Ford's Filling Station

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. more

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 more

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 more

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!!!!!!!!!!! more

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 more

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 more

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. more

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... more

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 more

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. more

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. Pros: Some great dishes Cons: Some bad dishes, the crowds, the wait for a table more

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 more

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 more

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 more

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. Cons: horrible service, too crowded more

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. more

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 more

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. more

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. more

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 more