30 Photos
ZipPicks Awards
Best Business Lunch American in Santa Monica
Best Burgers in Santa Monica
Best American in Santa Monica
Master Critic Review
Father's Office
8.9
Since Chef Sang Yoon took over in 2000, Father's Office has become legendary for its no-substitutions Office Burger with caramelized onions, Gruyere, Maytag blue, and bacon compote. This gastropub pioneered LA's craft beer movement with 36 rotating taps and elevated bar food that still sets the standard.
Must-Try Dishes:
The Office Burger, Sweet Potato Fries with Blue Cheese Aioli, Spanish Mushrooms
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.2
Consistency: 9.1
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 7.9
Cultural Relevance: 9.5
What makes it special: Home of LA's most iconic gourmet burger
Who should go: Burger purists and craft beer enthusiasts
When to visit: Weekends noon onwards, weeknights after 5pm
What to order: Office Burger, sweet potato fries, craft beer
Insider tip: No ketchup, no substitutions - trust the process
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Montana Ave, can be tough after 5pm. Small lot behind building fills fast
Dress code: Casual - jeans and t-shirt perfectly fine, it's a gastropub
Noise level: Loud - bar atmosphere, difficult conversation at peak hours
Weekend wait: 60-90 min typical, no reservations taken
Weekday lunch: 15-30 min, arrives in waves with lunch crowd
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited - veggie sandwich and salads, but no burger substitutions
Vegan options: Very limited - basically salads without cheese
Gluten-free options: No - burger comes on bun, no substitutions allowed, few other options
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if they're laid-back and love beer/burgers. No if they want quiet conversation or dietary flexibility
Can I get a table without a reservation? They don't take reservations - first come, first served. Expect long waits peak times, try off-hours
Is it kid-friendly? Not really - bar atmosphere, no kids menu, no substitutions policy makes it tough for picky eaters
Best For
Better for: Best craft beer selection on Westside, burger worth the hype despite restrictions
Skip if: You want customization, quiet atmosphere, or have dietary restrictions. Try The Counter instead
Hours
Monday5pm - 10pm
Tuesday5pm - 10pm
Wednesday5pm - 10pm
Thursday5pm - 10pm
Friday12pm - 11pm
Saturday12pm - 10pm
Sunday12pm - 10pm