365 Places to Eat

Ketchy’s II is comfort in a little shop. It’s a food truck in a store front. Ketchy’s reminds me of coming off the beach in Hawaii and walking across the beach to get some chili and rice.

If you’re looking for gourmet, look elsewhere. If you want a satisfying lunch or snack with a taco, hot dog, chili or fries, this is what you’re looking for.

The Ketchy’s taco is unique and polarizing. You will love it or hate it. It’s simple. A thin hamburger patty, on the griddle, put onto a tortilla, topped with lettuce, tomato and hot sauce, folded in half and kissed on the griddle again.

Ketchy's Taco

At $2, it’s a junky deal. Then there are the hot dogs. Cooked to order on the griddle split in half and then topped with your choice of goodies. They are greasy and delicious. I like a juicy dog and it’s fun to have them topped for you.

Ketchy's Hot Dog

Adding to the casual atmosphere is the friendly service, very Hawaiian style and personable. There are no indoor tables, heck there is barely enough room to fit two people at the counter where you order. There are a couple of tables outside and a heater if it’s cold.

Hours are only 9am to 6pm, which is a bit limited. This should be late night food. Parking in the lot is free.

Ketchy’s II
11270 La Grange Ave,
Los Angeles CA 90025

Who 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

We stop in at Jack and Jill’s of Beverly Hills every so often for a burger. It’s not a destination that I go because of the burger, but I do like to walk around Beverly and Rodeo from time to time and Jack and Jill’s burgers are good.

Almost exclusively, I order the turkey burger. It’s a thick patty served on a whole wheat bun with gouda and the usual burger fixings. It also comes with a side salad and I always choose the sweet potato fry option. At almost $14, it’s a bit pricey, but if you can grab one of the three outside tables, the people parade that passes by makes the high price worth it.

Turkey Burger

My wife sometimes gets the Veggie Burger which is more than a handful to pick up and a mouthful to put down. It also comes with a small salad and choice of sides. It is similarly overpriced at $12.75.

Veggie Burger

I really like the iced tea at Jack and Jill’s, along with the lemonade. Go for both and have an Arnold Palmer if you’re feeling frisky.

The baked goods are usually quite good and you can browse their selection while you wait for a table.

I have also tried the salads and sandwiches at Jack and Jill’s, both were enjoyable. You can check out the selection on their online menu.

It can get very crowded both during the weekend and week, which can mean longish waits, especially if there is a large lunch crowd.

Jack and Jill’s
342 North Beverly
Beverly Hills, 90210

I can’t vouch for the authenticity of S.F. Saloon - with regard to San Francisco or a Saloon, I’m an expert in neither. I can say that SF Saloon is a funky fun spot to meet friends for a burger.

If you get there early, or when there is not a game to watch, large groups of friends can take over one of the booths on the side or occupy a long table in the middle of the joint. Smaller groups can grab a bar table or a couple of stools at the bar itself. During a game, or later on weekends, the place can fill up though, also during happy hours.

There are two things I order at SF Saloon. The first is an ice cold Boddingtons. The second is a Cable Car Turkey Burger. The Cable Car is loaded with avocado and mushrooms, two of my favorite toppings. This is not a burger to order on a first date, it falls apart easily and messily!

Service at SF Saloon can be good or comically bad. At times we have had to almost tackle our server or have waited a looong time for our burgers. On more than one occasion we have been mis-charged. That being said, I happily return to the Saloon, knowing that things could take a while and making sure to check the bill before paying.

It’s hard to miss SF Saloon when you are driving West on Pico after passing under the 405. If you go straight, you will literally run into the Saloon. I suggest veering to the right of the restaurant and parking on the street. It seems a little shady, but is generally safe.

11501 W Pico Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90064-1519
Phone: (310) 478-0152