🥩 Dear John’s (Los Angeles): This Place Refuses to Close…And Honestly? I Support It.

🔥 The Hype

This restaurant has been “closing” since 2019—and yet here it is, still serving some of the best steak and scampi in LA. Respect.

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📍 Quick Info

Location: Culver City
Price Range: $40–80+
Best For: Date night, steakhouse lovers, pretending you’re in a 1960s movie
Parking: Street + nearby lot
Popular Items: New York Strip, Scampi, Tableside Caesar, French Onion Soup

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🍽️ My Experience at Dear John’s

We’ve been coming here forever—and at this point, the fact that it keeps “almost closing” feels like part of the brand.

Like…are you closing? Are you not?
Either way, I’m showing up.

The vibe? Full Rat Pack fantasy.
Dim lighting, cozy banquettes, and tables so close you might accidentally learn your neighbor’s life story.

But no one cares.
Because once the food hits the table? Silence.

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⭐ The Food

Let’s talk about the real star—THE FOOD.

We started with cocktails (as one does) and moved into the tableside Caesar salad—

👉 And I don’t know why, but watching someone make your salad in front of you just feels elite.
Like yes, please perform for my lettuce.

Next: French onion soup

👉 Cheesy, rich, perfectly salty…basically a warm hug with better flavor.

Then came the mains.

The 16 oz New York Strip
👉 Exactly what you want. Juicy, flavorful, no drama. A reliable king.

BUT—

The House Special Scampi absolutely stole the show.

👉 Tons of perfectly cooked shrimp over linguini in a buttery, garlicky sauce that I would 100% drink straight from the bowl if society allowed it.
No shame. No hesitation.

We also got:

• Potatoes au Gratin (because we believe in cheese)
• Creamed Spinach (to feel like responsible adults for 3 minutes)

And the tiramisu to finish—light, classic, no complaints.

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🙌 Service

Efficient? Yes.
Friendly? …let’s circle back.

He got everything right, but could’ve brought just a touch more personality. Like sir, we’re having a moment here.

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🍴 What to Order

If it’s your first time, don’t overthink it:

• Tableside Caesar
• French onion soup
• Scampi (I’m serious)
• Or the steak if you want to play it safe

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👍 Pros & 👎 Cons

Pros:

• Iconic old-school vibe
• Consistently great food
• Scampi that will emotionally affect you
• Tableside Caesar = dinner and a show

Cons:

• Tables are VERY close together
• Service can be a little…dry
• You will spend money (and not regret it)

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💡 Tips Before You Go

• Make a reservation unless you enjoy chaos
• Order the scampi even if you came for steak
• Accept that you will hear your neighbor’s conversation

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⭐ Final Verdict

This place refuses to close—and honestly? I hope it never does.

LA Eats Worth It? Yes. Dramatically yes. Come for the steak, stay for the scampi, leave emotionally attached.