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

[email protected]