Culver City Burger Quest: George Petrelli’s Famous Steaks

One of the great parts of the Culver City Burger Quest is your recommendations on places to visit.  This installment of the CCBQ takes me to an old school Culver City establishment: George Petrelli’s Famous Steaks.

George Petrelli’s Famous Steaks has been around much longer than I’ve been in Culver City and longer than most residents, I would imagine. You can tell when you walk in. The place feels like a restaurant from my childhood: Family run and decorated, not a cookie cutter interior like so many places.  Here's something else that adds to that nostaligic feeling: They might turn up the lights for dinner, but at lunch, lights are low, the restaurant is pretty quiet and the bar is sprinkled with a few regulars in and about their normal days. 

When I initially walked in, I didn’t see anyone. But alas, yes, behind a wall to the left is the hostess area. Sure enough, the hostess stepped out and after a quick back and forth, pointed me towards the bar.

As bar’s go, the Petrelli’s bar is placed right in that late-70s/early 80s decor. Do not expect the dark-wood accents, wood floors and modern touches you’d see in a gastropub; the bar at Petrelli’s is 100 percent old school.  Booths, check. Tables, check. Bar stools, check. Bar, check.  Seated and comfy at the bar, I ordered their cheeseburger and a pint of Sam Adams for another round of CCBQ.

The rating system is simple, 1-5, 5 being best in four categories: Meat, Bun, Burger Options and Fries. 

Meat: You know when you bite into a homemade burger that the meat is super fresh? Well, George Petrielli’s had that, almost like it was ground for my order. Do not dismiss this patty.  They serve a large, thick, extremely juicy patty. I ordered my burger medium rare, and they hit it on the nose. Only my skillful hands stopped me from dripping on my shirt (A high compliment on the CCBQ).

Unfortunately, the patty needed more salt, pepper or other seasoning.  This lack of punch limited what could be an incredible burger.  I keep flip-flopping on this rating, on one had, it is a crime to serve a burger that under seasoned, on the other hand, it is an exceptionally fresh burger patty. Maybe this is a somewhat tough 3.  I just can’t give a 4 or 5 when the meat is that under seasoned.  I know this could be considered a quibble, but this is a Burger Quest, not a Burger Errand.

Bun: The bun was a standard, if quite large, burger bun. Soft and surprisingly light.  At first, the bun itself did nothing for me: Neither adding to or taking away from the taste of the burger. On the upside, my last bites hit that sweet spot, that perfect combination of a soaked burger-bun-condiment-grilled onion and cheese. Unfortunately, the bun is pretty tasteless up to that point. 3.

Options: I think there is a certain charm to a place that has less options. George Petrelli’s has that in spades: Burger, Cheeseburger, two bucks extra for a side plate filled with perfectly grilled onions.  Other burger joints should go to George Petrelli’s and find out what well-grilled, nicely-caramelized onions should look and taste like.  With only a few beers on tap, I expected a fresh sudsy beer, and that is exactly what I got. After a few hours practicing my golf swing, that cold Samuel Adams was perfect. Simplicity inspired 3.

Fries: Probably the weakest part of the meal, the fries were pre-cut frozen. The fries look like fries you could get at a million different places across the United States.  Thankfully, the chef got my order correct and over-cooked my fries to extra crispy. So, there you have it. 2.   

The bartender was great. Friendly and attentive without being intrusive. Would I go back? Sure. There is something dark and cool about George Petrelli’s, like walking into a scene from a Quentin Tarantino flick.   There was something familiar in this place; it was filled with interesting interactions, whispered stories in dark corners and a pleasant-enough waitstaff that would never sell your secrets.  If you enjoy places with that ambiance, and I do, check out George Petrelli’s.  If you go there for a burger, ask them for extra salt and pepper on the burger during cooking.  Otherwise, there are far superior choices nearby.

George Petrelli’s Steak House can be found at the corner of Sepulveda Blvd. and Playa St. 5615 Sepulveda Blvd, Culver City, 90230.

Want to nominate a burger for the Culver City Burger Quest, drop a note in the comments!  For previous installments of the CCBQ, go , , , or .