🚀 go-pugleaf

Father's Office 
1018 Montana Avenue
Santa Monica, CA 90403
(310) 393-2330 
http://www.fathersoffice.com/

On a recent family visit to a clan member (Johnny Jovial [JJ]), he
excitedly insisted we see SaM's 8th Wonder; it was virtually right
in his backyard. I was skeptical of such over-abundant enthusiasm
but the built-in babysitting (his twice-painted, tiedyed,
over-pinned, and roaring female teenangster loves Spawn) for my
daughter-units won the moment and we found ourselves transported
to it.

The three of us walked up to the doorway and I was immediately
taken-aback by the stadium-level noise. People were packed in, not
quite like sardines, but the jaws of life would've been a big
help. Customers were drinking beers and eating, pushing and
yelling; dress was Yuppie Casual to Board Member Severe. It was
loud. There's a guy at the front but he's a lawn decoration.

JJ pushed forward through the crowd and disappeared. SWMBO and I
stood there staring like two country cousins gaping at this
citified scene. SWMBO tugged at my sleeve and said something but I
didn't catch it. I was turned towards her when I was bumped aside.
Similar maneuvers are used in roller derby. I was in the middle of
yelling my nasty when JJ walked up with three beers. 

"This is one of the better pubs for beers! What's the matter?"

I didn't say anything but took the proffered beer.

"Ya gotta be a little 'assertive' in this place..." he warned with
a mischievous smile.

"I noticed," I said, taking another swig.

"Keep an eye out for a table! This's the closest to chaos you'll
find."

"Whatya mean?"

At that moment, the table nearest us opened and he struck like a
barracuda. Another two men had also seen the table but JJ waved
them off. A waitress came by and collected the remaining clutter
and half-wiped the tabletop. She was a Roz-wannabe from Mel's
Diner. I wasn't impressed.

JJ'd taken it upon himself to order for us when he got the beers.
Twenty minutes later, our burgers arrived. You need to dine in
packs so that one person gets refills on beers and the others stay
at the table. Singletons; don't get up. I saw one guy go and get
another beer and he lost his seat.

The burgers are great, the sweet potato fries some of the best
I've ever had, and the beer tastes good but you really have to
enjoy Floor Trading, Car Sales, or Insurance Adjusting to fit in.

I don't see HOW it can be so popular. The place never emptied
while we were there. FO has this "no ketchup" rule that is
bizarre. The waitresses are obnoxious, the tenders give similar
'tude...

I wouldn't go back to FO even though JJ promised to pick up any
future tabs.

The Ranger