Ford's Filling Station

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 more

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 more

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 more

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 more

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 more

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 more

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 $$$$? more

Culver City is beginning to become a hip place, lots of new, trendy restaurants are beginning to open in... more

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 more

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

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 more

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 more

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 more

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 more

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. more

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 more

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 more

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 more

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 more

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. Pros: Good food, easy parking, nice patio Cons: Crowded, slow service, expensive for the size of the portions more