Ford's Filling Station

I went there with a small group of friends, one of whom suggested the place. I did not expect anything, but after hearing the name "blah blah filling station" I thought to my self: a dinner. What a nice surprise it was to enter a restaurant with a nice street patio, a stocked bar, and and when I saw the menu I almost fell off the chair.

True, my expectation were extremely low, but this place is nevertheless great.

Nice bar. Had a glass of Spanish Grenache, was server in a real wine glass (would be a plus it the glass was crystal), and was not overcharged for it.

Service is nice but very kick-back. Waitstaff folds the napkins when someone leaves the table, which is a big plus. On the other hand, the waiter was less then knowledgeable about the dish ingredients.

Food is great, and qualifies to be called gourmet. Had beef cheeks served with pasta in light trufle sauce, thish dish is amazing. Meat was of premium quality, tender, well prepared, and all ingredients of the dish complemented each other. A must try at this place. A few other things we tried were good, but nothing too special compared to other restaurants in LA.

Price is very reasonable for the quality.

The drawbacks are the lousy name of the restaurant, it got extremely crowded with no waiting area, food arrived a little bit slow, and less than knowledgeable staff.

In short, a great place in Culver City downtown area, a good value considering quality of food and price.

Pros: food

Cons: name, crowded

Posted 08/15/06

I went to this place about a week after it first opened and I was really blown away. I got the duck confit flatbread and it was simply exquisite! However, I have been there a few times since and I have to say that it has never been consistent. The duck flatbread has never come close to the perfection of the first one I had. I agree that the service is spotty, but I also have noticed that they are WAY understaffed at lunch. There is also something about an entire page of the menu being dedicated to cold cuts and cheese that just annoys me. I enjoy the occasional after dinner cheese plate as much as the next gal, but it just doesn't interest me that much. Seems like something that a snobby culinary school grad would appreciate more than the average diner. This place perplexes me to some degree. I have had a few dishes at Ford's that were unbelievable, but I have also sent back just as many. There is obviously some real talent in the kitchen, but there are also clearly some real duds back there too. I think this place could be a great restaurant if they could just work out their kinks.

Pros: wine list, friendly staff, location

Cons: inconsistent, sparse menu

Posted 08/14/06

We had such great service and food, that we have been there 3 times in one week. I have recommened Ford's to several friends who have had the same great service and food as I have. Culver City is the hot, new place to be.

Pros: Great decor, location, food and service. Something different than your normal "trendy" place.

Cons: No valet

Posted 08/09/06

I went here with a girlfriend and we ordered the sea bass special, which our waitress claimed was large enough for two people to split. She was right, seeing as they filled the inside of the fish with mashed potatoes. (Not in the description.) It's a good thing we got a salad beforehand (which our busboy cleared before we were finished eating it...) That brings up another point: the service was worse than I expected. Our waitress, while friendly enough - wasn't very attentive. In addition to our food being cleared before we were done, she also rushed us out before we had a chance to tell her we'd like to split the bill... The food seemed overpriced for nothing special.

Pros: Outdoor seating

Cons: Service, price

Posted 07/31/06

I've eaten lunch at this place twice now (second time b/c the place we actually wanted to try was closed), and each time I've noticed that the service is bad, it takes too long to get your food, and it is totally overpriced. If you're going to charge people $14 for a hamburger (during lunchtime!), or $16 for chicken, you should at least have excellent service. Instead, it takes forever, they give you no bread while you wait (yet another perk you should have if you're going to charge so much), and the servers aren't all that skilled or even polite. One server dropped a full pitcher of water right next to our table and the water began seeping into the rug under our feet, but she didn't apologize or say a word to us. It's too bad about the service, because the food (once you finally get it) is decent and the decor inside is cool. However, I've left each time feeling ripped off.

Pros: Nice decor

Cons: bad service, overpriced for what you're getting, limited menu.

Posted 07/16/06

I have visited this restaurant twice and each time the food was below average, hostess was rude, and the chef out of the kitchen schmoozing when he should be behind the stove. I do not understand the hype.

Cons: Service, Ambience, Noise Level

Posted 07/13/06

Had a reservation for 8:45pm, and arrived right on time. Upon arriving, was told that they were behind and that there would be a 15 minute wait. 30 minutes later there was still no table and after asking the hostess if it would be much longer she said she didn't know and turned her back. A finer establishment would have offered something for our trouble (i.e. an appetizer on the house) but the host staff acted as if we should have expected a half hour wait even though we had reservations. We ended up leaving as it was getting close to 9:30 and didn't want to eat that late. Dissapointment.

Posted 07/10/06

The fried clams were good, the wine was the best I've ever had, and the strawberry shortcake was wonderful. However, the entree was a let-down. The flat-iron steak was well-prepared and tender, but the spinach souffle was a bit bland. My friend's porterhouse turned out to be pork (it says so on the menu, but both of us missed it--when else is porterhouse anything but beef?). On top of that, the service was negligent, which it really shouldn't be at these prices. With wine, a split appetizer, entrees, and desserts, we each spent a little over $60. At $45-50 each, the price would have been right (although I still would have considered the service to be slack). Ford's Filling Station is good, but it's not great, and I'll go elsewhere to get my money's worth out of the dining experience.

Pros: Good public parking

Cons: Lack of value for price

Posted 07/09/06

Overall, had a good experience. Was treated for a birthday dinner by a friend-in-the-know. And was impressed with the fact that we were promptly seated at the time of our reservation, eventhough the place was JUMPIN'! Lots of people, hip atmostphere, but not too sceney. Everyone appeared to be enjoying themselves. Food was good; patio was nice and probably not as loud as the inside. It is definately a meat place. We both enjoyed our hamburgers. Though my burger had some "marbling" that I did not enjoy. Everything was great, up until the end when we tried to linger a bit to chat and were given the boot. I can't blame them because they were busy, but it really put a damper on an otherwise very enjoyable meal. I'll go again, and be sure to have plans for after.

Worth a visit if you want to have some fun with good food.

Pros: Great Atmostphere, good food, good parking

Cons: If it's busy, don't plan to linger

Posted 07/07/06

Very cool spot to have a little nosh and a couple of drinks with cool staff and fun
atmosphere.

Ahmad

Posted 06/29/06

I have three words to describe Ford's Filling Station - Yum Yum Yum!! Aw.....and maybe one more YUM! Fun atmosphere, nice people and truly good food make this place dreamy.

Pros: Cute Chef Ben Ford interacts and cares about your experience, neat atmosphere

Cons: What cons????

Posted 06/22/06

For weeks, I walked by this place attempting to get a same-day reservation. No luck. When I finally got it, it was so worth it. Prompt, unpretenious service. Amazing oysters with spinach. Also recommend the steaks.

Posted 06/20/06

This restaurant has been hyped so much that I was wary about whether it could meet my expectations. Everything was exceptional from the moment we walked in. We had reservations and were seated promptly. The butter leaf salad and the oyster appetizers were delicious. The crispy chicken was a piece of comfort-food heaven. We finished our meal with the Strawberry Shortcake which was melt-in-your-mouth delicious. We liked it so much we are going back this weekend.

Pros: Terrific service and food

Cons: Crowded, No Valet

Posted 06/18/06

I visited this place because my daughter told me it was great. And it really is - so I keep going back! I have been several times and had delicious oysters (rockefeller type), a meat platter with yummy cheese, steak tartar, crispy flattened chicken, incredible polenta, a beautiful full flavored tomato salad with a cheese I had never had before (boratta - sooo incredible), and tried all three desserts! 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 - and fyi - the service is perfect - everyone is so nice. I love the fact that Chef Ben Ford is so friendly! He greets every table with sincere interest in their experience. Maybe thats why they are so popular.

Pros: Really fun and positive vibe

Cons: none that i could see -

Posted 06/14/06

After hearing some good things about Ford's, I went to check it out with a friend. The restaurant was much more expensive than I thought it would be and the food was simply "okay." I had the scallops and the sides and fish were good but not memorable. The cheese flatbread was tasty, though, and the service was attentive. The biggest problem was that it was so crowded and so loud that I had to strain to hear my friend talk. All and all, with all the great restaurants in L.A., I wouldn't rush back anytime soon.

Pros: Tasty flatbread, good service, great location.

Cons: Too noisy, too expensive for the average food.

Posted 06/13/06

I went there for the sexy chef. Stayed for the dinner and left with butterscotch cream in my mouth. Yummy.

Pros: desserts, steak tartar, meat

Posted 06/06/06

I have visited ford's for both lunch and dinner. Place has a real comfortable feeling to it. The place just seems to naturally groove though the night. I will be back regularly. Everything was very good for a neighborhood joint. Great patio!

Pros: value, food, patio

Cons: self parking

Posted 06/06/06

The service and food really have it together. What was a little chaotic in the beginning is now smooth. The feeling and the food are as good as can be. The bar is fun. The music is great and the service was informal, friendly and professional.

Pros: service, parking, food

Cons: none really

Posted 06/06/06

Took a chance on a second visit - the first was very disappointing - and LOVED it!! The hostess was new, polite and lovely. The food was excellent, the ambiance amazing and Ford's whole team were 100% on top of things. I think they just needed time to settle into this new space. Some celeb sightings which was fun for our out of town guests. Just make sure you make reservations well in advance. Thanks to Ben for coming to Culver City and lighting a spark under the restaurant industry here!

Pros: The Bar, Great Food, Good Service

Posted 06/05/06

I love Ford's Filling Station! My friends and I go there at least a couple nights a week because the environment is awesome and the food is sooooo good so its really worth it. It's a great dining experience and it doesn't break my bank. The music playing is always fun and there are so many fun people in there everytime I go. There's a special culture in this place that many LA restaurants don't offer. If you go you must get a drink from the bar because the bartenders are the best of the best and so friendly. This restaurant is a must.

Posted 05/27/06

I only went in for a drink and a quick bite but this is the kind of place I could sit in all ady and through the night. Great music, great food and stiff drinks. I dont know much about the rest of la but I am glad to have this place in my neighborhood.music

Pros: music, menu, creative bartenders

Posted 05/24/06

Mr. Ford has got his grove back. that much is clear. Food is very good and the good looking chef has a great concept. Loved Chadwick but this place rocks.

Pros: Kobe beef Cheeks, Cute Chef, easy and free parking

Posted 05/24/06

My Foodie friends and I dug all the inventive, earthy eats with organic, seasonal surprises ... (Brook Trout, flatbread pizzas, Ipswich Clams!) we also find that the wines are fine and the usual LA restaurant whines are few and far between at Ford's... the main room is cozy and communal with its exposed brick and wood-burning oven backdrop and the covered patio can be a catbird seat for the street-scene and here-comes-summer breezes... This place is a definite oasis for us locals and the vibe can vary from laid-back to boisterous depending on when you book...and definitely call for a reservation...the up-for-grab bar seats and bar tables go fast...as do the tables outside. Bonus: what's in the musical mix (From The Band to Beck and everything in between)

Pros: Vibe, And, Vittles

Posted 05/24/06

This is really exceptional food. I recently attended a large dinner party at Ford's and everyone had nothing but great things to say about what they ordered. The beef cheeks, which I believe is the name of the dish I had, was unbelievable. There are a handful of places to get great food in LA and this is one of them. I suggest giving it a try.

Posted 05/23/06

We loved Ford's filling station.

This was our first time dining there. We'd read the reviews in the LA Times and brought the inlaws from out of town.

All four of us raved about the meals. The flatbread was delicious. Wine list cozy, but sophisticated. Between two trouts, a polenta, and the scallops--we couldn't decide what won out.

Highly recommend.

Cons: a little loud

Posted 05/23/06

I'm a pretty harsh critic when it comes to recommending a restaurant and have never written a review before. However, I felt inspired by Ford's Filling Station and have to inform you about this fantastic eatery. A friend invited me for dinner and I couldn't have been any more blown away. The food was out of this world! My taste buds were dancing like the Cubs just won the world series. They have an extremely comfortable ambiance, imaginitive lighting, temendous service...I don't think a single detail was overlooked in the conception and execution of this restaurant. There was an eclectic mix of multi-cultural backgrounds enjoying the restaurant and I could tell that every person felt completely at home. I take my hat of to you Mr. Ford. PLEASE OPEN A RESTAURANT IN HOLLYWOOD!

Pros: Food, Service, ambiance

Posted 05/23/06

I have now been to Ford's Filling Station a handful of times and I can say without question that each time it get's better and better. This warm, cosy environment is exactly the kind of place LA needed for friends to gather for casual, classy and delicious meals in a warm but yet bustling dining room. The Kobe beef cheeks are not to be missed. They literally melt in your mouth (no knife necessary!). The charcuterie offerings are a welcome touch that is rarely seen in similar restaurants. Don't skip dessert - i've had a least three of them and they are all delectible. We needed a place like this in Los Angeles and I am so happy to have found Ford's Filling Station.

Pros: Fun environment, Delicious Food, Excellent Service

Cons: Street Parking

Posted 05/22/06

Forget about what you know about culver city. Something is happening, and I believe it all starts here at Ford's. I have gone now four times and am in love. I liken the hotspot's appeal to the oriental rugs on the floor. There is great taste everywhere but it doesn't call attention to itself. The food is accesible as is the staff. Its nice to get service with no attitude in this town. Perfect vibe. Great wine list- short but potent.

Posted 05/22/06

After waiting over a year for Ford's to open walking distance to my house I was very disapointed after my initial visit. I was hoping for a neighborhood bar/cafe to get a bite to eat that was both good & affordable. This place is neither.

Ford's is very expensive for what it is. If it is going to last I hope the chef/owner makes some changes.

Pros: Nice inside, Good Location

Cons: Expensive, Bad Service, Lousy Food

Posted 05/21/06

They have these kobe beef cheeks that are off the charts. My friend had that since I am still caught on the burger. But he ate the whole thing with his spoon just to make me beg of a bite. Which I did. It does get loud in there but it seemed quiter on their side room and the patio will see a lot of me this summer.

Pros: Patio, Big Bar, Really great food

Cons: can be noisy inside

Posted 05/19/06

I went their the first couple months they were open and they were still figuring out their space and their were some obvious short commings. But I can tell you this place is sooooooo good now. Everything and I mean everything was so full of flavor. The ingredients the chef uses are obviously of the best quality because there is such a difference in the way the food tastes. I was there both times with large parties and although the reviews were mixed on the first go, the second meal got a unanamous applause for my table of friends. can't wait to get back.

Pros: Fish, Wood Oven, Fun Fun Fun

Posted 05/19/06

For the past three months, I heard by word of mouth that Ford's Filling Station is one of the best vibes - food, ambiance, music - LA has to offer. After hearing everyone rave on about it, I decided to make a reservation. When I went to citysearch to get the number, I surprisingly read many negative reviews. I decided to go and make my own opinion on the place. And, IT WAS UNBELIEVABLE! From the moment I walked in, I felt at home. Everyone was full of energy. Aside from the great atmosphere it provides, the food is out of this world. Mmmm, I can't stop thinking about the spinach oysters, grilled scallops, steak tartare (my fav!) and the beef cheeks...OMG, amazing...all you need is a spoon its so tender. Everyone who likes good food, atmosphere and music should try Ford's.

Pros: Great vibe, Rockin music, Sensational food

Posted 05/18/06

I had been waiting along time for this restaurant to open. Based on Ben Ford's previous establishment, I had no doubts this would be excellent. Although I kept reading many poor reviews, I was still hopeful. After much deliberation, my friend and I decided on 3 dishes to share. But turned out they were out of 2 of them, and not much else appealed to us (not the most interesting menu). We had: Steak tartar (had better), Chicken entree (plain awful...I never order chicken but the server said it was very good), and we had the broccolini side which was the only decent thing....I didn't go out to dinner for a side of vegetables. Oh well. If you go, just don't have high expectations, and perhaps then you won't be disappointed.

Pros: Location, Service

Cons: Food, parking, Menu

Posted 05/18/06

I went there last night for a delayed Mothers day. The food was poor and very over priced!
My Sweetheart got his food and had to waite for for my food to come. It came much later after his food was cold.
We live close by but we will not go there again.

Posted 05/16/06

The hostess was extremely rude. She greeted me by saying I would have to order right away, though the table was not ready, because they were closing the kitchen. She said Open Table's system was the problem. Then she wanted us to sit outside, though there were tables inside. They had very little food, though this had not been advertised. No normal entrees. They were not respectful, and we finally left without ordering. I was so disappointed and it ruined the day.

Posted 05/15/06

I walked in really wanting to like this restaurant, but that feeling went away sometime during the forty minute wait we had for our table past our reservation time. I know why Ford's is so busy - they're the only game in town for - no other restaurant is even open in downtown Culver City after 10pm on a FRIDAY!

We were underwhelmed with the menu offerings and portions. I had the fish and chips, which came with, get this, TWO (2) "potato wedges" - barely bigger than a thick French fry. I asked our waitress (who was very good) if this was a mistake, and she said no, that's how Ben makes it and that's everyone's reaction (surprise over 2 fries) with fish and chips. The batter was very soggy, too. The restaurant is extremely loud as well. Won't be back. Should last a few months longer than Chadwick.

Pros: open after 10

Cons: loud, incompetent hostess, lame food

Posted 05/12/06

I make a habit of hanging at Ford's Filling Station every chance I get. I love it as a lunch spot during the work week. their shrimp flatbread is terrific, as is the vibe, the service and even the prices. I've never had anything disappointing in my 10+ visits. Great after work too, if you like relaxed unpretentious cool spots! Love it, love it and the chef's easy on the eyes too:)

Pros: Great Service!, Easy & Cheap Parking, Cool Ambiance

Cons: Great Menu, but ask the server as it can be confusing.

Posted 05/11/06

I just don't know what the owner is thinking.
Mr Ford is trying to create a Hip? Trendy? Cool? All-American? Causal? What the????
This restuarant is trying to create everything or be everything!!!

One statement, your "Fusion" is really "Confusing" in this restaurant!!!
That's why all the waiter are young, inexperience and confuse when they try to serve.
Maybe it's not their fault, maybe it's their stupid jobs!!!

Pros: Nothing, None, Never will.

Cons: Stupid Servers., Bad seating area., Tasteless Foods

Posted 05/02/06

I have been to this place nearly once a week since it opened, taken out of town guests, my party friends and even my husband on his birthday for a romantic dinner. Every time i have had amazing food the meat and cheese platters are amazing for sharing, as was the trout salad. I have never liked Sweet breads Before but the are amazing,as is the Crispy chicken. It can get very busy on weekends and you can be waiting a bit, but what popular restaurant in LA does not make you wait! the service is good and friendly, you have to remember this is a Gastro pub, not Fine dinning. so, you can tear it up with your friends and have a great time (wine list is reasonable) and or be romantic. looking forward till the it gets warmer so we can sit on the great Patio.

Pros: great food, affordable wine, fun atmosphere

Cons: hrd to get a bar seat

Posted 04/16/06

Besides the good food- and it was good- my favorite part was when the chef came to my table just to ask me and my friends how our meal was and if we were having a good time. He's done this 2 of the times I've been there, which impresses me. We were really having a great time already...but it really was even better when he came out! Icing on the cake! The service has also really improved since the first time I went

Pros: great music!

Cons: a little bit of a wait- we forgot to make a reservation.

Posted 04/16/06

From the name of the restaurant we thought we would receive decent-sized portions (not that we were looking to put on the feed bag, but we weren't on the Zone either!) You will be told "how it works" by your server. You will be encouraged to order many dishes, all pricey for what you get. I suggest you eat somewhere else and just go there to hang at the bar. For the moment it feels like a rip-off. Maybe they should consider changin the name of the place so people won't be mislead. Oh, and it's very, very loud. Not a good place for a date, but if you've got good vocal chords, dig in. Or not.

Pros: friendly crowd, good location

Cons: loud, skimpy portions

Posted 04/15/06

We arrived on time for a 7:00 reservation, got seated 30 minutes later. At 8:05 our drinks arrived. It was a birthday celebration where I picked the restaurant and I could not enjoy my meal, I was too upset by the bad service. There are too many really good restaurants in LA to ever return to Ford's Filling Station. They ran out of wine glasses and,to top things off, did not remember the candle in the dessert.

Pros: Parking okay, 1 block, better than average

Cons: BAD service, Too loud

Posted 04/15/06

We had a reservation for 6 people that was made 6 weeks in advance. We were seated 1 hour after our reservation time. Once sat we had horrible service. They ran out of wine glasses, so our wine was served in cocktail glasses. We were even given a warm cocktail glass for chardonay. The food does not warrant another visit to this restaurant. TOO MANY GOOD RESTAURANTS IN LA TO WASTE MONEY AND TIME HERE!!!!!

Pros: NOTHING

Cons: SERVICE, FOOD

Posted 04/14/06

I had the pleasure of dining at the gastropub-style restaurant. This is definitely a worthy addition to the blossoming Culver City restaurant scene. The informal and loose vibe coupled with an outstanding choice of music is just what the doctor ordered. I've been to FFS 5 times and each time it gets better. Mmm, this is a must see!!!

Pros: Delicious, Exciting, Fun

Posted 04/11/06

I have been there on repeated visits and have had most of the menu. I have always come away with positive experience.

Pros: great food, great bar, great patio

Cons: none

Posted 04/11/06

Fun place, not as noisy as I expected. We ate at the bar and had a great time. The appetizers - steak tartare and a smoked trout salad - were both exceptional, and our entree - fish and chips - was very good.

Pros: Very good food, Friendly staff, Nice place

Cons: Kinda expensive

Posted 04/07/06

Well, this part of town is always underserved by high quality, good service restaurants.
Luckily, Ford's Filling Station was a delight. Gloria, the hostperson, was amiable, took us right to our table in the cozy inside dining room, and everything we ordered was tasty. We remember Ben from his previous restaurant in Bev Hills and this was also quite a culinary treat. Highly recommended!

Pros: Food, Service, decor

Cons: smallish, can be a little noisi

Posted 04/05/06

I had read some of the negative reviews on this site about Ford's Filling Station, but I thought what the heck, I'll make my own judgement. As it turns out, the negative reviews are right on the money. The atmosphere of this restaurant is decent, but it is quite small. My first impression of the food was bad when I bit into a dry and uninspired breadstick. My date ordered the burger, which is good if you like Blue Cheese (it was smoothered in it). I had the Flattened Chicken, which was ok, but nothing to write home about. My favorite part was the Blue Margatini cocktail. There's no need to check this place out, or for me to go back. It was pretty boring and there are so many other interesting and good places to check out.

Pros: Ambiance, Salt and Pepper Bowls, Good Parking

Cons: Uninspired, Overpriced, Small

Posted 04/05/06

Friend and I had lunch there today. We both ordered the pub burger. My friend had to repeatedly pull rubbery pellets out of her mouth and put them on her plate. I got two definitely gristly bites. I was starved and just wolfed. She gave up. When server came at end of meal my friend pointed it out and the server was very nice and NOT surprised she said. She said she wanted to take it back to the kitchen. She took it off the check even tho we said we ate most of it. She insisted. Said they need to buy better meat. That it's the chuck they use. She said she would never eat the burger. We were like, um, thanks.....So, I don't think I'll be back. Cool vibe. But cheap meat for a $14 burger, c'mon.

Pros: Nice decor

Cons: Pricey, Low Quality Food

Posted 04/05/06

I was not too excited about going to lunch at this place after reading some of the reviews, but I couldn't have been more pleased with my experience there. The food was fantastic - my friend and I had the four cheese flatbread, iceberg wedge salad, I had the pub burger (great meat, great bun, great french fries and onion rings on the side!), my friend had the fish & chips, and we split the flourless chocolate torte for dessert (could've done without the kumquats on it though). The hostess and staff were very very nice. The waitress went along with all of my friend's silly jokes, and the hostess insisted on opening the door for us as we were leaving. Reminded me a lot of Hal's in Venice, in both ambience and food.

Pros: Service, Food

Posted 04/04/06