Father's Office
Dinner - Culver City, Santa Monica, DTLA
I have a special place in my heart for the iconic Culver City bar & restaurant known as Father’s Office. Located in the Helm’s Bakery complex, this place was off-limits for me until I turned 21. All through my teenage years I’d hear my relatives and older friends rave about this place. I didn’t really understand what all the hubbub was about, but I’d heard so many people having great experiences here growing up, that I knew I had to try it as soon as I was eligible. On my 21st birthday, Father’s Office was where I chose to have my first legal drink.
I finally understood the hype. Although at the time my taste for alcohol wasn’t tuned whatsoever, it was easy to realize why this place was everybody’s favorite. There are so many options for drinks, and almost everything is on tap. I’m talking about 50+ unique options for beer and wine, which makes trying a new flavor at each round super easy. I remember ordering a beer that “sounded cool”, only to realize it would come in a tulip glass instead of a pint. I wasn’t really sure why at the time (nor do I really understand now) but I did appreciate the attention to detail.
When I thought to write about this place, I decided to try out one of their other locations, and opted for the Santa Monica location after realizing that it’s their flagship location, opened in 1953. I had a feeling I’d be able to find the same endless menu for food and drink here, and I was not let down.
The Santa Monica location is a bit smaller than the juggernaut building in Culver City, but still features the same cozy and dim ambience. Phil Steiger and I got the last outside table after a screening at the Aero. We’d left during the Q&A, and after seeing the line stretch out the door 15 minutes after we sat down, I felt like we’d made a good decision prioritizing our hunger.
The thing I really enjoy about Father’s Office is the meat. I opted for a rack of ribs, and Phil enjoyed the classic burger (one of the best in LA). The ribs were cooked perfectly—the meat fell right off the bone. The sauce they use consists of a ‘spicy stout-orange blossom honey glaze’ which is equal parts smokey as it is sweet— and it does a good job of feeling sticky without actually being sticky. It’s a perfect combo with a basket of fries, but I was feeling a bit of FOMO about not ordering the extremely thick and juicy burger that I remember so clearly from my 21st birthday.
If it’s your first time there, I definitely recommend you try said burger— gruyére, blue cheese, and bacon are stacked high on the thick patty, along with a trio of greens that offset the heaviness from the dish. It goes well with a light beer, and there are plenty to wet your palate, and a few that the bartender will recommend with gusto. If you’re not a burger-head but still want to try this place, I’d suggest the duck confit salad, which is salty, sweet and fresh with a tender cooked duck that is equal parts traditional French cuisine and American bar snack.
Father’s Office is a really fun place to visit, often loud & crowded but with good energy. Towards the end of the night you can watch as dinner dates and bro-downs alike slide back in their seats, sleepy from the fresh food and the plentiful beer and wine. Both locations have nice outdoor patios that carry the dim ambience started inside, which means here’s always a chance for some good people watching. And while it was a bit pricey for my 21st birthday, it was worth every penny as the excited servers were more than eager to convert me into a beer-sommelier.
Father's Office (Santa Monica) 1018 Montana Ave Santa Monica, CA 90403 Other Locations: DTLA 905 E. 2nd St. Los Angeles, CA 90012 Culver City 3229 Helms Ave Los Angles, CA 90034
$$$
Parking: Street (neighborhood)
My order: The Office Burger, Duck Confit Salad, Racer 5 IPA
Pro tip: The tables are first come first served, so bring a friend and have them grab a table while you order.
Pairs well with: The Aero Theatre (.3 miles), Randy’s Donuts (.6 miles)
That Father's Office burger has been a winner since forever.