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Canter's Delicatessen and Restaurant
Category: Restaurants Delis Delis [Edit]
419 N Fairfax AveLos Angeles, CA 90036
Neighborhoods: Mid-City West, West Hollywood
(323) 651-2030
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 6 am - 6 am
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Late Night, Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
Jeremy B. said: "This is the first real review I've ever written on Yelp and what better place to start then this hidden West Hollywood gem. Let me preface this by saying I love sandwiches. Like I catch myself slipping into day dreams about sandwiches…" read more »
1293 reviews for Canter's Delicatessen and Restaurant
Review Highlights
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1293 reviews in English
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Review from Bernadette H.
Cerritos, CA
I had the Fairfax special (pastrami and corned beef sandwich) with my guy.
It's probably the best pastrami and corned beef sandwich I can get outside of New York. I really hate salty cold-cut sandwiches (too many of them taste like salt blocks to me), but this one was so perfect. I didn't even get a sodium-induced headache, which happens when I eat something very salty and full of MSG.
It was so big that the both of us were full after eating our halves. And we're both big eaters, so that's saying a lot!
Bonus points for the Guns 'N Roses photos on the wall!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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4/3/2010
For some reason, I'm reminded of the old Clifton's Cafeterias when I'm in Canter's. It's a bit… Read more »
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4/3/2010
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Review from Julie F.
Jewish comfort food!
I'm not really a fan of their sandwiches (Langer's is my favorite), but I do like their matzo ball soup, potato pancakes, cheese blintzes (mmm), coleslaw, potato salad, and pickles. Got a stuffed cabbage on the way out.
Next time, lox and bagels! -
Review from p d.
West Covina, CA
Been going to Canters for almost 40 years, and I am young!!!!
Love love love it..
The best cheese bagels ever... Loads of great bakery choices.
The sandwiches are stacked so high and so good.
The decor hasn't changed & it shouldn't... It's perfect..
This has become a family tradition for our Christmas breakfast bagels & lox.
I have even run into my past classmates from Fairfax High there. -
Review from Andrew S.
Came here and had the corned beef on rye. The decor is 70s and the ambience is fine/normal. It's open late which is realllly nice but the food was just meh. I think that Johnnie's Pastrami in Culver City is a lot better in terms of quality and is on par in terms of price. The sandwich was dry and I didn't particularly enjoy the rye bread. Cool bread/bakery display/store in the front. Private parking lot nearby.
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Review from tom e.
Huntington Beach, CA
The Mister and I took Mom out to Canter's on Sunday. Mom had the pastrami sand, the Mister had the philly cheese steak and I had a patty melt. All were good. We finished up with dessert: Mom cherry pie ala mode, the Mister Cinnamon Nut Danish ala mode and me the apple streudel. All were quite good. The service was a bit spotty but passable. Although Mom has lived in So Cal for nearly six decades she hadn't been ta Canter's before. So it was a treat.
I rarely get to the Fairfax district anymore so I would probably try other places before going back, but aI wouldn't fight it if someone else wants to hit of the deli. -
Review from Donna S.
I feel I should give an extra star just for the history factor. I had never been here before and never really had a desire to try it. But everyone else wanted to eat there, so fine, I could mark it off my list. Everyone is always so shocked when they hear I have never been to Canter's.
And now I really wonder what in the world was anyone thinking when they said I should try it. The worst Matzoh Ball soup I have ever had. It was just broth and an asteriod size Matzoh ball. That's it. Nothing else. Even the Matzoh asteroid was super plain and kinda gummy. Even the bagel chips on the side were very dry and flavorless. Like a eating a nice corner of Death Valley. http://www.yelp.com/bi...
Pastrami sandwich. Meh. Nothing out of the ordinary. Sandwich itself was naked. They do offer a nice selction of mustard varieties on your condiment tray. The thick crust on the rye bread was actually nice, and I don't usually like Rye bread.
http://www.yelp.com/bi...
Brisket Sandwich I couldn't even finish. Dry, dry, dry. And flavorless. No amount of awesome mustards could save this. And they didn't have any other condiments on the table to add to the naked sandwich. http://www.yelp.com/bi...
Potato Pancakes. Okay. Standard. http://www.yelp.com/bi...
Pickles: Free and actually pretty good given that I don't normally like kosher pickles. I ate a few of these. Of course, I was pretty hungry since nothing else was very good.
http://www.yelp.com/bi...
Bakery: There was a full bakery, but after the disappointing meal, I was leery about purchasing from the bakery, especially since I tried two of the samples they were giving out and didn't care for either of them (chocolate cookie and a puff pastry cookie.
So, I get that its cool because it's still this kitchy place from so long ago without much change, but bland, uninspiring food from the 40s and 50s doesn't do much for me.
The fact that it's 24 hours has to be its saving grace. Drunk and hungry at 2AM makes people a lot more forgiving. -
Review from Jeremy C.
Beverly Hills, CA
I came here at approx 2:30 AM. If you didn't already know.. In LA bars close at 2AM. Therefore I really don't remember much about this place except for the fact that I checked in on Yelp and ate food while I was in there. I"ll have to go back and rate this fairly sometime.
I do remember that it's open 24 hours and it was full of other late night shady characters such as myself. -
Review from Claire M.
Orange County, CA
What I love most about this place is the vibe, very relaxed but cool. It's got an old, funky design that seems to place more emphasis on the food and people who eat there rather than trying to be just another upscale LA restaurant. It's got character.
The food is amazing! The potato pancakes are delicious, the open face turkey sandwich was delicious, and (according to my mom, since I don't like pastrami) the pastrami reuben sandwich was delicious! I've heard that's what there known for, and my mom was raving about as well so... haha
And the bar in the back is awesome. A couple years ago, me and my friend Caitlin were there celebrating her birthday, and I remember we just totally embarassed ourselves by playing at least 5 songs on the juxebox and dancing in front of everyone :)
OH YEAH, and um...I saw MICHAEL KORS there! We were seated at the table in front of him and his husband, and they were so nice to us!! When he got up to go to the bathroom, I turned to ask the man he was with (had no idea it was his recently married partner) if Michael Kors would mind um...taking a picture with us! I just have to say, I've seen celebrities before and I'm actually not phased by it. But it was Michael Kors!! haha. His husband was really sweet and said he wouldn't mind. All I can say is, our day/month was made!!!
I love this place! The food is great, the waiters are sweet, the bakery has delicious cookies, and where else can ordinary people from Orange County eat in the same restaurant as celebrities?! -
Review from Alla P.
Los Angeles, CA
Just had "Potato pancakes w/ sour cream and applesauce $8.50." Worst I've ever had. Here is why:
1) there is almost no potato taste - they put too much flower. Real potato pancakes are done with only potato and egg, maybe very-very little amount of flower to absorb the moisture.
2) 3 pancakes are very small. They should be 2-ce bigger each.
3) Overcooked - brown and NO golden color in them - sower in taste. -
Review from Lindsay H.
Los Angeles, CA
I don't mind vintage, but even my grandmother got rid of her ancient furniture and decor about a decade ago. (and her house doesn't smell as musty).
I've ordered a few different sandwiches now and have yet to be impressed. Sure, they pile on the meat, but it's a damn expensive sandwich! And those complimentary pickles... now, I love pickles, but I can't help but wonder if the ones they just placed in front of me were left over from someone else's table... or the table before theirs...
Canter's only saving grace is their bakery. And the free parking.Listed in: So Over-hyped!!
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Review from Bree J.
South Gate, CA
Potato Kinish and gravy.....that is allll I have to say. Mmmmmmm
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Review from Kevin N.
I decided to just stroll in here for a late night meal. After reading all the reviews, I decided to go with the Matzo ball soup with chicken. For $8, you get a huge soup bowl. Also, add in the garlic crackers, and it's pretty hard to finish it off. I decided to grab a sundae, nothing special, a rip off at $5. Nice ceiling tiles and quick customer service.
Essentially this place is your typical jewish deli, nothing out of the ordinary, a bit overpriced but it's okay. -
Review from Jaina D.
What more can I add? It's all true--the good, the bad, and the pastrami.
I always get the matzoh ball soup and a "Rube Ruben" (extra cheese). I've been there with nerds, rockers, clowns, and my grandmother (who's been going since it opened)!
Downside: I'm not sure they have a wheelchair-accessible bathroom.
Bonus activity: watch the bread slicer in action!Listed in: Snack Away
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Review from Tom W.
Los Angeles, CA
Canter's is to most delis what In-N-Out is to McDonald's: incomparable! Even with the enormous dining room, you may have to wait a few minutes to be seated, as popular as this place is. Once you're at the table, it would be a mistake not to try the hot mustard.
My earliest memory of Canter's was, oddly, horseback riding in Griffith Park. The sponsors of the youth group had provided sandwiches from Canter's that contained so much meat I nearly went catatonic with overwhelming joy. Happily, this has not changed. The "bulging sandwich" is still a trademark of Canter's, and no matter what meat you choose, it will be delicious.
When it comes to pastrami, there is one other considerably smaller yet just as well established deli that will remain nameless (located catty-corner of MacArthur Park; you know the place that I mean) that I admit serves better tasting pastrami, though they don't stack it as thickly as Canter's does (the only drawback to Canter's pastrami is that it is too lean, which detracts slightly from the flavor). However, no one makes a better corned beef or roast beef sandwich than Canter's. It ain't cheap, but you WILL be full after eating.
What makes Canter's truly special for me is that they have an in-house bakery that makes, bar none, the best twice-baked rye in the world. Another plus is the location, right down the street from Farmer's Market and The Grove, where you can walk off some of the calories you just consumed. Dead center between West Hollywood, Beverly Hills and the Miracle Mile, you'll find hundreds of diversions for those who love to shop all around you. -
Review from John B.
Long Beach, CA
Always Open, so whenever we can't decide where to go late at night in LA this is our fall back.
Typical Deli food and although a bit pricey they do serve portions that are abundant. French Dip, Pastrami, Potato Pancakes & Breakfast Hash are all A+
Take a look around you may see someone famous (or infamous), Jimmy Kimmell came in with a group of 5 on one night when we were there. From Punk Rockers to Grandma, you can find something for everyone.
Skip the desserts and grab something from the Bakery Counter on the way out, again something for everyone! -
Review from Allie S.
North Hollywood, CA
All in all, it was a pretty good place. I had the Pastrami and the Corned Beef as well as the apple pie a la mode. The sweets seemed very interesting, I found myself not wanting to enter the actual restaurant because of the display cases out front. My favorite part of this restaurant is the staff.
The usual wait staff you see in this area are all 20-something actors who think they're too cool to be serving you, yet expect $100 tips. This was not the case at Canter's. The staff is older and actually know what they are doing. No hubub, no apathetic hosts, just your good ol' waiters and waitresses and good food.
Like. -
Review from K O.
Los Angeles, CA
Nothing exciting. Just straight up food. Huge menu. A safe choice at a random hour.
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Review from Kelly M.
Chino, CA
I went here on New Years Eve and was impressed with the huge selection of food and desserts.
The restaurant is able to accommodate large parties (there were 8 in the group). I ordered the eggplant parmesan and friends ordered brisket. The brisket was a little greasy, but looked delicious. The knish was to-die-for. I definitely recommend ordering it when you go. The knish is mouth watering mashed potato ball wrapped up in a pastry ... need I say more?
Another friend order a green chile omelet as big as his plate, the fried chicken looked delicious and even the salad was made in such a way, that there was a face made out of vegetables.
To top it off... we stopped by the bakery on the way out and got some mouth watering carrot cake to take home! -
Review from Ari M.
I was very disappointed when I visited Canter's on Christmas Eve. I'd even say I'd have been better off at Jerry's (and I'm no fan of Jerry's). The service virtually ignored my table for about fifteen minutes after we were seated. When we were finally approached by a waiter, we discovered our options were very limited despite the large menu. We asked if there was any side to go with our sandwich sampler aside from potato salad or coleslaw. The answer was an exhausted no, as though people have been asking for a side that wasn't drowned in mayonnaise for years.
Trying to make the best of the situation, I ordered a bowl of matzo ball soup and a potato knish. I'm happy to report that the knish was very good. Made me want to take a trip to New York for some Mrs Stahl's! One of my friend's got some latkes, and enjoyed them. So, at the very least, Canter's knows what to do with potatoes! Unfortunately, the matzo ball soup was a bit... well... pathetic. It was a tasty enough mazto ball, but the broth was bland and there was nothing else in the bowl! No carrots, no onions, no celery, no chicken, no parsnip and no noodles. Nothing! Just broth and ball. BORING! The price would have been right if it had been a substantial bowl of soup, but for that little cup it was far too expensive.
Then came the sandwiches. The turkey sandwich was just lettuce and extremely dry turkey. The roast beef was okay, but again, very plain... and the pastrami was just awful.
In the end, the food isn't good enough, the prices are too high and the service needs a lot of work.
Lucky for Canter's, they also have a bakery. Their chocolate chip danish has been a favorite in my family for years, and I also like their black and white cookie. I'd give the bakery three stars on its own, but only one star to the deli. As a whole, two stars. -
Review from Morgan P.
Los Angeles, CA
This is a fairly standard Jewish deli. Slightly above average compared to the many delis I've been to in Chicago, Philadelphia, and NYC.
Highlights:
Pastrami sandwich (4/5)
Beef brisket (4/5)
Potato pancake (4/5)
Lowlights:
The vegetable (peas) that came with the brisket (1/5)
My mom's bland salad (2/5)
The overly-dense matzo ball (2/5)
The decor, neighborhood (traffic is heinous), and prices ($85 for lunch for 4)
Certainly wouldn't return on my own dime. -
Review from Bianca W.
Last time I went to Canter's my experience SUCKED! Dry ass,flavorless over priced crap sandwich. But this time I wised up! I took a Jew and he brought a Jewpon. Major improvement!
I ordered the Canter's Pastrami Reuben piled w/ coleslaw(because my friend said to). HUGE! AMAZING! So good. My fries were eh and so were my onion rings, but the sandwich made up for it.
After we were done fressing I ordered my fave bakery item to go. Its like a chocolate/pastry cake. SO GOOD! Its super dense. I can't get enough. -
Review from philip s.
Fontana, CA
Canter's is one of the few institutions that remains untouched by time. They (along with Musso & Franks) are two places in Los Angeles that serve up not only the kind of food they are famous for, but also serve up "the Kitsch" (atmosphere) that somehow makes the food taste better.
First being Jewish myself and originally from New York, I KNOW DELI. No matter what you've heard or think you know.........New York deli isn't the end all of end alls. They get their meat from the same place but each place puts their special "take" or "spin" on an old favorite and so it becomes kind of "self promotion" and word of mouth either adds to the reputation or it doesn't.
Being Jewish in a deli is an advantage much like going to a Mom and Pop Mexican restaurant with someone who knows the food. Mexican food isn't just about tacos and Jewish deli isn't just about matzah balls.
So with all of that being said, I'm glad to say that Canter's is still the same. It hasn't changed one bit: Still owned by the same family for nearly 90 years, the waitress' still fall into the two main divisions: the one's that call you "honey and deary" and the grumpy waitress with the long face and "sore feet". It's part of the "deli experience".
I used to live within walking distance way back when in the 1970s and the only change like with everything else..........prices have gone UP.
If you want cheap (goy) pastrami, go to "The Hat" and be ready to hail and bail (throw up) afterward.
There are some things to consider: My date (who is not Jewish) wanted certain things which added to the bill but since she wanted it..........cost wasn't a concern.
But be forwarned: Onion rings are $5.95
Matzah ball soup is the same price
A soda or tea $2.95
These are all priced higher than they should be.
But I digress. A pastrami reuben which is basically a grilled cheese sandwich with a lot of pastrami and goodies inside was $13.50 which is about the norm. Fatty, greasy but full of flavor and pepper served on rye bread that falls somewhat short of New York rye and Langer's rye bread........but it's gooooooooooooood!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The bill came to $45 (not including tip) which my date commented on as being "somewhat expensive" but with a GROUPON, it knocked things down to a more "mouth watering" $25.
A couple of last thoughts: When you go to a deli, ask for extra pickles. Jewish pickles are like no other.
And if you're so inclined......Canter's has a full bar. A draft beer goes great with the pastrami reuben.
And.............you'll take home enough for lunch the next day.
Unless you're a "chazer rye" (big eater) -
Review from Gena U.
A bit pricey -- had the half-sandwich, half-soup option. Matzoh ball soup is a given, although I wasn't wowed. :\ The pastrami was delicious, although the rye bread was a bit too chewy for my tastes and probably should have been either fresher or toasted to hide the chewy-ness. The pickles were extremely dill-y. I'm a pickle lover, but had a hard time with the strong dill flavor, so they're not for everyone.
Chocolate chip rugelah on the way out. YUM. As good as grandma makes them!
Parking is a bit of a drag, as the street is full (even on a Monday night past the dinner rush) and their designated lot is full... I parked almost three blocks away. Not complaining, just putting that out there.
Loved the booth, loved the service, loved the old school feel. Being open 24 hours a day means I'll likely be back late one night. -
Review from Michelle C.
Los Angeles, CA
My coworker gawked at me when I told her I'd never been to Canter's, and the lady behind the register asked me if I'd "ever been to California" when I informed her that this was my first Canter's experience. Did I somehow just miss the memo? I definitely don't consider myself as one who lives in a cave...
So armed with a Groupon, of course I order Canter's famous Hot Pastrami and Matzoh Ball Soup. Both had good flavor, but I sadly wasn't wowed by either. The Pastrami Sandwich was filled with tender peppery meat between soft and chewy rye, while the Matzoh Ball Soup had a light, flavorful broth with a ginormous matzoh ball. Again, good flavor on both but I wasn't wowed.
I did however, really appreciate my waitress Sue, who like an energetic bumblebee serviced all the customers on her turf and still managed to check in on me at exactly the right moment. She boxed up my slice of carrot cake to go (the cake was a bit denser than I like my carrot cakes, perhaps due to the nuts and raisins in the batter), and speedily gave me my check when I had to rush back to work.
A+ for customer service! I'm not sure if I'll be back, but who knows since Canter's is open 24 hours... -
Review from sara a.
Redondo Beach, CA
Classic!
I loved Canters. So yummy!!!
Fast service, awesome employees.
Matzo Ball Soup
Sandwiches
Macaroons
Wish I lived closer! -
Review from Seena A.
The happiness when I get off work at 5am is knowing Canter's is open.
The cure to any illness is their matzoball soup.
The eggs benedict that comes with potatoes is my favorite breakfast treat.
The first corned beef sandwich I've ever had and the only place I will get it now.Listed in: Early To Rise
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Review from Ryan S.
Los Angeles, CA
Canter's is really a staple in the Los Angeles community. If you've got a hankering for tender pastrami or corned beef piled high on your choice of bread...well...then you've probably already been here...or at least heard about it...or had a neighbor who has gone...or your best friend's cousin's hair dresser's uncle's nephew's dog groomer.
You get the point. It's consistent, it's been around for roughly 384 years, and it's going to keep on keepin' on.
Yum! -
Review from Kimmy T.
Orange County, CA
I don't know why this place is so popular. Food was gross and way overpriced. Maybe we ordered the wrong things. The bakery items in the display case do look good though.
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Review from Ken D.
Tampa, FL
much love for canters! the food and portions are always amazing! prices rule and its always a shit show at two in the morning on a weekend! its fun and yummy what more could you ask for! its goddamn legendary!
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Review from J M.
Fremont, CA
Yes good food but they make little effort to make it or the restaurant anything special. Considering it's around the corner from Rodeo Drive amidst million dollar retail installations as well as the Bentleys and Ferraris, I was disappointed that they charge a Beverly Hills price in a place Jed Clampitt(of the Beverly Hillbillies) probably would still recognize. Noodle soup is just plain broth and noodles. Sandwiches are delish but look lonely. Chin Chkn Salad very plain. Advice: go when you are craving good deli and stick to the pastrami. Don't bring anyone here unless you set their expectations properly.
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Review from Patty O.
Long Beach, CA
To explain 4 stars, the prices. That is why they don't get 5 stars. I do not like the idea of not giving 5 stars, but COME AWN with the prices.
They have bakery stuffs, deserts, breads, bagels.
The main attraction are the brisket sandwiches, pastrami sandwiches, and corned beef sandwiches. They offer great rye bread (I hate rye, but like theirs) and rolls for a buck extra. They keep three types of mustard on the table.
The menu is large, but most offerings are the same cut of beef prepared or plated differently. This one with swiss, this one with pepper, this one with mustard, this one with fries, etc.
Potato knish was good and warm.
The sea of thick framed glasses upon arrival was snort worthy. -
Review from Christopher B.
Long Beach, CA
I happened to be in the area and it's tough to not stop in and get a sandwich. It was a little cool out so I was completely craving a matzo ball soup. Not to mention that I like the kitschy atmosphere that takes me back several decades (or more!).
The matzo ball soup was pretty much spot on. I don't know if it's the best I've ever had but it's pretty close! We ended up getting the Brooklyn Ave, which is a corned beef and cole slaw on rye. You could actually get other meats but this is what we opted for. I just absolutely love the fresh bread with the crunchy crust! That is what arguably makes the sandwich but everything inside of it is delicious as well. I never thought this combo would do it for me (I'm not a big cole slaw fan) but this is one of my favorite options!
It's hard to rip on this place as every time I go it's fantastic! I know it could be a bit pricey but it's legendary and they could probably justify charging a bit more than other similar places. That's okay... I'm more than willing to pay more for a sandwich like this!
(And yes, the pickles are damn good!). -
Review from Eric R.
Encino, CA
Great place for sandwiches. Always reminds me of NY.
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Review from Anthony A.
Carson, CA
Never disappointed. Granted, I've only had sammiches (reuben, corned beef and pastrami, chicken liver and pastrami, some giant 3-tiered monstrosity that also had pastrami) and various goodies from the bakery (great napoleons!). Friendly service. Love that it's always open. Lot of history in those walls. Ever wondered what real deli food you were missing out on? Me too--until I came here.
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Review from Garrett L.
Los Angeles, CA
It is what it is. Go, if you like it then you get to go back--if you don't like it, don't go back because they won't miss you. :)
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Review from Andrew G.
Denver, CO
Where can you get an amazing rueben sandwich at two in the morning... RIGHT HERE!
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Review from Rachel W.
West Hollywood, CA
Typical Jewish deli/diner, a little pricey for a diner but good. Good place for breakfast or lunch or late night snack.
The Monte Cristo sandwich is amazing!!
Service is decent but slow.
This is an old LA restaurant with a lot of history. Anthony Kiedis used to go here a lot when he went to fairfax high and in his younger days. -
Review from Junesoo H.
Los Angeles, CA
I had the pastrami on rye for a quick bite. Came with three juicy pickle slices. Yum! It's very simple, but does the simple job very well.
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Review from Greg F.
Los Angeles, CA
i stop here every couple of months to carry out food for a cooking free weekend. Came in before 10:00 on this Saturday morning - no other customers in the take out section.
I picked out foodstuffs on the bakery side - and went over to the deli counter. There were seven workers behind the counter. Yet I waited over ten minutes for anyone to help me. Two workers were clearly working, the rest were standing in the corner talking.
With so many other excellent delis in town, I don't think ill be back. To ask a customer to waste his/ her time for a valid purpose is one thing...but this was a blatant disregard for customer service. -
Review from Sak Y.
Redondo Beach, CA
I was feeling a bit under the weather, so I decided to drive up from Redondo to enjoy a bowl of matzoh ball soup. Nothing makes me feel better when I'm under the weather than a big 'ole matzoh ball floating in chicken broth and I'm not even Jewish.
