Father's Office — Restaurant in Santa Monica

First I saw this place, a while ago, like maybe 3 or 4 years on television, being spotlighted for their supposedly delectable burgers. Then I saw a few news articles, and then decided to look it up on Yelp. But living in Boston, all I could do is bookmark it and await patiently for my next trip out to Los Angeles.

And I almost went, last year, but somehow just didn't have enough time to make it out there. Unfortunately, this had haunted me and when I booked this very trip, I made Father's Office somewhat of a priority.

There is little that I can add that hasn't been said in the 1,100+ reviews for this place. I went there with my cousin and her husband and we lucked out and immediately found a table. The place is very dimly lit and features a modern wood-paneled decor; light, modern tones. It's actually quite cozy in there albeit quite small.

We glanced at a menu and then realized that they don't give table service there. You have to get your drinks and food from the bar at the end of the joint. We were waiting for two more folks to arrive and decided to grab some beers before the food as we awaited their arrival. We took a glance at the menu and I was pretty impressed by the variety and quality of the beers that they offer. Nothing too mainstream and yet a very good selection is there. I settled for a Duvel which was served on tap and which was crisp and refreshing, as always. Other beers they had were varied enough that everyone found something to their soothing. While some beers were fairly reasonably priced, at $7 for some, some I noticed were over $100 - Some high end craft beers. Most are in the high single digits though.

Then once they arrived, we decided to get the star of the menu, the Father's Office burger. Dear friends, while I've had my fair share of burgers, this one is not good. Not good. Not great but instead... succulent. I think that their secret ingredient is crack. I devoured it. It was gone in a flash. The beef, cooked and seasoned perflecty, the crusty yet soft loaf of bread that it came in and the crisp salad leaves in it. Not just any leaves though, as I believe it was arugula. There was also a hint of cheese (blue and/or gruyere would be my guess) and some addictive onions, cooked into some kind of compote, which complemented everything else perfectly. While this is a fairly high end piece of work, it came at a very affordable $12.50 making for an incredible value if you ask me. Most bars in and around our nation easily charge $14-18 for their burgers and they aren't even half as good.

Then we also shared a coule of baskets of fries, which in this case were not baskets but tiny little metallic frying bins. Adorable and stylish. The fries were cooked perfectly and although I usually don't eat them, I also ate my fair share of them, dipping them in a tartar-like dipping sauce that was provided to us in the process.

Had they had table service and a bit more lighting, I probably could and would have given this place five stars. Regardless, their burgers are amazing and the beer is fresh, cold and varied. The place isn't too loud but they don't take reservations and getting a table will be hit or miss depending on when you try your luck. It's well worth if if you score a...

Nestled on Montana Avenue in Santa Monica, Father's Office is a culinary gem that has garnered a well-deserved reputation for its delectable food and impressive selection of craft beers. This gastropub, with its unassuming exterior, offers a dining experience that delights the taste buds and satisfies the cravings of food and beer enthusiasts alike.

As you step inside Father's Office, you're greeted by a relaxed and inviting atmosphere. The interior exudes a rustic charm, with its warm wooden furnishings and dim lighting, creating a cozy ambiance that is perfect for a laid-back meal or an evening spent with friends.

The menu at Father's Office showcases a range of mouthwatering dishes that push the boundaries of traditional pub fare. From their renowned Office Burger, with its perfectly cooked patty, caramelized onions, Gruyère cheese, and arugula, to the flavorful sweet potato fries that make for a satisfying side dish, each bite is a burst of flavor and culinary craftsmanship. The menu also offers a variety of other options, including vegetarian and seafood dishes, ensuring there's something to suit every palate.

One aspect that sets Father's Office apart is their curated selection of craft beers. Beer enthusiasts will be delighted by the extensive array of local and international brews on offer. The knowledgeable staff is always eager to guide guests through the beer menu, suggesting pairings that enhance the dining experience. Whether you're a seasoned beer connoisseur or someone new to the craft beer scene, Father's Office provides a wonderful opportunity to explore and savor a diverse range of flavors.

While the food and beer steal the show, it's worth mentioning that the service at Father's Office is attentive and friendly. The staff is well-versed in the menu offerings and beer selections, and they are happy to provide recommendations and answer any questions. However, it's important to note that due to the restaurant's popularity, wait times can be lengthy during peak hours. Patience is rewarded with a memorable dining experience, so it's advisable to plan accordingly or consider making a reservation in advance.

Located in the heart of Santa Monica, Father's Office offers an excellent dining option for locals and tourists alike. Its proximity to the vibrant shopping district and the beautiful Santa Monica beach makes it an ideal spot to refuel after a day of exploration or to unwind with friends in the evening.

In conclusion, Father's Office is a must-visit destination for those seeking a gastronomic adventure accompanied by an impressive beer selection. With its delectable menu, inviting ambiance, and attentive service, it's a haven for food and beer enthusiasts. Whether you're indulging in their famous Office Burger or exploring the extensive craft beer offerings, Father's Office promises a memorable culinary experience that will leave you planning...

I'm so confused with LA's tastebuds after this experience. Of course I came here for the famous "Office Burger."

First off, parking, there are some parking spots in the front, meter of course. If you drive around the corner (behind the restaurant). There is some parking in the neighborhoods, that are free, unless it's some stupid street cleaning day of sorts.

It's considered a bar, so no one under 21 is allowed, I did notice that they do to-go, so if you have kids and must have a burger from here for whatever reason, that could be an option for you. I got ID'd at the door, so they actually pay someone to do that.

You order at the bar, but they give you a menu to look over when you are waiting for a table or have found one. I went during lunch on a weekend and didn't have a wait, it was fairly empty actually.

They seriously DO NOT do any changes on the burger, it comes as is. The only option you have is how you would like your meet cooked. You can add fries to each burger for $2.50 or get a basket for $5. The fries are the thin kinds with herbs, not bad. There is no ketchup for those who use it. Comes with a garlic aioli. The famous burger, not that impressed. Comes on a sub bun, nothing special at all, I'm not even sure they do anything to it, but slice it in half. The meat was cooked well, for a burger. They toppings in the burger work well together, but the onions were very sweet, also made the burger very messy so your hands get very sticky. It's a pretty larger burger, could perhaps share it with someone if you get an appetizer.

There is no service, you seat yourself, if there are seats, you order your own food, and refill your own drinks, get your own bill. The only thing they do is bring you your order and run off.

Overall experience, not worth waiting in line for that is for sure. $12.50 for a burger that was so so, not really my thing. I wouldn't recommend this place nor would I return unless someone else had to go and I couldn't persuade...