Woody’s just right for a weekday
Woody’s Diner just off Beach Boulevard on Warner Avenue across from
the Edwards Cinema is not named for a man, it’s named for a car --
the well-remembered and loved “SUV” of the 1950s with its polished
wood sides and great eye appeal.
Woody’s, managed by Adrian Sapien, is like a ‘50s place, too, with
a counter and stools just inside the door and booths down one side of
the long narrow cafe. There’s an umbrella and table patio in front
and a drive-by window lane that circles around the building.
Open at 8 a.m., Woody’s offers breakfasts that will see you
through a non-stop morning and even hold for an early dinner. The
greeting by server Kiera Hull, an OCC art major, is 1950s too.
Friendly as a puppy, she offers the menu and suggests the special
Spanish Skillet ($5.45), eggs filled with sausage, bacon pieces,
onions and tomato, piled atop grilled potatoes. This version, served
in a ceramic skillet, is covered with a thick ranchero tomato sauce
and melted cheese. With a thick mug of fresh brewed coffee and choice
of breads, the mix of tastes and textures is hard to beat.
If indecision grips you on a sleepy weekday morning, there’s no
better choice than the Combo ($4.25). For this you have two lightly
spiced pork sausage links, two crispy strips of bacon, two eggs any
style, with a choice of pancakes, half a waffle or three thick half
slices of French toast dusted with powdered sugar. Trust me, it’s
true. My only suggestion is to heat the plate to keep the food hot.
Another popular breakfast selection, Kiera said, is Woody’s Omelet
($7.25) -- an egg envelope filled with bacon, ham, sausage, onions,
two cheeses, avocado and a dab of sour cream. You can have breakfast
potatoes, fruit or cottage cheese with it (as if you could manage
more) and a choice of breads which even includes biscuits and gravy.
It’s served everyday, not just as a Monday through Friday special.
If you’re into vintage cars, you’ll enjoy the photos of the old
“woodies” that decorate the walls. There are special events such as
“Cruz nights” on Thursdays from 6 to 8 p.m. when you can show off
your classic hot rod and get 20% off your bill.
But for a relaxed breakfast that’s a great bargain, it would be
hard to beat Woody’s Diner on weekdays.
* MARY FURR is the Independent restaurant critic. If you have
comments or suggestions, call (562) 493-5062 or e-mail
hbindy@latimes.com
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