Langer’s Delicatessen in Los Angeles, which has been around for over 60 years, is famous for their pastrami sandwich, arguably one of the best in the country.
As the end of the year approaches, I like to do a year in review and round-up of my favorite eats. But in order to properly put together that list, I felt the need to check some places off my list that have been on there far too long, like Langer’s.
I haven’t had much luck finding a good pastrami sandwich anywhere since leaving New York, so when I first heard about Langer’s (when they were awarded The Tastiest Feast in North America in 2013 by Chowzter), I was definitely curious. Could there really exist a sandwich in LA that lives up to Katz and other beloved New York delis?
When we arrived, there was a decent line of people waiting. Luckily, the restaurant is quite roomy inside, so we didn’t have to wait too long.
#19
This is their most famous sandwich: rye bread (though ours was substituted for sourdough), thick-cut slices of their signature pastrami, cole slaw, cheese, and Russian dressing.
The verdict? In my opinion, it 100% lived up to the hype. I nearly cried tears of joy. This is pastrami done right. Well seasoned, and so tender that is practically falls apart upon touch. It’s right on the edge of being mushy, but stops before crossing that line. The thick-cut slices also let you properly enjoy the taste of the meat along with the peppery and smoky notes.
Despite a generous amount of cole slaw, the sandwich held together well and the Russian dressing tied it all together.
Is it better than Katz? Honestly, I would need a side by side comparison because it’s definitely close.
Beef Tongue and Chopped Liver
We mixed and matched to create this second sandwich combination. I didn’t think anything could beat their pastrami, but I have to say the beef tongue was equally amazing. Much like the pastrami, the cured beef tongue was tender and smoky.
Pastrami Chili Fries
Last but not least, we indulged on some pastrami chili fries. The highlight, of course, were the slices of pastrami. The chili and fries were just your average variety.
Overall, we had a fantastic meal here. We loved the pastrami so much, we ordered a pound to take home with us. Next time, I think we’ll also be ordering the beef tongue to take home as well. I can’t believe we waited so long to come here but I’m also excited to be able to satisfy my love for pastrami in LA rather than having to fly to NYC.
Tips:
#1: They have their own parking lot, about a block away (7th and Westlake). The prices listed seem really high (I think it was something like $5 for every 20 minutes), but Langer’s actually validates your parking ticket, which is good for free parking for the first 90 minutes.
#2: If you enjoy your sandwich on toasted bread, make sure to ask for it toasted.
Langer’s Delicatessen
704 South Alvarado Street
Los Angeles, CA 90057
https://www.langersdeli.com/
The pastrami looks delicious! I’ll have to put this on my LA list for the next time we go up there for a visit.
it’s really really good!
Kirbie, Enjoy your website.
Langer’s is a classic. But should you go again, you have to stick with the rye bread, untoasted. It has a crispy crust and a soft interior, easy on the caraway. It is a perfect complement to the pastrami.
And get the fries well-done.
thanks for the tips. I know pastrami should be with rye. It’s how I’ve always eaten it, but we were with friends and they requested it be changed to sourdough. I thought it actually went pretty well with the sourdough too