Brunch in Culver City

Don’t go to S&W Country Diner on the weekends. It’s hours are from 8 to 3, so there’s never a time that’s not brunch time, and so there’s never a time that the joint isn’t packed with groups of people standing around on the sidewalk waiting for a table. S&W is rumored to have one of the finest brunches in the land. I’ve been there quite a few times, but usually for lunch. I can’t resist their ham and cheese melt, where the ham is fried and the sandwich comes out golden brown. They have a pretty awesome side salad, big, with lots of veggies and served with homemade vinaigrette. I’ve seen people inhale plates of curly fries too.

There’s something kind of down homey about the cobbled together décor, old ads printed on tin signs and other folk art, and cheerful red booths. The service is brisk and efficient, if a little eccentric. When they bring your check, it tends not to have what you should pay on it. And they only take cash.

They have an extensive menu, and they serve breakfast all day long. From what I understand, the biscuits and gravy aren’t great, and though the Hollandaise sauce is a little thick, the eggs benedict are good. I went there for breakfast the other day, and I have to say, I wasn’t that impressed. I had a buckwheat pancake and fresh corned beef hash. The hash was good – very meat heavy, with green onions and shredded carrots, but there was a serious dearth of potatoes, which give hash its wonderful, fried taste. The pancake, while it had a wonderful texture – very light and fluffy, had a weird, bitter aftertaste. There were bursting fresh, toasted bagels though, which were great, and boy, can they boil an egg!

So S&W Country Diner, I will try you again for breakfast – though the jury’s still out, but lunch – especially late on Tuesday, before the Farmer’s Market.

S&W Country Diner, 9478 Washington Boulvard, Culver City, CA
Photos by Jacy for LAist