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Father’s Office II
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February 5th, 2009UncategorizedWho knew that enjoying a burger could be a full contact sport? There are two things that everyone tells you about Father’s Office. First, the burger is unreal. Second, that it’s a giant pain in the ass to get a table. Everyone is right on both counts.
Father’s Office II is the newest incarnation of the well known Father’s Office in Santa Monica. Father’s Office II is in Culver City at the Helm’s Bakery complex.
Your best bet for dinner is to get there early, like 6:00 if you can make it. After you secure a table, then you order your food and drink from the bar tender and grab a table number so that they can find you.
Father’s Office II has a nice long row of stylish picnic tables outside. Most have heaters above them, so it’s comfortable when it drops into the chilly 60’s here in Southern California.
You have to order a burger, or at least taste one. The burger lives up to the hype. Also add an order of sweet potato fries. One order is plenty for two.
The other reason that Father’s Office is well liked is their wide selection of specialty beers.
As the night gets later, Father’s Office gets more and more crowded. The rules say that you can’t order food unless you have a table. There isn’t anyone to control who gets a table and who doesn’t, so there is much lurking and standing over those who do have a table. If you want to make a friend, give someone a heads up that you are leaving.
The real secret is that in addition to the burger, Father’s Office II has some terrific tapas and small dishes. Duck prosciutto salad, beet salad, smoked eel or white anchovies. I had a special of fried brussel sprouts with Serrano Ham (crispy like bacon) and pine nuts. Delicious.
For all the pomp and rules (no ketchup, aioli only), prices are fairly reasonable. Dinner is under $20 and the special beers are worth the $6-10. Is it worth the hassle? Once in a while, in my opinion, if you go in knowing that it’s going to take a while. At least you can enjoy great beers while you jostle for a table.
One note to remember. FOII is technically a bar. This means no one under 21, even if they are just there for dinner.
Father’s Office II
3229 Helms Ave
Los Angeles 90034
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4 Responses to “Father’s Office II”
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Lexie
I really tried to love the Father’s Office. But really, why will they not serve ketchup. That to me seems so pretentious, that it makes me despise whoever owns this place.
Isn’t ketchup a healthy alternative to mayo? Why are forced to dip our fries into fat. If anyone ever asks me, I let them know that I would never go back to such a facist establishment that tells me, a paying customer, NO.
That is just a poor business model, now that we are seeing a downturn in this economy, maybe people will gather their senses and go to one of the many other places that give you freedom of choice, ketchup and a great burger - some cheaper than others. (the Counter, Hinano, Hole in the Wall Burger Joint, Cassels, Apple Pan, Pie and Burger).
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Lexie- You’re so right, the no ketchup policy is a bit silly. I don’t think that it has anything to do with health, just flavor. I’m surprised that they let you pick what level of doneness you want for your burger, they are so controlling that I would think medium rare only.
Funny you mentioned Apple Pan, don’t they restrict ketchup usage there?
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Lexie
I know it has nothing to with health, but if for no other reason….at the very least mayo is just fat and fat. I’m not health conscious by any means - just a point I guess.
The Apple Pan is not my favorite (you always walk out of there smelling like a grill), but I thought it was worth a mention - they don’t have tomatoes - which sucks but they don’t have them because they are trying to remain unchanged, at least you can order a burger however you want. Plus the paper cups are kind of neat…at least they have nostalgia going for them.
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thranduil
We went to Hole in the Wall Burger Joint last night. They give you TWO choices in ketchup - Heinz packets and their own homemade ketchup. It really is a great burger - the pretzel bun was the best part. Plus the owner is right there to hang out with you.
I thought I used a squeeze bottle of ketchup the last time I was at Apple Pan (maybe it is one of those left side right side things).
After having been to the Culver City FO a few times, it seems like the burger is not exactly as consistent great as the original location. We haven’t gone back to confirm though.
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