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

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

The best thing about this restaurant is the decor and the pleasant staff. That being said, I wouldn't eat here again. Low quality diner food. Save your money and go to Dennys or Norms. Sorry. read more

Café 50's is a really cool everything dinner with an awesome 50's vibes to it. They have indoor bar seating, phone booths and they play classic music to give off a genuine authentic feel. The service was OK. We were sitting outdoor and I felt like there was a couple times where the waiters forgot about us, but I'm assuming that's a rare occasion. So I'll start with the mimosa cause that was the first thing that came and it was very champagne heavy in my opinion I'm an orange juice connoisseur I prefer mine to be more orange is heavy. It just makes it easier to go with a drink, but I can see both sides of it. The waffles were really good nice soft in the middle crispy on the edges, melting in your mouth lots of butter and the side of bananas added an awesome layer to it that gave it lots of depth. I was a big fan of them. The bacon was crispy, but a little too crispy. I would preferred it a tad bit chewier,but delicious all the same. The eggs were cool. They were just scrambled eggs nothing crazy. I put salt pepper on it myself so I got the flavor I wanted out of it. Overall was very enjoyable experience. There were just some things I wish were better. It's local to me so I'll definitely be back. read more

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I came there for thanksgiving!! They have thanksgiving special. Food is so good , the regular all brekafast menu/ lunch menu. Moreover the ambiance! So cute , it's taking you back to 1950s hence it's name I didn't get the chance to try the milkshake but i heard it's a must read more

Cafe 50's - Big Bopper Scrambled Eggs - Diners Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Fun. Fun. Fun. Truly a blast from the post right down to the adorable central casting worthy counter waitress right out of a 50's movie. Everything is good. The Shakes are to die for. All of them. It's comfort food x ten with all the nuance you didn't know you longed for. Lots of regulars mixing with first time tourists. The waitress told me y'all aren't just customers you're my friends. Who says this in 2026? Be sure to buy a candy necklace on your way out. read more

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I've been working down the street from Cafe 50's for almost a year now and I've been dying to come here. Thanks to my wife and I's new hobby of driving around and checking out those free libraries, we ended up in Sawtelle and the time finally came to check this place out. From the moment you walk into Cafe 50's, you are surrounded by old school posters, jukeboxes, classic memorabilia, and a true flashback into an old school diner that makes everything so fun. We came here a little after noon on a Sunday and the place was absolutely packed. We checked in up front and were able to get seated right away at a table cleaned when we walked in. The second room here is 10x cooler then the first one and filled from floor to wall with everything from the 50s you could think of, including a bike hanging from the ceiling. The menu? Top notch looking diner food baby! I jumped at the opportunity to have a nice Country Fried Steak with a side of Mashed Potatoes and whatever magical gravy was on top. The Chicken Fried Steak with the white gravy was very good, tasted how it should, and made me feel like I was in New England. Now, the gravy on the mashed potatoes was absolutely incredible and I can't even explain what it was. It was on the chunky side, but the flavour was absolutely delicious. Since I was at an old school diner, I also had to order a chocolate chip cookie milkshake and it was fantastic. Overall, Cafe 50's was a top notch experience and a fun time. From the moment I walked in until the moment I left, I enjoyed all of the food, I enjoyed the milkshake, and I enjoyed the super friendly service as well. If you are anywhere in West LA, come and get some breakfast, lunch, of dinner at this wonderful diner. read more

Cafe 50's - Chicken Fried Steak and Mashed Potatoes! - Diners Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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They say it's impossible. They say, It. Can't. Be. Done. But I say... Forget about the science. Throw out the laws of relativity. And get ready to travel back in time! Dust off your Letterman jacket, grab your poodle skirt and bring a bag of coins for the jukebox.... Because we are going back to the 1950's!!!! (well, sorta) Established in 1986, Cafe 50's has been a staple 50's-style diner located in West Los Angeles that serves up Classic All American eats and OVER 43 styles of Milk Shakes. @Kelis, It might be your MILKSHAKE that brings all the boys to the yard.... But it's Cafe 50's Milkshakes that brings the BEST SHAKES in Town to the masses. Open EVERYDAY from 8am-Midnight.... There is absolutely no excuse that you can't make it here for breakfast, lunch and/or dinner... Well parking is kinda horrendous, so thats about the only excuse you'll get. But once you land a parking spot on Santa Monica Blvd., put a few of those coins you brought along for the jukebox into the modern day parking meter and go get your Cafe 50's Diner on! Breakfast is served ALL day so don't feel bad if you oversleep or just want to sleep in. And just like a 1950's Classic All American house party, this diner offers homemade deviled eggs. I highly suggest ordering a few of these bad boys for the table to hold you over until your main courses arrive. But even more fun than Cafe 50's classic diner dishes and the milkshakes for days... One of the funnest parts of traveling all the way back to the 1950's especially for the kids... No we won't be reenacting Duck & Cover Drills at the diner for an Atomic Bomb Fallout... I'm talking about the TOYS!!! Yes, Cafe 50's sells toys from the 50's that is sure to bring back some nostalgia for you and some joy to your grandkids. So grab a Diving Submarine, Paddle Ball, Silly Putty or even some Candy Cigarettes and be a kid again! Alright 1950's.... You've been fun, but we gotta get back to 2025 where it's safe before a Nuclear bomb actually drops.... Oh wait, about that. Somebody get me a candy cigarette! read more

Cafe 50's - Lunch is served! - Diners Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Cafe 50's is amazing. The atmosphere is classic 1950. And the food and service are great.

What a cute spot! Great 50s decor, and they provide you with plastic tops to spin on the table while you wait for food. Breakfast all day, and some of the dishes are super high value! My partner got the 3-3-3 (three eggs any way, three pancakes vs French toast, and three pieces of bacon) for like $13. No vegan alternatives to the bacon unfortunately but they do serve a beyond patty a la Carte or as a burger. They also have gluten free bread! I ended up doing 2 eggs any way (which comes with toast) with an a la carte beyond burger with a side of grilled onions, and it was great! The eggs were definitely greasy (got them over easy) but they cooked them perfectly over easy. The servers were super nice. My parents love coming here whenever we visit. There's free street parking around the corner if you park on a neighborhood street instead of Santa Monica Blvd. read more

Cafe 50's - Indoor Ceiling - Diners Near Me - Los Angeles, California

This is my favorite local diner! My friends and I always come here on Sunday mornings. I ordered for Togo today and opted for 2 sausages and 1 bacon. They gave me one and half of a sausage :( but I still love it here read more

Cafe 50's - Regular sausage + half of one to pass as 1 - Diners Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Parking: was able to find street parking Atmosphere: looks like the pictures, and was actually bigger than the pictures Service: terrific Food: comfort breakfast food with must-try milkshakes Overall, a very fun themed diner with good portions, decent prices, and a great time. I'd come back to try the other milkshake flavors. read more

I have an issue with this restaurant and not admitting my federally protected service animal My Service animal is a 4lb Chihuahua, she is trained to perform a task related directly to my disability. In order for her to do her job it is required that she be close to my face to smell my breath so i carry her in a cross-body shoulder sling. when me and my family entered restaurant gentleman in charge (who stated he was not manager) told me the only way we would be seated would be if I put my Service Animal on the floor under the table. I attempted to explain the situation that requires her to be closer to my breath rather than the floor. his response " you have to leave" Question: Are restaurants, bars, and other places that serve food or drink required to allow service animals to be seated on chairs or allow the animal to be fed at the table? Answer: No. Seating, food, and drink are provided for customer use only. The ADA gives a person with a disability the right to be accompanied by his or her service animal, but covered entities are not required to allow an animal to sit or be fed at the table. To clarify ADA Guidelines state: Generally, the dog must stay on the floor, or the person must carry the dog. For example, if a person with diabetes has a glucose alert dog, he may carry the dog in a chest pack so it can be close to his face to allow the dog to smell his breath to alert him of a change in glucose levels. read more

I used to be the a frequent customer at their van nuys blvd location and it has been a moment since I came to this location. The expierence was okay. I'd go back again but I was super bummed about their burger. It was very dense and had a meatloaf like taste, almost like they use the same mix for both dishes. My teenager had a burger as well and he was not feeling it either. Thumps up on the milkshake, fries, chili and deviled eggs. I love that they have that as an option for little appetizer. I still love the vibe there and the staff is very friendly. read more

Visited a few times and never disappointed. The service people are a joy and attentive. The 50s theme is as interesting as it is entertaining. The food is delicious and healthy portions. Well worth the money and experience. Warning: After 4 pm, the city can and does tow. Park in the rear for a couple of bucks. read more

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Finding this hidden gem was very fun. The aesthetic is nice and it feels like you're in a 50s movie! The people working were very nice and friendly. The food wasn't spectacular but it wasn't bad either. I only had their burger and fries. The fries were a little uncooked which makes me think that these are probably just frozen fries out into a heater or something. They also have a bunch of shakes but I don't get to try them. Go for the experience! read more

definitely needs improvement on the website. tried to place an order online and it's super slow and it lags. I needed up calling to place my order. I was literally on the website for twenty minutes and it took two minute to place an order by phone. read more

Stopped by Café 50s for lunch and had a really solid experience. Classic diner vibes and great comfort food! I started with a bowl of their homemade clam chowder, which was tasty on its own--but adding a little Cholula hot sauce took it to the next level I also ordered the Fifty/Fifty (half fries, half onion rings), and both were super crispy and satisfying--the perfect diner side. My sister got the bacon cheddar burger, and it looked juicy and packed with flavor. It was pretty packed when we arrived, so we had to wait a bit for a table, but the staff was super friendly and helpful, and the overall vibe was upbeat and welcoming. Definitely a fun, nostalgic place to grab lunch, and I'd go back for sure! read more

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It started like any other Sunday lunch. Sun shining. Bell jingling as we stepped into Café 50s, the kind of place that whispers nostalgia and chrome-coated promises. But what awaited us wasn't retro charm--it was a culinary horror story. The coffee arrived first. It looked like coffee. Smelled like coffee. But one sip revealed a bland, soulless brew, like something drained from the bottom of an old radiator. Then came the fries--twice. The first batch was so over-fried and greasy, they practically shattered on contact. We sent them back, something we've never done in our lives. The second batch? Just as bad. Not fries. Charred relics of something that once was food. Then the burger. A soft, soggy bun concealing a patty that was somehow both undercooked and dripping with grease, like it had crawled off the grill halfway through its own creation. We stared at it. It stared back. After providing this feedback to the waiter who was friendly , the manager appeared. She spoke in an apologetic tone, yes--but there was something off in her eyes. The conversation grew tense, like an interrogation under fluorescent lights. No compensation offered. No items taken off the bill. Just our unease growing with every passing second. We paid. We left. We swore to never return. Café 50s, you were once iconic. Now, just a ghost of better days. We hope you find your soul again before more diners fall into the same trap. read more

Cafe 50's - Diners Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Solid diner! The decor inside was fun, and the staff was friendly. I got the deviled eggs and a key lime milkshake--both were solid. Good choice for a diner experience. read more

Cafe 50's - Deviled Eggs - Diners Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Another memorable and tasty experience at Café 50s Read my previous review for more details on the food, service and ambience. Dine here - you'll like it read more

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I loved the environment, but the food wasn't the best. We got a salmon omelette and the huevos rancheros I thought it was wayyy too saucy, and just too many tortillas. Service was okay, they took a little long for the food, but they kept checking in to see if we were ready to order. read more

Cafe 50's - Huevos rancheros - Diners Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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First timer! You walk in and immediately feel like you've teleported to the 1950's. A lot to see, a lot to read, can spend hours in here. 10/10 read more

Cafe 50's - Atmosphere - Diners Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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I haven't ordered here in a while. And I had forgotten that what I like about their Burgers is that you can order it with Sauteed Mushrooms. So when I viewed their menu and saw the Sauteed Mushroom topping, I was very happy. I proceeded to order a Cheeseburger topped with the Sauteed Mushrooms, and cooked Well Done. However, when it arrived, I noticed that it was smaller than it used to be. Moreover, the burger-meat was not Well Done. It was Medium Well only. Two disappointments. But at least the Sauteed Mushrooms was still delicious. read more

Cafe 50's - Cafe 50s treat for my Cheeseburger & Fries order - Diners Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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In the middle of other stores, you certainly cannot miss this place. Exterior is bright and welcoming. Memorabilia everywhere from top to bottom. They have an array of milkshakes and malts. 43 shakes and malts to be exact. Anything from your standard vanilla shake to a strawberry cheesecake shake. Delicious! The Rocky Road shake was a blend of marshmallows and creamy chocolate. It reminded me of eating a cup of chocolate pudding. The Hawaiian Tropic Shake was a delight, made with strawberries, bananas and pineapple. The name says it all. I opted for a standard American breakfast. I loved the sausage which wasn't very salty. The French toast had a crunchy exterior and spongy center topped with a dollop of butter. The avocado omelette surprisingly was tasty. The avocado was atop a slice of tomato and muffin and the poached egg with hollandaise laid perfectly on top, with potatoes. It was a great combination for those looking for a healthier version. The Mexican breakfast consisted of huevos con chorizo with diced jalapeño mixed in for a little kick as well as a side of refried beans and tortillas. Lastly, the Banana cinnamon French toast. 4 slices with caramelized banana and a dollop of butter on top. Come in and take a quick step back in time to enjoy the memorabilia, service and wonderful food. read more

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Let the amazing Kim & Benjamin serve you a big plate of nostalgic, diner-style goodness. The whole staff is friendly and on point--fast seating, conversation w/ coffee refills, and your check right when you need it. The 50's decor is so good it hurts--literally, my neck from staring at all the vintage posters, magazines, and trinkets covering the walls. It's done right. You really feel like you've time-traveled to a simpler era, at least for the length of a meal. You probably won't finish the big breakfast, but it cost you less than a $20 bill. Plus got a free spinner toy from Benjamin, and Kim gave you a hot coffee refill -in a to go cup! read more

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Once you walk through the door you are thrust into the 50's, probably the only time I will travel back in time. The cafe, staff and all of the materials are from the period. The food however, is fresh and tasty with old fashioned service. Prices are reasonable and food delicious. Great salads and sandwiches or if your waistline can handle milkshakes and malts that Cunningham and the Fonzie would love. So grease up your pompadour and bring your Poodle skirted sweaty to Cafe 50's and rock-around-the-clock. read more

This cute diner was full of delightful ambience. The food was delicious, same with the sundae we had. The service was top tier and seems like a well-warmed family. I would 100% recommend and will be recommending to my family and friends! I will be back here again:) read more

Cafe 50's - Diners Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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I had a traditional cheeseburger and fries and a shake with some friends. Fun atmosphere and decent food. There aren't many diners left on the west side so it's nice to have a place with. Diverse menu in the neighborhood. read more

Cafe 50's is a beacon of hope, for those looking for a proper diner. In this day and age, we never see Food of this quality for this price. The Service is superb and attentive, even if you just want to go in for an O.G. Milkshake and sit by the window. The motif and design of the restaurant really help shape the overall ambiance of the meal & dessert. You've gotta give them a shot, what've you got to lose. We go here several times a month. I don't know or recognize some of these other reviews, as they're only focusing on something ill-equipped or being overtly myopic. Go for the food, the service and the ambiance. Esp for when people come into town to visit. This place is a throwback and is close to the beach. It beats Mel's Diner 11/10 times. You pay a fraction for better quality food and a plethora of parking. What else does one need in a legit diner? Go for Gold. read more

Cafe 50's - The Second Most Popular Shake. Go for the Oreo, you know you're going to. - Diners Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Went in the past month to Cafe 50's and had my favorite omelette that came with breakfast potatoes.. I've had this dish for many many years. But the other week, I was served my mushroom and cheese omelette and potatoes DROWNING in oil. Like a lot. Way too much. When I pointed out the pools of oil all over my plate to my server, I was told that it was from inside my omelette. Inside. Not only was that not true but if that had been the case? Um, can you even imagine??? Just ugh. She did offer to replace the entire thing. But I had waited probably 10-12 minutes for her to come by and check on me and finally when she was zooming by me - I just showed here briefly. I had already eaten 1/2 of my food (using napkins to blot). The food, although beyond greasy, was tasty. So no, while I did appreciate the offer, I wasn't going to wait, and then eat another omelette and potatoes. Ambiance is occasionally just as entertaining as my phone (I was on my own). So, IDK what's going on over there but.. Come on now.. Do better. read more

Good food and cool 50s themed diner. Employees are dressed for the part and we had a good meal before heading down to Santa Monica pier for a show. We also got a peanut butter and chocolate shake at the end for our dessert. The only complaint is that the mashed potatoes were cold when they were served. But the hot gravy on the sandwich made up for it. read more

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This place is absolutely amazing! I love the old school decor. The staff was very friendly and give the best recommendations. They have games to play while you wait. The deviled eggs are a must try. I also ate the mushroom burger with onion rings. I'm definitely going back to try more food and some shakes. read more

Cafe 50's - Bathroom area - Diners Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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My experience at Cafe 50s was a 10/10 I feel bad for others that might not have had my experience. I was greeted with warmth, smiles and great service. Going inside during the holiday season felt like a big hug. I ordered what I'd consider a sampler plate with waffles,scrambled eggs, & bacon. I know I know sounds basic but boy was it good! The decor is a plus very retro and cute! Good for photo ops & everyone seemed to be getting work done! I would 100% go back read more

I don't enjoy writing negative reviews, but I decided to write this one because I had an unusually bad experience. It was mid-afternoon on a nice day when a friend and I craved burgers, fries, and a coke. We normally aren't big red meat and fried food fans, but a craving is...well, IYKYK (if you know, you know). To begin, we ordered Cokes. The first sip was so unpleasant that we both wrinkled our noses and made an "ugh" sound. The waiter offered to bring fresh drinks. Meanwhile our burgers and fries were served. The hot, perfectly crunchy, well-salted, French fries were reassuring. We confidently took big bites of our hamburgers. There was that disgusting "ugh" taste again. Neither of us took a second bite. Meanwhile, fresh drinks arrived, and I gulped my cola hoping to get rid of the burger's unpleasant flavor. BIG mistake. Another "ugh." taste. I cautioned my friend to take a small sip in case hers was equally bad. It was. We asked for the check. Since the service had been friendly, we decided to give them a nice tip, and agreed to write a review. We looked for clues as to why both the food and drinks tasted so bad. The restaurant interior was meant to reflect the 50s; there were photos of mid-century celebrities on the walls (we were able to identify the majority), and a "jukebox jitterbug jive joint" decor. The original intention was to invoke nostalgia, but now it just seemed worn-out and drab. A layer of something that looked like built-up grease covered some cooking surfaces; not unusual in an old restaurant, but not very appetizing either. Maybe the flavor was from rancid cooking oil, or dishes and glasses the dishwasher didn't clean properly, or an unusual situation (maybe something spoiled?) the staff wasn't aware of. We will never know because we won't be going back. read more

We ordered a salad , Montecristo sandwich, a turkey dinner with onion rings also potato skins. And a bowl of clam chowder what a feast. Highly recommend this place read more

Get ready to be transported back into time... Literally right on a busy street, you walk into something that's completely different from the outside. A cool diner that gives you the chance to live out your old school diner vibe/experiences. It's not a big space but does pack a major lunch when you walk in. With all of its poster, figures and so on, tour completely transported to the 50s. The bar counter with its tufted seat, the jute box, and of course the soda floats. Menu does pack a major punch. There's plenty of things to choose from. Breakfast is served all day. Portion wise, they're pretty big. Food was great, service was amazing. The staff were all great in their uniform. It's like hanging out right after school. The walls are covered with poster so just staring at them was pretty cool. As well as the music playing, the whole vibe was great. read more

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I went there around 6:45pm after attended the taping of Wheel of Fortune with family. It was a very nice experience. Not too busy and was seated in a few minutes. It was my first time and had a hard time deciding what to order. First Orange creamsicle shake, wings as appetizer and bacon burger with b fries. Everything came out in good time and was great I love these things all over the walls and hope to get to come again. They have a gift store, and a working landline pay phone! read more

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I'm such a typical beach person. I hate going past Lincoln to the East, Pico to the North, and Venice to the South. Do I anyways, yes, but ugh. For many decades I went to the Cafe 50's location that was in Venice and I still get sad when I drive by. Somehow I've been a complete IDIOT. No, I didn't know this location existed and I'm so pissed at myself for all the good food I've been missing over the last quite a few years. I love diners, I love diner food, and I love Cafe 50's. Same brilliant memorabilia *everywhere* like the Venice location had and has the jukeboxes as well. I've been twice in the last three weeks since finding it. The first time I had a yummy turkey club with French fries, cole slaw, and a pickle. All so delicious. A couple days ago I went again and had a spinach and avocado omelet. Also delicious. Service both times was amazing but the second time was extra special since the server I knew for decades at Venice was there, Kim, and I love her!!!!! They have a club thing you can sign up for which includes a free birthday meal but it takes a long time to get in the mail, apparently over 4 weeks, so I guess I'll be waiting a year from this month to use it. Even though I have the yellow plastic card they give you, management said that I couldn't do it without the mailed coupon. Kind of a bummer but I'll get over it. There is street parking in front and a very small parking lot in the back. read more

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Street parking out front, not sure if there is a lot somewhere. Extensive menu, nothing special imo. Tons of milkshakes though, which are yummy. For me, I do not need to come back again. read more