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ZipPicks Awards
Best Trendy American in Culver City
Best Date Night Steakhouse in Culver City
Best American in Culver City
Master Critic Review
Dear John's
8.3
Frank Sinatra's former hangout revived by acclaimed chefs Josiah Citrin and Hans Röckenwagner brings Old Hollywood glamour to modern Culver City. The dimly lit, vintage steakhouse serves standout dishes like mozzarella-stuffed chicken parmesan and buttery sand dabs, though steaks can be inconsistent. Strong martinis and tableside Caesar salads complete the classic experience.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Parmesan (stuffed), Sand Dabs with Lemon-Caper Butter, Frank's Spaghetti & Clams
Scores:
Value: 7.5
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 9.1
Cultural Relevance: 9.2
What makes it special: Frank Sinatra's historic 1962 steakhouse revived with vintage dark-room ambiance
Who should go: Old Hollywood enthusiasts and special occasion diners
When to visit: Dinner reservations Tuesday-Saturday, arrive early for walk-ins
What to order: Chicken parm, sand dabs, tableside Caesar, strong Vesper martini
Insider tip: Request the outdoor patio for quieter conversations and better lighting
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet available $15, limited street parking on Washington Blvd - arrive 10 min early to find spots
Dress code: Business casual to dressy - collared shirts recommended, no shorts or sneakers
Noise level: Romantically dim and moderately loud - can converse but may need to lean in during peak hours
Weekend wait: 60-90 min without reservation Friday-Saturday, reservations strongly recommended
Weekday lunch: Closed for lunch - dinner only Tuesday-Saturday
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited - pasta primavera and Caesar salad available, not a strong vegetarian destination
Vegan options: Very limited - essentially none, steakhouse focus makes this challenging
Gluten-free options: Moderate - fish dishes and Caesar (no croutons) work, inform server for preparation notes
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice - romantic lighting, impressive Old Hollywood atmosphere, and strong cocktails set the mood. Just know it's loud enough that you'll be leaning close, which can actually be a plus. Budget $200+ for two with drinks.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible Tuesday-Thursday if you arrive right at 5:30pm opening or try the bar. Weekend walk-ins are nearly impossible - book 1-2 weeks ahead for Friday-Saturday prime times.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal - dim lighting, adult cocktail atmosphere, and $200+ checks make this better for ages 12+. The chicken parm could work for older kids, but you'll feel out of place with young children.
How are the steaks compared to other high-end steakhouses? Inconsistent according to critics - the chicken parm and sand dabs actually outshine the steaks here. If you're craving premium beef, Gwen or Chi Spacca may be better bets. Come here for the vibe and non-steak standouts.
Is the outdoor patio heated? Yes - patio has heaters and is quieter than the dining room with better lighting for conversation. Request it when booking, especially for dates where you want to actually see each other.
Best For
Better for: Old Hollywood atmosphere and special occasion romance - nowhere else in Culver City captures Sinatra-era glamour like this. The chicken parm is legitimately excellent, and the tableside Caesar service is theatrical. Choose this over modern steakhouses when ambiance matters as much as the food.
Skip if: You're primarily craving an exceptional steak (inconsistent execution), need vegetarian options, want a quiet conversation dinner, or are on a budget under $80pp. Also skip if you prefer bright, modern spaces - this is intentionally dark and vintage.
Hours
MondayClosed
Tuesday5:30pm - 9:30pm
Wednesday5:30pm - 9:30pm
Thursday5:30pm - 9:30pm
Friday5:30pm - 9:30pm
Saturday5:30pm - 9:30pm
SundayClosed