Father's Office: 2.0...a most blessed day for Culver City

3229 Helms Ave
Culver City, CA 90232
(310)815-9820
Mon-Thu 5PM-1AM
Fri-Sat 12PM-2AM
Sun 12PM-12AM

I like to think I was on a sabbatical from writing on here until Sang Yoon was able to have everything aligned right to open the new location of Father's Office, which subsequently has been one of the most delayed AND most anticipated openings that we've been witness to in a long time in LA. Last night they opened and I was there on hand to witness the gloriousness of it all.

As many of you know, the one thing that the original suffers from is lack of space. Space for more tables, space at the bar, space to crawl passed someone without committing some sort of party foul.

The new location has a bar that is at least 3-4 times as big as the original with 72 taps on hand to satiate your thirst for fine beers. This alone helped with 1) getting your order in cause it was a ton easier to get the bartenders attention and 2) increased your odds of actually getting a spot at the bar (love the seats).

The new hit at the bar is the massive patio area with track heating. These seats I see as being THE coveted spots to grab. People were mixing it up and so light hearted even while eagerly waiting on these seats to open up. The gatekeeper (running the door) was telling me that people were sitting on the patio since the place opened at like 6:30...he told me this at like 8 o'clock. Indeed the mood of many of the people was that they would be there for a few hours more in fact.

While this does increase the chances of getting a seat right away, it by no means guarantees it. The first Father's Office suffered terribly in this aspect. While this does make things way more comfortable, it by no means solves the seat stalker syndrome that has always plagued them and is singularly the only thing wrong with this one. That being said, we waited for only 10 minutes to grab a seat once we were in.

The real question then boils down to what has made this restaurant and the one before it, a place that people will gladly wait in line for (which there was last night)? The killer Office burger that annihilates the senses. Rest assured that it is still gorgeous and complex in all it's magnificence like the original location's. I took a buddy of mine there last night and I told him he had to at least order the classic Office Burger with sweet potato fries and whatever beer he wanted. He got it and remarked "I don't like onions or bleu cheese and am just okay with arugula but I LOVE THIS BURGER! I don't get it". I do. Sang Yoon is a genius.

I can't say enough good things about this place but that I'm sure it will only continue to wow the crowds like he's been doing over in Santa Monica for quite some time now. Big plus is the abundant free parking! Sang, you know how to pick'em!

Free Refills: Of course not, it's a bar.
Average price: $26 for the Office Burger , sweet potato fries and beer combination but I know you'll want to stay and spend more!

The York...Highland Park's very own Cheers

5018 York Blvd.
Highland Park, CA 90042
(323)255-9675
Open Daily 5PM-2AM

I've been noticing a recent pattern of gastropubs in my posting. Maybe it's the cheaper food, maybe it's the desire to try newer beers with friends, or maybe it's to see who's stepping up in this LA dining trend. Whatever the case may be, I'm glad this trend is happening. There are lots of plusses and very few cons to deal when it comes to gastropubs. One of the precious parts about it is the fact that it brings people together without the pretension of only having beer and getting wasted.

One of the newer (only a couple months old) installations to the scene is The York (that just so happens to be on York Blvd). I will attempt to round out this post with a quick concise review.

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When you walk in you have one big room divided down the center by the bar. To your right is the main bar side (stools, counter and tables for 2) and to your left is the more "sit down and bring a party of people" side.

The beer selection is decent and while not extensive they have everything that most people would enjoy and a great staff looking out for everyone. The food is a mixed bunch including small AND large plates. By far, not your average prepared dishes. Whoever designed their menu was obviously trying to turn a few heads. Shown above for instance is their "take-on-a" Pulled Pork Cuban sandwich which had ham, gruyere, pickles and mustard aioli. While not Cuban in the purest sense (which I'm glad about), this was fantastic rendition of the "worker's lunch-time special". It was very well balanced and the fresh ham and gruyere made for a repeatable item on my list.

For something more familiar, here's there cheddar burger, and for their customization, they included spicy harissa aioli and pickled onions on it. This is a pretty killer burger. The patty is pretty thick and the bun is super soft. We ordered ours medium rare and guess how it came out? Perfectly medium rare...practically text book. I can still smell the fresh beef in my nose. Quite a memorable plate indeed. To round out the plate, they throw in their rocket fries which have steak fries sized taste in much thinner fries (if you want to just have a lighter snack when you're there, their fries are perfect) . If you come here and eat meat, this is a must try!

Their menu changes seasonally but some of the other items worth mentioning are their blackened catfish, the cheese and salami plate, and for sure their truffle grilled cheese with tomato salad. All incredibly good and the prices are easy on the pocket.

The environment is super friendly and heck, they even had someone with their kids having dinner. It's loud but not unbearable and they've got great taste in music spinning throughout the tavern. They've really done a great job in creating an environment that you'd want to stay at and yet not even worry about how much you're spending.

Small announcement: My next post will be on my next giveaway!

Free Refills: No
Entree Price ranges: $8 to $14