"Hands down best burger and sweet potato fries i ever had."
(in 349 reviews)
"the beer selection is outstanding and the food is great."
(in 142 reviews)
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- Hours:
Mon-Thu. 5:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m.
Fri. 4:00 p.m. - 2:00 a.m.
Sat. 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 a.m.
Sun. 12:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m.
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Good for:
- Dinner
- Best Nights:
- Mon, Tue, Wed
- Happy Hour:
- No
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- No
843 reviews for Father's Office
Review Highlights
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My friend introduced me to Father's Office. He said "they'll make you want to leave as quickly as possible without ordering, but you'll still stay because their food is so good."
We came here on a Saturday afternoon. It was small but busy. All the tables were taken, but I stood behind another group waiting for a table as J went to order. Just as a party got up at the front of the bar and the group in front of me started walking towards it, a larger group ran in and co-opted the table. And that's when the Father's Office staff tipped me off: seating is first-come first-served in the most literal sense. Whoever gets to the table first, gets it. So literally, they want you to snoop around and look for that table that's polishing off the last of their fries... and then breathe down their necks until they leave. Grab the table before they've even swept up the dirty napkins and you're golden.
We were eventually able to get a table - right around when the food came. I can't vouch for the burger (J said it was a.may.zing) but the fries were pretty darn good. If you get a coke (because you're weird like me and don't get beer at a bar) then be forewarned that it's not Coke or Pepsi but rather some hippy dippy organic cola.
So... good food, decent atmosphere, and a place where it's totally acceptable to forget all manners that your momma taught you. Awesome.
Also - a family with some young kid wanted to enter to eat. They wouldn't let the kid in. Strict 21+ policy here - even if the kid is accompanied and is clearly here for a burger with mom and dad.
I know this might sound stupid to give it a one-star. But can we PLEASE HAVE AN OPTION OF NO BACON!!!! I love the place and all my friends rave about the burgers, and considering that the Westside is full of Jews, maybe an option of NO BACON would sound a like a good idea.
It is pretty stupid considering that the burger itself is non-kosher, but so many of my friends that are Jewish would love to try the burger, but for the fact that there are NO SUBSTITUTIONS, and bacon comes with the burger.
This review is on the burger itself...After seeing the office burger featured on Food Network's "The best thing I ever ate" and hearing about this "burger" through co workers and other food lovers, I've made a mental note.
This evening, I tried it.
As I've heard they don't like you messing up with the way the burger is served, no ketchup, no -no nothings, substitutions, or additions..just eat it how it is. It's true.
As an onions are my nemesis, I tried to order my food, the usual way with no onions. To my surprise, I was rejected. As I've read from previous reviews, the onions were grilled...or it was actually an onion chutney. I was opened minded, and went along with it.
The burger came; gave it a good look, a sniff, a good squeeze to see how juicy the cow was....it dripped. It was moist, medium rare, and very crumbly delicate in my mouth. Its like a handheld steak.
I'd have to say..the "grilled onion" or "chutney" whatever that was tasted more like Bar b q sauce and my, I did not mind it at all. It was dark, sweet and did not resemble that nasty smell/taste I hate. The meat came accompanied with arugula and some Gruyere cheese. Excellent combination.
I'd go there again, maybe not too often because 1. its not very convenient, quite a drive from my place 2. it was rather expensive for the burger alone, (about 12.50) but worth the taste.
Oh yeah, on the "Best thing I ever ate" show, it was featured on their BACON show, yet I did not see any bacon, and a lot of reviews here didn't mention it, and a lot of the pictures did not have it. It was still superb without it and mind you I forgot it was originally promoted to me having the pig with it.
It would probably be even mightier with bacon, but good luck asking for the extras on the burger!
Best burger in town. Try to tell me I'm wrong, and we may come to blows (or, if not, then I'll happily try one you think is better!)
The place is crowded, like, ALL THE TIME. Finding a seat can be a trying experience, but once you find one and get your hands on that sweet, delicious, juicy burger with its arugula and its Gruyere cheese, all is forgiven.
I can't vouch for anything else at Father's Office, as I went there solely for the burger, after hearing it mentioned time and time again as "the best burger in town," and I left in complete agreement. A very special must-eat.
Father's Office is the brainchild of South Korean chef Sang Yoon. Using a time honored and simple equation to draw the crowds in:
Good Beer + Tasty Burgers = Successful Gastro Pub
The launching of the "offices" has spawned a new breed of gastro pub imitators all across Los Angeles and Orange County. Father's Office still remains unrivaled in its popularity. People complain about the bread used instead of a traditional bun or that you cannot alter the burger. Just eat it, this is not burger king... you cannot have it your way.
I almost prefer the "find your own seating style" that the Father's Office(s) incorporate. It is sometimes refreshing not having to deal with an incompetent host/hostess and makes it kind of fun somewhat. It does suck at times, but we are all grown adults (well some of us are) and its nothing we can't handle.
I prefer the Santa Monica office because it is smaller and a bit easier to find a seat on a busy night (as opposed to the Helms branch.) The tough part is getting in the joint, but once that is resolved, its not too bad. I've heard some horror stories from the one in Culver City... 45 minute waits to get in, another 45 minutes to get the food, and no place to sit... ha ha should went on a weekday night.
"Best Burger Ever" is a common phrase spit out by non-foodies and first-timers, but I would beg to differ. You say "tomato," I say it's pretty good for the most part and inconsistent at times. We all have are preferences. In the ever so popular best burger in LA debate, FO is definitely worth a mention. But is it worth all the hype? yes and no.
(Please insert affirming or negative comments here)
I do recommend staying clear of this place on Friday and Saturday nights, as a night out could turn into a horrible experience because of it's popularity and massive amounts of people wanting to eat/drink here. If you want to just try the office burger without all the hoopla, it is best to make it an early dinner on a weekday, as you will have no problem getting served or finding a seat.
Say what you will, Father's Office has an excellent beer selection that is not the best in the city, but is still better than most. Cannot have an office burger without washing it down with your favorite craft beer. If you are undecided, take a recommendation from one if the servers behind the bar... they seem to know what they are doing.
Recommended
It's lunch time on a Sunday, Ladyhawk and I roll in here for a nice lunch because we've heard good things. We approach the bar and there are two stools open right in the middle. Ladyhawk is nice enough to ask the bartender if they are taken. His response? "I don't know". And this was the last time someone that worked there acknowledged us!
We sat down in the seats, looked over a menu, chose some beers we were planning on ordering and waited.
and waited...
and waited...
But no one ever served us, even though we were sitting right in the middle of the bar! Everyone around us (sitting and standing alike) was served. They ordered beers, food, etc., with no problem at all. But us? Nope! Not a single acknowledgement of our existence even after we tried to get someones attention.
After about 15 min of waiting, we just got up and left, never to return.
Needless to say, Father's Office has lost my patronage for as long as I live.
Awesome burger. Meat was very high quality. Bun was unique, light, fluffy and yummy. Spinach on a burger? Very nice.
Get the sweet potato fries. Very good.
There are only about 30 seats, so you might have to wait for a seat.
Nice selection of beers
Eventhough I don't eat burgers, I could still enjoy the tasty and well prepared tapas and exquisite beer.
Great lunch!
Father's Office, without a doubt, has one of THE best burgers that Los Angeles has to offer. As the 827th review of this joint, it already goes without saying that the burger here is the real deal. It's quite fascinating how this place only has 1 signature burger to offer which reminds me of In N Out.
This review is based on Father's Office as a whole and not just the burger alone. So peep this: getting to order the burger is a challenge itself because it gets PACKED up the wazoo. No joke. You can find yourself waiting in line outside for 20 minutes then expect to wait an additional 15-20 minutes just to order the damn burger at the bar because there are so many people and only so many bartenders. If you aren't lucky and/or don't get there early enough to get a table, you're most likely going to stand around like an idiot with your food in your hands as I did for a good 10 minutes or so. The food is served pretty quickly, though, given the amount of people at the bar.. but they also only have 1 burger on the menu so I expected they'd be able to cook everything relatively quick.
The burger is heaven in your mouth. It's juicy, rich, tangy, and pretty much everything you could ask for in a burger. I NEVER liked caramelized onions, or even onions in general, before I had a Father's Office burger. Come to think of it, I can still barely tolerate onions, but I make an exception with this one. Their sweet potato fries are very delish. I was also very pleased by their wide selection of beer.
So to sum it up, the burger is effing good as eff and is probably one of the best you'll ever eat, but the experience sucks because it's too crowded and finding a table is a friggin' mission!
Recommendation: Order your burger to go, then make like a tree and get the hell out of there.
I really was not expecting myself to get full off their Office Burger, but dammit I WAS and I loved it! Yes, they NEED to open another one somewhere. Yes, their food is expensive, but dammit...it's so worth it, especially their garlic and sweet potato fries! Customer service was ok, but I UNDERSTAND because it's so damn busy here!
If you are a drinker, they have a really really great variety of alcoholic beverages at this place. Haha...me and my lady went here one day a few months ago and they had a hi-def tv and it was playing nothing but futbol (soccer)....why? because the cooks/cleaners were Latino and they were moving back and forth from work and watching the game! Funny thing is...some customers at the bar were like "Hey, can we watch something else?" and one of the workers said something like "We don't have remote." or something. HILARIOUS! haha!
The environment...the customers here are awesome...yeah, it's crammed up a bit, but the customers are really cool people. Me and my lady sat next to this really great couple that we met just by sitting next to them and they were cool as hell. We joked around and we offered each other food and stuff. This place just has an "everybody knows your name"-Cheers type of feeling.
Father's Office is a cool little pub with a great personality and heart.
I honestly don't mind saving up money again to come down here and eat! Their burgers are so juicy, fresh and one of a kind!
This burger and beer combo is well worth the wait (and I assure you, you will wait if you come here often enough.) And this comes from a guy who started off partial to the Apple Pan. Maybe it's the nostalgia. But after a couple visits, FO is on top of the burger list, at least for the Westside. I'm sure the beer selection helps too.
The burger itself is heaven in your hands. Yeah, you can only have it their way (meaning "no changes, don't even ask"), but if you don't know that going in, you're not reading these reviews. Only downsides are the time spent actually trying to get your burger and the occasional flash of attitude from the staff.
Father's Office can only be enjoyed with an attitude. Yes the burger is good. Yes the beer selection is great. But if you ask for ketchup for your fries, you'll only get glares from the waiter.
We went to F.O on Sunday afternoon. The place wasn't packed at all and we got a table relatively quickly. I've been to the other location on Helms on a weekday night and that place is packed to the brim. So, food for the Santa Monica F.O and scene for the LA F.O.
The restaurant screams of yuppie.On the food sign, it clearly says no substitutions or deletions, as if to say, you can't have it your way, only ours. Sure that can work if you can't think for yourself, but I'm a smart guy and I know how to make my own "good" burger.
The sweet potato fries are delicious (but I'm sure could be better with ketchup!). You can only have them with "their" sauce, or no sauce at all.
The Office burger will set you back $12.50 and a basket of sweet potato fries will be $7.50. So don't come expecting cheap eats.
Parking here can be difficult to find. There are several residential areas behind the restaurant that could provide some luck. But it's really a hit or miss.
F.O IS good, but honestly, I'm not a fan of the attitude. 4 stars!
I dunno...I wasn't that impressed with the burger here. I'd read and heard so much hoopla about it and when I finally went, it was ok. I don't think it's the best burger in LA. In fact, I think the burger joints I'd be more interested in trying are all in freakin' East LA and the Southland where I'd have to go with company cuz I'd be scared! Ha!
Nice looking bar inside. For some reason, I thought it'd be more of a dive, but it's sorta sheeshee. My friend did have the duck salad, and she thought it was pretty damn good for a bar! Maybe I'll just stick to a beer next time. i just don't understand what the big fuss is about. The burger was good and so are the sweet potato fries, but it wasn't spectacular. I'd rather have a burger from The Counter!
I pulled up on my steed just short of Father's Office, Santa Monica Wednesday night, put it in park just as the clock radio hit 7:30 pm and walked two blocks to the entrance. My friends and I waited about 15 minutes before the man at the door let us in. I refuse to call him a "bouncer" because he looked just like a normal dude.
The beer selection is impressive: some nice belgian whites and IPAs, as well as some sweeter ciders... think of Father's Office as a "beer boutique." There's even a cute little red fire hydrant tap that dispenses water.
But the seating is hardly adequate. It produces this uncomfortable adversarial atmosphere where people awkwardly hover over tables in the hopes they can claim them for themselves and their friends before the person beside them does the same. Personal space is non-existent. Overall the conditions are not conducive to socializing.
Not sure if I'll give it another shot.
Far and away the best burger I have ever eaten.
Be warned that the kitchen does not accept substitutions (or carry ketchup), but the food is so good that you would be a fool to change anything. It is worth noting that the burger is of a different variety than a Counter/Fat Burger--the Office Burger is non-traditional & frou-frou in the sense that it has arugala, caramelized onions, gorgonzola cheese, all on a french roll. Fair enough to be skeptical, but this burger delivers. The beer selection is fantastic and requires its own multi-page menu.
Be prepared to wait in line, Father's Office is a small joint and is almost always packed. Nevertheless, the Office Burger w/ sweet potato fries is too good of an order to miss no matter the wait.
Lots of people I know rave about Father's Office, make special trips out there seemingly every other week, so I suppose I was expecting a lot.
Actually, what I was expecting was something along the lines of the Ivy or the Palm: a nice sit down restaurant that specialized in burgers, maybe steaks. I was pleasantly surprised when I saw that it was no more than a tiny little bar that also had a few things on the menu.
However, my compliments pretty much end there. The food was crazy expensive (not to mention the gas I burned getting there), they don't have ketchup for some stupid reason, and the burger, while tasting good for the first few bites, soon proved to be decidedly too salty.
Additionally, I had a tummy ache for two days after eating here. Despite all this, I will likely give this place another shot in the future.
Is there any point in doing a review for Father's Office?
Yeah, waiting for a table sucks. Yeah, it's crowded. Yeah, it's a bummer they don't serve ketchup!
But man, those burgers are goooood! And this is coming from someone who "doesn't eat beef". I have to put the quotes up because I really don't eat beef except to make an exception for FO. Nothing breaks me down like a FO burger and those little shopping cart fries.
This is like our 4th stop for the night. With all those alcohol that we consumed we should be passed out by now but instead I'm driving to Father's Office. I didn't even came up with this idea all i wanna do is sleep! pass out and end the night.
We got there around 12ish and luckily we found a table. My friend ordered a burger and fries we just shared it cause we're both full. I don't even know why are we eating at this point. Everything is so blurry. All i remember is that the burger is good as it is no condiments needed. You can taste the meat and its fucking juicy and i still got some burger stains in my jacket to prove it.
One thing I remember clearly we're both pissed off about the price of the sweet potato fries! Its not that great i think Boiling Crab has a better sweet potato fries. 7 bucks? fuck that!!!
I'm going back here sober just for the burger and then i'm gonna go to Mc Donalds to eat some fries yeah i'm ghetto like that!
I was skeptical and I left a believer.
This place is seriously any burger connoisseur's dream!!! I thought I knew what I wanted in a burger and this place blew my expectations out of the water! (or the grill, whatever have you)
I had one of the goat cheese appetizers (creamy melty delicious goat cheese spread on endless, crisp, garlic-and-herb brushed bread chips) The sweet potato fries are the perfect complement to the burgers -- sweet, a touch of salt, and some garlic dipping sauce to complete the picture.
The burgers themselves -- they tend to be on the rare side, so I ordered medium well though most go with plain old medium and get a pinkish-center on their burger. Either way, YUM. The bitter arugala complements the shoe-string caramelized onions, melted blend of cheeses, and the tasty bbq-esque compote sauce that will simultaneously clog your arteries and send you to foodie heaven!!!
Oh goodness. I was going to dock a star for the wait time (like the parking, you have to be lucky if you want a table) Typical bar scene -- crowded, noisy, packed -- there is no formal seating arrangement so you must stalk if you want a table! Also, don't forget your ID as you are checked right at the door. Not the cheapest burger and joint place, but well worth every penny!
If you're mouth isn't watering now, you MUST go and see for yourself.
This feels like an upscale college pub. Friendly staff and AMAZING burgers and beers. Lots of attractive, down to earth professionals hang out here. The night I went it was pack with medical students. To say the least I had a blast. Finding a place to sit is a BIG Problem here esp if you have a party for 4+. Parking is not any different. I suggest getting there a before the dinner rush of 6pm. Give you ample time to sample all their beers and wines and just meet some new people. Tipping the bouncer/id checker guy when you get there also helps in finding a seat. The food and service makes up for the trouble. Sweet potato fries.... AMAZING...I had their house burger. SeX for my mouth... So much so I decided to order another to go for continual pleasure during my lunch hour. It tasted even better after reheating. I guess the bread soaked up all the juices.
Definitely coming here again to meet people and have a good meal. Total bill of 2 burgers with fries, 4 orders of sweet potato fries, and 3 750ml bottle of beer $159.90. (no I am not a pig I just enjoy meeting and feeding cute female doctors) A bargain I think esp if I am ever admitted to a hospital in the LA area.
In short, definitely coming back.
Came here on a Saturday night. Just came from a USC game and were beered-out so we didn't order anything but foooooood.
+
* The burger was delicious! Quite possibly one of the best burgers I've had.
* Sweet potato fries were delicious!
-
* They don't even have ketchup!?!? Sure you're trying to be a cool, hip, edgy lil restaurant but don't think so highly of course that you can't serve ketchup. (I'm just being sarcastic here, this doesn't affect my rating.. but I thought it was weird they didn't have ketchup)
* Servers at the bar were friendly but wait-staff was RUDE and definitely not friendly. This is the only reason why I gave a 4 and not a 5. Maybe the guy had a bad night.
I think this place is overrated. The burgers were okay. The sweet potato fries was small (portion and size), and the beer was alright. Maybe I just came on a bad day or something, but after the long wait which starved me, I can easily pass this place.
But I'll give it another shot one day.. and I'll ask for Ketchup.
If you are in the mood to try the BEST BURGER ever, then go here.
No joke!
You may think to yourself, I am loyal to "In N Out" and there is no way this F.O. place has a better burger...well, be prepared to be first shocked and amazed and then prepare yourself to cheat on In N Out often!...
This burger is the sophisticated, richer, older, hotter sister of the less then glamorous In n Out burger.
So good it can prolly turn a vegan into a carnivore with one bite! no lies!
I can't forget the fries and beer at this place too...equally awesome.
I love that each beer gets its own glass.
Being [NOT] a beer conisour, I have to rely on their very descriptive...um...descriptions. And when all else fails, just pick a glass first. haha
the room is pretty small and can get crowded quickly. I suggest a low cut top for the ladies to get the bar-keeps attention. But in all seriousness: It is a totally casual laid back place. If you show up in heels and a skimpy dress you will feel out of place.
They DO NOT have servers that take your order...so ladies, grab a seat and fellas, head to the bar as soon as you walk in.
They have a beer for everyone...even those who say they are not beer drinkers! The staff is super knowledgeable and can recommend a beer if you are too overwhelmed! :D
GO GO GO GO GO!
Don't expect ketchup.
Expect "policies".
If you like ketchup with your burger (or fries) you will not get any here. It's a "policy". You're only option is the zesty cream sauce that comes with the burger. So, for the ketchup lovers out there, I recommend sneaking in a bottle of Heinz.
The onions are unavoidable. Another Father's Office "policy" is that they make zero modifications to their menu. My friend hates onions, so had to finger pick the caramelized onions off his burger.
That kind of service bums me out.
Food's expensive, but there are some really unique options on the menu.
I didn't drink beer, but their selection looked expansive and their bartenders (from what I overheard) sounded knowledgeable enough to recommend drinks for you.
A nice environment for a date or a group of friends to drink beer. The music was good and at a decent enough volume that conversation could be heard.
In the end, the pompous policies they've developed to un-satisfy a customer left a sour taste in my mouth. The food was not good enough to warrant the horrible service and expensive price.
This place has rose to the top of my list because of numerous factors. I dream about this place and its infamous Office Burger. But it's not just about the food, it's about the whole vibe, the people and everything else. The guy at the front that checks IDs, he is really nice and helps keep the place from getting way too crowded. He also helps you out with finding a place to sit or getting a table.
Next up, the staff is really attentive. They will clear tables quick and your food comes out quick as well. They are really friendly and I have never seen a frown here from any of the customers or any of the staff. They always had a smile on their face.
Now onto one of my favorite things to eat ever, the Office Burger. The burger is pretty much flawless. It has arugula, bleu cheese, various ground aged steaks and an amazing onion marmalade on top. The burger has this flavor I cannot describe but one bite, you will beg for more. I think this burger is too perfect and I don't mind paying $14 bucks for this. Adding gas and travel (bus or plane from San Jose), this burger is worth every cent I spend to get here. I tried making my own at one of them customizable burger joints but it does not come close.
The fries also with the garlic aoili sauce is just perfect as well. Both the regular fries and sweet potato fries are perfectly crisp and seasoned. The fries are not greasy greasy and people say the place is overrated, I just think it's heaven.
A friend of mine heard about this place and a few of us had to come out to see if this burger lives up to the hype.
We got there around 12:15 pm and it was perfect timing--FO just opened and there were only 15 people in front of us.
Service - Excellent customer service
Cleanliness - Immaculate
Price - approx. $140 total for 5 people ($28.00 per person)
Seafood - soft shell crab
Meats - it's all about the burger ... there were ribs too.
Dessert - n/a
Fruits - n/a
Other - Make sure to bring your ID--NOBODY under 21 years old get in (nobody!!)
What was ordered:
Shoe-string Fries - The fries were crispy and crunchy. However, didn't stand out between fries from any other restaurant or fast food chain. Ranch sauce served with the fries was really rich and tasty.
Sweet Potato Fries - These were really good--very impressed that they were crispy and crunch. I've had sweet potato fries before and they were just soggy. Nice crispiness and a slight sweetness of the potato goes well with the rich ranch sauce.
Grilled Green Peppers w/ Bacon Bits - These peppers were good to cleanse the palate after eating--or get more veggies into your system. There isn't an explosion of flavor of the peppers--much more tasty when you eat it with the bacon bits. Mmm ... bacon makes everything better.
Spare Ribs - Definitely eye candy when they brought it to our table. Wow, the meat was extremely tender and extremely moist ... really just melts in your mouth. In context of flavor, it was just okay.
Fried Soft Shell Crab - Nothing really stands out with the crab. The best part of this dish is the small bed of corn in the middle of the dish. The corn had a slight spiciness and works so well with the corn--sweetness of the corn subsides the spices.
Office Burgers - I have to admit that this burger lives up to the hype--I'm not about to dub it the "best burger" just yet though. First off, the burger isn't shaped round like regular burgers--more of an oval shape. The burger is already split in half for you so you can get to see all the wonderful layers of this masterpiece--thick pink patty is encapsulated between arugula, cheese, secret sauce, carmalized onions, and soft buns. The first bite and you are in heaven--the explosion of flavors in your mouth. You literally can isolate and differentiate the taste of the cheese, sauce, onions, and meat in your mouth. All these flavors put together makes it stand out from other burgers. I can now understand why they don't give you condiments ... who needs ketchup when this burger has all the flavor you need?
If there was a Burger Hall of Fame, I would say the Office Burger makes it to Cooperstown.
I don't think I can really add much more to what everyone has already said about the burger, so suffice to say I concur. The selection of beers is great. F.O. is a great place to drink a couple of beers and chow down on a well thought out, perfectly crafted hamburger.
The only problem is seating. Its not like they lack places to sit, its just there is a whole heck of a lot of people trying to do exactly what you're trying to do. So if you're uncomfortable sharing a table with a stranger... well, friend I'd tell you to get over it because the burgers are that good.
Go early and hang out.
Amazing selection of beers and first rate food.
I'm too old to deal with the mobs at key times but for
late lunches, early dinners this one is one of the best
places to dine for amazing bar food.
Enjoy and bring someone to drive you home.
Okay, Father's Office gets a lot of hype for their beer selection, all that means is that people in SoCal have VERY low standards when it comes to beer selection. NOW, don't get me wrong. The beer selection is okay. HOWEVER, it would be considered middle of the road (to barely trying) in MOST small, beer-centered establishments north of Eugene, Oregon. They do carry Deschutes beers, which is a MAJOR plus, but that's no reason to go running back there like it's some beer mecca of SoCal, it is not.
All "hip bars" in SoCal have their flaws, but Father's Office somehow has more than most, but gets away with it. It gets WAY too crowded, even early on weekdays. (that's when I went) It is EXTREMELY difficult to find a open seat. AND, when you do, people hover over you waiting for the split second you leave your chair unattended to swoop down and nab it. There is NO DRINK SERVICE, that inconvenience is even posted on their website. You have to go up to the bar (if you can make it through the layers of people crowding around it), order your drink (again, IF you can get the "bartender's" attention), and then SOMEHOW get it all the way back to where your seat MIGHT have been, but has now been taken by somebody who poached your spot..."sorry, dude."
I've heard mixed reviews of the burger, served ONLY one way, NO SUBSTITUTIONS. (I don't eat meat, so I could care less) I was NOT thrilled with the sweet potato fries. (bored of this concept, it's been overdone to death and is usually a letdown.)
Overall, Father's Office is a trendy place with better-than-average-beer-selections (which is still sad and I await the day SoCal catches up with the Pacific Northwest), but is NOT worth making the trip to more than once for the experience.
I get the idea.
But hipsters mixed with blue cheese?
Horrible combo.
"Wait for it...wait for it...*swallows* This burger is definitely worth $12!"
Well spoken words that my friend mumbled out as he chomped away on the signature Office Burger.
Last Friday night, I met up with some friends to try out the long awaited signature burger and sweet potato fries that I heard rave reviews about. Upon arrival at the Santa Monica location, my friends and I waited for about 10 minutes by the bar before we were able to grab a table. While waiting, we all gazed upon the various beer selections that were offered at the bar. I wish I could remember some of the beers that I had tried, BUT I can't. However, I can highly recommend this one Japanese beer that leaves a lovely hint of pear at the tip of your tongue after every sip. Check it out on the menu, you can't miss it!
Even though it was quite pricey for a burger, I'd recommend everyone giving it a try. A thick and moist piece of beef patty, covered with bleu cheese and a delicious onion marmalade, laid peacefully in between a warm sliced baguette awaiting to be devoured. Tasty on its own, but amazing when accompanied with the crisp, seasoned, sweet potato fries.
What better way to spend Friday nights than with good friends, great beers, and probably the best burger to taste?
This is a bar.
Keep that in mind. Now I'm not much into the bar scene, so when I showed up to this "L.A. Staple", which it totally is, I was surprised when there was a line outside just to get a seat inside. Like this was a club. Well, this is Santa Monica, after all.
The inside is nice and quaint. The beer selection seems pretty good, but again, not much of a beer drinker. You can't special order your hamburger, which you guessed it, I'm a picker toppings person as far as burgers come, so that isn't ideal. BUT YET, the burger was still pretty good! The atmosphere is relaxed and fun, and the food is served quick...probably because annoying people like me can't make substitutions and special requests on the burger.
Definitely a must-try in Santa Monica.
Walked in w/ a friend around 5-6pm and the place was completely packed...all for good reason. This place has a large collection of draft beers that are not found in most bars -- which immediately puts a smile on my face. We were luckily able to find seating for 2 rather quickly (something that is probably quite rare, w/ the number of individuals who were consistantly flowing in every couple mins or so~)
Don't expect to find a table if you are coming in during peak hours x_X
Looked at the menu (not really much of a menu -- just a lil board with a few options that you can order from, this place is definitely a bar first, restaurant 2nd). I ordered my F.O. burger medium rare, ordered the sweet potato fries and a beer. The order came fairly quickly and the burger was fairly delicious. Not the best thing that I have ever tasted but boy was it juicy, definitely many steps up over in-n-out and any other big burger chain (as it should be...). The sweet potato fries were ok, nothing really special about it--although the dipping sauce was delicious.
I would definitely return again and I do recommend trying this place out once if you are in the area or craving some yummy burgers.
So...once again, I am critiquing JUST the burger from Father's Office......
My coworker and i decided to journey out to Santa Monica for lunch and hit up Father's after hearing so much good stuff about this place and reading so many good reviews about FO.
When we get there, we sit down, and order the infamous one and only one burger they have there, the "Office Burger". OK guys, for $14 this thing better be the sh*T...and you cant even order w/o onions! WTF is that?!...well, OK, whatever, Im open minded, so i'll try it....sauteed/grilled onions are tasty neways...
The burger looked interesting...it was baked on a roll...but it looked really really good....the 1st bite was pretty good...very flavorful, and a good combination of ingredients...but not really my type of burger. the more i ate, the more i felt like i was eating a dry coursely ground meatloaf sandwich.
Maybe it was all the hype, but i was genuinely disappointed with the burger. Good fries, but there are also better fries out there too...I expect more from a $14 burger...despite all that, I do admit that it is a quality burger, so thats why i gave it 3 stars.
The burger was amazing here! It was juicy and very flavorful. Father's Office was the first time I tried sweet fries and they have became my instant fave. The only complaint I have with the place is that it is tiny. We had to wait outside and when we got in, there was only about 20 people inside. We got there before the dinner rush, so I thought it was kinda wierd to be waiting in a line when it wasn't even crowded inside. I like the burgers, but I don't want to wait 20 minutes just to get in. I will try the new location in Culver City and see if the burgers are just as good, but has more space.
Possibly the most pretentious burger eatery I've visited. Yes, the carmelized onion, bleu cheese, arugula burger is delicious and fancy, but are 2 burgers, 1 order of fries and 1 beer ever worth $40? Served with some serious attitude. Oh, and there's no ketchup to be had anywhere. I understand ketchup is overused in America, but get over yourself, Father's Office! You are a french frie-ery and people like ketchup now and again on a fried potato. If you are so anti-ketchup, at least make your own artisan ketchup from organic heirloom tomatoes purchased from the Getty Center or Paris Hilton's garden. There are plenty of delicous burgers in town and Father's Office is not worth the attitude. Fed my aversion of the Santa Monica Montana Street bs- insecurity nestled in heaving plastic bosoms, rail thin skinny-jeaned ladies with duck lips (fake top lip).
Ahhh Father's Office.
I knew I had to try thee,
I've been on somewhat of a red meat spree.
I had heard so many good things about you,
So I had to see if the rumors were true.
Walked in, a dark and dingy little joint;
Heard they don't modify burger orders, hope it's a point.
Called ahead to make sure it wasn't packed
Was hungry and heard that the burger is stacked.
Didn't have to wait, there wasn't a line,
And that's a good thing 'cause then there wouldn't be this rhyme.
When I'm hungry I don't like to wait for things you must see,
Oh and by the way the SaMo location's way better than Culver City.
Great beer selection, decent wines too
But I was here for the burger bugaboo.
Waited and waited and waited for mine,
It finally came, the smell was divine.
Caramelized onion, applewood bacon --
Smells so damn good, my belly's a-achin' --
Gruyere, blue cheese, arugula too,
Bit into it, red meat, food coma, adieu!
Off I went to hamburger heaven
But wait what's this? Gate's locked, can't get in!
A fine creation of hamburger 'twas,
But the best in LA? Hmm, I give pause.
Some hype is deserved, this part is true,
But it's overpriced and the flavors are meh, I left feeling blue.
Speaking of blue, I'll hit the Blue Dahlia
Father's Office, 3 stars, you're fine, I ate all o' ya.
Best burger in LA, a subjective proclamation --
But not to me, over-hyped and trendy is Father's Office's salvation.
They'll stay in business, sure, I have no doubt
But better as a bar, keep your food, I'm out.
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So, I need to stand in line, scout for a table, grab a table, stand in line some more. There's no table service. What, it's not a fast food joint? Are you sure?
$20.00 for a burger and fies? ...and no mustard? ...no ketchup? ...ever?
Oh, I get it - it's $5.00 for a burger and fries, and $15.00 for the attitude.
Thanks, but no thanks.
Just an update for those of you who don't have super giant stomachs:
I am a girl and I can eat A LOT. Even so, I can only eat 1/2 of the giant burgers of deliciousness that they serve at F.O.
Burgers don't normally keep well in the fridge as left overs, but I finally decided to try it on my F.O. burger, because it's such a shame to throw away half of this burger (not to mention a good chunk of money down the drain!).
I'm pleased to announce that F.O. burgers are still fantastic reheated the next day!! I just took the arugula off and put it back on after the rest of the burger was re-heated.
The whole office was asking what that delicious grilled smell was and it tasted just as great as it did the night before.
So no more worries, those with small stomachs who have no one to share their burger with! Take that baby home and eat it the next day!!
(Can't say the same for the sweet potato fries--I always scarf every one of those...which is probably why I can't finish my burger!)
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/18/2008
Father's Office was a fantastic experience. Cozy and welcoming, you know you're in a place that's… Read more »
Honestly, if everyone and their mothers weren't jabbering on and on about how amazing this place is, I promise you would look at their menu and laugh. Who knows, maybe the concept of a burger served in a bar is so novel to some people that they can't help but love it. But here's a review for the non-lemmings out there who prefer to form their own opinions.
Do me a quick favor: scroll down the expansive list of reviews below and take a quick scan at the four and five star reviews. Do ANY of them mention ANYTHING about the prices? No. Which makes sense. If price/money is a complete non-issue for you and you're willing to throw down half your paycheck on a good meal, Father's Office is the place for you. But for those of you who actually factor in price when evaluating the quality of a meal, this review is for you...
Let's start with the negatives, which are mostly price-related. The burger costs $12. Yes, that is not a typo. One burger (no fries, no drink) costs $12. The burger at the Society Cafe at the Wynn Hotel in Las Vegas is cheaper than that for christ's sake. The fries are $8. Once again, not a typo. The fries (no burger, no drink) cost $8. Finally, we have the brews. Thankfully, the beers are only VERY overpriced, not OUTRAGEOUSLY overpriced like the food. If I remember correctly, prices range from $8-$10 for a pint. But considering the price of the food, this was actually a pleasant surprise (I was expecting $15 for a pint).
Now onto the good. The burger was very good, but not the best I've ever had. It looked more like a ground beef sandwich than a burger. The caramelized onions were the best part, adding a texture and flavor to the burger I've never experienced. I enjoyed it thoroughly. The fries were delicious, especially with the KICK'N dipping sauce that came with them. The beer selection was very impressive. I can't say the service was terrible, because there WAS NO SERVICE. You have to find your own seating, order your own food at the bar, and bring it back to your table. If you go on a busy night with a group, don't expect to sit and eat for a good 45 minutes.
Unfortunately, every meal comes to end, and with it comes the check. Overall, it was a solid meal. I would have gladly paid $30 for everything. Wishful thinking. 1 burger, 2 fries, 2 beers = $50. I had never been so upset in my life. I have never paid that much for a burger and fries, and trust me, I never will again.
