Ford's Filling Station

Great food! The servers are very knowledgeable. Bringing sexyback to Culver City. Go ahead and be gone wit it.

Pros: Food

Cons: None

Posted 04/26/07

The Pub Burger, Crispy Chicken, Fish 'n Chips, and Brook Trout are some of the best entrees at this establishment. The staff is wonderful as well as helpful. Be sure to make reservations AT LEAST a day or two in advance because this place can get super busy. Forget the previous statement, it STAYS busy and for good reason.

Pros: Delicious Food

Cons: Almost too busy at times

Posted 04/13/07

Wow! This place is saturated with coolness. Great beers on tap and a nice wine/cocktail menu, too. The Pub Burger is my favorite entree. Highly Recommended!!

Posted 04/13/07

I have been to FFS at least a dozen times and I have to say that this place rocks! The atmosphere has a chill vibe that is very relaxing. My favorite entrees are the Polenta Cake, Crispy Chicken Breast, Lamb Sirloin, and Kobe Beef Cheeks. The flatbreads are amazing and the desserts are to die for. The head chef and owner, Benjamin Ford, occasionally greets his guests while they eat. He's a sweetheart! Be sure to ask to sit at the banquette table if you are on a date; it's very romantic. One of these days I'll be sitting there with my significant other...oh yes...one of these days. You might want to avoid on Sundays as the restaurant is closed.

Pros: Food

Cons: Always busy

Posted 04/13/07

We went here last night with a bunch of friends and were extremely impressed. The appetizers were amazing (oysters, clams, flatbread, burrata salad, etc.). This place is known for their meat, but they recommended their polenta dish to me, as a vegetarian. This dish was out of this world! The polenta was crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside -- a very hearty meal. My husband ordered the kobe beef cheeks which he couldn't stop talking about once we left the place. And we tasted many of the desserts, all of which were delicious (a peanut butter/ fudge combo was my favorite). I really enjoyed the atmosphere as well -- laid-back and intimate. It was decorated very nicely, with dim lighting to set the mood. And I loved the fire from the stove in the kitchen being on display. An overall great experience --I will definitely come back soon!

Posted 04/12/07

Shrimp cocktail, fried clams and chocolate dessert!!!!! The best place to go in Culver City. I want to go back to try the chicken.

Posted 03/05/07

My ex-girlfriend just raves about this place and I finally decided to find out why. So I stopped in. Now I know why she loves it. I thought I was a great cook and could mix and match flavors and textures, and I thought some of my favorite restaurant choices had good food, but my stuff and the food in other places I frequent is lousy compared to Ford's! Used to having kobe beef at japanese/suchi places, I tried the kobe at Ford's and was shocked at how tender and tasty it was. Totally unexpected and wonderful. tAlso tried the asparagus with parmesan and loved it although it could do with a bit more cheese. The chocolate dessert thing was so good I had two. I wanted some shrimp cocktail but they were sold out for the night. And while I don't know much about wine, I recognize the good labels from the wines my ex drank and see some of them at Ford's. Love the varieties of Tequila. Would really like to see them carry Chartreuse though. I want to go back to try some other menu items (the meat and cheese platters someone on the next table had looked really good) but I'm afraid I'll run into my ex...and I'll feel stupid since I would never go with her to Ford's and now I'm sorry I didn't. The music is really great, too. The place has a nice vibe to it and I will be back.

Pros: Great food. Great variety.

Cons: Closes too early. Should be open until 1:30 a.m.

Posted 03/05/07

I love chocolate. I love clams. I love chicken. Ford's has all the food I like. The chicken was very good. It was moist with a little crunch from the coating. The clams were as good as the fried ones down at the shore back East. More importantly, Ford's has clams! they are very hard to find in LA unless you go to a Howard Johnson's on Fridays and those are greasy. The clams at Ford's are light and sweet. I even got an order to go to munch on in the car. But the chocolate dessert was the best. Very chocolatey and very very good. I'll be back!!

Pros: Like the decor; good service; friendly servers

Posted 03/05/07

I can?t say enough good things about this restaurant; it has a warm inviting space, very helpful and attentive serving staff and most importantly, delicious food. I stopped by for dinner on Wednesday and wound up sampling a variety of their dishes including the mussels cooked in a delicious broth, the beef cheek which were braised to perfection on a bed of cous cous, the pork loin (which is something that everyone should try, you?ll never believe it?s pork it?s so good) and the lemon cheesecake (personal favorite). Also, if you get the chance, I recommend sampling the cava, it?s Spanish champagne that compliments any meal. I came in with no expectations and left a huge fan. I highly recommend!

Pros: Great atmosphere, friendly bartenders, comfort foods

Posted 03/02/07

What an interesting place! Last night was my first visit but I will be back! I ordered the flattened chicken and wasn't disappointed. The portion was large enough that I took some home. I've never seen flattened chicken on a restaurant menu before and after tasting the one at Ford's, I can't understand why. Unless no one else can make it right. This had a nice coating. Was very tasty and each bite was moist with a little crunch from the light crust coating. Home cooking with a little twist. Looking at the menu, I think I will try the pork tenderloin next time.

Pros: Good food. Close cheap parking

Posted 03/01/07

I just had the Shrimp Cocktail in a spicy tomato chutney last night! Mmmm Mmmm Great! Tender, firm shrimp smothered in a tangy topping made with fresh horseradish. (Could add a little more of that for my taste!) And these weren't little shrimp! Probably the biggest shrimp I have seen in a restaurant dish. Must have been about 8 of them, too. It tasted so good that I didn't order dinner just I could keep savoring the taste of the shrimp cocktail on my tongue. More please!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted 03/01/07

With summer still in full swing, there is nothing more enjoyable than stopping by Ford's. Capitalizing on his use of fresh ingredients in keeping with the season, Chef Ford & his talented kitchen staff never cease to amaze me with their innovative flavor sensations, the newest of which I had last nite - New England Crab Cakes with strawberry relish. Simply delectable. The crab is fresh & tasty laced with just the right hint of peppers and onion. The flavors simply pop in your mouth & the strawberry relish is a simply incredible taste sensation. It glides over the palate with a slight sweetness & a hint of fragrance of a summer breeze wafting over a strawberry patch. Divine. I could make a meal of just the relish. One of my faves is still the Caesar salad with fresh white anchovies but with chicken added. Light, tasty and the crusted boneless chicken breast on top - simply succulent. One of the talented bartenders introduced me to a great afternoon summer drink of vodka-pomegranate juice and sprite. Light and delicious. A lunch "must have" is the steak sandwich with a horseradish creme dressing (but get extra dressing) & 3 potato wedges that had just the right amount of crispness on the outside with a flavorful potato taste inside. The perfect size and perfect amount of food for an afternoon. Not a dessert person, I was compelled to try the Almond brown butter cake with bing cherries. Forget the cherries. The cake is great and reminds me of a butter cake my grandmother used to make. Yummy. I still say, Ford's has the friendliest most competent and attentive servers and bartenders around, not to mention chefs whose talents are amazing. I can't say it enough to potential Ford's diners, for food, drink, friendly atmosphere and attentive staff and management, FORD'S FILLING STATION is THE best place in Culver City and them some. Make a reservation, plan to have a litle bit of a wait on weekend nights, but your taste buds will be well rewarded.

Pros: Freshness & taste, libation selections, the staff

Cons: Close by midnight

Posted 02/28/07

I was really concerned about the mixed reviews and have to say they are mixed in our family too. While many reviewers touted the fish and chips, I thought they were poor for the price. Coating was too doughy, not crisp and crunchy like in England. My husband however had the port and thought it perfectly cooked and flavorful, hard to find these days. The menu is a bit pricy for the ambiance, so I can't really say we'll go back.

Pros: Pork

Cons: Fish & chips

Posted 02/25/07

I love restaurants with amazing food, yet it hasn't gone to their heads. The hotesses and waiters are so friendly, not the least bit pretentious. The food is delicious...the butter leaf lettuce is a nice way to start with some flat bread pizza. For entrees, go for the scallops, very good. My boyfriend and I have been there twice and both times left completely satisfied and in a good mood. It's a place for both a date and just to have drinks and dinner with some friends. Highly reccommended!!

Pros: Food. Service.

Cons: None.

Posted 02/22/07

I was a little hesitant to try FFS after some of the reviews I read here but last night I went to the restaurant for the first time and was pleasantly surprised. We had reservations on Valentine's Day at 8:30pm and were greeted warmly by the host. We were seated immediately and our server, David, was attentive and friendly without being intrusive. Both he and the manager came by throughout our meal to make sure our drinks were filled - sometimes without even noticing that they had come by, I looked down and my empty iced tea was now full. The food was good - we tried a couple of the flatbreads (yummy) and the chocolate creme brulee was to die for! My only complaint would be that I would have liked to have seen a bigger menu, but what I ate was delicious. To top it off, the owner, Ben Ford, and his famous father, Harrison Ford, sat eating dinner at the table next to us with no one bothering them (which I was glad to see). Maybe we caught the restaurant on an "off night", meaning the service and food were great because the owner and his father were there, but I didn't care. I would definitely go back. If you are looking for a cool, casual restaurant with good food, I would definitely recommend Ford's Filling Station. Harrison Ford appearances not guaranteed!

Pros: Great food, great service, cool interior with a relaxed vibe

Cons: A little loud - my fiance and I sat next to each other and practically had to shout to hear each other

Posted 02/14/07

I had heard some mixed reviews but was looking forward to checking it out for myself. The main room is inviting and cozy. The wines by the glass were lovely. Sadly, I was underwhelmed by the food. The butter lettuce salad was bland and the Halibut I had as my main dish was overcooked (dry, dry, dry). The high note was the dessert. I shared the chocolate creme brulee which is heavenly. I might try it again for lunch.

Pros: Cozy room, amazing dessert

Cons: Salad and Fish weren't good enough to write home about...

Posted 02/14/07

I went in for lunch and got a table for three inside with just a little wait. The food was ok but the service was a bummer. The receptionists and servers act like they feel like Westside stepchildren.

Posted 02/07/07

I went to Ford's last month after wanting to visit the restaurant since it first opened. In summary, what I can tell you is KNOW WHAT YOU'RE GETTING INTO AND BE PREPARED. First of all, if you're patronizing the restaurant during the winter/early spring months, ensure when you make reservations that you specify that you want an INDOOR TABLE (and make sure to confirm your reservations with a living, breathing person.) My boyfriend and I came in expecting them to ask us if we wanted inside our out, but our reservations meant we got an outside table. My boyfriend has a shaved head and didn't bring a hat, so we had to make do with the fleece blanket the server gave us "as a courtesy." (Snagging an inside table meant waiting an extra hour!) Secondly, please know that the place gets very loud and crowded, even on weekdays.
The food IS great, especially the burger and polenta cake! I'd like to try other things on their menu soon, so I'll be coming again.
Also, for all those reviewers who complain about the seating wait, understand that the demand for food and drink is MUCH MORE popular than their supply of seats, so naturally, there's going to be a backup!!! Either go someplace else... or be patient and understand these simple laws of economics.

Pros: Some great dishes

Cons: Some bad dishes, the crowds, the wait for a table

Posted 02/04/07

My girlfriends and I tried Ford's Filling Station for the first time on a weekday and loved it, so when my husband wanted to go out on saturday night I suggested we go there. We made reservations for 8pm, which i understand is during the dinner rush. when we got there they told us that they had a table outside ready for us. I was fine but my husband wasn't wearing a jacket. when we told the hostess that we made reservations, she explained that the restaurant doesn't reserve specific tables or areas. my husband and i kicked ourselves a little for not requesting inside. we decided to wait for an inside table, knowing that it might not be immediate seating. while we sipped our wine and waited near the bar, another group came in and threw a fit because, like us, they had to wait for an inside table. one man was almost foaming at the mouth with rage! i was appalled with how he and the rest of his party spoke to the host staff and management! this group was ruining my night out. We had to wait for a table too, but we realized that we were offered a table right when we got there and we turned it down. Mr. Ford, please enforce the policy of "we reserve the right to refuse service to anyone" so that those of us who aren't crazy can enjoy our nights.

Pros: great food, nice staff, fabulous wine!!!

Cons: annoying patrons, limited inside space

Posted 02/03/07

Absolutely wonderful place in my hometown!!! One of my favorite places to go. Nice ambiance and the Pork Porterhouse is to die for. The appetizers (meats and cheeses) were delicious - I let the server select. She also selected the flatbread (shrimp). The entrees were original and the portions were more than enough. Of course the wine and drink prices were a little high, but you have to expect that. The overall price of the dinner and drinks were appropriate. My only disappointment was sitting at a table under the "Specials" Board so diners kept coming over, standing right up to the table and reading the selections. Great local and probably the centerpiece of Culver City eating. With Wilson, Tender Greens, S&W, and Surfa's looks like Culver City is on the up and up.

Pros: Pork Poterhouse, music, great crowd

Cons: super busy

Posted 01/30/07

We hung out at the bar all night ? playing backgammon while eating lots of great food and wine. I had the rabbit which had chunks of artichokes and some sort of yummy sauce. My boyfriend had the porchetta which I guess they only have on special occasions. He said it was the best thing he?s ever had. The bartender recommended fo us to split a bottle of Paige 23 Viognier. It was a great choice for both of our dishes.

Pros: very homey

Posted 01/30/07

We went to Ford's last Saturday night. It was my second time dining there. Though my first visit was not very enjoyable (the food was cold and bland, the service slow), my friends wanted to go, so I agreed.

This second trip was truly one of the WORST experiences I've ever had at a restaurant in Los Angeles. Although we had a reservation, we waited for more than half an hour for our table. Once we were seated, they had shoved six of us onto a table for four. When we asked for another table, we were made to wait over an hour. Finally we sat down, at almost 11:00 pm (we had a 9:00 reservation) only to be received by the manager who was rude and unaccomodating. I would expect that after keeping a party waiting for almost 2 hours, she would bend over backwards to make us happy/welcomed. That was not the case. Ultimately, we left before eating.

We will NEVER go back to this resturant, and I won't be missing much!

Cons: horrible service, too crowded

Posted 01/29/07

It was so busy at Ford's last night on what turned out to be a very rainy night. Fords was really crowded trying to accomodate for the rain delay. It was kind of fun huddling in such a cozy spot with groovy music playing and so many nice people. I really enjoyed the Culver City crowd. I waited a few minutes for my reservation but we didn't mind. Then again, any decent restaurant in LA there is a wait. Of course, this is Culver City's only great restaurant. It is actually fun to start off with a cocktail at the bar. I've been to Ford's on weekdays and weekend nights many times....and Fridays and Saturdays are always super busy but soo much fun. This is a restaurant where guests seem to want to stay. Tables were having such a great time...they just didn't want to leave. We all shared each others plates.... Fra'Mani meats, steak tartare, shrimp flatbread, trout, scallops....and for dessert....the chocolate brulee and sugar puff w/ chocolate dipping sauce. Oooooh, mmmmm, ahhhhhh I'm hungry just thinking about it. Another home run! Thanks.

Pros: Good food, good people, good music, great vibe

Posted 01/27/07

I must start with the dessert....it was delicious. Did you even know there was such a thing as chocolate creme brulee??? Well...I didn't and I am so glad I had my first taste of it at ford's. It was so crispy on top and there was fudge in the bottom....AMAZING! For my main course I had the special - Blue Nose Sea Bass - I am a huge sea bass fan and this sea bass was yummy! And to the beginning of the meal - I had some of the sliced meats and cheese and they were sooooooo good!!! Yum yum yum. It's the kind of place that you just want to check in for the night and drink wine for hours upon hours...listening to the music. I will be back there soon.

Pros: blissful dessert.

Posted 01/27/07

The first I went I had a great meal. Service was prompt, and the food was great. Not too much, not to little. So then, my parents came in town and I called to make a reservation. They didn't open until 5pm, but the message instructed me to just leave my name, a call back number and the time, number of people, etc. So I did, then 5pm rolls around and I call just to make sure they got it and they didn't. They said my message wasn't on the machine. Well, I'm not a moron and I heard th *beep* to record and I left a very succinct and to the point message. All they could say to me was "sorry." My only choice was to sit outside in the cold an hour earlier than I wanted, or come 2 hours later than I wanted. I wasn't about to do that, so here I am with my parents in from out of town, and it's 5pm on a saturday night with no reservations anywhere. Thanks a bunch! Geez.

Posted 01/26/07

I ordered the crispy flattened chicken which was DELICIOUS. I liked this place a lot - its so cool without trying to be at all. The music is great - the vibe is awesome. I had a great time here.

Posted 01/23/07

Third time back. We arrived 20 minutes early for our Friday night reserv. The sweet girls could only seat us 15 minutes Early! I don't know enough to qualify as a foodie. But I would have to say that my evening was off to an excellent start. Our server introduced himself as Josh. He was not only able to answer my 'obviously-a-newbie' questions, he did so without treating me as though I didn't belong there. That is what I'm beginning to love about this place. I'm new to this world and I'm finding that so many people I work with are more and more very knowledgable about food. I find myself drawn to conversations about food in such a different way. Although I can't really 'hang' with pro foodies, Ford's gives me a comfortable place to grow-up in the food world. I'm an ADHD adult who would, at any other place known to serve high quality food, stand out as abnormally wired. Not at Ford's. And I'm so amazed at the diversity of people!! I saw every group there from age ranges adult teen through to 'Not too Old to Rock & Roll'. Ok, enough with the great atmosphere. On to the FOOD. Josh said the Chef that night was John. We ordered the Flattened Chicken w/ Lemon Confit ,Mr. Ford's own version of Succatash, and Mashed potatoes. I've heard Mr. Ford's Wired Home Chef Podcast so I had a clue as to how the dish should be and taste. John did right by Ford. It was great. Chicken was moist while the skin was crisp. the succatash with sweet corn, fennel bulb, black-eyed peas, baby spinach, and lemon confit was what I expected.YMM(It wasn't too long ago I wouldn't even let my vegitables touch each other.) Josh helped me choise a white pinot. I believe it was a gregio. I felt very comfortable sharing my experiences with my friend, physical re-enactment and all. Can't imagine being able to sit at a table in any other place while enjoying things I remembered without a single person even noticing anything. It's a be yourself kind of place. Intellegent people enjoying intellegent food.

Pros: Intellegent Service Helpful Great atmosphere

Cons: none

Posted 01/13/07

I don't know what to say. I just felt like I had to write something after spending what ended up being a great night at Ford's. I had been there a few times for lunch and that was great. But this place really comes alive at night. I think its nice to have a place that is fun and has great food.

Pros: Vibe

Cons: None

Posted 12/22/06

I have been to both of your countries highly touted Gastro Pubs and I must commend those involved for pulling them off so well. The Spotted Pig is a wonderful version in New York and is a little more traditional but I think Ford's has really captured the essence of what a Gastro Pub should be. It is centered in the midst of a little city. It has the feel of a real local and the food is creative and well prepared. I think we could use a Ford's and a Spotted Pig in London.

Pros: Gastro Pub Local

Cons: None

Posted 12/21/06

This is a restaurant where you can tell there was love in the food. Everyone there including the staff really seemed happy to be there. What I nice thing to see. Happy people groving to fine tunes and all the way making me feel right at home. What a great place and soooooooo comfortable. I didn't want to leave. Lucky me. I only live a block away.

Pros: Quality food and nice people

Cons: none really

Posted 12/21/06

I went on line to see what Gastro Pub was and what I found was a that is a concept with a great deal of diversity. I found out that it really is a concept that means you are going to get a neighborhood restaurant rooted in pub sensibilities and serves better quality food and better service. Ford's seems to be exactly what they call a Gastro Pub overseas. I have gone in a few time and have always had a great experience. It is one of my favs already.

Pros: Great New Menu Leader in creativity

Cons: none

Posted 12/21/06

I went there a couple of weeks ago and they were having a guest chef dinner. I tried some of the dishes that wew created by the the chef at Ford's and the visiting chef and it was off the charts. Good beer on tap, great menu and a really great place to hang for awhile. I will go back next time I have to work any where close.

Pros: across the board

Cons: none

Posted 12/20/06

Had a blast at Ford's the other night. Had a couple of flatbreads and split a steak with the person I was with. I have been there a few times and it has aways been very good. This trip was no exception except for the fact that they have gotten better each and every visit. I must commend you Mr. Ford. Desserts were great too.

Pros: Diverse menu and cool vibe

Cons: none and have never had any

Posted 12/20/06

I've been to Ford's 4 or 5 times and it seems as though the quality of the food has decreased while the prices have increased. The last time I was there, the special flatbread was $16 and a bowl of soup was $14!! Come on! $14 for a bowl of soup?! It's a restaurant in Culver City....why so much $$$$?

Posted 12/06/06

Last night I ate at FFS with my family. We had a blast and the food was amazing. When my wife and I were looking for a place to eat near Culver City, we stumbbled across Fords. The mixed reviews on citysearch made us so curious about the place. Boy I'm glad we didn't listen to the negative reviews because last night might have been one of the best meals of my life. We had a pork porterhouse that was unbelievable. He had just got some fresh charcuterie from Paul Bertoli which were out of this world. And, he also had some speck from Italy which I can't seem to get off my mind. I looked up the track record of some of the negative comments...and doesn't seem like they ever find restaurants they enjoy. In fact, it seems like they use citysearch as a tool to vent through. The thing I like about FFS is that although they have to deal with shmucks like that, they haven't given up on their ideal of being a great neighborhood restaurant. It cares about what its feeding its customers and doesnt try to shove inferior cheap ingredients down your throat charge you less for it and wonder why you havent tasted good food like you do at Fords. Oh and by the way, I had great service. It was busy and the tables were tight but it was fun and the place was full of energy. Great meal!

Pros: Fresh food, outstanding ambiance

Posted 11/30/06

I work near ford's filling station, so I finally tried it out for lunch, after hearing a lot of hype. Me and my friend came early on a relatively cold day, and the place was nearly empty inside. They would not give us a normal table inside even though there were literally a dozen open, and they sat us at a high-top table near the door. I asked them to close the door because of the freezing wind, and the hostess said OK... then it never happened. literally 20 minutes later the manager comes up to me and says that they can't close the door because people will think they are closed (never mind that there were people eating out in front at this point, so how could they be closed?). No apology, no offer to move us away from the door... that was it.

I ordered the pulled pork sandwich, which had no side dish listed on the menu, so I didn't think about it. It came out and it had some very watery, gross baked beans on the side, which I would have substituted for something else had I known about them. Then, a waitress gave me attitude about asking for a menu to check if a side dish was listed, and when I mentioned the baked beans problem, she just said "oh". I guess that is the response to any problem at Ford's - "oh, that's too bad. see ya.".

The pulled pork sandwich was OK - about average... no kick to it, no spice, just kind of bland, and it was roughly $16.

I will never be going back here unless I am forced to. If the service had been better, I would have given the food another try.

Cons: terrible attitude and service, and very drafty on a cold day

Posted 11/10/06

there is a group of us foodies who go to smallish restaurants and order lots to share among us all. Ford's is our kind of place! we've sampled their fare several times and the pizzas, polenta, fish & chips, and a steak always make us happy. and there's a manager dude (Nate?) who's, like, always there. he's funny as hell and keeps the place running smoothly even when they're crazy busy nights. (hint: call ahead and get a table)

Pros: intimate and fun vibe

Cons: 'tude at the bar

Posted 11/07/06

I went here with great expectations, but was sorely disappointed. It seemed like the waitstaff on the whole didn't know what they were doing, the bartender where we waited for our seats didn't seem to want to make me a mojito (I needed something refreshing it was SO HOT in there, do they not believe in air conditioning???) and there was one woman (the manager?) who was terribly rude, talking about other employees loud enough for patrons to hear. The food was ok- the polenta cake was pretty good and my freind really enjoyed the Kobe beef cheeks, but I have had better food elsewhere for less money and less abuse. Also... the way the restaurant is arranged is ridiculous, haphazard table placement really doesn't create a flow at all. I felt like I was in danger of having a busser or waiter fall on top of me at any moment. I won't be returning.

Pros: Decent food

Cons: Rude waitstaff and management, crowded and hot, overall uncomfortable experience

Posted 11/07/06

We went with another couple and had a fabulous meal here. We all shared a few apps (the beef tartar was wonderful and I couldn't stop drinking the flavorful broth from the mussels). Cocktails were great, and everyone enjoyed their main courses (the steak was a PERFECT medium rare, nice and red and juicy). We all felt it's reasonably priced and worth every penny. It was a great experience all around, we'll be going abck for sure.

Pros: funky small space, great food and service

Cons: nothing bad to report

Posted 11/05/06

Well according to the previous reviews, I guess it depends on what day you arrive at the restaurant. I waited 15 minutes at my table before the server arrived. I was waiting for a friend and didn't realize that it was too early [5:15 p.m.] to get a glass of wine at the table while I waited, nor did the hostess tell me that I should wait at the bar if I wanted something to drink. So I sat at my table waiting for anyone to stop by, even as the bus boys kept passing by. I finally stopped one of them and asked about obtaining a glass of water. I requested it again, but no water was brought to the table. I requested they send the server, but I guess they didn't understand me. By the time the server arrived I was a bit annoyed and when I told her how long I was sitting there. She said she was sorry and explained that if I wanted something to drink I needed to sit at the bar, well I wish the hostess would have told me that because I had already told her I was early and that my friend would not be there for 20 minutes or so. The bus boys must have all been new because they kept coming to remove our plates even though we had just begun our meal. Our bread plates were removed before the appetizer was served. The salad was tasty, but not for the price. We ordered the trout which was cooked perfectly, but the sauce was very salty. I had had lunch there the prior week [ the fish and chips was very good] which was very good but not the nicest place I have been for the price. Overall nice restaurant, but the wait staff was quite cocky and for the price I would probably not return.

Pros: Nice setting, good food

Cons: Wait staff, service, parking

Posted 11/03/06

made reservations but the wait to get seated was at least 20 minutes. then, the wait staff took a while to get our order. but once we got the order, the food was great (i had the flat bread/pizza). when we complained about the really slow service, the server gave us free dessert on the house. i thought that was nice. if i go back, i would make sure i am not hungry so i won't be upset if i am not seated promptly.

Posted 10/27/06

My boyfriend and I have finally found a place that cares about making our dining experience pleasurable. Not only is the staff accomidating and nice, but the management is very supportive too. The food is quality and the wine selection rocks. One place I found in town that has a good French Rose. It is the one restaurant my boyfriend will hear me ask to go to often, because I crave the fish and chips. Thanks Fords ;)

Pros: Service

Cons: None

Posted 10/19/06

I've been going to Ford's Filling Station since they opened earlier this year and the one thing that has stayed the same is the bar staff. It appears there is a revolving door of both managers and hostess staff. Everytime I go, there is a new face at the door (host or manager) and I have to re-introduce myself and then head to the bar for a cocktail until my table is ready. It's nice to see the same faces behind the bar. Now when I got to Ford's (business or casual) I ALWAYS belly up to the bar where I know Tom and Steve will always have great suggestions, remember my name and pair great (affordable) wines with my meal. Hey Chef, while you go through your mgt. growing pains, please keep the bar staff intact.

Pros: Bar top, bartenders food and wine knowledge

Cons: Revolving door of mgt. and hostess staff

Posted 10/14/06

I visited this place because my friends kept raving on about it. And it really is!! I can't wait to return because while it is delicious restaurant food - it is the closest to the best home cooked food I can remember! I love it - my favorite place in Los Angeles. I love the fact that the Chef is so friendly and knowledgable! He greets every table with sincere interest in their experience. THis is a place for people who enjoy great food and atmosphere! So, if you don't know how to enjoy the good things in life, then this is not the place.

Pros: Beef cheeks, music selection, amazing vibe

Cons: NONE

Posted 10/06/06

Like many of the posts below, we made a reservation Saturday evening and waited 30 minutes over our scheduled time! I will say the host was extremely nice and the servers were pleasant. I am conflicted on the overall ambiance. On one hand, its trendy and popular with a beautiful overall look. On the other hand, it is extremely crowded, tight and loud. If you want elbowroom, this is not the place for you. There is no place to wait and not enough square feet to adequately accommodate all that is happening. I ordered what seemed to be the most normal thing on the menu, which was a cheeseburger. The meat tasted like it had been drenched in pepper. (It was quite possibly the worst burger I have ever eaten.) My wife ordered the pork porterhouse, which was small, cold and very fatty. With two soft drinks, a burger and what basically was a pork chop, we spent $65! I cant help but to think that what is keeping this place open is its good location coupled with the famous name. Otherwise, this place is a waste of money.

Pros: Ambiance & Location

Cons: Food, Price & Crowds

Posted 09/23/06

After reading a lot of rave reviews (not just here), I met girlfriends there expecting a great meal and dining experience. I was sadly disappointed.

I had made reservations because having driven by this place often, I knew it gets crowded even on weeknights. Our reservation was for 6:30 on a Tuesday. We were not seated until almost 7:30!! Normally I would have just left, but my girlfriends were just as eager as I was to try this place. Well, that was just a precursor of things to come.

The service was soooo slow, and we had to make most of our requests at least twice. Every step of the meal was painstakingly delayed. Empty plates sat at our table for, what seemed, hours, before they were cleared and we stared at the blank table for just as long before the next dish arrived. Although I did notice that a certain group of diners were given extra attention and prompt service (blech). By the time we got through dessert, it was 10pm. And we are by no means slow eaters.

We had the cheese plate, scallops, skirt steak, and dessert. I thought the portions were small for the price. Amongst the items we ordered, the scallops were the only dish that really "stood out", but there were only 3 on the plate, so it could not be relished all that much.

For 3 of us the bill came to almost $100. For that, I expect at least excellent service.

I think most of the "hype" about this restaurant is because Ben Ford is Harrison's Ford's son, and there's always the 'chance' that he & Calista could be spotted there.

I don't consider myself a foodie but I've been to a ton of restaurants on the Westside. I know a good meal and know good service. Unfortunately, any merit the food has here, it was sorely outshadowed by the poor service.

Pros: Good food, easy parking, nice patio

Cons: Crowded, slow service, expensive for the size of the portions

Posted 09/14/06

We went in about nine on a Saturday night and though it was crowded, we were seated right away. We enjoyed everything we had: tomato salad, skirt steak, scallops and a delicious glass of red wine. The service was friendly but professional. A very nice meal.

Pros: good food, good service

Cons: a little loud

Posted 09/11/06

My wife and I went here for dinner on Saturday night. We really wanted to like it, its close to us and we were looking for great food in a cool environment. The food is tasty and the atmosphere is fun, but unfortunately there is nothing special about it. for $100 between the 2 of us including drinks, I know of a dozen other places we would have rather gone.

DOn't get me wrong, I have no specific complaint. We wanted to be "wow'ed" and we weren't.

Pros: Convenient location, interesting decor

Cons: pricey for what you get, overall "average" dining experience with above average price.

Posted 08/27/06

I love this restaurant- because it made me fall in love with food again. Seriously, I have been so disappointed by so many restaurant experiences in the last few years- even stopped craving certain meals at my then favorite restaurants. But Ford's has fixed it! I had the scallops and they were TO DIE FOR...never had scallops so good- I want some right now. My boyfriend had the burger with blue cheese and he hates blue cheese- but somehow LOVED the burger. This chef is great. Next time...because there will be a next time...I want to go to the chef and thank him!! I highly recommend this restaurant and I hope you have a good a time as I did.

Pros: parking structure right behind the restaurant!

Posted 08/27/06

Okay, so I call myself a foodie. But when I go out to a casual place I tend to cut it a little slack because you can't always get a "foodie" experience when you're not paying an arm and a leg...So when I went to Ford's I just had no idea things could be so good. The cheese plate I ordered came out and wow'd me. The cheese was a perfect temperature and had figs and dried fruit to pair up with each one. When I got seated at my cute "the restaurant is tonight's entertainment" seat, I was bowled over by the gorgeous beef cheeks and my friend's perfectly executed scallops. And the wine pairing? Perfect as well. Who knew you could have a cool "Tom Waits" song playing in a dimly lit room, with amazing food and great prices? I certainly didn't. But I'm definitely coming back soon. I loved it!

Pros: Casual atmosphere

Posted 08/24/06