Rush Street

Inspired by the famous Chicago strip, Rush Street poised to impress with “bar-centric” eats and a dynamic nightlife scene.

Chicago is known for sports fanatics, great food, cold winters, and the warmest party people in the country. At the center of the city’s legendary party scene is the mile-long stretch of Rush Street, lined with the hottest bars and restaurants, where scores of revelers flock nightly to eat, drink, and make merry. And now, Chicago native Brian McKeaney, who grew up in the bar/restaurant business (his family owns thirteen establishments on and around Rush Street), and partners Ken Kaufman, a successful television and film producer, and Tom Patchett, an Emmy winning writer and producer and co-founder of Santa Monica’s Bergamot Station Art Complex, will bring the welcoming, convivial neighborhood feeling of Chicago’s Rush Street to Culver City. Located in the heart of the city’s main drag, Rush Street will be open from lunch to late night, seven days a week, and for the ultimate hangover brunch on weekends starting July 2008. Executive Chef Dave Northrup draws upon his experience at top restaurants on both coasts to create an innovative menu that encourages social interaction and pairs well with the restaurant’s unique bar offerings including hard-to-get microbrews, distinctive wines and killer signature cocktails. With its hip yet relaxed vibe, Rush Street will be the ideal destination for Culver City locals and destination diners from all over Southern California looking for the perfect place to unwind, break bread, make friends and have fun.

The eclectic and downright delicious menu draws upon Northrup’s classical French culinary training and hands-on experience in many of the country’s hottest restaurants including New York’s Buco Lupo, and Social on Park and Los Angeles’ Deep, Vine and Flints. Northrup’s “Bar-Centric” plates feature a mix of classic bar favorites, redefined and designed to share (or not) including Buffalo Chicken Dumplings with blue cheese and fried shallot dressing; BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders; and Kobe Pigs in a Blanket, as well as non-traditional bar fare such as Marinated Ahi Cubes, Grilled New Zealand Lamb Racks, and Lobster Thermador Ravioli. The menu also features signature Brick Oven Pizzas and “Grill Plates” (entrées designed for one) like a Roasted Honey Marinated Chicken and the “Rush Street” Dry Aged Burger & Frites with the works.

Formerly a sign shop, the Rush Street space was completely rebuilt and expanded to create a modern atmosphere that’s both comfortable and stylish. Facing Washington Blvd., the restaurant boasts a large sidewalk patio which is connected to the front half of the restaurant through a system of sliding doors creating a seamless openness inside and out. An exposed brick wall on one side of the room faces a 35-foot molded concrete bar – the largest bar in Culver City, and sure to be a central gathering place in the restaurant. Bar Manager Thomas Roe, promises to keep the vibe at the bar hopping, and his infectious energy will surely enliven the dining area as well. The main dining room space is peppered with dark-wood tables and black leather booths line the wall beneath contemporary art provided by Patchett. Head further back to find the first floor restaurant lounge with its high-backed King Booths and low-lit ambiance. A high arched, golden-brown wood ceiling leads the eye to “Upstairs at Rush Street,” a music-driven second floor lounge with its own bar, a private back room and Culver City’s only roof-top patio. Also available for private parties and events, “Upstairs” is sure to be Culver City’s hottest late night destination.

Rush Street is located at 9546 Washington Blvd, Culver City, CA. Reservations are recommended; call 310-837-9546. It will be open for lunch and dinner, seven days a week. For more information, visit www.rushstreetculvercity.com.