Ford's Filling Station

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9531 Culver Blvd., Culver City
310-202-1470

Hours: Mon.-Fri., 11 a.m.-3 p.m.; Mon.-Sat., 5-11 p.m.

Critic's rating:

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Readers' rating:

Reader reviews: Write a review | Read other reviews

People are spilling out the door as newcomers wriggle their way up to the host's podium. The bar is three deep, with the lucky ones perched on stools around a few high tables. Out front, there's a whole other scene, with people sprawled on metal chairs, waiting for friends or lighting up a smoke.

Never underestimate the pull of celebrity. This "filling station" is owned by Ben Ford, the chef and the son of Harrison. And that means the buzz about this little Culver City restaurant went into overdrive long before it opened its doors in February.

-- S. Irene Virbila
April 12, 2006

Cross street: Washington Boulevard

Reader Reviews

July 9, 2007

Nick Santa Monica, CA

Stumbled upon Ford's by accident. Was packed, but I thought I'd give it a shot. Hostess gave me a 15min wait, we got a drink at the bar & 15 minutes later, a table was available. Rather casual place with little flair. My girl and I decided to make it a "dinning experience" since I"m a chef, so we started with a meat and cheese appetizer and it was delicious. Salad, bottle of wine and our main course. Food was delicious & in good portions Service is top notch. Its a bit costly but I'd return.

October 17, 2006

M. Russ Los Angeles, CA

Wonder what Mr. Ford is doing with all of the money he's banking? Very High prices for So-So food (and not much of it either). The concept was great, the restaurant is beautiful - but Ben Ford and his staff's attitude is blatant - give nothing for something.

August 2, 2006

chefchance Los Angeles, CA

Food & service: fantastic. Met Mr. Ford, & he was very kind/cordial. However: The bar manager is an unmitigated jerk. Pompous/arrogant when I told him he got my drink wrong, he was sadly our first impression of the place. Rarely do I complain; this time I did. After all that, we do plan on returning as the food was very well prepared & the waiter kind. True it's a little on the loud side. But try the table in the corner (the back left as you walk in) as you'll feel completely unnoticed.

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Venue Details

Cuisine	American
Rating
Ambience	Lively — and noisy — Culver City gastropub with an open kitchen and wood-burning ovens at the back, Turkish carpets on the floors and bare, polished wood tabletops. Canvas walls enclose what will be an open side patio come warm weather.
Best dishes	Split pea soup, fried Ipswich clams, smoked trout salad, four cheeses flatbread, crispy flattened chicken, polenta cake, oxtail soup, fish 'n' chips, pear buckle.
Best table	One of the tables for two along the leather banquette.
Night Life	Bars , Food Served , Outdoor Patio
Of Note	Full bar. Street and public lot parking around the corner.
Prices	Appetizers, $7-$14; main courses, $14-$26; desserts, $7.
Service	Upbeat and personable.
Wine list	One-page list of wines from all over the world, most available by the glass as well. Corkage, $15.

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