Where gourmet meets gastropub, Father's Office Santa Monica stands as Los Angeles's most influential bar dining destination, transforming the American pub experience through Chef Sang Yoon's uncompromising culinary vision and the legendary Office Burger that redefined craft dining.

Since Chef Sang Yoon acquired this 1953 neighborhood institution in 2000, Father's Office has pioneered the gastropub movement that swept across America. Yoon, formerly of the acclaimed Michael's restaurant, envisioned something revolutionary: a bar where Spanish tapas-inspired sophistication met American comfort, where quality trumped customization. His strict no-modifications policy became legendary, earning national recognition including Esquire's "Best Burger in America" and features on The Today Show. This bold philosophy fundamentally changed how Los Angeles approached bar dining, proving that casual settings could deliver uncompromising culinary excellence.

The cuisine centers on Yoon's masterpiece Office Burger, a harmonious blend of chuck, sirloin, and dry-aged New York steak topped with caramelized onions, applewood-smoked bacon compote, Gruyère and Maytag blue cheeses, and peppery arugula on a perfectly toasted bun. Beyond this iconic creation, the menu showcases elevated bar fare: Spanish mushrooms with garlic and thyme, Sonoma lamb skewers, Fat Shrimp wrapped in Niman Ranch bacon with cilantro-jalapeño vinaigrette, and sweet potato frites with roasted garlic and Cabrales blue cheese aioli. Each dish reflects Yoon's commitment to precise flavor balance and premium ingredients, designed specifically to complement the extensive craft beer program. The tasting menu approach to bar food, with carefully curated small plates, elevates casual dining to fine dining standards.

The Santa Monica location maintains its intimate, neighborhood charm with restored original signage and cozy indoor seating that captures mid-century bar nostalgia. Service follows a unique hybrid model: guests order at the bar, leave credit cards for tabs, and receive food delivery without traditional table service. The beverage program features thirty rotating craft beer taps and carefully selected Spanish wines served at precise temperatures—reds at 55°F, whites at 46°F. This beer-centric approach, combined with wine on tap innovation, reinforces Father's Office's position as a beverage destination. The atmosphere buzzes with local energy, creating the perfect backdrop for experiencing Los Angeles fine dining in its most approachable form.

Reservations aren't accepted at this landmark gastropub, making Father's Office Santa Monica a first-come, first-served destination worth the wait. For discerning diners seeking the best restaurants Los Angeles offers in a relaxed setting, this Santa Monica institution delivers an authentic taste of the city's innovative dining scene.