Dear John's

Review summary

1. C

   Costa

   New York City

   10 reviews

   1.0

   10 reviews

   Dined 3 days ago

   1. Overall 1
   2. Food 1
   3. Service 1
   4. Ambience 3

   This place is probably the WORST food in Culver City. What happened? If you book a table 48 hrs or less from when you want to come, you will not be able to cancel it or they keep your $25 per person deposit. The patio seating are tables on the parking lot. This is not a patio! A very stark contrast to the inside, which is actually very old school fun. We opted to seat at the bar, since the table at “the patio” was not an acceptable option. They could not do the ‘table side Caesar salad” at the bar, so brought us three plates of what looked and tasted like a pre-made packet Caesar salad. We also ordered a $45 dish which included caviar, crème fresh and pop tarts. Yes, any other restaurant would have served it exactly how you imagined, not this one… see the picture. The end result, we left the food, still paid the full bill and walked out. Oh yes, we also ordered two old fashioned - get a bottle of pre-mixed $19 bottle of Buleit old fashioned - it will be a lot better! AVOID THIS PLACE LIKE PLAGUE!
   

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2. J

   Julie

   VIP

   Los Angeles

   14 reviews

   5.0

   14 reviews

   Dined 7 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Had never had the opportunity to visit, and Ben was the perfect ambassador - loved the food, drinks, atmosphere - we'll be back!
   

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3. P

   Patrick

   Los Angeles

   5 reviews

   5.0

   5 reviews

   Dined on December 12, 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Dear John's was nice enough to fulfill my request for a corner table. That was the start of this great dining experience. The food was oustanding, as was the service and cocktails. I had the Ossobuco (special for the night) and it was absolutely delicious!! This place is such a hidden gem that makes you feel like your in NYC.
   

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4. B

   Bobby

   Los Angeles

   11 reviews

   2.0

   11 reviews

   Dined on December 8, 2024

   1. Overall 2
   2. Food 1
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 2

   Drinks were good. 2 old fashioned & a glass of Syrah. But it’s hard to mess up wine. Wedge salad appetizer was loaded with oil & vinegar on top—overpowers the bleu which should be the featured flavor. Wagu pigs in a blanket were a joke. Extremely overcooked—both the sorry excuse for a wagu hot dog & puff pastry were mostly burnt. Side of sautéed mushrooms were bad. They & everything on the menu were too vinegar forward. No butter or garlic present which should be standard for sautéed mushrooms. Scalloped potatoes were a little bland but overpowered by thyme—disappointment was on par with the mushrooms. Lobster thermidor was a liquid mess, a little sour, unevenly distributed between tails. Ribeye was the most acceptable, but even that was poorly prepared. Cooking was uneven, and sear on the sides were over done. Could have been partially pre-cooked, would definitely explain how the entrées came out lightning fast. $340 with tip. Won’t be going back. Would not recommend.
   

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5. K

   Kevin

   VIP

   Los Angeles

   40 reviews

   3.0

   40 reviews

   Dined on December 8, 2024

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 2
   4. Ambience 2

   Very noisy, the service is mediocre but the food is good.
   

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6. D

   Diana

   San Francisco

   2 reviews

   5.0

   2 reviews

   Dined on December 8, 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Incredible service, wonderful food. Classic LA establishment
   

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7. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   New York City

   2 reviews

   5.0

   2 reviews

   Dined on December 7, 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   If you enjoy dining in dark, and cozy restaurants with excellent food and energetic people. Get yourself a table at Dear John’s. It’s a slice of LA history and always a good time.
   

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8. S

   Susan

   VIP

   Los Angeles

   9 reviews

   5.0

   9 reviews

   Dined on December 1, 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 4

   Exceeded our expectations! Great ambiance, great steakhouse food - all very well prepared - and really great service. We’ll be back!
   

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9. K

   Kathleen

   VIP

   Los Angeles

   20 reviews

   5.0

   20 reviews

   Dined on December 1, 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   The food was great! We had Bougie Tots, Caesar salad (tossed at the table old school), Veal Chop (best we've ever had), Porterhouse, Sand Dabs, Shrimp Scampi, Scalloped Potatoes, Broccolini. We should have ordered the beef that had more marbling. Ours was just a little tough. The room is great. I w as expecting more noise. It was loud but the table was small & so we're all close & could hear each other just fine. It is really dark - but it's terrific atmosphere. We did use cell phones to read the menus. Our waiter Angel was the best.
   

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10. D

    Dianne

    VIP

    Denver

    6 reviews

    4.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on November 30, 2024

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 5

    Probably overpriced for the taciturn service and fine, but not amazing, food, but you go there for the dark candlelit atmosphere and the hep music and the knowledge that Frank Sinatra used to hang out there!
    

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