If your friend's only clues to good food are white table clothes, hovering service, and high prices, meet him somewhere else. But if she actually can tell good food by the smell and taste, Joni's is the place. You order at the counter, carry your own beverage, silverware, and condiments to the wooden table, and soon someone will bring your savory food to you, finding you by calling out your name. For the quality and location, prices are moderate. BTW, no need to specify which Joni's to meet at—there is only this one, in the strip mall at Washington and Via Marina, Marina del Rey. One of my breakfast favorites is multigrain pancakes with blueberries (I like them well done and they come that way when I ask). That combo is not on the menu, but they don't care. I bring my own maple syrup and heat it in the microwave they make available to customers—you can use their non-maple syrup for free or buy small containers at the cash register. I like their Greek salad for lunch, but have also had soups and sandwiches, all good (and plenty).
Break your chains; eat at Joni's.
Pros: superb coffee excellent food no frills
Cons: only breakfast and lunch
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