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Dear John's
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Dear John's
8.3
Frank Sinatra's former hangout revived by acclaimed chefs Josiah Citrin and Hans Röckenwagner brings Old Hollywood glamour to modern Culver City. The dimly lit, vintage steakhouse serves standout dishes like mozzarella-stuffed chicken parmesan and buttery sand dabs, though steaks can be inconsistent. Strong martinis and tableside Caesar salads complete the classic experience.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Parmesan (stuffed), Sand Dabs with Lemon-Caper Butter, Frank's Spaghetti & Clams
Scores:
Value: 7.5
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 9.1
Cultural Relevance: 9.2
What makes it special: Frank Sinatra's historic 1962 steakhouse revived with vintage dark-room ambiance
Who should go: Old Hollywood enthusiasts and special occasion diners
When to visit: Dinner reservations Tuesday-Saturday, arrive early for walk-ins
What to order: Chicken parm, sand dabs, tableside Caesar, strong Vesper martini
Insider tip: Request the outdoor patio for quieter conversations and better lighting
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet available $15, limited street parking on Washington Blvd - arrive 10 min early to find spots
Dress code: Business casual to dressy - collared shirts recommended, no shorts or sneakers
Noise level: Romantically dim and moderately loud - can converse but may need to lean in during peak hours
Weekend wait: 60-90 min without reservation Friday-Saturday, reservations strongly recommended
Weekday lunch: Closed for lunch - dinner only Tuesday-Saturday
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited - pasta primavera and Caesar salad available, not a strong vegetarian destination
Vegan options: Very limited - essentially none, steakhouse focus makes this challenging
Gluten-free options: Moderate - fish dishes and Caesar (no croutons) work, inform server for preparation notes
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice - romantic lighting, impressive Old Hollywood atmosphere, and strong cocktails set the mood. Just know it's loud enough that you'll be leaning close, which can actually be a plus. Budget $200+ for two with drinks.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible Tuesday-Thursday if you arrive right at 5:30pm opening or try the bar. Weekend walk-ins are nearly impossible - book 1-2 weeks ahead for Friday-Saturday prime times.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal - dim lighting, adult cocktail atmosphere, and $200+ checks make this better for ages 12+. The chicken parm could work for older kids, but you'll feel out of place with young children.
How are the steaks compared to other high-end steakhouses? Inconsistent according to critics - the chicken parm and sand dabs actually outshine the steaks here. If you're craving premium beef, Gwen or Chi Spacca may be better bets. Come here for the vibe and non-steak standouts.
Is the outdoor patio heated? Yes - patio has heaters and is quieter than the dining room with better lighting for conversation. Request it when booking, especially for dates where you want to actually see each other.
Best For
Better for: Old Hollywood atmosphere and special occasion romance - nowhere else in Culver City captures Sinatra-era glamour like this. The chicken parm is legitimately excellent, and the tableside Caesar service is theatrical. Choose this over modern steakhouses when ambiance matters as much as the food.
Skip if: You're primarily craving an exceptional steak (inconsistent execution), need vegetarian options, want a quiet conversation dinner, or are on a budget under $80pp. Also skip if you prefer bright, modern spaces - this is intentionally dark and vintage.
Dear John's
8.3
This resurrected 1962 steakhouse channels Old Hollywood glamour with its dimly lit brick interior and strong cocktails. Chefs Hans Röckenwagner and Josiah Citrin deliver updated classics like bone-in chicken parmigiana and tableside Caesar salad alongside perfectly cooked steaks.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tableside Caesar Salad, Bone-in Chicken Parmigiana, Ribeye Steak
Scores:
Value: 7.5
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 9.1
What makes it special: Frank Sinatra's former haunt restored by celebrated LA chefs
Who should go: Date night romantics and Old Hollywood enthusiasts
When to visit: Dinner Tuesday-Saturday for full atmosphere experience
What to order: Tableside Caesar, ribeye, chicken parm
Insider tip: Request patio seating if you want quieter conversation
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet available $15, public garage on Culver Blvd (2 blocks), street parking challenging after 7pm
Dress code: Upscale casual to dressy - think date night polish, no shorts or athletic wear
Noise level: Intimate - low lighting and brick walls create cozy sound level, easy conversation
Weekend wait: 60-90 min without reservation Friday-Saturday, reservations strongly recommended
Weekday lunch: Closed for lunch - dinner only Tuesday-Saturday
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited but elevated - roasted mushrooms, seasonal vegetable sides, can modify pasta dishes
Vegan options: Very limited - 1-2 vegetable-focused sides, call ahead for chef accommodations
Gluten-free options: Yes - gluten-free preparations available, steaks naturally safe, ask about sauces
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice - romantic ambiance without being stuffy, impressive without trying too hard, noise level perfect for conversation. The Old Hollywood vibe gives you built-in conversation topics.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Very difficult on weekends - book 1-2 weeks ahead for prime times. Tuesday-Thursday you might snag bar seating walk-in around 5:30pm or after 9pm, but don't count on it for special occasions.
Is it kid-friendly? Technically yes, but atmosphere screams adult date night - dimly lit, romantic, pricey. Better for teens and up if celebrating something special. Younger kids would be out of place and might get bored.
How much should I budget per person? $100-150 per person with appetizer, entree, drinks and dessert. Steaks run $55-85, add sides ($12-18 each), cocktails $16-20. Easy to hit $300+ for two with wine.
Is the bar area as good as dining room? Yes - full menu available, actually preferred by regulars for the more relaxed vibe. Great option if you couldn't get a dining reservation or want a less formal experience.
Best For
Better for: Choose Dear John's for authentic Old Hollywood romance and chef-driven execution - Röckenwagner and Citrin bring serious culinary credentials. Better date night energy than typical steakhouses, more polished than trendy newcomers. The tableside service and vintage cocktails feel genuinely special.
Skip if: Choose alternatives if you want: a quieter space for important conversations (patio helps but fills fast), vegetarian-friendly options, lower price point, or casual jeans-and-tee vibe. Also skip if you prefer modern sleek over vintage glamour, or need easy last-minute reservations.
Dear John's
8.2
Resurrected 1962 steakhouse channels Old Hollywood with tableside Caesar service and dark, moody ambiance. The bone-in chicken parmesan arrives stuffed with mozzarella rather than topped, while sand dabs swim in lemony caper butter—dishes that transcend the typical steakhouse formula.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Parmesan, Sand Dabs, Frank's Spaghetti & Clams
Scores:
Value: 7.5
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Revived Frank Sinatra hangout with movie-theater darkness and updated classics
Who should go: Old Hollywood romantics and special occasion celebrants
When to visit: Dinner Tuesday-Saturday, arrive early for better lighting
What to order: Tableside Caesar, stuffed chicken parm, sand dabs with caper butter
Insider tip: Extremely dark inside—use phone flashlight to read menu
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet available ($15-18), street parking on Washington Blvd challenging after 7pm, small public lot one block east
Dress code: Elevated casual to dressy - dark jeans acceptable but most wear cocktail attire, jackets common but not required
Noise level: Intimate and conversation-friendly - low music, carpeted floors, booths absorb sound well
Weekend wait: 60-90 min without reservation Friday/Saturday after 7pm, reservations essential
Weekday lunch: Closed for lunch - dinner only Tuesday-Saturday starting 5:30pm
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited - 2-3 starters (Caesar salad, wedge) and sides, not a vegetarian destination
Vegan options: Very limited - essentially sides only, advance notice recommended for modifications
Gluten-free options: Moderate - steaks and fish preparations work, but signature chicken parm and Caesar require modifications
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice - romantic dim lighting and intimate booths create natural conversation flow, though be prepared for near-darkness (some find it adds mystique, others frustrating). Classic enough to impress without seeming try-hard.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Difficult on weekends - bar seating sometimes available for walk-ins around 5:30pm opening or after 9pm. Tuesday-Thursday you have better odds arriving early. Call ahead same-day for cancellations.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young children - dark atmosphere, upscale vibe, and no kids' menu signal adult-focused dining. Teens comfortable with fine dining would work for special occasions. Better options exist nearby for family meals.
How much should I budget per person? Plan $80-120 per person with drinks - entrees $38-65, cocktails $16-20, appetizers $18-28. Tableside Caesar ($24) and wine pairings add up. Splitting 2-3 dishes for two runs $180-240 total.
What's the best time to go for the full experience? Prime time 7-8pm for energy and people-watching, but arrive 6-6:30pm if you want slightly better lighting for photos and menu reading. Post-9pm feels more lounge-like with bar crowd.
Best For
Better for: Romantic special occasions over standard steakhouses - the Old Hollywood ambiance and creative takes on classics (stuffed chicken parm, sand dabs) offer more personality than chain steakhouses. Tableside Caesar service adds theater. Choose this over Mastro's or Fleming's when ambiance matters as much as the steak.
Skip if: You want a traditional steakhouse with extensive beef selection (limited cuts here), need good lighting for business dinners or reading documents, have mobility issues (very dark navigation), or want a guaranteed table without advance planning. Also skip if seeking vegetarian-friendly or casual weeknight options.