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Babe's Kitchen
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Breakfast
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
44 reviews for Babe's Kitchen
Review Highlights
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"Great breakfast- homemade toast and real side of bacon." In 5 reviews -
"They make their own bread and jam." In 3 reviews -
"History: George "the cook" was a cook in the navy." In 10 reviews
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44 reviews in English
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Review from Louie B.
Long Beach, CA
I ordered the number 1 which was one egg, 3 pieces of bacon and biscuits and gravy. The bacon was very thick and awesome and the biscuits and gravy was very meaty and filling. The staff was nice and this place has a nice down home and friendly feel to it. The bathroom is small but clean, the table was bussed quickly and the place was clean. It is easy to find parking here as well. There are a lot of locals which is usually a good sign that your in a good spot.
If I was going to complain about something it would be the fact that it was a cash only place. Not much of a problem though since I had the cash. -
Review from ian s.
Long Beach, CA
11/9/2011
This diner is a dying breed. Older staff who have been around for years, and know & love their locals. I definitely felt like I had entered into a small town in North Carolina or Mid-California. The day we went, a local family with a special needs girl who had obviously been coming here for years was helping the lady clean the breakfast bar. The interaction was completely natural and caring. There aren't enough places like this in the world. More businesses like this would show people just why huge corporate businesses will never provide for the needs of a populace - that's how much I enjoyed eating here.
The food is quality diner food - filling, delicious breakfast (my favorite meal of the day), and their pies are a-may-zing. Seriously - next time you're having a dinner, order your pie from here. -
Review from Scott G.
10/26/2011
I go to this place for the experience. The open kitchen ensures the diner is always hot, which is pretty awesome in the summer. The old timers that hang around are great people watching and the food is classic diner. Kids will be offered a graham cracker upon entering the establishment, my son usually eats two or three. The best part are the homemade jams and jellies - literally 20 to choose from at any time.
Be prepared for a sleep coma afterwards though, this IS your grandparents idea of breakfast...Listed in: Strong Beach
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Review from Jennifer H.
Los Angeles, CA
11/6/2011
Cash only.
Hidden neighborhood brunch place and a middle point for LA/OC friends to meet. Love this more than a lot of the fancy places in Downtown LB.
Traditional diner menu, great bread and jam (you can buy the homemade jams for $8 a jar).
We came on the 35th anniversary weekend so got caught by a huge crowd. Felt like a house party where we were the outsiders, since many regulars knew each other. Even got a piece of cake while we waited.
Great service. A fellow patron even chimed in for the waitress to offer us salsa from the fridge when he noticed that we went through the hot sauce quickly. -
Review from Melissa C.
Long Beach, CA
2/14/2012 2 Check-ins Here
I love this place! The food is home cooked and full of flavor! The portion sides are huge! My favorite things are their homemade bread and jams, along with the crispy hashbrowns!!!! Please check out Babe's!
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Review from Kathy W.
8/30/2011 1 Check-in Here
I have lived near Babe's for about 15 years, and I have always passed it when I go on my morning runs in the morning. Finally recently I've had a chance to actually try it., after I had just went to the gym.
On Saturday afternoon around 11, there were about a total of 15 people in the restaurant. I sat at the counter and was greeted. For a glass of water, they take out cups from the freezer, scoop up some ice from the sink nearby and pour water into the cup. After taking a look at the menu I decided to order the Denver Omelet. In addition to the omelet is hash browns and homemade toast and jam.
Denver Omelet: ham, bell peppers, and onions in nearly every bite. I even got the whites-only omelet like I requested without being charged extra. The omelet was very flavorful and I enjoyed every single bite of it. I also got some salsa which was really just the salsa sauce and chopped onions. The salsa wasn't that great unless you like raw onions.
Has browns: nicely golden but they weren't as crispy as they appeared. On the flip side they were well seasoned.
I just opted for wheat toast. I tried the strawberry pineapple jam and cinnamon pineapple jam. I couldn't really taste the pineapple in the strawberry pineapple jam. I prefer the cinnamon pineapple jam because it's more unique.
Service: everyone is very friendly. If you come here often enough they start calling you by your first name. Food arrives in about 30 minutes since there is only one cook: George. They come by frequently to check on you to make sure you're satisfied with your experience.
Overall, you'll get a true diner experience without the shakes. Everyone is very friendly, and the food is truly buttery-delicious. Definitely bring something to read if you're dining alone or only come here with someone you can talk to for a while before your food comes. I'd definitely come back again, but I probably will go to the gym beforehand. You're gonna need a big appetite to finish everything. Also them love handles are dangerous. -
Review from Craig W.
Long Beach, CA
1/18/2012
Wish I could think of a superlative that hasn't already been used here. I don't eat breakfast out anywhere else. There is no place left like this, and that is a shame.
Reminds me of America in the pre-franchise restaurant era. Great food, friendly service, and George is a one of a kind! I hope he outlives me, because I don't know where I will go for breakfast when this place is gone. -
Review from Chris J.
Updated - 11/7/2010
Happy 34th anniversary George!
Just another update/shout-out b/c of his anniversary and the article that got published in the Long Beach Magazine...too bad they had some pretty glaring errors, including:
-- in a "rundown" section of "North Long Beach". Obviously the author doesn't know Long Beach geography from his ass.
-- "chain link fence". Uh, that was taken down about a week ago, next door to Roxanne's...and whatchoo got about chain link fencing? It's good enough for Burroughs Elementary and Hara Lawnmowers.
--mentioned something to the effect of "old waitresses", "painfully slow service" and the decor. Uh, this ain't Denny's or IHOP and is part of the charm which makes Babe's what it is. Don't like it? Get out and drive east on Wardlow, turn south at Atlantic and Denny's is on the right. Don't let the door hit you in the ass while you leave.
Again, congrats George and screw the Long Beach Magazine!Listed in: Stomping Grounds, NOM NOM NOM List
3 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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4/14/2009
Yes, time for ANOTHER update.
Just a procedural thing...Babe's is now closed on Mondays AND Tuesdays.… Read more »
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Review from Deb M.
Norwalk, CA
Delicious, home cooked breakfast food like you can get nowhere else except maybe at your Mom's house.
Staff is all original, probably in their 80's or 90's but attentive anyway. You won't find a better breakfast anywhere, the homemade jam is awesome and the pie always looks good but we are too full to try it.
Cash only, limited seating so be ready to make friends and squeeze in for a sometimes tight fit.
Nice place, nice people. -
Review from Megan M.
Pasadena, CA
9/24/2010
Ok, Peeps. LISTEN UP!
I am 26 years old and have been going to Babe's Kitchen for 26 years.
1. Ona - the 97 year old waitress with bright red hair would carry me around while serving plates with a cigarette hanging out of her mouth. This place is home.
2. No. Not the cleanest/hygienically proper joint in the world, but it's Babe's. You want clean- give me your seat and head to the nearest IHOP, snob.
History: George "the cook" was a cook in the navy. He opened "Babe's" over 30 years ago, named after his precious Dachshund. His brother was the busboy and Ona, as aforementioned, was the waitress.
3. It's a greasy spoon establishment, but the potatoes are freshly made, not some frozen hash-brown crap, the toast/bread, is fresh AND AMAZING! they make their own jams (normally over 10 flavors to choose from and homemade cobblers and pies.
4. It may seem a little pricey but the portions are huge. My Mom and I, almost always, split a cheese omelet. The French Toast is OUT OF THIS WORLD - made on the homemade bread and served with melted butter and hot syrup.
5. You know what you're in for as soon as you walk in. There is no false advertising here. The regulars are 80+ men and women, truck drivers, and the homeless. I bought a man an omelet there because he just come in for coffee and Ona only charged me for half.
This place is about tradition, heart and community, If you don't like it I am sure there's a creperie in Belmont Shore which will park your Benz for you. -
Review from Caitlin P.
Long Beach, CA
11/29/2010
Babes Kitchen is a place I've been hearing about for a while, an was never able to make it down there until today. My friends love good food like I do and all the rave reviews I've been hearing definitely stood to be true after my own experience there. Food was the best part, I ordered eggs and bacon with comes with hashbrowns and homemade toast. Eggs were scrambled perfectly, bacon was impeccable! And I'm a bacon freak so it was a pleasant surprise. Hashbrowns were also yummy, way too big of a portion for me, and the homemade toast was to die for. A much thicker slice that the typical toast you'd get with breakfast. Also the jam they have is also homemade!! They had strawberry, blackberry, apricot, and a few other flavors I don't recall. I used the strawberry and blackberry and both were epic!
I was so full, but had to order a slice of pie, after all that is what I have heard most about, and loving pie as I do I had to check it out. Ordered a slice of peanut butter chocolate, and a slice of Dutch apple, to go. Took me hours to get hungry again, but I did try both pieces. These pieces were twice the size I expected, which made me happy. They were both delicious!!! also homemade. Apparently the elder mother of the waitress makes the pies and jams from scratch, and if you'd like to buy a whole or, you need to give her 1 week notice. The waitress was very nice, attentive, and very funny. I fell in love with Babes kitchen. It's a total ma and pa greasy spoon diner ran by good people to make amazing food.
An instant favorite -
Review from Anita S.
Long Beach, CA
10/20/2011
Great toast with homeade jelly. Total old style hole in the wall. I love it! The building is not pretty on the eye, but I think it adds to the vibe.
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Review from Aaron M.
Norwalk, CA
Homemade Toast and Homemade Jam! Really, those two things really make your breakfast special at Babes. This place is literally a Mom and Pop restaurant. The two owners look to be in their late 80's, early 90's and really are the nicest people you will ever meet.
Breakfast is served fresh, along with toasted homemade baked bread and jam. The spiced peach jam is my favorite! Inside, probably about 7-8 tables, paint is old and a little stained. The decor is not the best, but the food is great! Price is around 5-10 dollars depending on what you order. Come early, if you don't want to deal with a wait. Overall good prices, friendly service, and great food! I'm hooked!Listed in: I Love You Breakfast
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Review from Eddie C.
3/20/2010 6 photos
There are many diners full of seniors but they are usually the customers, at Babe's they are the staff/ Owners. Everyone at Babe's make you feel right at home. Babe's is one of the last true local joints that serves home cooking. You want to talk about the history of Long Beach or one of the beach cities? This is the place to go, but don't be in a hurry. The folks at Babe's are friendly but they don't move so fast.
A couple of my coworkers brought me here for lunch. I had the patty melt and a cup of clam chowder. The patty melt was good but it was the clam chowder that made the meal. It was creamy and full of real clams not like so many places now that just dip a couple of clams in non-fat milk.
Next time? They have homemade pies that I hear are to die for so I am gonna have a slice. -
Review from Robert B.
Long Beach, CA
11/3/2011
So awesome. It's a cute little divey place with very friendly staff and good, old-fashioned breakfast food.
They open at like 4:00 AM which is crazy. -
Review from Keith S.
Long Beach, CA
8/26/2006
Yipes!
When my wife and I first moved into the neighborhood, someone recommended Babe's to us as a good breakfast place. We tried it and ... well, it's just awful. There's no other way to put it. I'm no snob and I love family run restaurants, but asking me to look at the cook's hairy back in a wife beater while sitting in a "dining room" that clearly hasn't been cleaned since the Nixon administration is just too much.
Run! As fast as you can! In the opposite direction! -
Review from Wendy T.
Oceanside, CA
5/4/2008
Picture this: You're sitting in your grandma's house sometime in the 80's (obviously I'm aging myself), possibly at the kitchen table, possibly at the bar in the kitchen. You're in your PJ's, hair messed up from bed, and you can hear grandpa watching the basketball playoffs in the living room.
Grandma brings you home made toast with home made preserves / jam (apricot, peach, grape, apple cinnamon, whatever you want) and then follows it with eggs however you want them and well done bacon or ham. There are fresh hash browns from potatoes grated this morning. There's a home made pie ready and waiting for you to dig into, because you're at grandma's house and she lets you eat pie after breakfast.
This is the experience at Babe's Kitchen. Don't expect anything fancy. Just revel in this goodness that you can rarely find at a restaurant.
Make yourself at home.Listed in: And now for something…
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Review from D A P.
Long Beach, CA
7/15/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I love Babe's- it's like stepping back in time. I think Babe's was decorated in the early 60s and it hasn't changed. The owner George is the only cook in the open kitchen. He's the one with the killer mustache. The waitresses are sweet Grandmothers. There is a laid back atmosphere here. Do not come here if you are in a hurry.
The coffee mugs are left over donations from someones cupboard. But you can buy Babe's official coffee cup- which is cool. They're on top of the refrigerator.
You must have the homemade bread/toast along with the homemade jams and preserves!. So good! The jams are sitting in mason jars next to the homemade pies. Go grab the preserves you want to try.
My husband Kevin flipped out when he saw that Babe's serves grits, as well as SOS (Shit on a Shingle) on Fridays. What???!!!!
There is a table for big parties in the storage room in the back. I am not kidding. I want to sit in there, like the table in the kitchen at Buca Di Beppo.
Babe's is close to the 405 and opens at 430am! CASH ONLY.
I will keep returning here! -
Review from Joe A.
San Diego, CA
1/28/2008
All three of the stars here are for the freak factor. Just plain odd. From the peculiarity of the busser (who handed two sheets of "jokes" to everyone who sat at the counter), to the short-order cook whose hair net did little to contain the patch of fur on his neck/upper back, to the waitress, who regularly enlisted assistance from the room full of "regulars".
A once in a lifetime experience. Nuff said. -
Review from K L P.
Long Beach, CA
7/28/2011
I love the food here... The people are really nice (in an older person kind of way) and I ignore the 70s decor because it just doesn't matter. You'll be happy with your food and they don't mind substitutions.
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Review from Jessica H.
Costa Mesa, CA
10/15/2006
I've only eaten here once but I thought it was great. (Every time I've tried to go back they've been closed - I think they're not open on Sundays, which is when I'm usually in the mood to go out to breakfast.) I had scrambled eggs, grits (from scratch - none of that instant stuff they serve at places like Denny's), and toast, which is homemade. In addition to bread they also make homemade jams and jellies, which are delicious. When I got my toast they gave me a choice of like 10 different jams. I can't remember which one I had (raspberry maybe?) but I loved it. Yes, the place is kind of dingy, none of the coffee mugs or dishes match, and all the people who work there have probably been there since the 50's, but that's part of the charm.
Update: they are indeed open on Sundays. I came here last Sunday for breakfast. It wasn't as good as the first time. My scrambled eggs were not cooked well and the grits I had were very dry. The homemade bread and jams were great as always, though. -
Review from Megan H.
Long Beach, CA
7/10/2010
Not impressed!! We decided to walk over to Babes after living close for three years. We know why we waited so long.
Positive
1. Dive
2. Felt like you went back in time
3. Friendly staff - would give 4 stars for the two ladies serving us
4. They make their own bread and jam
5. Coffee was always full.
Negative
1. overpriced for what you get and the experience
2. food is sub-par. Greasy. You have that feeling of "this is not going be good later"
3. Their bread is really dense and not that tasty.
4. Pretty dirty.
We probably will not be going back anytime soon. Overall it was not that bad but there are a lot of other options that are much better. -
Review from Peter K.
Long Beach, CA
10/13/2008
This is a very interesting place. Picture a restaurant, kind of run down with a home refrigerator in it, but very very good food and a nice atmosphere. I ate here a while back, and just haven't returned because I couldn't make it, so I don't remember what I ate, but it was good. I do remember they do homemade bread and jams - I recommend highly.
Overall, go to this place. The food is good, there's not a crowd like the trendy places, and it's reasonably priced. -
Review from Sean W.
Aliso Viejo, CA
7/27/2009
I love me some Babe's. Yes, it sometimes takes forever to get the food. Yes, the smell of the greasy grill will permeate your clothes and linger in your nose for hours afterwards. Yes, the tables are small, the decor is sparse, and the service is sometimes lacking.
But...
It is so good! The homemade toast. The pancakes. The hash browns. The bacon. Everything! I was dragged here every Saturday as a kid. Mona was the waitress, and it was great fun for her to sneak my brother and I free refills of milk and call us "hun". A real treasure and gem of a place. A true neighborhood joint! -
Review from Melissa M.
Long Beach, CA
4/18/2008
Another place introduced to me by my brother the Longshoreman, this place is kind of a funny place, and I think the first time you go in, you are a bit surprised by it, it's busy, loud, and not at all for those who are expecting to be coddled or adored, theres one guy cooking, and I feel sorry for him every time I think about it, but he ROCKS!
It's awesome food, nothing healthy or good for you in this place, just stick to your ribs heavy food, haven't had anything but breakfast here, the French toast was spectacular made with their homemade bread, and the portion size is nutty! But it's a great little place...
If you're an uptight diner who is looking for cloth napkins, and single minded attention from the waitresses, think again, it's a fast paced place with lots of hungry people coming through the doors, a popular place for Longshoremen and other hardworking men because the food is good, and they get a lot of it for their money... -
Review from Seena C.
Long Beach, CA
3/22/2011
Food is awesome here. The only place that I wish to have breakfast everymorning. Amazed that the Opening and closing time isn't there because they open at 4 am-2pm! May needs some work in the kitchen, but home-made loaf is worth it. Hash browns are superb. Love how they make everything homemade and fresh. I would give it a five star if it wasn't so pricey. The best I get out of this place is their friendly service in a comfortable atmosphere. BTW I'm asian :)
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Review from Irvin C.
Long Beach, CA
10/19/2010 8 photos
The words home made are no longer used to describe diners any more. Unless.... your speaking of Babes kitchen. Homemade bread, jam, and pies. A true hole-in-the-wall dive. A long counter and a few tables is all this place is made of. But the service more than makes up for that. The little old ladies are so nice they call you hun. It's like going to grandmas house to eat. Literally. But here it's granpa that's doing the cooking. A true old school chef where everything is made from scratch. I had some of the best hash browns I ever had. They were so crispy. No body makes 'em like that any more. The only thing I can say that's critical is that they are a bit pricey, but well worth it. For a good 'ol fashioned breakfast come on over to Babes kitchen.
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Review from Cory C.
Los Angeles, CA
6/4/2011
The breakfast is good. I had scrambled eggs, bacon and hashbrowns. It was very good, with the home-made bread toast was very good.
This place is very pricey though. Two eggs and bacon meal was $9.75 and a glass of Orange Juice was $2.85. The food was great but I really just didn't like paying their prices. -
Review from Keven V.
Long Beach, CA
7/5/2009
This is the real deal, just good food. Not fancy, the owner cooks, his daughter busses, the old waitresses are..old. In fact the whole place is classicly old. This is "California Heights Pie & Burger!" Fits the old neighborhood.
Try a cheesburger and a slice of pie. All made freash daily!
S.O.S. on Fridays
Great breakfast- homemade toast and real side of bacon...
A genuine diner without the 50's joke memorbilia. -
Review from Scott G.
Long Beach, CA
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Review from Sean S.
Long Beach, CA
11/12/2010 1 Check-in Here
Never thought by looking at the place that I would try it - but really glad I did. Very sweet older lady staff-homemade jam and great breakfast.
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Review from Edward D.
7/5/2009
Yes the food is good, but is it worth it? Last time I was there I took my Wife and daughter there for breakfast. It was their first time, and then it happened. A cock roach comes crawling off a dish down the table on to the floor. They need new blood there, people who really cares and wants to make it work. It's sad because I have gone there for years. But you won't see me there again.
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Review from L M.
Signal Hill, CA
3/20/2011
Great food and service. They make homemade jams, pies and toast. They also have great burgers. Try it!!
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Review from Jody S.
Long Beach, CA
12/28/2010
I love this place it is old looking in decor but the staff are so down to earth and man the food I would want it to be my last supper if I had to choose. Jody Salon 36
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Review from Amanda A.
San Francisco, CA
6/7/2007
Popular with dock workers and families, Babe's is the type of restaurant you feel good in, regardless of the bad food you're putting into your body. Everything is fresh and homemade, from the pies, jams and homestyle bread. Don't bother waiting for your cup of coffee; get up and pour yourself a cup from behind the counter. The TV is usually set to Headline News. Don't argue with George or any of the waitresses or you're asking for a slap to the back of the head!
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Review from Joe G.
Long Beach, CA
12/10/2010
A tiny place that well deserves an interior upgrade because the food is so insanely good. Burgers are stacked high with and the pie is to die for. Only thing that was missing is the french fries but they have potatoe salad. The waitress was very friendly and was kind enough to introduce me to the executive chef. There is a reason why this place had been around for over 30 years.
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Review from Todd S.
Los Angeles, CA
2/19/2008
Don't go to Babes to be pampered. Don't go for health food. Don't go for ambiance. Don't go for cleanliness or matching... well, anything.
Go because they make the most delicious down home stick-to-your-ribs artery clogging food on the planet.
Not only that but the folks who run it are the nicest most genuine people that you could ever hope to meet.
For breakfast you can't top the corned beef hash & eggs... although I have been in a rut of ordering the sausage & eggs (country patty style is the only way to go). George (he's the one with the hairy back and the wayward mustache at the grill) really knows where to get good meat. This sausage reminds me of the stuff I'd get on the road at some little mom and pop diner in the south. So good.
If you're in on Friday, treat yourself to some SOS (Cream Chipped Beef). Babes is the only place around that I've found that serves it (but, only on friday).
And no matter what you do, when they ask if you want the homemade bread... say yes. it is so good that it can only be made better by putting any of their real homemade jams on it. It is worth it just for the toast and jam.
For lunch- Hamburger, Hamburger, Hamburger. Don't even mess with anything else.
Save room for dessert or just take one of the homemade pies with you because they are the best pies south of Pie-and-Burger in Pasadena.
Peanut butter meringue is my personal fave.
As for the jack-ass who said to just run. He's an idiot. It's fine if some people don't like Babes because I really don't want it to be any busier. -
Review from SV C.
Long Beach, CA
1/5/2008
Hands down the best toast I have ever had in my 50 years of eating!!
This place is a hidden treasure and the food is the jewels you find there. I reside in Arizona but long for the food here at Babes in Long Beach. You can taste the love George puts into his dishes and into his pies!!!!
George boasts that he only uses fresh potato's for his hash browns and when he dies there will be "no other place to get them". I believe it.
The kitchen in back is larger than the space to eat in, and the grill in front is where you can watch George (in his hairnet) make his magic happen. Going to Babe's is like going to Grandma's for breakfast. Good food, plenty of it and they treat everyone like family. -
Review from Ed H.
Long Beach, CA
5/19/2010
I'd say it has already been said, for the most part: could be cleaner, quirky, old school. Seems on the surface like it could be cheaper, too. Ten bucks for scrambled eggs, bacon & potatoes? Fourteen for pork chops & eggs? Really? Here's the thing, though. They're using real ingredients, and they're cooking (slowly) to order. And the old ladies serving you are very sweet and polite and kind. And the home-made toast and home-made pies and home-made preserves ARE NO LONGER MADE LIKE THIS ANYWHERE ELSE IN THE WORLD. How much would you pay for the best pie --or best toast and jam-- you've ever had in your life? Since the breakfasts come with your about-to-be peak experience in toast and jam, maybe ten bucks for bacon & eggs ain't so bad after all...
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Review from Ron T.
Litchfield Park, AZ
8/19/2010
I have been coming to Babes Kitchen nearly since they opened- I think it was in '86 the first time. I moved to Phoenix about 18 months ago but when I am in So Cal I will go out of my way to make sure I get a Babes Fix.
Don't listen to any of the negative comments on here- they are just whiners who don't know good old fashioned food and service- like the bumper sticker that used to be on George's grill hood: 'this ain't Burger King and you can't have it your way'. He will be the first to tell you where the door is, lol. He and his brother, before he passed on, make everything by hand and go out of their way to find the best ingredients- no compromise! Hand cut thick smoked bacon from the local butcher, REAL fresh thick cut baked bread, Real hash brown potatoes and home made jams and pies by Ona. If you appreciate a down home southern kitchen where you feel welcome and stick to your ribs food then go to Babe's and help support George, Ona and the rest of the team. There are not many places like this in America anymore and certainly not in So Cal. Otherwise, go to Denny's and get what you pay for- 'FrankenFood'- signed: a long time loyal customer.
