute, friendly and well-run place, and I think I will be back.
(5)
Laurel J.
Great neighborhood diner. Lots of locals that seemed to be regulars. The food was really good and fresh (ordered the Frisco Club, delicious) and the waitress was very friendly and really cared about our experience. My friend and I went for lunch around 12 on a Saturday and it was pretty busy, but they serve breakfast all day. It's the kind of place that would be perfect for a late night, post-bar outing. The restaurant is cash only, so keep that in mind, but the prices are really good. Not a lot of seating either, or room to move around, but I think it adds to the charm. Lots of memorabilia on the wall to top off the diner experience.
(4)
Jason M.
Came here the past two Sundays, which means I like it! Straight up good diner breakfast and great prices. Friendly service and very clean. I think this may become my Sunday Breakfast joint for awhile!
(4)
Gwendolyn V.
I love love love this place! Friendly service, yummy food & great if you're on a budget. $7.25 for a pot-roast dinner! The Monte Cristo is fabulous & they make their own pies. They even have beer & wine at better-than-happy-hour prices.
(5)
Injae K.
The 4 star rating is not for fine dining, but for great diner food, atmosphere, and friendly personable service. I've been coming here with friends after a night of debauchery, usually for Sunday brunch. It's cheap and they make a great Chicken Fried Steak, crispy and crunchy, I like to get the sauce on the side for dippin'. I also love their grilled sandwiches and crispy fries, anyway you want it, I usually get a grilled tuna on rye with tomatoes, grilled onions, and avocados, YUM! I love all the waitresses, especially the British waitress that keeps a stash of bourbon under the counter. So if you've got diner food on your mind, skip Denny's, Sizzler's, and Ihop, Cafe 50's is the elite. Would I come back? Whenever the well is dry, the brain is fried, and I can get the sauce on the side.
(4)
Dude Food G.
This local spot is another cool thing about my neighborhood. The shakes here are almost as sweet as the owners/waitresses and the food is good. Breakfast, lunch or dinner, but my favorite dish is a breakfast plate called 'Dan's Favorite'. They took my call this morning and it was ready when I ran in. Thank you. Cash only.
(4)
Christina C.
Ordered some take out food based on the reviews and that is was in walking distance. We were not disappointed. We got a cheese burger which was good. The cold slaw was a bit too sweet for us. We got a root beer milkshake which was super yummy. It's decently priced. Don't mistake the 50's cafe website for the location in Santa Monica with this one. Their menus are not the same. I found it kind of strange that they didn't have any take out menus. Cash Only!
(3)
Heather M.
Well after a brutal hangover at 930am, my friend and I hit this neighborhood joint. Have lived in Venice for 1.5 years and this place is 6 blocks from my house and I've never eaten there! Adorable, cute, small. Super clean. You can tell how clean a restaurant is by the attention they give the condiments and sugar caddies on the tables and everything was spotless. Coffee, OJ and water came out right away. Server was ready to take our order, we had trouble deciding. We both got scrambles with home fries/hasbrowns and bagels/english muffins. Plus we split an order of the French Toast with Bananas. The french toast was amaizng! It had carmelized bananas on top. YUM!!! Totally cured my hangover and was delicious to boot. Plus easy on the wallet. A miracle in LA. Wish I had eaten here sooner. Want to try their burgers. Go!!!
(5)
Alycia D.
YUM! This place is easy to miss when driving by and I regret not finding it sooner. I love diners so I was really excited to try this. I took my parents and they got omelets and I got pancakes. All of them were delicious and not to mention the prices are so low for what you're getting. I can't wait to go back!
(4)
Shawn C.
Nothing special about it. Food very meh. Service decent, but far better choices in Venice.
(2)
Triple Threat T.
CASH ONLY! Always spot-on but SUPER packed at breakfast time, and I find the breakfasts a lil heavy and greasy if you're trying to be healthy... but perfect if you're workin thru a venice beach hangover ;)
(5)
Eli G.
CASH ONLY!!!! i always have a good time when i come here or the other one on Santa Monica. the staff is always really friendly and sometimes really hot. the food is good diner food and the milkshakes rock. last time i went i got a burger and it was cooked to order and had flavor, my favorite two qualities of a burger. i always have a hard time finishing the milkshake after the burger so I've been having the milkshake first since I'll have to finish the burger. nice place to go for good food that is Denny's cheap but with food that is actually good. **UPDATE 4.9.2008** Came again recently. After a night of school and then some light drinking, I need a light snack to help me to bed. So I order a patty melt with chili cheese fries. Patty melt was good, burgers here are always decent. Chili cheese fries were pretty good! Chili was nice and meety, went nice with the fries and cheese. I felt nice and gross and ready for bed.
(4)
Abran B.
To sum it all up, everything I've gotten here is yummy, very inexpensive, CLEAN, They take pride in their restaurant, and the MOST friendly service I have ever interacted with. Great place 5 stars!
(5)
Star M.
The service is always great and the decor is great. An establishment true to it's name. The food isn't amazing, but it's worth every penny. Their variety of milkshakes is pretty impressive. A great place to eat breakfast on a weekend...lots of food on your plate, lots of refills on the coffee and not much out of the wallet.
(4)
Travis M.
Outrageously good. Oh my god. Got the La Bamba scramble. It was incredible. The bacon remained crispy through the entire meal and the salsa was much better than what I expected. And it was CHEAP. I will be returning.
(5)
malcombe c.
This place is great. It seems most popular for Breakfast but I always go for their Blue plate dinner specials. All the food is handmade. NO processed stuff out the Can here. Nice Venice atmosphere - Nice staff - Good prices - suprisingly healthy food.
(4)
Carrie D.
Had a great breakfast there with excellent service.
(4)
Kate H.
An authentic 1950's diner with a surprisingly diverse menu. They have everything from dinner entrees including salmon, to the typical shakes, burgers, and fries. Their shakes are amazing, Oreo cookie in particular. Cash only!
(4)
Michael R.
Nothing special, beach dive
(1)
Michelle P.
I just love Cafe 50's. They have classic breakfasts and grill food and as I mentioned in review of the other location on Santa Monica... The decor that just takes you back to a time of old movies, juke boxes, Vinyl records (do some of you out there even know what a record is anymore?), poodle skirts and malts. I really love the breakfast here. it's good for small groups, and the prices are also reasonable. But, sometimes parking here can be a bit more challenging than the Santa Monica location. I still take a chance and hit it up when in the venice area and looking for a good breakfast place.
(4)
Elle B.
Been coming here for years. The friendly staff never fails to remember a familiar face, the burgers are cheap and juicy, the fries are crispy, and the shakes are frisky. This place has always been successful in keeping the 50s alive, and I've always been a fan of their big disco machine a.k.a. jukebox. Come here for a blast from the past!!!!!!! Sincerely, Earl and Janet
(5)
Matthew S.
After a long 2 days of hiking in Joshua Tree, followed by a night of abuse in Vegas, followed by three days of hiking in Death Valley, we went to Venice to see the Healsound. We had some beers (and what not) Saturday night and I was craving an affordable, yet supple Sunday breakfast in Venice. After looking around at Ferraris and Bentleys I thought, "not gonna happen". Wrong! This place delivered. I went with the Dan's Favorite Ommelette. Jack cheese, muchrooms, and some other stuff. It was so good. I went with the onion bagel and cream cheese on the side. Home fries were delicious. Not quite a five star. I'm a stickler for fair sides of dipping sauces and condiments. The $.65 side of cream cheese for my bagel was meager at best and barely enough for one half of the bagel. Overall, a hands down stop for breakfast. From the looks of Yelpers' great pics, looks like a good choice for lunch and dinner too!
(4)
Thomas C.
It's cash only and it's gross (no more than most restaurants like this one). The prices though scream mob front and the food is above average for a diner. Staff is friendly. I recommend it if you're in the area.
(4)
Elizabeth R.
Good food! Great burgers~ the way hamburgers should be. Yummy, thick large shakes; over 20 varieties. Check out their website. The place itself? Well, the one in Venice is not so cool looking. Kinda tiny and compact and just...ugh. I guess when you go to a place called Cafe 50's, you would expect a cool atmosphere. Not so. Even some customers next to me looked disappointed. I should have gone to the Santa Monica one and had the full experience. But the food is great!
(3)
Brett M.
The Reuben was so bad it was like 9/11 in my mouth.
(1)
Kate S.
This place is honestly my breakfast/brunch/brinner go-to. Eating here feels a bit like eating at home and the service makes you feel warm and cozy. Milkshakes and Breakfast served all the time with a nice 50s theme. I love it!
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : No Good For : Breakfast Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : No Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Cat A.
I stumbled upon this place because I wanted breakfast and not a chain place like Ihop. I agree with most of the reviewers, this place is great! The one thing to remember is it is cash only, but if you forget there's a Rite Aid and a Ralph's close to get cash back . The service there is really good, my server was a lady who came to LA on vacation from Norway and never left! Really nice and friendly and patient. The Asian dude others mention as the possible owner was also really nice and on our way out seemed generally concerned about if we enjoyed our meal. Onto the food - the pancakes were fluffy and delicious and the hash browns were bomb! I also got some eggs which I forget the name of, but they had spinach and mushrooms and were also pretty good but not as seasoned as I would have preferred. Their hot chocolate was delicious and they keep your coffee filled automatically, don't even have to ask. My boyfriend tried some peanut butter banana shake and it was THICK and he didn't even finish half... I didn't like the taste, but I imagine a shake I actually like to be so so good. Anyway, the prices are good so if you're looking for an affordable breakfast with good portions, or a very nicely made milkshake in the Venice area, head here!
(4)Dani G.
Delicious frisco club, fries crispy staff friendly.
(5)Mike L.
I don't usually care for Johnny Rockets or any old style cafe diner either. This was an interesting place to go just to relive the 50's again. The diner is very small and crunch for spaces. It reflects the 50's alright... how skinny people were back then. Geesh, I really felt claustrophobic in here. However I am not going to hold them on that. There are some charms to this particular diner. Sitting on the counter seats, you will get a play list selections of music available for the jukebox. You will need to put in the money on the main jukebox near the front door. The menu consist of breakfast items, classic Traditional American dishes and their famous milk shakes. What is a Traditional American dishes? Try think of meat loaf, steak, and burgers/hot dogs. They also do serve breakfast items all day long. The omelet selection is filled with catchy names of entertainers from the 50's. I ordered the "La Bamba" Omelet which lets me know it's going to be spicy with pepper and onions along with the sausage. To wash it down I ordered the Blueberry milkshake (vanilla ice cream mixed with fresh blueberries). The milkshake was creamy and smooth, just the way I liked it. This absolutely hit the spot on what I need. The staff was wonderful and it shows because it seemed like the place do get a lot of regulars dining in the place. I like the low key elements and simplicity of a simple meal (like the "TV Dinner Special" aka meatloaf and veggies in a tray..LOL). The prices are also reasonable as I walked out paying less than $10. Cheap and simple has always been my motto. This is nothing like Johnny Rocket, but the diner gave it an oldie worn down look for it. I'll definitely would come back here to try their dinner dishes, but the burgers and breakfast seemed to be my preferred choice along with any of their selection of milk shakes. Oh, it is a CASH ONLY place. So bring cash or go to an ATM Machine across the street at a deli to get cash.
(4)Vincent C.
The classic "greasy spoon" with all the right ingredients: fast service with faster short-order cooks, decent food, inexpensive prices. One big surprise was better-than-expected orange juice. The cheesy 50's theme is useless but no one eats there for the ambiance.
(3)Grace K.
Mmmmmm...bacon. This place has the best bacon ever. Other pros: -Nice British (?) waitresses that are like the Auntie Imogene you never had -Really nice owner (?) smiles at you when you walk in -The bathroom is not as gross as I thought it would be (!) -Hash browns and home fries are YUM. -Cheap as all get out Cons: -Pancakes, as mentioned before, are too chewy -Eggs are sometimes sketchy. Mix them with the hash browns and you're golden (just like the hash browns har de har har) -Coffee not as good as coffee gets
(4)Chris C.
Typical Diner. Classic music. Classic ambiance. Waiters look like they may be from the 50's as well. Food is nothing to write home about - but it's pretty good and if you're just looking for your typical diner fair - this is a good place to go. Nothing pretentious about it, which is definitely a plus. Shakes were definitely worth it - and you can split one between two people they are so big. I had the meatloaf. Not bad.
(3)Min T.
Cafe 50s is one of my favorite lazy Sunday breakfast places. Though, they do great lunch and dinner as well. I honestly loved everything I had here. I used to come for breakfast almost weekly for over 2 years. But since I wasn't in the area the last year and half, I hadn't gone back. I'm glad to say nothing has changed. I went on Sunday and had the country scramble and a tall glass of iced tea that they refilled. It was nice to see all the old staff still there. Things I've liked in the past: the meatloaf, fried chicken, coleslaw, Joe's special, chicken sausage and the Super burger.
(4)Jeff P.
I've been coming here for years with the kids. It's very unpretentious and the staff is super friendly. Everything we've tried is good and we are especially fans of the shakes and the fried chicken. Always a relaxed atmosphere. One bummer is that to get to the men's bathroom you need to leave the the restaurant and got around the building to the back.
(4)Stephanie V.
food was really yummy, decent price, staff are really friendly, only thing for me is that the drinks are tiny (don't know just me i guess) but they would refill asap, and there is no parking i had to park on the street, other than that everything was perfect
(4)Pam A.
Now, this is what a diner is all about!! We sat at the counter and got quick service on a busy Sunday morning. These are the kinda prices you expect at a diner, ahem....S&W Country Diner in CC can learn a few things from this joint. I had the 50's T-bird omelet...a pretty healthy option with spinach, and avocado. Can't wait to go back for a quick bite around lunch or dinner time. Wish I would've came here a lot sooner!!!!!!
(5)mark s.
I've been going 12 years for breakfast. You can expect consistency, same people always working, Max and Kim and others have been there forever, after a few visits you feel comfortable. It's a comfort place with comfort food. Breakfast is cheep and its great and you have healthy choices too. Plenty of free parking on the street. Love the food at the price and it's fast and easy! They have everything you would expect, shakes and Malts as well. And the atmosphere is of course the 50's. It is what is tiss. I have to give it 5 dingdongs, I have breakfast a few days a week! Oh!.....And I like the coffee...
(5)Mike R.
This place is the real thing, an authentic 50's style diner! Large portions, great service, with a great fast order cook. Fat juicy cheeseburgers, wide breakfast selection, generous portions, reasonable service. A really fun dining experience.
(5)chris p.
Good burger and chocolate shakes! I used to eat there all the time while waiting to get a haircut next door. Good service and not too expensive, if you are offended by cheesy 50s decor this is not the place for you and parking can be a pain in the ass.
(5)Ezra C.
I love this place! It is inexpensive and nostalgic. The burgers and shakes are delish.
(4)Philip J.
Omg ! Best five dollar breakfast in LA. Cozy place friendly service and cool shops aroud.
(5)Tom B.
Great ice cream sodas!!!
(4)Holli H.
Pretty average diner, gets the job done. There's nothing overly creative and is standard diner fare, which is executed rather well. Fun for breakfast. Service is friendly and prompt. Parking is tough. Street parking only - park across the street in the Ralph's lot and you'll get towed. They for sure have regulars as the waitresses know their names. Makes it feel like a real neighborhood joint. Cash only.
(4)Serena V.
The food taste great. The service is fast. Although, I think I have seen gum under the tables. I know that the place is great. I like going there. I think its good for children too. Awesome place. Keep up the good work!
(5)Chester C.
yakety yak - BEST THING ON THE MENU! cash only
(5)Remington D.
I find it annoying that someone would give this place 2 stars because the food is greasy without a lot of "healthy" options. Dear self absorbed clueless customer that infest our lovely city and the internet. Why don't you go to one of the many vegan, health conscious, juice bar, free range, organic cafes that are all over this town? I work in the restaurant business and I'm always amazed the way people just can't order off the menu. There is this general mentality that any restaurant should just whip up what ever you're in the mood for because you're a paying customer. I don't go to an Indian restaurant and expect to get sushi do I? It's a greasy spoon diner and that why it's freaking awesome. I love this place. Talk about reasonable, It's almost as if the prices are from the1950's. The power breakfast with 2 eggs, pancakes and hash browns (that's what I get but there are many other combos) for $4.50 is a fantastic deal. The burgers are great as well. If you want an old school diner with great diner food, reasonable prices and good service this is it. If you want organic dehydrated raw kale chips with a side order of miso steamed tofu, a glass of kombucha and almond milk for your free trade organic coffee I would suggest never leaving your house.
(5)Sylvie C.
Went here after a valentines date for a post-dinner dessert. (the restaurant we had gone to had zero interesting dessert options, and all i wanted was a classic brownie ice cream sundae.) Luckily, Cafe 50s pulled through! I got a totally decent brownie ice cream sundae, that hit the spot for that evening. It wasn't the best sundae I've ever had, but the environment was adorable (jukebox, etc.), and made for a cute valentines date. A-OK, but I don't really feel the urge to go back.
(3)Lyndsay F.
Simply put. I love this place. The food, is always rockin, the waitress's are from Heaven, and they have amazing memorabilia all over the walls. My friends and I come here at least once a week, and the little girl I nanny for loves that they always give her a pink balloon. She actually calls it "The Pink Balloon Place" You truly are treated like a "guest" here, and the employees go out of their way to make your meal great. DEFINITELY a must try!
(5)Melki T.
Best burger and milkshake in Venice area. We love it. It is very affordable.
(5)warner t.
A great local spot. Perfect for breakfast or a good burger. The best buttermilk ranch dressing in the world. The staff that has all been there for a million years are amazing people. The cash only thing makes me happy. Why the heck not...
(4)Patrick M.
I have been going to Cafe 50s for quite some time now, and I must say it never lets me down. I've tried just about everything on the menu and it's all good. Reasonable prices, healthy portions, and such friendly staff. They always make me feel right at home. No better breakfast place in the Lincoln/Venice corridor. 50s is a great way to chase away a hangover Sunday morning, just be sure to get there early. Lunch is equally yum. Try the grilled chicken salad with ranch and you will never go back to your silly little salads again. They might just have the best ranch dressing I have ever had, not kidding. The pastrami is delicious, and not what you were thinking...I could go on. Just go...and tip the staff, they work hard 4 u!
(4)Alex S.
Is this cafe 50's under the same ownership as the one in Santa Monica? Or the one in Sherman Oaks? Or are they all different? I know that the one in Santa Monica is different from the Sherman Oaks one. Anyway, the reason I asked was because their menu looks different from the other two although the food is more or less the same. I had the chili cheese fries. They were ok. Fat fries with firm, but not crispy, surface. Warm enough to melt the square-ish cheese that they use. The chili was good - tasty, not too oily - and it had slices of onions, tomatoes and bell peppers, but there wasn't enough to go around for all the fries. I would probably ask for extra chili next time. And all chili fries indulgence must have a perfect happy ending and this time the vanilla malt did the trick! It was thick enough to force you to use 22.8% more sucking power, but not too thick that your face turns into the "scream mask" face and you still don't get any of your shake.
(3)Kelly S.
I was in dire need of a remedy that was in the form of either hot noodle soup or some traditional American cookin' to cure me from the alcohol-induced weekend that debilitated me completely. We went the Traditional route and i was smiling from all corners. I ordered the Great Western Omelet which had yummy ham, avocado, potatoes and jack cheese that was blanketed with 3 beaten-eggs sided with 4 pieces of toast. The boys had Banana pancakes and a traditional eggs and bacon breakfast. I also ordered a to-go order of Joes Scramble to bring home to team Korea, who decided to stay passed out at home. They said it was heaven packaged in a styrofoam box. Sadly, we were Rosa Park-ed into the back of the restaurant near the kitchen (clink-clang), which sucked, but its okay. Service was great and seating was prompt. CASH ONLY!
(4)Ryan M.
Thumbs up! I vouch for diner dishes and oreo cookie shakes.
(4)Budz D.
One less star from perfection for being cash only. That's so 50's. I got the super burger with banana shake. They were pretty good.
(4)AJ B.
Sometimes, you have one of those mornings where only a good-ole American breakfast will do. I dropped my car off at the shop at stupid o'clock int he morning and had to ask a friend to pick me up. We had some time to kill before work so I wanted to treat her for breakfast. We ended up at Cafe 50's because we were both craving for an American breakfast with really crunchy hash browns. I also had a bit of a craving for a malt, but having a malt shake at buttcrack dawn and then having to deal with a long work day seems like hell, so I wised up pretty quickly. I love how old-school this place is. It's like being transported back in time. The counter seating looked cool, but we opted for a seat in the back. I went with "Joe's Scramble" and B went for a "Country Scramble"... with hash browns... crunchy slightly-overcooked by request. The wait staff was courteous, but they did take their sweet time. The food was really good. Scrambled eggs with lean ground beef and spinach? Hell yeah. It took quite awhile to get our check, and our waitress apologized for the gaffe. Otherwise, it was a really good time out. It's not often that I crave American diner-style food, so I might not make my way back here for a bit, but if I'm in Venice once the craving hits, at least I'll know where to go.
(3)Joseph L.
i love this place. it's cute and cozy and quick. orders are in and out in under 5. CASH ONLY... love all the blue plate specials, but the chicken picatta really takes it to the next level for diner food. i mean the capers in the sauce??? fuggedabboutit you're gonna be great... the peanut butter and jelly milkshake is awesome-ness.. come to think of it, every shake on the menu is good. really thick and rich, just like a 50's joint should be. it's like swingers without the annoying crowds or the "high" waitresses. Norms??? never again dear readers... love the patty melt here, made with swiss cheese instead of cheddar (but to be honest a patty melt always tastes the best with good ol' fashioned processed American cheese). i usually sprinkle some salt on the sandwich for good measure. the fish with green beans is my favorite. i forget which fish it is, but it's so fresh and the beans are not from a can. they're both sauteed in a lemon shallot sauce, which just blows my mind when it comes out of this little kitchen so fast and so tasty. better than A LOT of overpriced places in L.A. this is the place to be for weekend breakfasts. sure the Firehouse is good and across the street at The Rose Cafe you pay slightly more and might even see a celebrity.... BUT hands down Cafe 50's gives you more bang for your buck and tops both the latter restaurant with their home fries. dash some ketchup and tabasco on these little babies and your good to go.
(5)Sandip C.
Went on a Sunday after searching for a 4+ star (on Yelp) breakfast place in Venice. The place is small and pretty crowded, and I had to wait for over half an hour. I found out that it is a "cash only" restaurant, and so had to run to get some cash. It was not quite worth the wait. The silverware was not clean, and the coffee cups were dirty. The quantity of food was large, but it tasted just OK. Hash brown was undercooked, and my stuffed omlette, although huge, was not up to the mark. The food was very very cheap, and so I can't complain much to be honest. Go to this place if you are looking for a low-cost breakfast restaurant that has an old-world charm. And avoid going to the restroom.
(3)Richard F.
Wasn't to impressed. I'd go back again if I was in the area and needed something quick to eat. The food was as normal as the Denny's menu. The soft drinks are small and you only get 1 free refill, so that wasn't very thrilling. I ordered the Chicken Fried steak with gravy.. lacked flavor.
(3)Jackie L.
My favorite spot for a burger. Nothing beats the california burger and an oreo shake. mmmmmmmm:)
(5)Lux W.
I eat here about twice a week and I love it more and more each time... I usually come here for breakfast and get the good times power breakfast-a true meal with many different options at a great price. When I come by myself I usually eat at the front tables or the bar, but when I bring friends I like to sit in the back where all the posters and 50's decor is. Forget what Bobbie K. says about their decor....It wouldn't be Cafe 50's without all the old school shit all over the walls...duh. And it gives you a better appreciation for the place. On my second visit, I was impressed when the waitress remembered me and what I ordered the first time...I gotta find out her name, but all of the staff here is really great. They take care of you and don't bother you-a perfect combination of service. I would recommend it for any meal but be sure to have some cash.
(5)Russell S.
Aside from the hobo convention happening out front, this place is great! Friendly service. Great place for breakfast. A real diner with authentic greasy spoon-ness. Server was kind enough to have a breakfast burrito made to order for me. That's definitely what I want in the morning.
(4)Jennifer L.
This is a fun little cafe to grab a bite for lunch. They have a great diner menu, that can fit anyone's diet. The prices are great and the staff is friendly. What more could you want?
(4)Matt M.
Was looking for a local, cheap restaurant and stumbled across this place. Loved the (massive) peanut butter milkshake - it went well with the grilled cheese and fries. A good ol' American meal. And a lunch that kept me satiated more than 7 hours later. The site listed on yelp ( cafe50s.com ) is no longer relevant to this location (at 838 Lincoln). I was stoked to have sweet potato fries & a peanut butter cup milkshake, only to find out that they have neither. Bummed about that. (When I asked about that, the waitress - very friendly, able to converse - said that the owner of the other Cafe 50's was no longer the owner of this location.) It's a tiny place - don't bring a really big group (1 booth will hold up to 6, otherwise 4 looks to be the biggest seating). And cash only - while that probably helps keep their prices down, it did irk me as I never carry cash. FYI - the atm at Ralph's charges $2.75. The jukebox takes quarters, and while I only saw one person choose a song, we heard oldie's playing throughout our meal. Good times.
(4)Jackie G.
I love this place!! it has the best food for a denier, I have never been to a better diner. all their sauces are homemade as well as their soups!! I just love their clam chowder, I think they make, yes they actually make it, the best clam chowder I have tasted thus far! and you go there anytime of day and it all tastes fresh and delicious!! and it's hard to come across good gravy and sauces in Diner's and we found a place where they have great homemade gravy and sauces! their roast beef is tender, you can cut it with a butter knife, all there food is tasty, it's cheap and a great atmosphere! I love all the 50's memorabilia they have all over the walls, and the jukebox is amazing, it's definitely not the crappy kind that is always on a loop with the same crappy songs!! Best Diner ever!!!!
(5)Michelle A.
Awesome lil' joint that won't disappoint. As good as it gets! Tiny restaurant in classic Americana--what Johnny Rockets mass markets Cafe 50s is the real thing. Best hash browns and home potatoes.
(4)Rachel G.
I love this place!!! My best friend and I are regulars...their breakfast is the best. Really good prices, very friendly staff. My favorite is the sunshine shake....also the chocolate malt shake is quite yummy. It is cash only but there is a rite aid across the street that you can get cash back at :)
(5)David I.
The Bacon burger was good, plus the waiter was very nice. Very good service, plus the diner is a throwback to another era. Really cool.
(4)Judy T.
In rebuttal to negative or mediocre reviews, as a lifelong resident and Venice local - I thank this place for keeping its prices low, staying consistent, great food and servers always being so nice and accommodating. It's a simple neighborhood place and if one expects 'gourmet' burgers or is looking for anything beyond a modest little independent neighborhood cafe - GO ELSEWHERE - there are many places tailored for the new Venice clientele. Good luck finding a place that has low prices and decent diner food. I love, love Cafe 50's and have for decades. Amazing shakes, great breakfast options, burgers and fries, kids love it!!! Hope it manages to stay open for many decades to come.....
(5)Jared J.
Service is pretty good depending on the time of day, it's pretty crowded in the mornings. Good vibes from the waiters/waitresses. Prices are amazing and the food is even better! I highly recommend Cafe 50's to everyone. Stay hungry my friends
(5)Yuri C.
wow, i must have really came here at the wrong time and ordered the wrong thing, b/c i may be the only one that had a bad experience. the food was the main problem. so the lumberjack burger: when it came out, it literally looked like anyone could have made it, kind of like the burger that you would not want to get at a cafeteria, with a weird & lifeless piece of lettuce, a slice of a pretty green tomato, small mediocre buns, unfresh beef patty.... i REALLY REALLY REALLY don't think the beef patty was fresh. every bite left a really gamey after taste, and i covered it up by shoving down french fries drenched in ketchup. whilst this situation, the jukebox stopped playing music, and it was awkwardly quiet inside. 4 other people were eating somewhere in the restaurant too, but the silence made my thoughts sounds even LOUDER in my head. as i ate quickly so we can leave already, i noticed that my husband was really quiet as well, looking like something terrible happened to him. i looked at his plate, the turkey dinner special, and it looked worse than mine. seriously, like cafeteria food... and the steamed veggies WERE FROZEN FOOD!!!! yuck. as soon as we were out of there, we both looked at each other with relief, and vowed never to come here ever again.
(1)Jim S.
Good food at a great price! BIG omelets, lots of good fried potatoes and a bagel to boot - all for around $7-8 (I forget the exact price). I made the mistake of going to IHOP the other day and was shocked to get a SMALLER omelet for $11 and no bagel or toast included with the potatoes. The Cafe 50's is always good, very consistent, the waitresses are friendly - if sometimes distracted - and you get your money's worth. Oh, and the wall is fun to look at - though I always wonder - When's the last time they CLEANED that wall? Must have been YEARS ago based on the look of it...? But the plates etc. are clean... All in all I give this 5 stars for a breakfast place. And yes you can get breakfast all day long!
(5)Deirdre C.
What a cool place. A rockabilly's dream. The restaurant is covered in 50's memorabilia and the food and drinks are nice and simple. The only thing that could have made this place cooler would be waitress in hairnets and roller skates! I had the susy Q sandwich and it was delish! Just remember that its CASH ONLY so be prepaired and there are no ATMs around.
(4)Lina B.
Lovely place! As tourists; we loved the original (?) decoration from the 50's. Jetlagged; we woke up early and had breakfast here at 7. No stress, lot's of space, great service and food. Came back a second time, still in love! :)
(5)Ludovica R.
I recently went to Cafè 50's. I found this restaurant because a friend of mine brought me there for a Saturday brunch. Cafè 50's is a cozy American diner, located in Venice, on Lincoln Boulevard. The furniture and everything else in it looks authentic and I really like the choice to keep the old-fashioned look. When We arrived, we had to wait for a few minutes, but it was worth it. The staff was very kind and they did their best to prepare a table for us as quickly as the could. I had a delicious omelette. I suggest you order blueberry pancakes, because I think it's the best way to end your meal. I will go for sure at least one more time before I leave LA, because this place really makes you feel the perfect experience in an American diner. Last but not least: best value for your money!
(5)Christi T.
It's a small place located on the corner. Street parking only, but we had no problem. Great assistance. Prompt service. Cash only!! Very affordable.The booths are small, but very cozy.We sat at the counter. Blue Plate special after 4pm= full dinner with soup or salad, fries, veggies and chicken for $10.
(4)Jasmine C.
Great, local American diner! They have some of the best and most affordable breakfast food in LA! I personally love their clam chowder and shakes! They have a really vintage diner atmosphere and the service is always friendly. The only cons are that they're cash only with minimal street parking.
(4)Jennifer P.
Great local spot with very reasonable prices. Surprisingly the Thai food on the menu is delicious. We mostly come for breakfast and its consistently good. Only downside is cash only
(5)Patric B.
Great place for breakfast, good service. Nice 50's environment with jukebox and all that comes with it. Prices are good, food is tasty and fresh.
(5)Rebecca P.
Diner food. Diner prices. Bottom line: You get what you expect, and I like things meeting my expectations. Oh, and bring cash; cash only.
(3)Lauren G.
GREAT FOOD! GREAT PRICES! Totally greasy diner food, set in a place that hasn't been dusted (to keep that 50s vibe, I'm sure), since Elvis ate there himself.
(4)Julie A.
Hubby and I ate here while passing through. Very good cheeseburger! Hubby had chicken fried steak. He said was very good also. Servers were super friendly too!
(4)Jiemei G.
Love this place, so quaint for breakfast. Their pancakes are nice and fluffy. Their scrambles are equally on point. Our 11 year old was fascinated with the jukebox! Service is always nice, but the tables get filled up quickly so try to get there early on weekends!
(4)Elena C.
Feels like an old school Johnny Rockets with more options. Btw, Cash Only. That's how old school this joint is. I came in here impulsively just to pass time, waiting for a long ass audition line. And we were supposed to wait under the scorching sun for more than an hour, so I walked over to Cafe 50's. I came in and ordered only a side of fries with no salt. The guy offered me iced water and that was that. 5 minutes later my fries came. Hot and plain. The way I want it. They didnt seem to mind me under-ordering, if there's ever such a thing. They're really personable with the customers. One customer was leaving and the lady wished him luck on something. Another customer came back to pick up a pair of sunglasses she had left earlier. Oh, I ended up ordering the Sunshine Shake which is vanilla ice cream with orange juice. It's pretty funky and refreshing. I enjoyed my time. People were pleasant. I forked $10 in total including tips. Remember, cash only.
(4)Michael J.
This place vibes the 50's with a slightly shabby diner feel but they serve happy stuff! pancakes were fluffy and tasty fresh, burgers were and sides very nicely done and the coleslaw was original and not soggy like most places. Good menu variety and the coffee was decent. Service was friendly and attentive. We came when it wasn't crowded around 6 PM so the service might be slower with a full crowd. Probably a cool place for breakfast too and by the way...parking is easy on street, no meters!
(5)Sarah H.
The burger was great, especially the coleslaw, which normally I'm not too fond of, but the places self seated, so this may be a plus. Very similar to Johnny Rockets.
(5)Leigh G.
I cannot say how much I love this restaurant enough. You truly feel like you are walking into a 50s style diner and they serve the food to back it up. Every time I have been its the same friendly staff, so if they love it enough to have zero turn over in staff it must also be a great place to work. Super busy on the weekends and you have to wait outside so either prepare for that, or don't come for breakfast or brunch. Also, it is cash only. So go to Rite Aid and get cash back while you are waiting for your table. The cafe has an atm inside, but go to Rite Aid and do cash back to avoid the fees.
(5)BryAnna A.
This review pertains to the person answering the phone specifically (not Robert though he helped us when I called back a second time). I ordered the 3+3+3 unaware that this place has a different menu from the other cafe 50's. I called and asked to have the blueberry pancakes swapped out over the phone, but was told that was impossible because I had already eaten everything else. The fact was I hadn't touched the food at all, and they refused me over the phone "assuming" I had eaten the eggs and bacon when in fact I hadn't touched a thing because Im allergic to blue berries and there were blue berries all over the place. So this rating is specific to their low over-the-phone customer service skills. Work on your customer service in every aspect of your business rather over-the-phone or dining in.
(2)Daniela C.
Great little diner, all your great comfort foods your mom made you. I had fried chicken called the TV dinner, he had spaghetti with meat sauce. Super yummy, huge portions and the price is incredibly cheap. The customer service is top notch, locals are greeted like family, and is tourists were treated just as well. Great place for some home cookin after a day at the beach. They serve beer and wine nice! Remember your cash as they don't take cards. If I was local I'd be here all the time.
(4)Karen T.
I have nothing to say negative about this place. I been going here since I was ten years old ..I love there burgers ..milkshake are to die for specially elvis one...people are very nice there nice .
(5)Randy H.
Damn good burger and fries! If you are on the mood for a no nonsense, generous, flavorful burger that is well cooked and made with fresh bun, you found it. I get the bacon ( generous) and avocado burger...quite delicious and really filling. You always get lots of fries too. The malt are old school, glass plus left over in mixing cup. This for less than $7.
(4)David L.
Such an amazing breakfast joint. Been around for 31 years. The chicken fried steak and eggs(over medium) with hash browns and an English muffin is too real.
(5)Greg D.
While the location is a little small and cramped, and parking can sometimes be inconvenient (street parking only), the food is top-notch diner fare at reasonable prices. Cafe 50's is the only place in L.A. I've found that serves a tasty chicken fried steak and eggs combo. Most other places serve what could pass for rubber dipped in batter, burnt to a crisp. Cafe 50's tops their chicken fry with a delicious creamy gravy. Yum. Just thinking about it is making me hungry. In addition to the great food at reasonable prices, Cafe 50's also offers a friendly environment with friendly, attentive servers. One suggestion to management, please turn the juke box down. The music is too loud for such a small dinning room.
(4)Lina P.
Came in on a Saturday for breakfast and it was busy but seating was available. Service was pretty bad. Had to constantly call on the waiter for everything...water, butter, take our order please. We even had to ask to be seated when we got there and there were a few open tables. Service could have been much better! I ordered the smoked salmon scramble with egg white - it was a bit bland but ok. The breakfast potatoes were good. Although service wasn't great and food could be better I like the 50s diner feel and the atmosphere is very comfy. I'll be back but maybe next time I'll go for a sandwich.
(3)Gala A.
Was excited to try Cafe 50's as I'm always on a search for a good diner. Unfortunately, Cafe 50's wasn't all that I hoped for. The place is a little dated but it's a landmark restaurant. CASH ONLY. The menu has a little variety which I liked. Waitress was not mean but wasn't really nice either. I thought it was weird that the men's restroom is only accessible from the outside. We ordered 2 veggie burgers -- both were decent. The fries were kind of blah. The coleslaw was really not my thing, but I'm not a fan of mayo based coleslaws to begin with (I prefer vinegar based ones). I brought it home for my mom, who used to frequent Cafe 50's years ago. She had one look at it and said it wasn't the same coleslaw that they used to serve there and that she didn't want it, too much mayo and pickles. I understand that things change over time, but I was disappointed that the coleslaw didn't change for the better. My favorite thing I got at Cafe 50's was an oreo shake, which was super tasty and was made really well. This place sure knows how to make a mean shake.
(3)Sarah R.
I like Cafe 50's. They have good food, and usually good service. The last time I went with my daughter I was a little disappointed because the waitress I had wasn't as friendly as she could be. I guess she was antsy to be off because a few minutes later she ran out the door (without a word), thankfully to be replaced by a guy who was super nice and made my visit a little sweeter. I usually get the grilled cheese and fries, although their burgers and just about everything else there is delicious. Their milk shakes are really good and I'm not even into sweets. Not good if you're looking for something healthy but definitely good if you're looking for a greasy spoon.
(4)Michael N.
No trip to LA is complete without a stop at Cafe 50's. Cafe 50's is a simple, no frills breakfast, cooked to order and extremely cheap. I generally with the hungry man equivalent of 2 eggs, hashbrowns, toast, bacon, and pancakes. It's a lot of food, but for $5.95, you can't beat it. Great milkshake selection as well. As for the decor it's 50's kitschy and there aren't many seats, so be prepared to wait on occasion. Luckily the food comes out pretty quickly if you are on the ball. The only weird thing about this place is that you have to walk outside and behind the building for the men's bathroom. I guess that's part of the charm.
(5)Tim C.
$$$CASH ONLY$$$ - Just walk over to the RiteAid and get some Cash Back on your Debit card. 'Open until 11p' but will lock the doors around 10:30p. Had the La Bamba - A little Spicy and a half stack of cakes. If you are a fan of the 50's, this is your place. Mainly because the place hasnt changed : the paint, the pictures and even the servers has been there...since the 50s (or at least it feels that way). If you are feeling a short stack, it's worth a stop. Nothing really special about it though.
(3)Sandra S.
Best breakfast joint in LA. Have a stack of Blueberry banana pancakes or grab the La Bamba. Love their food. They finally put an ATM in the back of this cash only joint! It's worth the drive and the wait, if there is one. All the waitresses and waiters are super sweet!
(5)Holly S.
Haven't been here in years but it wasn't as good as I remember. I had a patty melt, it was greasy, the lettuce in my salad was brown and service was poor. Also, I get the retro posters and the whole 50's theme but the walls are filthy, comic books mounted on wall in plastic have years of dust and grease... u can't even see covers...cash only or your sent to Rite Aid across the street.
(3)James C.
Good quality food, excellent service, and awesome 50's vibe and decor. CASH ONLY. Highly recommend for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Recommend to locals and visitors alike. Get a shake for sure.
(5)Minnie A.
Ohhh me and a friend of mine love having breakfast here. Portions are big, selection is big, prices are pretty cheap, and the ambiance is just plain cool. There's a jukebox that actually works if you pop in a quarter! Awesome. I love the pictures on the wall and the seats are comfy. It can get a bit noisy but nothing too bad. I loooove the egg whites with bacon and toasts. Yummmmm. The burgers are not bad either but I usually prefer getting breakfast stuff here. It's cash only though so be sure to stop by an ATM. There's one inside the Ralphs in front of this spot.
(4)Bryan W.
No wonder the diner is packed on Saturday and Sunday. You can get 3 pancakes + 3 eggs + 3 slices of bacon for about $6. I was expecting a Venice up charge and was delighted to discover the affordable price. The wait for a table was about 15 minutes. The food came quickly. Solid choice for a reasonably priced breakfast. Was disappointed to see that the menu said the 50s diner opened in the 80s. Lots of 50s memorabilia though makes up for this anachronism.
(3)Selene D.
I ordered pancakes and they were delicious. My husband had chicken piccata with mashed potatoes and he loved them! Baby tried his mashed potatoes and a few bites of his milk shake. She's a fan now! It's not fancy but it's cozy with nostalgic music. Service is good too.
(5)A.J. P.
Love the bacon and eggs here. I'm picky about my breakfast and these guys do it right. UPDATE: Went back on a recent trip and tried the fried chicken. Stick to breakfast.
(5)Veronica S.
This place was on my list to try... It was ok. Homemade food, but nothing special. The strawberry malt... It's a different type of taste... If you like whoppers candy, then you'll love the malts! I had the california burger.. It's Ok... Loved the music... But like I said it's ok...
(3)Seth N.
Absolutely loved this place. Great menu with some original items to try. Waitresses were awesome and our food was amazing. Will seek this place out next time we're in the area.
(5)Stefanie T.
Great food. Good prices. They cook the food directly in front of you. I could have fish instead of chicken for my salad and they just charged me 2$ more. The place is really cute furnished with all the posters etc. all in one a pretty good deal.
(5)Daniela R.
Super super heavy food but it's cheap and tasty. They have REALLY good soups lol. And they have so much variety food wise! I mean I can order some panang curry with a side of fries if I wanted to. Service is friendly Cash only which sucks but hey there's a riteaid across the street with an atm.
(4)Ray A.
Whenever im in town and want a no fuss meal that hits the spot, im heading here. busy or not, the folks that work here are always available. i hadnt been there for a year, and when i returned, they remembered us!
(4)Michael D.
We had dinner here tonight. The food was fantastic. The staff was so friendly and helpful. Everyone in my group had a fantastic meal. The price was reasonable and we highly recommend the restaurant.
(5)Monica G.
Been coming here since elementary school and now bringing my kids! Despite the trendiness of new Venice, this little gem has remained untouched. The posters on the wall, all though dated, bring back a certain post-cell phone age nostalgia. The prices haven't really changed much; they even have the same wait staff from years ago! If you want cheap, delicious eats, I recommend you give this place a try.
(4)Alyssa P.
It's cheap, it's quick, no fuss - you can walk over here after Gjelina and Tasting Kitchen are telling you it's over an hour wait for brunch. It's simple, no-nonsense diner food. Oh, and bomb milkshakes. Cash only.
(3)Eileen K.
Power breakfast: mon-fri 7am-11am 2 eggs any style 2 bacon or sausage and your choice of a bunch of different stuff! (see photo) all for just $4.95 i got 2 eggs sunny side up, sausages, hash browns, and buttermilk pancakes. the hash browns were crispy and delicious, pancakes fluffy. so much food! besides that, they have many other breakfast options for very low prices (think omelettes for ~$5-6) Cheapest breakfast joint?
(4)David C.
Real! good hamburger! Home cooked style real meat. I got the "super burger" big burger. I really enjoyed this place awesome workers and really great atmosphere. I highly recomemd this place.
(5)Angelica C.
Their breakfasts are wonderful, and the prices are awesome. The power breakfast can't be beat. Their pancakes are perfect -- they're fluffy and have great texture -- they won't fall apart or get crumbly on you like those awful pancakes from IHOP or Denny's. Their menu is so huge, you'll have a hard time figuring out what you want. Next time, I'm definitely going to go for their shakes and pie!
(4)Saul R.
Love this place! Juicy Burgers and Juicy Fries! everything is delicious. Great customer service, fast and friendly. Waitresses are very attentive. Great Staff!
(5)Ted K.
As much as I wanted to love this place I just couldn't get over a few things. The music and ambiance were amazing but they need to get the table top juke boxes functioning. Also, the "cash only" thing is cute but out dated and only works in smaller restaurants and specialty stores that want to keep quality and value high but volume low. (see cactus taqeria) But it's really not a big deal in the end and it's not why I'm giving it three stars. I am actually writing this as some constructive criticism because I will be back and I want them to improve. The service was great and quite friendly. The food however was not. I got the "Dan's Favorite" it was one of the more oily things I've ever eaten. Mind you it is filled with bacon and cheese. However, there are a some things that could have been done to prevent that. Using a more dry, low fat cheese and cooking down the bacon more thoroughly to keep the grease low. The hash browns were just as greasy and had a mushy texture that did not tickle my fancy. I know this place is a greasy spoon but they didn't need to take that literally. The coffee was weak too. Perhaps this was an isolated incident and I will be trying it again to get a more accurate assessment.
(3)Joseph N.
It's a small diner located on the corner of Lincoln. The theme of the place is of course the 50's. There are plenty of booths for couples and the bar is located at the front sporting some 10 or so bar stools. THE FOOD: Amazing for the price, I got a cheeseburger and fries which was about $6 and a drink. The food came in within 10-15 mins of being ordered The service was great, every waiter/waitress was kind. I would definitely recommend this place to people searching for an affordable great tasting meal.
(5)Cari P.
I like this place! Nostalgic decor that takes you back to the good days gone by! Reminded me of old times when I would grab a bite and a soda pop with my dad! Great menu with tons to choose from, and best deal around town! Down for some breakfast at 4pm? No problem, they serve breakfast all day! Next time I go, I will try the sandwiches though, they look amazing too! Check out all the pictures on yelp! They are great for helping you to choose what you want!! I went for a scramble with egg whites, served with old fashioned hash browns, crispy and brown! Oh, don't forget to ask for their homemade salad. Not spicy but great flavors to coat your scramble with! I'll be back soon! Oh, portions are huge, you can definitely share!
(4)Samantha T.
Okay so I really really wanted to love this place. I went in on a Saturday afternoon and was greeted with really really bad service. Our waitress was so busy discussing remodeling options with another customer that it took almost an hour for me to get a drink. Ugh. The food is okay but nothing you can't find at Ruby's or Johnny Rockets. I'll pass next time and go somewhere that has FANTASTIC service.
(3)Loki U.
Awesome service and great food! Artichoke chicken for her and spicy turkey meatloaf... bomb. Real potatoes and fresh vegetables. Original owner of 31 years who shops twice a day for the freshest ingredients. Visit here after any local activity and avoid lines and hassles.
(5)Jennifer Y.
I wanna eat a Sputnik Melt so freaking bad Not eating one right now is making me sad I want just one Sputnik Melt or maybe fifteen Yes, I am a big, fat eating machine Oh, every time I close my eyes I see that crispy grilled rye, yeah Turkey, Swiss, Russian dressing, and coleslaw piled high, oh my I swear, you better be prepared To say NO if your friends ask you to share Yeah, I love this 50s-themed diner business Get excited for the cheap prices like it's Christmas Then give the waitress your hit list I'm just going to come out and admit That some people who come here are probably lit If you are undecided on what to get Then just pick something on the menu and point to it I suggest getting the Sputnik Melt or the Monte Cristo Each order comes with either fries or coleslaw and a pickle Those two sandwiches will make you wanna disco But the Sputnik Melt really makes me go loco No, I am not feeding you a bunch of bull So come eat one and remember to bring your friend, Michael Oh, every time I close my eyes I see that crispy grilled rye, yeah Turkey, Swiss, Russian dressing, and coleslaw piled high, oh my I swear, you better be prepared To say NO if your friends ask you to share I'll be eating until my stomach is content By the time I'm done, it will have expanded by 110% Who cares about proper eating etiquette When the food is just too good to quit You should also order a milkshake just for the heck of it You can wash your Sputnik Melt down with it The blueberry shake here is a big hit Add in fresh blueberries and vanilla ice cream, and let it rip It's creamy and smooth, just the way I like it But the sunshine shake is seriously legit It's like an orange creamsicle that I can sip Or an Orange Bang that is absolutely on crack Drink it with your Sputnik Melt, and damn... you whack These two things are enough to keep me coming back I wanna eat a Sputnik Melt so freaking bad Not eating one right now is making me sad I want just one Sputnik Melt or maybe fifteen Yes, I am a big, fat eating machine Oh, every time I close my eyes I see that crispy grilled rye, yeah Turkey, Swiss, Russian dressing, and coleslaw piled high, oh my I swear, you better be prepared To say NO if your friends ask you to share // TIP: And now, a few wise words from Wu-Tang Clan: "Cash rules everything around me (C.R.E.A.M.) Get the money, the dollar, dollar bills, y'all" ... AKA CA$H ONLY! Don't worry if your pockets aren't lined with a lot of dough because the food here is so inexpensive that you'll feel like you're stealing from them. I think the Sputnik Melt costs around only $8, and a milkshake that will bring all the boys to the yard will set you back only $4. +5 stars to Robert because he is a sweet and genuine man who truly cares about customer satisfaction. He doesn't treat you like a business transaction; he'll actually engage you in conversation to ensure that you feel welcome and comfortable in his cozy, little diner. In fact, everyone here is so super friendly that you'll think you may have accidentally crossed over into the Twilight Zone.
(5)R T.
Pretty sure their Elvis Shake is one of the 7 Wonders of the World. The Ruben's we ordered were also very good (we went here on St Paddy's Day specifically looking for a Reuben, trying to navigate through all the drunk people everywhere) and definitely made the right choice by coming here. Server was lovely. Open late. Cute place. How a diner should be...have I mentioned how good the Elvis shake is?? Cash Only, fyi. Highly recommend this 50s joint !
(5)Michael P.
Affordable diner food with maybe enough space for 30 people total. Walls and ceilings are covered in '50s memorabilia which adds or takes away from your dining experience (depending on your personal preference for that kind of thing). Personally I thought the cafe was in need of some cleaning but the food is good and so is the service so I don't mind.
(4)Tom G.
Whenever I come here, I always wonder why I took so long to come back. Standard diner fare, but they actually cook their food. The burgers taste homemade and not like fast food. The shakes are dynamite. Prices are insanely cheap. I absolutely hate cash-only joints, but I can't bring myself to take a star off from this place.
(5)Mata C.
Really cool 1950s vibe. I had the patty melt and it was really good. If you like milkshakes they have over 45 flavors. The juke box seems to work too. It open late with parking behind the restaurant. There is also a rear entrance. If you have kids they will love this place. It is also a nice casual date place too.
(4)Angela W.
Now this is a diner! It's small and a little homey. The servers are very friendly and fast. I ordered a country fried chicken with buttermilk gravy and it was so delicious. Their milkshake was also delicious. For a nice, cheap, American meal, definitely check this place out. I'll be back for more!
(4)Haley B.
The best for a value meal. Their stuff is diner style food but they do a good job and service is always good too. Always my spot for a good Reuben or patty melt!
(4)Tosh F.
Great food and friendly service! It's everything I expected nothing more nothing less.
(3)Jason A.
Great service and atmosphere. Food is good, come here for breakfast and lunch service and both do not disappoint. Club sandwich has great flavor as well as the spicy omelet for breakfast.
(5)Kevin T.
A very charming place--as others have mentioned good prices and a great staff. Everyone was so welcoming. I came here for a very, very early lunch and the place was bustling, nearly every spot filled on a weekday about, 1030? in the morning. Pretty good. While it's corner may not provide much parking, I found plenty down the street towards the residential side of things. Cash only. Everything is better with a milkshake.
(4)Jay G.
One of my favorite places to eat burgers and fires . Staff has been there for years and food is always the same . They also make some great dinner meals . Shakes are awesome too and old time junk box . The one on Lincoln is case only . Santa Monica location takes credit cards( different owner)
(5)Linda J.
Great power breakfast! The bacon is soooo good! The French toast are amazing! And the price is incredible! I will definitely come back soon!
(4)Thania S.
Great little place to.have breakfast in Venice, you just need to bring cash. The food was great and with good prices. There was a wait to get in but it was worth it.
(5)Judy W.
This is one of my favorite places to eat. I started coming there in the mid 1980s and it's never disappointed. I was a working single mom, living in Santa Monica, working in West LA, and i would bring my daughter there when she still had to sit on a booster seat. We liked the juke box. In recent years we eat there every chance we get, not that often because i live in the Valley now and my daughter/son in law live in the Bay Area. My daughter and i order the same thing every time, lots of other good things on the menu but it's our favorite--the spaghetti with meat sauce, comes with delicious garlic bread, green salad, we love the ranch dressing, and then for dessert, we always get a chocolate shake, made with real chocolate ice cream. The prices are very affordable, the atmosphere is like a real cafe from the real fifties. i was 10 years old in 1959. The other Cafe 50s are too modern and trendy, i love this funky place. The owners and managers know us, and they know what we want to order. But son in law is not so fixated, sometimes he gets a burger. sometimes he gets eggs and sausage and pancakes, but he gets the chocolate shake too, best chocolate shake i know of. As another reviewer said, and i would've forgotten had i not read that review, the place is cash only. How quaint, and yes, a tad inconvenient. There is a CVS and a Ralphs super market a one minute walk from Cafe Fifties so it's not exactly a hardship to get the cash. I assume it's so they can save money on the the credit card company charges they would have to pay. The prices of the food are downright low, gotta cut corners somewhere, that's not cheap real estate where they are. They are usually busy. btw, there is plenty of parking in the huge lot for the CVS and Ralphs (or maybe it's a Vons, something like that). Street parking can also be found. Parking is not an issue, no sweat.
(5)Derek M.
had a great breakfast here. and soooo inexpensive. I tried dinner, it was ok. but the will definitely return for breakfast!
(5)Carter G.
I go here for breakfast about once a week. They have all your standard greasy spoon breakfast options including a dirt cheap special that goes everyday until 11am. Service is friendly and fast. I've tried dinner once and would probably stick to just breakfast. Cash only.
(4)Ali B.
Nice staff, the norvegian waitress is my favorite, good food, good price, a little slow sometimes, but one of my favorites places in venice
(4)B L.
Great service! can't beat the price and the food is great. we tried the turkey burger and believe it or not thai green chicken curry at a 50's diner. we also enjoyed the banana split too.
(5)Jessi L.
Cafe 50's has been the chillest spot for my friends and me for years. Staff is like old friends. No matter what time of day we always find a place to sit and grub. Food and prices are very reasonable. Can come here and get a bagel at 2am or a chicken fried steak at 8am. Side salad with onion poppyseed ranch dressing and toasted wheat bun.. um yes. Patty melt on sourdough with onion rings.. totally. Chili cheese fries with Denver omelette.. bow bow chika chikaa. Etc. Never had to wait for an order, never been ignored by staff. It IS a whole in the wall, a lil dirty, small and cramped but, Yay! I am a fan.
(4)Gen C.
Great diner food; very inexpensive but cash only! The waiters have an amazing sense of humor and great customer service skills. The whole ambiance of this place is amazing; I feel like I'm in a small town in middle America. The Elvis milkshake is a must if you're a peanut butter lover like myself.
(5)Rahm T.
As diners go, this place hits all the points: - FAST service - they know you aren't there to hang out all day, so they keep your water glass/coffee mug filled, and keep checking on you... no 5-minute waits for a waiter. And if you do want to hang out... they don't annoy you. - FRIENDLY service - genuine smiles from the staff, most of whom have worked there for 10+ years. They act like you'd expect service used to be in the... '50's. - HOMEMADE food - not frozen, pre-made/mix items. There's real ice cream in that chocolate malt. The eggs are cracked fresh, pancakes fluffy, sandwiches are awesome (try the Sputnick melt!). - PRICING is great - $5 for the power breakfast, and if you're into something massive, you'll still get out of there for under $8 for a meal. This is my go-to place when I want a quick Sunday morning breakfast, or a late-night, fast, easy, and reliable dinner with my wife.
(5)George V.
Real iced tea...so far so good. Funky Venice vibe makes this place immediately comfortable. The staff is friendly and efficient. I really liked my Grilled Californian even though it was a touch heavy. The only thing that might be a problem is parking since Lincoln is so busy. I went at 1PM so it wasn't a problem, but I could see how it might be a bit loony. While we are on the subject, it's a itty-bitty place so weekend breakfast might get waity, but again I didn't have a problem. I love greasy spoons and 50's hits the nail on the head.
(4)Diane A.
Great place to get a legit classic breakfast. The prices were also awesome which was nice. Sometimes it's difficult to find a good breakfast place that has classic fried eggs, bacon, toast, etc. Cafe 50s does this beautifully!
(5)Teresa L.
I ate here once, and I was so impressed by the value that I became a big fan right away. My boyfriend got the Elvis shake (banana and peanut butter), which we ended up splitting, and it was one of the best shakes I had ever had. The combo sounded gross to me, but it was addictively good. He also got the Beach Boys Barbecue Chicken chicken sandwich. I got the grilled cheese. The portions were just right, and the food was what I expected from a diner. Our bill was less than twenty bucks, so it was a steal. The service was friendly, and I liked the vintage diner atmosphere. I'd definitely go back.
(4)Jacklyn R.
Sweet and simple- The food is good The price is cheap The service is great - the only flaw is this place is CASH ONLY
(4)Matthew S.
Pretty cool place. It's legit on being from that time period.. All the fixtures and Seburg music players are pretty damn cool and not knockoffs. Has a very cool vibe, so that part I really liked about it. The food was okay... I had the California burger. Not bad, not amazing. Service was the only thing I wasn't impressed by... Not the most friendly, but not rude if that makes sense? I was digging the vintage tunes but only one speaker works in the back, and so in the front all I can hear is the loud Spanish from the three cooks. Just okay.
(3)G C G.
Heaven for those who want a real diner. I get the Monterey Scramble every time. The waitresses are patient, nice, and have all been there for a long time. You'll meet some interesting people at the counter.
(5)Jessica W.
so - so... not the BEST burger. Also, if you sit in the back, you will be forgotten. Service shouldn't compromise comfort.
(3)Angela Y.
It's an American diner. Solid food for cheap. My ratings are based on what kind of restaurant it's meant to be and the dining experience and not on how fancy the food is. The food is nothing special, but like I said, it's solid. Good portions, great service and quick!
(5)Jeanna A.
Loved this place! It's adorable, the staff provided the best service I had during my short time in LA, and the food is greasy spoon diner good! They have a breakfast special with eggs, hashbrowns, a meat, and pancakes for under $5. Eat it, IHOP.
(5)Rich M.
Great place, great food, kitschy atmosphere, fast friendly staff and very reasonably priced! What else can I say? Oh yeah, it's not your typical douchy hipster beach place!
(4)Alfred L.
I love their ambiance!! Good food and you get great service! It's family owned and run. Bring the family!
(5)Raven R.
Ranch, ranch, and more ranch! They make their own home made ranch and its to die for! Made with onion and poppy seeds it took a few times to get used to it but now I crave it! I have been coming here for years I love it so much I can't even explain:) Always a great experience
(5)David T.
Excellent, reliable diner in a location that is relatively easy to get to. Everything I've had off their menu has been solid (from burgers to fish to breakfast), so I would recommend getting whatever tickles your fancy at the moment!
(4)Dinorah M.
Great food, great service, and of course awesome 50's theme i LOVE the milk shakes! Can't go wrong with fresh toast there too. 5/5
(5)Andrew S.
Pros - Super good value - Tasty bacon avocado burgers - Awesome waitresses - Sunshine shake Cons - No dedicated lot but parking was pretty easy to find around this area This small neighborhood joint felt really homey. The waitresses were very chatty and joked around with my friend and I. I ordered a bacon avocado burger (had to customize this) and got a sunshine shake (think: orange creamsicle in milkshake form). Both were absolutely delicious. The food came out relatively quickly and the price was just right. Be warned, this place is cash only but there's apparently an ATM in the strip mall across the street. There was a ton of Americana memorabilia and decorations.
(5)Jay J.
Great little place. Absolutely excellent shakes. Great omelette with steak and salsa. Everything was fresh -- and the hash browns were nice and crispy!
(5)G N.
My favorite diner! It's cash only, but that's probably why this place is so inexpensive. Omelets, scrambles, french toast, sandwiches, ALL good. I'm not sure if they are the same chain as the one in West LA and Silverlake area. They have similar menus, but they don't have the rewards program like the others. Power breakfast, $4.95. YES! Don't forget their shakes!
(5)Hillary S.
My favorite little greasy spoon in Venice. $5 breakfasts on weekdays, endless coffee and staff that always greet me and are happy to see me. Love this little joint.
(5)Janeth L.
I love this diner! I've been coming to Cafe 50's since I was a kid and honestly the food tastes just as great as it did back in the day. It might have changed ownership. I saw new faces when I was seated and was a bit concerned about how the food was going to taste. I worried for nothing. My dish was delish! I ordered the Cali Burger and others ordered other burgers on menu. We all agreed that the burgers were juicy, fresh and just like a burger should taste. The tuna melt is super good too! I order lettuce and tomato on the side to add to my melt. (On previous visit) We ordered shakes as well and again, nothing has changed other than new faces. All is good! We were all very content. P.S. I did notice the table jukebox was not on booth table anymore! I recall you being able to play some cool tunes with nickels that you would get from the waiters. Hmm
(5)Lauren H.
I just moved back to L.A., and this was the first place I ate at upon my return. Food was good and affordable, and service could not have been friendlier. I used to eat here in the 90's when I lived here, and now that I am back, I intend to eat there again. Thanks for welcoming me home so warmly!
(4)Tricia H.
Good food. Cash only :-( Friendly staff, but kinda musty smelling inside.
(3)Michael S.
Dining at Cafe 50s is like being in a scene from Grease. I don't mean the musical starring Olivia Newton-John. I mean the artery clogging drama starring fats and oils. In fact, Cafe 50s is like a smash hit of Coronary Artery Disease with grease, salt, trans fats, and saturated fats raising your cholesterol to hand-jive levels. Finding a healthy choice is about as difficult as finding a parking spot at Cafe 50s. So, don't even try. Instead, stick to the restaurant specialties: Freakishly yummy high-calorie Milk Shakes, classic Chicken Strips, traditional Burgers, 50s-style Fries, Breakfast Eggs, diner Sandwiches, and good ole' Pancakes. My favorite so far? The Monte Cristo Sandwich. The worst? The Meatloaf. Most diners are known more for nostalgia than their food and ultra-tiny Cafe 50s lives down to those expectations. Besides actual grease, the walls are covered with movie posters, odd ads, and memorabilia from the 1950s. The rest of the restaurant is full of red vinyl, chrome, and white formica. The long counter is the place to sit to take it all in while enjoying plenty of triglycerides and lipo proteins. Bring Cash and Lopid Medication.
(2)Ken B.
I picked my son up at the airport. He was starving. We stopped here. Got a table right away and then they took forever and a day to get us our food. I am not sure why or what the problem was that day but I hate places that are inconsistent and hot and uncomfortable inside.
(2)Paul W.
It's a mistake to go to Cafe 50s just for the food. You go to Cafe 50s when you have a hangover I had the turkey chili and, after a couple cups of coffee, banana pancakes with blueberry sauce. Chili was nicely coated in cheese, onions and heartburn. Pancakes felt undercooked: gummy without airpockets, mushy. This is the perfect stuff to take the overflow work from your liver. But I won't continue to gripe about the food (which, at my most generous, I can call mediocre) because Cafe 50s is just an amazing place to BE when you just need a place that feels like a post apocalyptic LA: The main waitress at this American-themed diner is an Englishwoman backed up by a full kitchen staff of 3 Latin men, who in turn are supported by two Southeast Asian cooks trimming the gristle off steaks. Over your shoulder, there will be an Eastern European single mom (who apparently couldn't find a sitter for her 16 year old basket case son) on a date with a very patient Canadian man. Around the corner in deluxe, plush, rounded vinyl booths, you'll see a woman in a leopard print shawl and 6 inch pumps--deep purple eye shadow from lash to brow--rubbing the shoulders (and possibly other things) on a man clothed entirely in stained sweats. Cafe 50s is the kind of place where heists are planned and never executed, petty drugs are traded, and--once in a while--decent food is served. Sit around for a bit, feel your arteries clog, and wonder just exactly how you fit into the ensemble cast.
(3)Jacob S.
Great service, very reasonable, low key.. This place feels like a neighborhood diner. Not upscale at all, but quick, easy, fun affordable... very consistent too.
(5)Mike T.
If you love milkshakes, you'll love this place. Those places that give you the milkshake plus the leftovers in the silver shaker. Breakfast all day. Cheapish. Friendly service. Fairly big menu. Great location. Only takes cash!!!
(4)Hugh M.
Great staff, great service, great food and the prices can't be beat, tight quarters.. Seeking food and adventure on a Halloween weekend after a great party night, I rolled out early on a Saturday morning to get some diner food with my good friend Will W. and no, I'm not talkin Wheaton.. I originally thought we were going to the Lincoln & Santa Monica location, but my buddy quickly updated me on this new to me place and damn was I glad we came here, I like a little something new with my meal. Let's start off with Parking, its non-existant, i.e. they don't have a lot, so you're hitting the street and walking up or parking in the nearby grocery store lot and hoping to not get towed. I opted for the lot and possible tow with the results that my truck was still there when we finished grubbin down.. This place is a corner diner, small, tight and wrapped in leather and chrome.. yeah, I'm still talking about the diner.. but I like where you're going with that thought. a few booths, a counter with sit down stools make up this venue's only seating and people enjoy this local favorite as there is a line and a wait list, but it was short and friendly. On to the Om nom noms.. I was hungry.. I mean really hungry, we're talking big Texas man sized hunger. I asked the waitress for a cup of coffee an ice water and to start with the La Bamba scramble, yes I said to start with.. I was hungry. The coffee tasted a little burnt and a creamer in the bowl had been opened and turned upside down so it soaked the others, I'd blame a prankster patron for that over the restaurant. They replaced the creamer and refilled my coffee without asking, I couldn't believe that I got a refill in this town without having to beg for it! The La Bamba scramble came out hot with lots of meat and vegetables.. we're talking 3 eggs scrambled with jalapenos, tomato, onion, bacon, jack cheese with salsa! For $5.50!! and breakfast potatoes, I was thrilled and took a pic then dove right in. The Scramble tasted as good as it looked, was filling and well worth its price on the menu. My buddy, Will W. got the 3+3+3 for again $5.50! Thats 3 Eggs + 3 Blueberry pancakes + 3 bacon, ham or link sausage. It looked tasty, but I had my own meal to deal with, so we set to it. After finishing my meal, I picked up the menu again..yes sports fans, I was stepping back up to the plate.. This time I went for the Country Scramble, a little pricier (haha) for only $5.75 I got 3 eggs scrambled with ground turkey fresh spinach, mushrooms and tomato. I'll tell you what, this combination worked so well together it had me singing its praises right there in the diner. This was even tastier than the La Bamba! All in all, great eating experience. I'm glad my buddy introduced me to this place and I'll definitely be going back again. Update: I love this tiny little diner in Venice and go there often for breakfast (I seriously am in love with the Country Scramble) and I try to bring friends with me more often than not. As, I said its tiny and popular, so you might have to wait a bit and its cash only. Parking can be had by either street or the Ralphs nearby. Its great and if you're hungry and want to try it, be sure to hit me up and I'll meet you there.
(4)Leah R.
I love this place. I always order either their pancakes, or their tuna-tom-jack. Sometimes I switch it up and add pickles or change the cheese or the bread. The same guy always takes me order for take out, and his phone service is always excellent. They make me feel like they've known me for years. The waitresses at dine-in are awesome! I'm a regular.
(4)Susan T.
This is neighborhood restaurant with great food at excellent prices. The breakfast special is an excellent choice. Staff is terrific.
(4)Jeff L.
We just had breakfast here for the first time and everything was perfect. The scrambled eggs were just right, hash browns were great, and the pancakes were fluffy & delicious. The sunrise shake is especially noteworthy. It is orange juice and vanilla ice cream...basically Orange Julius on steroids...and wonderful. For the price, you just can't beat Cafe 50's for breakfast on the west side.
(5)Martha P.
This place may have character and good deals BUT it is FILTHY! Kitchen looked DIRTY. I will not be coming back!
(2)Anita L.
Came here one night for dinner with BFF and her BF. I loved the retro decor and the Filipino staff here. They were just great! We got a super burger, a sputnik and a tuna melt. We shared it all and got 3 different sides -- onion rings, french fries and coleslaw. We also shared a black and white shake. I was in such a sweet tooth mode (soooooooooooo unlike me) and drank a few sips of the shake which was delicious. I was good though, so I let those 2 have the rest. I didn't like the sputnik too much.... the coleslaw in it was too sweet for me. The super burger wasn't bad, it was huge with 2 patties, avocado, onion rings etc etc. My fave was the tuna melt. I've never really eaten "fried sandwiches" except for Reubens so the tuna melt was quite good. I enjoyed myself here. Food was good, company was good and service was good.
(4)Tessa C.
Great local American diner - family feel. American classic breakfast, lunch, and dinner entrees. Everything is freshly made. Ordered a vanilla milkshake and a fish sandwich. The french fries were hot crisp and starchy. Just how I like it. The fish sandwich was great with fresh tomato and lettuce. You could tell that their tartar sauce is also not from a jar. Service is friendly and prompt. Clean booths and great vintage ads and record covers decorating the space. There's a working jukebox!
(5)Joanne W.
I love Cafe 50s, and it never disappoints. Cheap, delicious food and welcoming, friendly service.
(5)Zana F.
Been going for many years ~ always super friendly staff ~ quick service and good prices! The only place I drink a regular coffee ;-) besides my Soy Latte's!
(4)Reviewer X.
The Good, it's cheap, milkshakes, pancakes, they have healthy choices, fruit, cottage cheese, oatmeal, blueberry's will make you anything. and they have everything. To me it's a breakfast spot. The Bad, its not all that clean and why the hell dint they do Cafe 60's I mean Frankie Valley really? The Ugly, the waitresses...
(4)Francisca S.
I have been here twice and no disappointment. I had the tbird omelet and it was great! I love the nonstop coffee refills and the great service. My husband has had the bamba both times and he seemed to love it. I am yet to try the Malts but this place is our go to place when we come to Venice beach.
(5)Sharmaine E.
It's OK but cash only and I RARELY carry cash these days so I usually have to take the extra step of going to the ATM across the street in order to eat there. It's not THAT great so I'd rather go someplace else. Plus it's a little cramped. Prices are OK though.
(2)Luna A.
Friendly staff. Good portions. Not super delicious, or I may have ordered the wrong dish. :-)
(3)Beth G.
As a Venice local, I love to support local businesses - especially in this time of rents being raised and the little places who have been here forever are being pushed out. I am very tolerant. Understaffed and device slow...ok I will roll with you. Order messed up...ok I can work with you. But the one thing I draw the line at is people disrespecting other people. I have never witnessed the blatant rudeness of some of the staff we experienced today at Cafe 50's. The experience started with a waitress passive aggressively grumbling out loud (to know one in particular) about the 4 people standing in the doorway. No one was in her way and even if so - ask them to please move. Very easy and simple. The service today was less than acceptable. It took 3 asks to get a water with no ice. When the water came 30 minutes in - it was filled with ice. Ok fine. Happy just to have clean water in our country really. Too many other small misses to mention but the icing on the cake was they dropped the food on the table and walked away. My friend tried to wave down the guy to alert him something wasn't right in her order. She took a couple bites of her eggs and when he finally came back she reminded him she wanted her hash-browns cooked well. He wanted to take them back (her whole plate) and she said I want to eat my eggs - can you just bring the hash browns on a separate plate? She reminded him since she was eating from the plate so he couldn't take the old hash towns back to the grill. He aggressively grabbed her plate while she was eating and she held on. And was like hold up...she grabbed a plate and put the hash-browns on it. He grabbed the plate and immediately threw it on the trash can next to us. It was such an unnecessary exchange and was a little jarring. I would have chocked all this up to a bad day at Cafe 50's until the guy in the blue went agro re the potatoes. It was aggressive, rude, and considering it was his fault they weren't cooked well - made no sense. So long Cafe 50's...would have loved to support the little guy but refuse to spend my hard earned money in place where you are treated poorly and on every level the service was a miss.
(1)Layla A.
I was happy to see they were open on new year's day. My boyfriend's sandwich was undercooked but the service was great and my burger was tops. The waitress comped his sandwich and gave us a malted for free. To be honest, I was never a regular at any of the Cafe 50s locations (they're just diners!) but I will usually choose them over the nearby options at either the Lincoln location or the Santa Monica Blvd one. tl;dr: good food, good service. I had a not-so-okay experience the last time I was here, but that doesn't really detract from all the good food I've had there over the years.
(3)Damian J.
nice staff, good food, great for brunch.
(4)Julee H.
Great little diner! Friendly staff. Very reasonable prices. I ordered the chili cheese fries. Chili was average and there could have been a bit more cheese. The burger my friend ordered was good. Fries and onion rings were good. Love all the movie posters and pictures on the walls. Dinner for two that's nostalgic and under $20 in an interesting and friendly place.
(4)Jamie M.
This is a great diner to hit up anytime of the day. I absolutely love the decor that is literally everywhere including the ceiling; retro product advertisements, movie posters, band memorabilia, jukebox, and the list goes on. If you got time there are old board games to enjoy while you wait for your food (upon request, and if no one snagged them before you!). They have the old red leather style seating with a coat hanger at the table, at the end you'll not only find a large amount of condiments, but a monthly newsletter that has a bunch of random yet entertaining rambles on it. Of course, the waitress are rocking the old outfits and always have really pleasant attitudes. All of which makes this a really awesome atmosphere. I usually order the California burger and have never had any complaints, also have ordered the BLT with avocado, yum! I really like their sweet potato fries, but I have to say the major selling point for me is their large selection of shakes/malts. I have yet to try them all, my faves so far have been the Mocha Shake and the Coffee Banana Malt...drooool. I have to warn though that this place is rather small, not really large group friendly, but that's no reason to stop you from going. Just plan accordingly.
(4)Kristopher V.
I am such a sucker for cash only diners that serve comforting America staples for only a few bucks. The grilled cheese and fries are made just as you would expect. The milkshakes (peanut butter especially) are all really good, the chocolate cake was better than I expected, and the waitress is treat to talk to. Bottom-line: If you find a few bucks in your back pocket come to Cafe 50's for a cheap meal.
(4)Heidi C.
Love this place. The decor is awesome and the staff is super nice. I come here for the shakes mostly. The Elvis shake was good but really thick. The blueberry shake is amazing. Definitely one of my favorites.
(5)Sandee W.
This is not the best diner on the west side. I mean its pretty divey and honestly had a weird smell to it, not my taste at all, I do not like the plastic cups at all, I mean more into the glass standard! Call me a little bit snobby but I would rather go to Panns, or even Roll and Rye or something like that for American Breakfast just not my taste here!
(2)Jonna J.
Do you like malts? I mean really LIKE Malts? There's are THE BEST and the cheapest. Power breakfast rocks - everything is yummy and is the perfect hangover ambiance. Find me here at least a couple weekend mornings a month. CHEAP (cash only/but ATM at door just in case). Great staff, no-nonsense service, reliable eats. Now if only they had a decent INDOOR powder room....then I'd give them a full 5 stars. But hell, I can walk home so no biggie for me :-).
(4)Sunny D.
Its places like these that make LA what it is. I used to pass this place a thousand times while traveling on Lincoln blvd but once I discovered it I travel the distance just to step inside this time machine. The staff is so friendly, you feel like you're family. Its the perfect little place to go if you're in the area. I love love love the cherry cokes and the shakes. I've tried the breakfast and the lunch. This is Venice at its best. Insider tip: get cash before you go. They don't take major credit cards. ***Update: I was just informed that it has been closed down. Im on a mission to find out why. ***Update #2: I drove by, saw that it was opened and had lunch. Yum!
(4)Kat F.
This is by far the best diner in town. It's a great little place with good food, lots of choices -not so much that it will overwhelm you, but just enough to satisfy a hangover, a french fry craving...you get it...
(4)Rick M.
Been coming here since I was pooping in my diapers. Love this amazing breakfast place.
(4)Ruth A.
Everyone's mostly said it already -- but I have to say something about the grilled cheese sandwich, with cole slaw on the side. Think of the great works whose design is utter simplicity and therein lies their beauty. Think of Frost's "The Road Not Taken." Think of the Mona Lisa. Think of the clean, elegant lines of a Coco Chanel suit. THAT's the grilled cheese sandwich at Cafe 50's. It is perfectly what it is. Nirvana.
(5)Erin R.
I'm having some inner conflict about giving this place only 3 stars, but let me explain. Okay, I love this place, I really really do. I can walk to it from my house, hungover even. Especially when hungover actually. Classic American breakfast served fairly slowly by a very kind waitress who doesn't really give an eff. Don't get me wrong! I love her don'tgive-an-eff attitude, it's just that it's not the service you get at, say, Cut. Honestly though, that kind of service is what I want when I come into this place. I love it for what it is, which is cheap, honest food that hits the spot (although it IS cash only. boo) Just for reference I always get the Power Breakfast for $4.50 on weekdays and $5.50 on weekends. Can't beat it!
(3)Jasmine F.
I love how you can order an egg white omelette at even the "greasy spoon" type diners in the L.A. area and no one even bats an eye. We stopped into Cafe 50's for breakfast, and I was impressed by the freshness and flavor of the ingredients, as well as the variety, given the type of joint it is. I ended up with an egg white omelette with spinach, feta, avocado, and tomatoes; a side of fruit; and some bacon (I figure that's a deserved reward for removing the yolk and potatoes from the meal). Everything was spot on. Also, the prices were fair (you could get a solid breakfast for around $5) and the service was super friendly and efficient. Oh, and I hear the milkshakes are excellent.
(4)Steven C.
Delicious, large plates for super-reasonable prices: a burger lands you $6-8, a large turkey dinner with mashed potatoes, beans, cranberry sauce and soup is $7.25, while a refreshing large cup of fudge peanut-butter-shake is just $3.00. Absolutely wonderful prices for this day and age. And they've got nice 50's-diner-style décor with fast friendly service!
(4)Katamari D.
I have nothing new to add to the other reviews except that if you go back often enough, eventually they know your name and your order. Big city? Cafe 50's! The food sometimes borders on gross when its busy on the weekend but you remind yourself you're spending 4.25 for what you would pay 11 bucks for at the omlette parlor and it's all ok. Milkshakes- a total plus, jukebox too. (Advice for the coffee complaint above, go to Groundworks on Rose and byoc.)
(5)Sue Z.
there's so much nostalgia surrounding cafe 50's for me. my first date with my the now love of my life. the staff that became family after our frequent visits. the music always blasting the 50's tunes, while everyone knew everyone's name. yet. i always have chet's rendition of 'the thrill is gone" wafting through my head when i pass this place now. it ain't what it used to be. i don't know what happened. maybe they changed cooks? maybe something this good just doesn't last. listen. this place is awesome, i assure you! but it ain't 5-stars kinda good anymore. i went today for some breakfast, and it was...ok. now let me pull myself out of the past, and tell you what's good to get here. The Joe's Special. -a scramble with lean beef, spinach, onions, and some other random goodies. this was THE STAPLE cafe 50's dish i got all the time. it was my 'usual'. with home fries, and sourdough toast. i might have gone on an off day, but this time, it was overly salted, dry, and not very good. but take a chance on this, when it's good, it's heartwarming, and sets your morning right. The Killer Burger! eat this with A1 sauce. i usually get this with the turkey patty, with chunks of fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and onions. the patty is so deliciously seasoned, it's heaven. it comes with coleslaw (yum!), and steak fries. it's moist and one of the best burgers i've ever gotten. Blueberry Milkshake. -they use real blueberries and premium vanilla ice cream. they always used to give us the leftovers, and there were A LOT of left-overs. it was delicious, the way milkshakes should be. au natural, made with all the love one can get. this was our staple from back in the day. i hope it's as good as it used to be. this morning, we got Huevos Rancheros and The Father Omlette. the portions were ginormous. but hey, quality over quantity. my omlette was ok, not phenomenal. the potatoes that came with were good, but a bit on the chewy side. bf's huevos rancheros looked like what it should look like coming out the other way. sorry. but it did....said it was good, but very heavy and unhealthy. so overall, it was meh. i will come back here again.....because i do love cafe 50's. : ) cash only!
(3)vicky c.
This is a really great restaurant! Great staff and even better food! I love it here. It's like one of the last remaining treasures left in Venice! Helpful hint, order a scramble!
(5)Jill M.
I've been eating here for over 20 years, yeah that long. Why, you might ask? The service is great and so is the food. You can kick back and enjoy a meal here without being rushed, play a little somethin' on the jukebox, and stuff yourself until you can't breathe. Whatever I haven't tried on the menu (I'm a picky eater) all of the friends that I have taken there over the years have, so it's all good. This is one of those places when someone asks me "where do you want to eat" I say Cafe 50's.
(5)Hali M.
gets 5 stars for being the best hangover/saturday afternoon-breakfast place in the Santa Monica/Venice area. -one time i went around 1pm for breakfast and sat right next to Quentin Tarantino. Its really a place for anyone. -with regards to lunch or dinner.... EH. Breakfast is the way to go!
(5)Dr J.
Me gusta Cafe 50's. If Grandma opened up a little diner in Venice, this is it. The milkshakes are luscious; we had the mocha, the 50-50 bar, and the black and white ("The thing about eating the black and white [shake], Elaine, is you want to get some black and some white in each bite.") My friends both had the power breakfast, which is basically one of everything, and I tried the scramble with lox and onions. We left stuffed and you can't beat the prices. This place is the size of a Kleenex box, but that won't spoil your fun. We parked hassle-free next door in the Rite Aid lot. Cash only.
(4)Bruno J.
Genuine place, great value for money and very nice people ... awesome
(5)Ben B.
Sunday wouldn't be Sunday without a stop at Cafe 50's. It really is the sunshine in my morning. Even though I don't get nostalgic about the 50s decor flooding every square inch of wall space, I can appreciate its charm. This place is a breakfast "experience" for anyone willing to participate. Start by grabbing the morning paper from the stack by the front door. You'll need it because you'll probably be waiting a few minutes for a table. The entire menu is fantastic, but the go-to selection is the Good Times Power Breakfast. It used to be three bucks, but they raised it a few the last couple years. It's still a steal. If you're up for it, their shakes are fantastic and will take the place of lunch.
(4)Jason W.
I don't like the fifties that much except once in awhile. I like them aesthetically for like a david lynch movie or something. There were no serial killers back then and every thing was pushed under the surface. This diner is okay. The place is crowded and there is some shouting. I thought the food was okay nothing super great. I didn't like the experience that much plus they give you a jukebox at your table but you don't get to pick a song unless you go to the main one. That sucks...really. I love little jukeboxes at tables.
(3)Wendy P.
The food was not very good and the booth was possibly the most uncomfortable I've ever sat in, but the service was great.
(3)Kevin F.
Very good diner! Tim C and I went here before the big birthday bash for Sarah Beth and Trisha at Air Conditioned. Good little hole in the wall cafe with good diner food. I had the spicy meatloaf. It wasn't really spicy, but it had a good flavor to it. The dinner comes with veggies, potato and soup or salad. A filling meal for under $10. The best part though was the Elvis Milkshake! Vanilla ice cream, peanut butter and banana, to which I had them add some chocolate syrup. Awww, that was one good shake! Thick and chocolate banana peanut buttery goodness! The staff was really friendly and all in all it was a great meal. I'll definitely go back when I'm in the area.
(4)Boise T.
we love 50's! we go there whenever we have family in from out of town. the neighborhood in venice is always well represented: you'll have a celeb in one booth, two body builders in another, a family of 4-6 that speak something other than english, a hung over couple, some old people sharing a paper and an assortment of randoms. it's great food, great music, robert and the staff are always old school friendly. they remember you everytime and seem to know exactly when you were there last. it's like 1979 in there but with a 50's theme.
(5)Tim L.
Very yummy food at a good price. Had the 3+3+3. Gf had two eggs any style. Even the toast was yummy hehe.
(4)greg a.
Great diner prices and the food is above par. Try their "Blue Plate Specials" or come for their breakfast. If you go in enough they remember your order (I love cherry coke) making you feel right at home. Breakfast time gets busy so get there early. Cash only. The chicken fried steak is divine.
(4)Vicki C.
Yum! Great breakfast food at Great Prices!! Only issue is it is SO small, you feel kinda trapped. But very tasty and good spot for quick cheap breakfast.
(4)Miriam F.
this is a diner, and I'm from the south, so I expect certain things. everything is always delicious, the service is always phenomenal, and best of all, the atmosphere is perfection. the music is always just right. basically, this place is the bomb, you should go.
(5)Scott M.
The place is a dirty, small and old hole in the wall, but they have delicious diner food. This is one of the best breakfast spots in the area. The scrambles and omelets have high quality ingredients and assortment of tasty combinations. The pancakes could be a bit fluffier and less chewy. They would taste a whole lot better with real maple syrup. Why don't breakfast places serve real maple syrup? I'd pay extra damn it! I generally don't eat pancakes, waffles or French toast out for this reason. But, their French toast did look good.
(3)Kristen B.
best.food.ever. wonderful place to be a regular...they remember you. Service is fast and really nice. Hours are great, since they are open until 11. Anything you get will be good, and the atmosphere is great. P.S, this is the non-pretentious version of the Santa Monica location. But FYI, they don't accept credit cards!
(5)Kendall M.
I went here for breakfast with the bf yesterday, and I thought it was pretty standard fare. Weirdly, the service started out super attentive and then eventually took a complete nose-dive to the point that in lieu of a visible waitress anywhere, I got up and asked the grill sergeant for some more cream cheese. But the atmosphere was accurately dinery and the food was cheap, there's an awesome breakfast special that's like 4.50 or something, so my poverty stricken boyfriend could actually afford it... bonus points for that!
(3)Mike F.
Get the most for your money here. The omlettes are big enough for the hungriest and theres plenty of food served here. One of the few original style soda fountain eateries left and original cause of its nostalgic posters with various celebs. Hangovers and bleary eyed customers are the norm here so just order your food, pay your bill and go back to bed knowing you just ate a shitload. BTW, a must is their Cobb salad with creamy italian dressing. Along with their little muffin thats served along with it, its a great low carb meal! (eh? whats a low carb?) also, this place is a tad better than the one in santa monica only because its "at home" atmosphere.
(4)Phillip P.
I'm very cautious about giving five stars, but I had one of the best omelets I've ever tasted here. They use high-quality ingredients and the service was great despite the place being packed. It's definitely not "health food" but I can't wait to go back and try some more dishes. Great prices and great food.
(5)Bobbie K.
The nostalgic 50's decor has not been spruced up in many a year, and without any special ambience this tacky diner has nothing going for it. From an overcooked omelet to the mayo-drowned cole slaw, even the simplest of items wasn't prepared competently. To be fair, someone said the melted cheese and turkey sandwich was OK. But the place is dilapidated, noisy and uncomfortable and the service was lousy - if the 50's were like that , what's the point of remembering them?
(1)Aaron A.
Cafe 50's is a dying breed. The owners are friendly, charming, and extremely caring of their food and customers. I once overheard the owner sharing the "secret" to their coleslaw: They dress it to order! So much attention to detail, and that's just the coleslaw. Burgers are perfect, so are the fountain drinks and shakes. Try the Yakety Yak too! Don't be afraid of the jukebox either...It's nice to know there's restaurant owners that truly care about their food and have a good time doing it. 5 stars for the whole dining experience...I always have a lot of fun, and great food here.
(5)Ivana I.
I must say I'm sad, so very sad, to have discovered this place just recently. I've been missing out on a true L.A. gem. It's a near miss, right next to a large Rite-Aid, but this crisp white cottage of a classic diner serves up great grub that's simple, all-American, and CHEAP. Breakfast served all day, so there's none of that must-get-there-in-time-before-brunch-ends crush rush. I recommend the Power Breakfast (crisp hash browns, two eggs, pancakes, sausage (or veggie sausage: v.v.bueno) or bacon)... fill your body tank up for just $4.25! Very friendly service. Good, strong coffee with plenty of refillin' going on (under a buck)... a true American diner w/ true diner prices.
(5)George F.
Must have driven by this place a million times on Lincoln. Checked it out on yelp this sunday and went for breakfast/lunch... Brunch! What a sweet little spot - very reasonably priced, milkshakes are always a plus, oh and the food was good too - huge selection. All in all a worthwhile spot.
(4)Amy H.
HELLO Elvis & Marilyn! What a fun spot this is! After hearing a few friends say they like the place...we decided to go and check it out for ourselves. We loved the decor...true 50's feel...nostalgic pictures and mini jukeboxes on the counter. I had an omelette and my husband had the "Power Breakfast" and he couldn't resist ordering a side of onion rings and a beer. The food was yummy. After we finished, we were already talking about coming back next time to try their burger, fries and milkshakes...which all looked quite good! If I had to make one criticism...their coffee was a little watery. Other than that, the it was great!
(4)Andrew K.
Overpriced, dirty, and crappy food. Gross. At least while I was there I got to watch 10 cops arrest some drug dealer.
(1)Jennifer W.
I am having such a hard time writing this review, because I was constantly comparing this Cafe 50's to the one on Santa Monica Blvd, which is much closer to where I live. I asked the waitress (owner perhaps?) if they were affiliated, and she said at one point in time 4 friends opened a few, but then each took 1 and went off in their own direction. First of all...parking. Is a beotch. We found some on the street though. Neighborhood is also a little sketch, being right off Lincoln Blvd in Venice. This menu is not nearly as big as the SM Blvd one....seriously less shakes/malts and food items all around. I already knew in my head that I wanted the Choc & Banana shake, with an avocado BLT w/ sweet potato fries. No shake....no BLT....no sweet potato fries. That being said...they did make me a BLT off the menu, and I'm sure they would have made my shake too. And what I did have was delicious. Bonus: the customer service was excellent. Bogus: cash only!!
(3)Eric G.
If you want the best malt in LA go to Café 50s. This place is super old-school with records glued to the wall and old novelty items hanging on shelves and from the ceiling but their food is grade A classic. It's a great place to go with a couple friends and hang out and have a good meal. There's not very much parking so you have to park across street in the grocery store parking lot and there is not a ton of seating so the best time to get there is earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon.
(4)Soraya S.
Very cute place! I went there with my boyfriend for dinner :) I know this place is famous for breakfast but dinner was still great. They have super good milk shake! Next time def trying breakfast :)
(4)Kyle O.
Really small place and the wait was rrally long with only a few couples in front of us. Parking stinks, street only and the lot across the street does tow your ass. Food is classic diner style, which means hot, good, greasy, fast. Breakfast spot for sure. Nice staff and service, cheap prices. Just needs to move people faster and allow you to put your name on the list before showing up so you don't get towed while you wait to eat.
(4)Drew C.
No better place to walk into with a mean hangover. The excellent serving staff are always cheery and motherly, which is an addd hangover bonus. The hours here are wonderful, the coffee is flowing steadily (which makes up for it being a little light), and the food is fast and delicious. Classic breakfasts are my go-to and they're made exactly to standard and at a huge discount compared with most other breakfast spots on the west side. Just remember to bring cash.
(5)Josh W.
Wish there was a negative rating option. Ate there once or twice and never eating there again. The reason is the last time (many years ago) we ate there and a family member got food posioning and came back within the week and they didn't seem to care 1 bit and wanted to get us a free meal instead of a refund. Went on and on.
(1)Nic D.
Very fun place with great beach-town atmosphere! The food was great diner-style fair, served quickly, and with excellent prices. Do not miss the malts!!! They are amazing!
(4)FB W.
This diner has the nicest staff around. Ultra sweet and helpful. They made me feel at home and at ease. The food is very reasonably priced, too. And, the best music...wow, ultra-nostalgic. Cash ONLY though, so come prepared.
(4)John Purroy J.
Excellent diner. Kitschy, fun, with nearly all of their original waitstaff from the 1980s. Food like I haven't had since New York City diners. And those saved my life on many an occasion!
(4)Sandy G.
Friendliest place in town. Same staff for the 24 years I have been coming. They don't ever rush singles out of a booth. In fact, one night I had long finished eating but got no check. Robert, the waiter, said he didn't want to bother me because i was reading. Fresh food, nicely prepared. I grew up in the 50s, so it feels like home. Great omelets.
(5)Jason B.
A friend of mine recently flew into the LAXative airport and it was my job to pick him up before he was picked up by either the FBI or the NAACP. He was starving after his flight from London so I told him I was going to take him somewhere for a burger. That place should have been In-N-Out though it wasn't. I know - Jason, you're a retard. Not surprisingly, Cafe 50's has 1950's memorabilia covering the walls and 1950's music playing. Can you imagine the disappoint that I felt thinking that this was going to be based on the 1850's? The show was being run by an older Asian man. I gotta tell ya, there's something pretty amusing about an older Asian man happily singing along to The Beatles and Elvis. The guy knew all of the words but I guess I would to if those songs were drilled into my brain every day. My friend changed his mind on the burger thing and went with a sandwich instead (a Reuben?). I went with the Lumberjack burger and added an egg. To get to the bathroom you have to walk through storage and food prep areas. A couple of the guys working back there looked at me like I caught them doing something that they shouldn't be doing. I noticed a pile of pre-cooked bacon near the grill that they used for my burger. When our food arrived, I looked at my burger and said to myself, "Self, that's a pretty small burger." The burger and fries were average as was the sandwich. In fact, I didn't even eat all of the fries. yelp.com/biz_photos/jeub… yelp.com/biz_photos/jeub… Everything was average. For the 20 bucks we spent, we could've went to In-N-Out and had better for half the price. Let that be a lesson to me!
(3)Yona Y.
Soooooo bad.... Dont even wanna give one start to their monte cristo... Simply they dont know what monte cristo is...... Horrible, horrible food....
(1)May S.
Cafe 50s in Venice is my favorite diner! The service is always wonderful and the food is delicious. I especially recommend the La Bamba breakfast and the blueberry pancakes. Also, I think the food is considerably less expensive then most diners and the quality is better at 50s.
(5)Chris H.
Our family typically doesn't eat out for breakfast. Trust me, its not because I enjoy standing at the stove for an hour and a half, cooking what everybody wants, rather because breakfast restaurants typically haven't a clue. While on vacation, we stopped here for breakfast. Unbelievable!!! Everything was cooked perfectly, the decor was neat and the staff was amazing. If we had this gem on the East Coast, I promise I would eat there every day. Thanks!
(5)Matt H.
Fantastic service; IHOP cheap. Actually, it's cheaper than IHOP--and they don't torque you for add-ons. A burger is 5.50$. A burger with cheese, avocado, and tomato? 6$. I LOVE that. A root beer float is 2.95$ and is in exactly the glass you're thinking it's in, but the ice cream is pouring out over the top. Yes. This is correct. The coffee's mild, which is good because it's infinite. Their apple pie was Really Good. The catfish wasn't great, but the turkey dinner was just fine. It's clean. I had no problem putting a coffee-stirring spoon on the table; nothing was sticky or greasy or gross. The service was phenomenal. Perfect orders, perfect attentiveness, perfect accommodation. Two dinners, a root beer float, a slice of pie, and two coffees was a hilariously low 30$ (cash only). I tipped around 7.50$, and it's rare that I go over 20%. I was Really happy with them. The bathroom situation reminds me of Doughboys: A health code violation waiting to get noticed. I'm coming back for breakfast though, and I have a feeling it's going up to 5. Those pancakes smelled Great.
(4)E J.
50's Cafe on Lincoln is the best! 1) CASH ONLY--i'm sure that helps keep prices down! 2) SUPER FRESH! owner makes all the soups (Yum Chicken Gumbo), dressing (BEST BLEU CHEESE!). Favorite side veggie is green beans--so fresh and tasty! good broccoli & carrots too. 3a) ELVIS MILKSHAKE: peanut butter banana shake.... mmmmmmm 3b) YAKETY YAK dinner with rice--high quality lean beef burger over bed of spinach, topped with melted swiss cheese and a homemade mushroom suace 3c) BLACKENED SALMON with home made real mashed potatoes! mmmmm, nice cut of salmon :) 4) Robert the singing waiter--just hums his favorite juke box tune in between tables. 5) AUTHENTIC VINTAGE posters and decor in the second room go Go GO!
(4)Eva J.
Oh, yum! I was in LA yesterday with a girlfriend to get a little break from San Diego, and drop by a friend's radio show. We were up there early and decided it was a good move to snag some breakfast. . .the only catch was we didn't want to pay a lot, and it IS the Westside. I used to live in Venice Beach, though, so I know quite a few yummy grub spots that won't cost $20 per person for breakfast. HotToo/House of Teriyaki Too was closed (seriously, they had an awesome breakfast), so we went a bit east to Lincoln and hit Cafe 50's. It was crowded and busy, even for Friday morning at 11 a.m. We got seated in a booth and ordered. Our food came super-fast -- I got a spinach and Swiss omelette with hashbrowns and my homie got an omelette with bacon and avocado and homefries. The coffee could have been a little bit stronger, but the 80-something nanas in the next booth talking about pot brownies totally made up for it. Good food and good service, and we paid $20, plus a tip. Oh, it's cash only, so be prepared.
(4)Blaiz C.
I only ever come here for breakfast because it is such a good deal that they have going until 11am. 2 eggs, hash browns, 2 sausage or bacon, and 2 pancakes all for $4.95! It is a locally owned cafe 50's and when I go in there I get the vibe of teamwork, like a family. Always the same people. I give this place a 4 because they only take cash.
(4)Danielle S.
Best breakfast in L.A. Good Times Power Breakfast for $4.50 can't be beat. Includes veggie sausage (for no extra cost) if you want it. Best damn waitresses on the west side. Very accommodating. Just beware, they get busy. Oh yeah, it's CASH ONLY.
(5)Sandra V.
Great food great service great price. The only place open past 10 that serves breakfast all day around this side of town. The waiter was super nice, took our order and made our food while we went to get cash across the street then didn't mind making a fresh pot of coffee for us even though we were the last costumers. Awesome place!
(5)Diana L.
The hashbrowns here are really crispy. What else do you need to know?
(4)Gabriel C.
The most satisfying burger I've had in a while. Great prices. Pleasant service. The only problem is that they only take cash so you have to go across the street to the ATM. But other than that it was just what I needed.
(4)James G.
I normally don't find a reason to give three stars...but this place got my first one. All's I can say is..not too bad...but not that great. The inside can surely use an update!
(3)Josh A.
As noted in another review, this location is no longer owned by the same people who own cafe50s.com and the menu is a little different from the menu listed at that URL. I'm not able to find a website or online menu for this location. I have been to both it and to the location in West Hollywood (which I am given to understand is the original or at least is still owned by the creator of the concept) and I like this one better because a) you get fries with the grilled cheese instead of having to order them separately, b) it costs less, and c) if I'm not mistaken, there's a peanut butter milkshake directly on the menu whereas at the West Hollywood location, you'd have to ask to have the chocolate syrup (probably just lame-o Hershey's) kept out of the peanut butter cup milkshake (which is something I should have done). I'm not going to give it 5 stars as to me 5 stars means "you gotta go!" but it's very, very good and chances are that if I'm ever back in Venice, I will go there again. As you can tell from the comments above, I did have, as recommended by another reviewer, the grilled cheese, fries, and peanut butter milkshake. The grilled cheese is very good and the peanut butter milkshake is awesome.
(4)Cathy N.
I went here because I had an intense milkshake craving and they have a giant list of different milkshakes. I went here with a friend and I got the chocolate ice cream with hazelnut, but I switched out the chocolate ice cream with vanilla. My friend got the chocolate ice cream and peanut butter one. Since it is a diner they give it to you in glass cup and what ever is left overs in the metel mixing cup. Their milkshakes are pretty thick and you need two straws to drink it. I would definitely come back again for their milkshakes
(4)Mark K.
I love this place. It's a typical 50's style diner that looks like it may have been there in the 50. It's a greasy spoon kid of place but that's what I was looking for when I found it. Prices are good and the breakfast special is great Get the 3 3 3 for 5 bucks. The thing that would make it better is if the remotes for the jukebox actually worked
(4)R R.
Classic diner. I had the 2 egg breakfast with home fries. Perfectly cooked with tasty bacon. Nice price- less than Denny's, and a personality!
(5)Richard M.
Classic diner food - affordable and well done. I've had the club sandwich and it was perfect. The Panang pot roast is a more fragrant and flavorful beef curry than most of the Thai places on the Westside! The wait staff are fast and friendly.
(5)Carolyn R.
Came here with my boyfriend yesterday for lunch. I have mix feelings about this place. I love the decor an our waitress was nice, but the food could of been a little better, I got the California burger, substituted the beef patty for a turkey one. My fries needed a little salt. My boyfriend and I shared an elvis milkshake it was enough for the both of us. My boyfriend got chili cheese fries, which I didn't quite enjoy, something about the chili wasn't satisfying. It needed more flavor. and he also got spaghetti that I didn't try. Our bill came up to be $22.00 Not that bad I guess. I would come here again, and try a different dish.
(4)Winnie Y.
This is exactly the type of place you want when you're thinking of a diner: 50s-style booths and counter. Decor includes jukebox and other typical 50s paraphernalia. The food is also standard diner fare: burgers, milkshakes, fries. What I found surprising was its offerings of curry, which I didn't order--I got a burger--but any diner that offers off the beaten path gets bonus points from me. The burger I ordered (the mushroom and cheese) was delicious and as artery-clogging as one would expect. The fries were nothing to write home about. The friend I went with is a vegetarian who has never had a burger in her life, and she LOVED the veggie burger she got. That alone has me sold.
(5)shawn v.
This place all around rules, been going here for 20 years! Love this place! I used to live across the street from them, when the side salad was a $1! The prices really haven't been raised that much since. Still a super deal for anything. Forewarn....CASH ONLY here! There's a Ralph's/Riteaid across the street to grab some cash. Amazing, better than-diner food, awesome people, beer served, great shakes, jukebox rockin' at all times. Easy street parking as well. Breakfast is a super deal! Out of towners...um..go there! Was short one time, they were cool, came back and paid the balance and gave a fatty tip. Really? Who does that in these times?
(5)Levi S.
Great food ! Great prices! Quick service! no complains here
(5)shinobu k.
Um, ...am I the only one who thought it was a little weird that when we walked into this "50's Diner", with all the Happy Days outer accoutrements, we were greeted by a couple of Thai(? I'm assuming) gentlemen who sat us, as they without warning would burst out crooning along to the 50's jukebox as if they were the local karaoke bar? It was a friday night, about 9:45pm, this section of Venice seemed straight outta sleepytown, USA, with everything but the market across the street closed for the evening. Where were the sock hop waitresses in the short skirts and Biff telling Marty McFly to make like a tree and get outta here?! They must've been at the other location in West L.A. along with the rowdy night life, because the Cafe was pretty empty and quiet except for our server (possibly an owner?) singing doo wop. The menu threw me for a further loop, as I scanned through the obligatory burgers, blt's, and shakes and was dumbstruck to see odd offerings such as Thai Curries and some kind of Curry Pot Roast, I think called the Panang Pot Roast, which I'm sure was "Buddy Holly's Pot Roast" with curry instead of brown gravy. Nevertheless, what would be more David Lynchian than succumbing to the madness and ordering the Panang Pot Roast at Cafe 50's on what seemed to be a pretty slow night in Venice? I had wished we had gone to Baby Blues a few streets up, but when our food arrived, the Panang was devoured and it was actually quite delicious. Not too spicy, not very fancy, but hearty. As everyone else has remarked, the prices really are quite reasonable, (CASH ONLY), the place is clean, and as we sat, quite a few regulars began streaming in. Thai food at Cafe 50's. I guess it could work. I wonder if the experience is any less weird during the day?
(4)Shari P.
Checked this cash only place out this morning - great for the price! I am a vegetarian and their veg burger was standard fare (I don't expect much for the price and the reality of being a vegetarian is you make compromises when you can). Their onion rings are very good, not processed tasting and not soaking in grease, just right. (I do bring my own HFCS-free ketchup, organic sugar and organic half & half! LOL) My hub had the eggs, bacon and pancake combo. He liked everything and the pancakes were very fluffy and good. The coffee was good albeit a bit weak but acceptable. $20 including tip out the door is pretty darn good and we'll be back again. Next time I'll have a veg omelet and veg sausage links!
(5)Diana W.
UGHH!!!!! G-R-O-S-S. A huge waste of money. I ordered a strawberry milkshake, w/ burger and fries as did my bf. In the end, when I tried to pay for it....guess what? They don't take cards. I didn't have cash with me at the time, so had to go across the street to an ATM that charged me for withdrawing money in order to pay for an unpleasant, stinking, rotting food that was too deep-fried and covered in salt to even taste anything worthwhile. I almost felt like throwing up then and there. I've had better burgers, not to mention the degrading walk to the ATM. Guess what? Not coming here again. Get modern w/ the rest of society and improve the quality of the food you serve to better match your prices. Sick place.
(1)Dave E.
Love the 50s ambiance! excellent cheeseburgers and shakes! at times service can be slow but the great burger makes it worth the wait!
(4)Janna R.
We always forget that they take cash only everytime we come here. There is an atm next door but it still is a bitch withdrawing funds. Anyway, the person who greets you is so nice, he's the asian dude, he might be the owner. Food is GREAT! Small place with cool decors, a Jukebox. Definitely a place to go to for lunch or cravings and munchies. Have never gone for breakfast yet. Try the Monte Carlo with jam--you will not regret!
(5)Paola I.
around the corner from my house. so I come here often. great malts, burgers and sandwiches. waitresses are "eh" ... bus boys are marvelous. stay away from the chicken fried chicken - yikes! can u say frozen? love their breakfast.(when done right... had some bad ones) I'm from jersey so this is the closest I can find to an actual diner in LA. anyways... that is all :)
(3)Sanel S.
We were visiting here from Boston. The malts, oh my god, the malts! Everything else is superb as well... but the malts... my god, the malts.
(5)Bannister C.
Had breakfast here today and ordered the sirloin steak and eggs and English muffin for $8.49. And home fries. What a surprise, it actually tased good! The hell with thise who complain this is not a "health place", go to Whole Foods down the street. The steak had hardly any gristle or fat, well trimmed, best of all, tasty, like real steak! I usually don't expect much from such places as to steak tasting like from a real steak house, this one though had great flavor. Everything came quickly too, hot and tasty! I'm just not too happy about cash only, but what the heck. Also it's not in a very nice part of town. But as far as holes in the wall go, this place is OK. And that was not a backhanded compliment.
(3)Geoffrey M.
If you crave decent breakfast food at a great price then Cafe 50's will do the trick. Servers are friendly and food will hit the spot. Great price point - $10 for breakfast and a coffee, so I can't really complain.
(4)Benjie S.
This place is fucking ridiculous. Ridiculously good! But before we go any further here... it is CASH ONLY. Remember that because you'll look like a real ass walking in and finding out it's cash only. As I was saying though this place is pretty great. Everything's always fresh and seems to be made in house. Dinner, breakfast and deserts have all been awesome here. It's also not that expensive. It really is a nice little diner that is well worth the money. The shakes are the shit.
(4)Andrea W.
Good diner food but not open all night.
(3)Amanda D.
come here two days in a row ordering the same thing. it's that addictive. The place is so old school. But you know usually that's exactly where you can get GOOD FOOD. Breakfast all day! I get Joe's special whenever I am there.
(5)Rebecca T.
Finally - FINALLY - we found an affordable, yummy breakfast spot in our generally overpriced neighborhood (MDR/Venice) YAY, can't believe we only just now found this local gem! The service is warm and friendly, and the food delicious. BF got the 3+3+3 w/blueberry pancakes, eggs, and bacon. I got the country scramble: eggs, turkey sausage, mushrooms, spinach and had them add some mozzeralla. Plus it came w/bagel and cream cheese and hash browns! I was able to take at least half the scramble home yesterday and had the rest today for breakfast w/half an english muffin. SO good! With coffee and soda, the total for all this yumminess was less than $20. Thank goodness there's old school diner food that's scrumptuous and relatively cheap... and WAY better than IHOP or Norm's. We WILL be back, and probably pretty regularly. :)
(5)Jan B.
Sunday morning ritual! I love their breakfast options. The food and service is pretty good. I love the fact that it' s not fast food joint but they serve your food as if it was! The waitresses are very sweet and our friend who we like to call 'cash only' is always making sure our coffee is topped off. The only thing is that i wish they took credit cards. It's a cash only!!!
(4)Brendon D.
50 reasons to have breakfast for dinner in Venice. I've got a thing for counters. Any place that has a counter is always a favorite for me. This place delivers on the counter scale. The inside is simple and has red seat coverings and white floors. The staff was super fast and efficient. They were NOT messing around. This place is usually quite busy. It's also VERY busy on weekend mornings for the hangover crowds. This place is the hook-up for that. There is not too much to report other than the coffee is hot, eggs are not too runny or dry and the staff is on top of things. Don't half step. Do your eggs "over hard" here.
(3)Matthew W.
3.5 stars on average is probably more a reflection on the small physical size of this location and the fact that it is not a late night diner. But, if you explore their menu you cannot beat the value here. Their Asian menu items are out of this world, the owner is from Thailand which explains things. The Power Breakfast is the best value on the menu hands down. And I have to mention the waitresses are all super friendly and have very unique personalities. If you go there at night the Asian waiter has a hilarious sense of humor and has never let me down with a menu suggestion. For those that like pressing shuffle on your iTunes, come here frequently and do the same with the menu.
(5)Jaime M.
This is one of our favorite spots to hit when the wallets slim and the belly's-a-grumblin'! I'm always surprised there's not much business but I guess this place's "dive" atmosphere doesn't draw people in but I love it! The guy who owns it is ALWAYS there and is very polite. The food is FRESH every time, (super crisp fries, delicious burgers!!) The best part is the food is super cheap! After I got the bill last time we decided we needed a mocha shake too since it was only 12 bucks for the two of us! Always get the shake to eat in btw, or else you won't get the tin with the shake, only a take out cup of the shake. Don't worry though the shakes are bomb too. There's a Cafe 50's on Santa Monica with more flair and is bigger, but trust me, that's all it's got. So pass up all that phony hype and stop in for real folks and REAL FOOD! PS- The only drawback is cash only but once you hit this spot, you'll remember for the next time. :]
(5)Jenna H.
This place gives me that warm fuzzy feeling inside when you read their home cooked menu : ) My fiance and I both really enjoyed the place when we went and to be honest, wish I lived closer to Venice! My ass would be twice the size if I could drop in for shakes and warm plates of grandma's goodness every time I craved it. Their chicken piccata was awesome... generally one of my all time favorite chicken dishes. If you're living away from home and want a down home feel good meal, here's the place. Hands down, great diner. Damn. Now I'm hooonngry...
(4)Denise D.
Some friends and I came across the Cafe 50's completely at random when we were looking for a late dinner one night. It was a great find. It's on the small side, but the booths are roomy. The 1950s decor is interesting and the juke box plays an endless parade of 50s hits. The prices are downright reasonable--the three of us each got a full dinner entree and the entire bill came to $24, INCLUDING a 20% tip. They serve breakfast all day. The servers are super-attentive and the service is fast. It's a cute, friendly and well-run place, and I think I will be back.
(5)Laurel J.
Great neighborhood diner. Lots of locals that seemed to be regulars. The food was really good and fresh (ordered the Frisco Club, delicious) and the waitress was very friendly and really cared about our experience. My friend and I went for lunch around 12 on a Saturday and it was pretty busy, but they serve breakfast all day. It's the kind of place that would be perfect for a late night, post-bar outing. The restaurant is cash only, so keep that in mind, but the prices are really good. Not a lot of seating either, or room to move around, but I think it adds to the charm. Lots of memorabilia on the wall to top off the diner experience.
(4)Jason M.
Came here the past two Sundays, which means I like it! Straight up good diner breakfast and great prices. Friendly service and very clean. I think this may become my Sunday Breakfast joint for awhile!
(4)Gwendolyn V.
I love love love this place! Friendly service, yummy food & great if you're on a budget. $7.25 for a pot-roast dinner! The Monte Cristo is fabulous & they make their own pies. They even have beer & wine at better-than-happy-hour prices.
(5)Injae K.
The 4 star rating is not for fine dining, but for great diner food, atmosphere, and friendly personable service. I've been coming here with friends after a night of debauchery, usually for Sunday brunch. It's cheap and they make a great Chicken Fried Steak, crispy and crunchy, I like to get the sauce on the side for dippin'. I also love their grilled sandwiches and crispy fries, anyway you want it, I usually get a grilled tuna on rye with tomatoes, grilled onions, and avocados, YUM! I love all the waitresses, especially the British waitress that keeps a stash of bourbon under the counter. So if you've got diner food on your mind, skip Denny's, Sizzler's, and Ihop, Cafe 50's is the elite. Would I come back? Whenever the well is dry, the brain is fried, and I can get the sauce on the side.
(4)Dude Food G.
This local spot is another cool thing about my neighborhood. The shakes here are almost as sweet as the owners/waitresses and the food is good. Breakfast, lunch or dinner, but my favorite dish is a breakfast plate called 'Dan's Favorite'. They took my call this morning and it was ready when I ran in. Thank you. Cash only.
(4)Christina C.
Ordered some take out food based on the reviews and that is was in walking distance. We were not disappointed. We got a cheese burger which was good. The cold slaw was a bit too sweet for us. We got a root beer milkshake which was super yummy. It's decently priced. Don't mistake the 50's cafe website for the location in Santa Monica with this one. Their menus are not the same. I found it kind of strange that they didn't have any take out menus. Cash Only!
(3)Heather M.
Well after a brutal hangover at 930am, my friend and I hit this neighborhood joint. Have lived in Venice for 1.5 years and this place is 6 blocks from my house and I've never eaten there! Adorable, cute, small. Super clean. You can tell how clean a restaurant is by the attention they give the condiments and sugar caddies on the tables and everything was spotless. Coffee, OJ and water came out right away. Server was ready to take our order, we had trouble deciding. We both got scrambles with home fries/hasbrowns and bagels/english muffins. Plus we split an order of the French Toast with Bananas. The french toast was amaizng! It had carmelized bananas on top. YUM!!! Totally cured my hangover and was delicious to boot. Plus easy on the wallet. A miracle in LA. Wish I had eaten here sooner. Want to try their burgers. Go!!!
(5)Alycia D.
YUM! This place is easy to miss when driving by and I regret not finding it sooner. I love diners so I was really excited to try this. I took my parents and they got omelets and I got pancakes. All of them were delicious and not to mention the prices are so low for what you're getting. I can't wait to go back!
(4)Shawn C.
Nothing special about it. Food very meh. Service decent, but far better choices in Venice.
(2)Triple Threat T.
CASH ONLY! Always spot-on but SUPER packed at breakfast time, and I find the breakfasts a lil heavy and greasy if you're trying to be healthy... but perfect if you're workin thru a venice beach hangover ;)
(5)Eli G.
CASH ONLY!!!! i always have a good time when i come here or the other one on Santa Monica. the staff is always really friendly and sometimes really hot. the food is good diner food and the milkshakes rock. last time i went i got a burger and it was cooked to order and had flavor, my favorite two qualities of a burger. i always have a hard time finishing the milkshake after the burger so I've been having the milkshake first since I'll have to finish the burger. nice place to go for good food that is Denny's cheap but with food that is actually good. **UPDATE 4.9.2008** Came again recently. After a night of school and then some light drinking, I need a light snack to help me to bed. So I order a patty melt with chili cheese fries. Patty melt was good, burgers here are always decent. Chili cheese fries were pretty good! Chili was nice and meety, went nice with the fries and cheese. I felt nice and gross and ready for bed.
(4)Abran B.
To sum it all up, everything I've gotten here is yummy, very inexpensive, CLEAN, They take pride in their restaurant, and the MOST friendly service I have ever interacted with. Great place 5 stars!
(5)Star M.
The service is always great and the decor is great. An establishment true to it's name. The food isn't amazing, but it's worth every penny. Their variety of milkshakes is pretty impressive. A great place to eat breakfast on a weekend...lots of food on your plate, lots of refills on the coffee and not much out of the wallet.
(4)Travis M.
Outrageously good. Oh my god. Got the La Bamba scramble. It was incredible. The bacon remained crispy through the entire meal and the salsa was much better than what I expected. And it was CHEAP. I will be returning.
(5)malcombe c.
This place is great. It seems most popular for Breakfast but I always go for their Blue plate dinner specials. All the food is handmade. NO processed stuff out the Can here. Nice Venice atmosphere - Nice staff - Good prices - suprisingly healthy food.
(4)Carrie D.
Had a great breakfast there with excellent service.
(4)Kate H.
An authentic 1950's diner with a surprisingly diverse menu. They have everything from dinner entrees including salmon, to the typical shakes, burgers, and fries. Their shakes are amazing, Oreo cookie in particular. Cash only!
(4)Michael R.
Nothing special, beach dive
(1)Michelle P.
I just love Cafe 50's. They have classic breakfasts and grill food and as I mentioned in review of the other location on Santa Monica... The decor that just takes you back to a time of old movies, juke boxes, Vinyl records (do some of you out there even know what a record is anymore?), poodle skirts and malts. I really love the breakfast here. it's good for small groups, and the prices are also reasonable. But, sometimes parking here can be a bit more challenging than the Santa Monica location. I still take a chance and hit it up when in the venice area and looking for a good breakfast place.
(4)Elle B.
Been coming here for years. The friendly staff never fails to remember a familiar face, the burgers are cheap and juicy, the fries are crispy, and the shakes are frisky. This place has always been successful in keeping the 50s alive, and I've always been a fan of their big disco machine a.k.a. jukebox. Come here for a blast from the past!!!!!!! Sincerely, Earl and Janet
(5)Matthew S.
After a long 2 days of hiking in Joshua Tree, followed by a night of abuse in Vegas, followed by three days of hiking in Death Valley, we went to Venice to see the Healsound. We had some beers (and what not) Saturday night and I was craving an affordable, yet supple Sunday breakfast in Venice. After looking around at Ferraris and Bentleys I thought, "not gonna happen". Wrong! This place delivered. I went with the Dan's Favorite Ommelette. Jack cheese, muchrooms, and some other stuff. It was so good. I went with the onion bagel and cream cheese on the side. Home fries were delicious. Not quite a five star. I'm a stickler for fair sides of dipping sauces and condiments. The $.65 side of cream cheese for my bagel was meager at best and barely enough for one half of the bagel. Overall, a hands down stop for breakfast. From the looks of Yelpers' great pics, looks like a good choice for lunch and dinner too!
(4)Thomas C.
It's cash only and it's gross (no more than most restaurants like this one). The prices though scream mob front and the food is above average for a diner. Staff is friendly. I recommend it if you're in the area.
(4)Elizabeth R.
Good food! Great burgers~ the way hamburgers should be. Yummy, thick large shakes; over 20 varieties. Check out their website. The place itself? Well, the one in Venice is not so cool looking. Kinda tiny and compact and just...ugh. I guess when you go to a place called Cafe 50's, you would expect a cool atmosphere. Not so. Even some customers next to me looked disappointed. I should have gone to the Santa Monica one and had the full experience. But the food is great!
(3)Brett M.
The Reuben was so bad it was like 9/11 in my mouth.
(1)Kate S.
This place is honestly my breakfast/brunch/brinner go-to. Eating here feels a bit like eating at home and the service makes you feel warm and cozy. Milkshakes and Breakfast served all the time with a nice 50s theme. I love it!
(5)