Welcome to Wendy's Place
Wendy's Place stands as a beacon of nostalgia in El Segundo, drawing locals and visitors alike with its charming old-school diner vibe. This inviting establishment features classic red booths and walls adorned with Norman Rockwell art, creating a cozy and familial atmosphere. The menu specializes in hearty breakfast and lunch options, from perfectly cooked omelettes to comforting chicken fried steak, all at reasonable prices. Open seven days a week, Wendy's operates on a cash-only basis, which adds to its retro appeal. The diner is perfect for solo diners or those seeking a casual meal with friends, making it a must-visit spot in the South Bay area. Don't just take my word for it—experience the warm service and delectable comfort food for yourself!
Popular dishes
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About
Wendy's Place nestles snugly at 107 W Grand Ave, right in the heart of El Segundo, California. This historic diner encapsulates the essence of a true comfort food haven, combining the charm of retro aesthetics with modern culinary delights. It's a community gathering spot where the vibe is always cheerful, thanks to the welcoming staff and regulars who have made this diner a second home. Interestingly, while the place might be small, it holds a big reputation, often attracting diners with its hearty, home-cooked meals and delightful atmosphere. Parking is a breeze, with free street parking readily available and a nearby multi-storey car park offering more options, ensuring that patrons focus on enjoying their meal rather than circling for a spot. One unique aspect of Wendy's is the strong sense of community it fosters; it’s not uncommon to see regular diners exchanging stories, making the diner not just a place to eat, but a place to connect. Moreover, the diner’s accessibility features make it welcoming to everyone, from families with strollers to those needing wheelchair access. So whether you're just passing through on your way to LAX or a local looking for your next favorite hangout, Wendy's Place fits the bill.
Working Hours
- SundayOpen
- MondayOpen
- TuesdayOpen
- WednesdayOpen
- ThursdayOpen
- FridayOpen
- SaturdayOpen
What People Say
Most Liked
The atmosphere at Wendy's Place makes guests feel at home, with its cozy booths and friendly service creating a welcoming environment. Many patrons rave about the generous portion sizes and reasonable prices, making it a great spot for a filling meal without breaking the bank. Popular dishes like the chicken fried steak and delicious omelettes often receive high praise, drawing regular customers back for more. The coffee is also a fan favorite, described as strong and comforting, with some guests appreciating the bottomless cups. The diner can often feel like a step back in time, as its decor reflects a bygone era, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Most Disliked
Some guests mention the diner’s cash-only policy as a drawback, particularly in a world where card payments are standard. This can be inconvenient for those who prefer to pay electronically or require cashless transactions. Additionally, Wendy's can get quite busy, especially on weekends, and patrons may find themselves waiting for a table during peak hours. While many enjoy the classic diner menu, some also wish for a broader selection, as the offerings focus on traditional comfort foods rather than more contemporary dishes. Lastly, it may not appeal to those seeking a quick meal, as the wait times can vary, especially on Saturday mornings when the diner reaches full capacity.
Reviews
Colleen P.
LOVE, LOVE, Love this place. Prices are very reasonable, portions are large and soooo yummy. CASH only, breakfast and lunch diner. Chicken fried steak, hashbrowns, eggs, good coffee.......it's all worth the wait outside :) they have chairs out there. SORRY no pic of my cfs...I scarfed it lol.
Diego R.
Amazing breakfast, great service and prices are the lowest in the area. Omelettes and French Toast are delicious. We also had the grilled cheese sandwich and it was very good. If you are lucky enough, you will get Sofia as your waitress and she will make sure are well taken care of.
Zan L.
A very good local South Bay country diner that is cash only. All diners to me are either the traditional retro diner or a country diner and this definitely counts as a country diner to me. It’s fairly small on the inside so at busy times there may be a wait. Being a country diner their menu is more limited compared to some other diners but they have a lot of homey classics. Our server was very polite and everything we ordered came out pretty quickly. They don’t have a dedicated parking lot but it’s easy to find street parking or there is a parking structure on the same block with free parking, which is where we parked. Their coffee is very good and strong so I would recommend ordering that, I chose to start my meal with it. For our dishes, we ordered the Eggs Benedict and substituted a sausage patty instead of ham and the Pancake Special. The Eggs Benedict was actually very good and the sausage was a great addition. The eggs were cooked perfectly and overall it was a very good dish. The pancakes were also very nice and fluffy, and the bacon was perfectly crispy. Overall, I really enjoyed my meal even though I tend to avoid cash only places. Aside from that everything else was great and the pricing is fair so I would recommend it to anyone searching for a great breakfast or lunch option.
Anthony W.
This was like a step back in time! The food was amazing and this diner is an untouched gem! From the music, to the inside of the restaurant I would recommend this place 10/10 to anyone looking for a great breakfast. I had the eggs Benedict and hash browns
Matt K.
Wendy's Place is awesome! Hard to find a good old school diner like this these days. I had dropped off a friend at LAX early in the morning and was hungry and needed a bathroom before sitting in rush hour traffic back to Pasadena. A quick search for an open diner near me lead me to finding this gem. The man working the dining area was very nice and welcoming. I wish I had gotten his name. The whole place was comforting and welcoming, comfortable booths, wood paneled walls covered in faded and yellowed Norman Rockwell and Saturday Evening Post artwork. Everyone in the place seemed happy, from the staff to the customers. There was a group of 3 or 4 older gentlemen, regulars and definitely old friends, scattered around the place that were chatting and giving each other a hard time in that way only a good friend can (it was hilarious). The food was great, the coffee was strong and never ending, The server tried to send me off with a big to-go cup of coffee but I had already had more than my fill of caffeine for the day. In other words, I loved this place and can't wait to go back. Almost tempted to move to El Segundo just to be a regular at Wendy's Place. ❤️
Justin P.
Diamond in the Rough. For those who grew up in LA, or have family that did, you know many of LAs most iconic restaurants have closed since 2020. Wendy’s Place represents more than just food- its history, simplicity, and serving a community. No plate will look identical to the last (equally delicious) and the staff will actually treat you like a human Thank you Wendy’s Place and Staff for such a great experience every time!
J P.
Love this local, cash only diner. Get there before 9a on the weekend or prepare to wait. The service is efficient, but the secret is out and the people know this place is serving up the good stuff. Service is great and so is the food. Like any proper diner, there's something for everyone. From the servingware to the overall atmosphere, Wendy's has charm to spare 🙂