Cora's Coffee Shoppe — Restaurant in Santa Monica

I have been coming to this place for years. I hadn’t been in a while. Our server Gilbert was angry and rude from the start. It was as if he couldn’t be bothered with us. We had asked for water without ice, he brought ice and when I asked if we could please have it with no ice he said nothing, walked away and returned. After we ordered, I walked inside to add an order of pancakes for when we finished our main course. We had finished and he walked by my table and all his other tables saying nothing. Waters empty, napkins on plates. The lady at the table across the way stopped another server and said she had seen Gilbert and that she had asked for sour cream. The next thing that happened was someone dropped off our check and I asked for a manager. I have to be transparent to say that when the manager came I was upset so I started harshly. I got as clear as I could on what happened and what I was wanting and he said “if you don’t like the way we do things here, I’ll just pay for your breakfast and you can leave”. I had simply asked that he evaluate Gilbert and TG at he didn’t seem like a fit for a server position and so we left, no water, no pancakes, and after 10+ years of going to this restaurant I will never go again. It’s sad that you go to a table service restaurant to pay a relatively high price for breakfast and you the guest are not valued or seen as a guest. Good luck and hopefully ownership sees this and can turn around the...

I was in town for a company event. Had some time on my hands and wanted breakfast away from the hotel. Had passed by Cora's earlier that morning. It popped up on my good search when I decided to look for "the best breakfast near me" search. So I made my choice. I was seated by Gilbert Jr. Who was very professional and went over the specials and popular dishes. I had the Huevos Rancheros that I was joking that I Chorizo add, as suggested by Gilbert Jr. As I was waiting for my order to arrive, Gilbert Sr. stopped by to take my order. I joked with him about the long wait, but he was not flustered by my imaginary complaint. As that Wednesday morning wasn't busy. He said, my apologies. Thank you for your observation. What would you like to order. I informed him I was joking and had already put in my order. My food came just after Gilbert Sr. Went on his way. It was presented very well. It had good flavor. I washed it down with a cappuccino. The breakfast was satisfying and at a competitive price for the area. Very cozy environment with background music to fit the atmosphere. Definitely would recommend for a relaxing...

UPDATE: 2/1/2021 CORA'S SEATING DOUBLED! Good news. There was a "half tent" added to shop long ago, now it's a full tent expanding out over the parking lot. Probably no waiting now! When i first visited about 15 years ago this really WAS a coffe shop. Small diner like place with 8 stools and 2 small 2 top tables inside, its now expanded to area south that is tented. Comfortable and casual. There is a line most times for breakfast and lunch. Now serve dinner. Tues through Saturday open from 7am to 9 pm, but the waiter told me they try to seat up to 8 pm. But that's out of their control really. Not a place for late dining. The food and service and overall ambiance is terrific. A local institution for many years. I love this place. Tourists LOVE discovering this place because it's where the locals eat. Food excellent, price very reasonable, compared to most places to eat on or near the beach. Two minute walk from Lowes and Marriott hotels on Ocean Ave just north of Pico.You will remember and...