Father’s Office, Pub and Restaurant, Santa Monica, CA
Father’s Office
1018 Montana Ave.
Santa Monica, CA 90403
(310) 393-BEER
I have been reading about this place like crazy, with a huge write up in both Los Angeles Magazine and also FOOD AND WINE magazine, and had been dying to try out this bastion of beer and burgers, which has won tons of award and accolades all over the place. This is one of the hippest places in town, and the line outside, and lack of parking add to that image. The place has a ton of beers on tap, with many obscure beers, as the owner/chef is trying to make beer the new wine. The place is tiny too, and you literally have to wait like a hawk to try and get a seat as soon as people get up, and then sneak in, and then you must order from the bar, and they will bring the food to your (though you get your drinks at the bar).
Now I really wanted to love this place, but I have to say I was a bit disappointed.
Topz, Hamburger Restaurant, Toluca Lake, CA
Topz
10119 Riverside Dr.
Toluca Lake, CA 91602
(818) 766-9066
I had been looking forward to this place, which bills itself as having the LEANEST BURGERS IN AMERICA for a while, since one of the producers I have been working with mentioned it to me. And I have to say I was very disappointed. I was not too impressed at all, though I did like the syrups and formulas you can add to your soda, though they can’t be good for you, and don’t make up for the unimpressive and borring hamburgers and fries this place serves.
Fuddruckers, American Hamburgers, Burbank, California
221 N. San Fernando Blvd.
Burbank, CA 91501
(818) 848-4856
Right in the heart of Burbank with the old AMC 14 parking right next store (meaning depending on when you go it, parking can be a pain to park), this place is all about Hamburgers and they do them very well. And even better you get to put on your own toppings. Lettuce, pickles, tomatoes, jalap
Alcove Cafe & Bakery, Los Angeles, California
1929 Hillhurst Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90027
(323) 644-0100 GOOGLE MAP I was on my way someplace else when I spotted this place, and it’s cute outdoor seating, and saw it was totally packed, so I decided to give it a try. The restaurant is mostly outdoors with all their seats under umbrellas in a nice shaded courtyard with trees and flowering plants (there are a few inside, but with all the people in line, it is a little nuts, so you had better try to find one outside, and bring your sunglasses, and remember their are also places to sit along the side, and remember the chairs are not too comfortable, nor are they or the tables well balanced). To order you go inside, and order at the counter, they quickly give you your drinks, and then you take a number to your table, and your food is delivered fairly promptly. They have an excellent selection of breakfast foods, scones and the like, coffee, and excellent all fruit smoothies, and the lunch menu is pretty fantastic as well. The line itself also moves pretty quickly, and gives you time to check out the menu as you wait to order (and remember to grab your drink before you go to your table, as the drinks come at the counter).