1018 Montana Ave
Santa Monica, CA 90403
(310) 393-BEER or (310) 393-2337

It’s tough to be touted as the Best. It’s a claim that’s overused and always challenged. When someone first said that Father’s Office made the Best Burger in Los Angeles, I yawned. After hearing it for the 100th time, I finally decided to try it.

The first thing that I noticed about Father’s Office is that it is really the size of an office. It feels like a wood counter dining car. It is also clear that this place does beer first and food second (310 393-BEER). There is an assortment of microbrewery beers on the tap and people packed in every chair and booth. Seating was a first-come-first-serve free-for-all. Claiming your seat while the current occupants are still eating is a good tactic, albeit awkward. If people are willing to pack themselves in here like cattle, there must be some good feed.I ordered the only burger on the menu… the famed Father’s Office Burger. The bartenders, who are taking both food and drink orders, are all business. They hurriedly took my order and suggested the Red Seal Beer as a good pairing for the burger.

The burger, which arrived quickly, had applewood smoked bacon, caramelized onions, arugula, gruyere cheese, and blue cheese served on an oval shaped roll. Purists beware! This is a “gourmet burger” and there are no substitutions. At $12, it is an expensive burger and it isn’t a belly buster…so they must be charging for quality.

After the first bite, I realized that this burger was different. The very distinct flavors played together nicely. The sweet onions, smokey bacon, peppery arugula, sharp blue, and gooey gruyere all worked to accentuate the beef. Just as you would expect from a great burger, the beef was tremendously juicy, but the flavors are unique. So unique that it can’t be fairly compared to other burgers for the “Best of” prize. At the same time, I can’t think of any other restaurant burger that I have enjoyed more. I am already dreaming about my next one. The price is hefty by hamburger standards, but the taste matches the cost. Seating and service need some improvement. Hopefully the new Father’s Office in downtown Culver City will be larger than a baseball dugout.

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