Walk into any real estate open house near Montana Avenue in Santa Monica or in the Helms Bakery area of Culver City and the real estate agent will likely mention the home's proximity to Father's Office. It may seem like a cheap ploy to prove how hip the neighborhood is, but when you think harder, you realize that there's a real, perhaps subconscious reason for the name-dropping: Father's Office is a place you want to live near. It's cool, but it appeals to everyone. It's a fun gastropub with a world-class chef — Sang Yoon — behind it. Its mix of dependability, casual vibe, eclectic beers and occasional wild-card specials mean you can go there frequently. Its famous burgers with long buns and no ketchup allowed are enough of a curiosity to show your out-of-town friends. And since it's always steps away, you can carefully pick the time you go, allowing you to avoid its main drawback: difficulty finding a seat. As L.A. real estate prices grow more and more ridiculous, Yoon should be asking for royalties. 1018 Montana Ave., Santa Monica. (310) 736-2224; 3229 Helms Ave., Culver City. (310) 736-2224, fathersoffice.com. —Zachary Pincus-Roth

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