Seven Ways
to get a non fancy breakfast in the South Bay…
Have a craving for Crêpes à la Normande, puff pastry pâté with pine nuts or nitrogen infused gravlax on spirulina toast? What about a grilled banana-pear pancake, blue cheese quiche, or espresso waffle with mocha salsa? Me neither. I’d rather have a bag of fire ants deposited into my socks, and run on the treadmill clad in a hair suit. Maybe that’s a bit of hyperbole (to which I may be prone), but seriously…when did breakfast stop being breakfast?
Long has ham and eggs been neglected by the trendy set. Why do hipsters hate pork sausage? Who will rescue the once immortal buttermilk pancake from gastronomic obscurity? Today, readers of the #SevenWaysBlog, we take a stand. Plant your fork (or greasy spoon) into a plate of hash browns, normal hash browns, like the firm fist of the breakfast proletariat.
Here are Seven Ways to get a non fancy breakfast in the South Bay:
Wendy’s Place - A no-brainer at the top of the list, Wendy’s is where people in the “know” in El Segundo go for breakfast. Sure there are healthier, newer trendier options. But, if you want to eat like a local, bring some cash (no cards here), and something to talk about. It’s a friendly place. McCain’s dish pick: always a difficult choice, but this week it’s Ham steak and eggs. Yes, ham with the round bone in it. Wendy’s Place 107 W Grand Ave, El Segundo 90245
Ocean Diner - Just before Aviation pours itself onto PCH, Ocean Diner sits somewhat hidden from the beaten path. It’s a nostalgic little gem of a diner, featuring 40’s-era décor and music, along with a massive dessert case with Boston Cream pie made from scratch. McCain’s dish pick: try Mama’s Home! Two breaded pork chops smothered in country gravy. Ocean Diner 959 Aviation Blvd, Hermosa Beach 90254
Scotty’s on the Strand - A fitting monicker for such a fine establishment, Scotty’s is an institution. My dad and his “crew” used to meet here every Friday for breakfast, and sometimes I’d get to tag along. If the walls could talk! Enjoy the people watching, cool ocean breezes and terrific service at surprisingly reasonable prices for such a double diamond location. McCain’s dish pick: Carnitas Omelet. Scotty’s on the Strand 1100 The Strand, Hermosa Beach, 90254
The Beach Hut - There have been several incarnations of this restaurant, but none have been able to replicate the original location In El Porto. No shoes, no shirt, no problem! It was THE spot to hit after a dawn patrol surf session. And for just a couple of bucks, you could have a Surfer Special breakfast plate. Now located in Torrance, the Beach Hut isn’t quite the same quaint shack it used to be, but it still evokes memories of the sunny and sandy days of yore. McCain’s dish pick: Loco Moco. Beach Hut 4322 Pacific Coast Hwy, Torrance, CA 90505
Chips Restaurant - Because Holly’s is no longer extant (think the Pulp Fiction wallet + diner scene), I had to go with another Hawthorne time-honored locale. From the gas pump gum ball machine to formica counters, this 50’s era diner will take you back in time. Mid-century modern, steel beam sign, with a greasy spoon; these types of places are disappearing fast, so enjoy them while you can. McCain’s dish pick: Chilaquiles with tomatillo. Chips Restaurant 11908 Hawthorne Blvd, Hawthorne, 90250
Sloopy’s Beach Cafe - Sure the Local Yolk and North End Cafe are nearby, but for me, nothing beats the serene outdoor environment of Sloopy’s. Nothing fancy, just 50 years of being a low key, El Porto mainstay. McCain’s dish pick: Sunrise sandwich. Sloopy’s 3416 Highland Ave, Manhattan Beach, 90266
Gardena Bowl Coffee Shop - This is a true gem of an eatery. If you haven’t had the chance to breakfast here, you may want to think about why you got out of bed this morning. There is nothing fancy shmancy about this place; just good, Hawaiian breakfast food, served in a cozy, mom and pop diner. If you can brave leaving your beach bubble, it’s well worth a jaunt out on the 105 + 110 freeways. McCain’s dish pick: Hawaiian Royal. Gardena Bowl Coffe Shop 15707 S Vermont Ave, Gardena, 90247
Bonus: Try the banana and chocolate shake at Sloopy’s,
Hawaiian Royal from Gardena Bowl Coffee Shop