Most visitors to Los Angeles want a margarita and some good Mexican food when they come to town, not an egg creme and corned beef on rye. So, a New York-style delicatessen isn’t the first place you would think to grab a bite here. But for an authentic glimpse of L.A. and its cast of characters, step into a deli. L.A.’s best delis deliver the real dish.
Canter’s
419 N. Fairfax Ave.
Los Angeles
www.cantersdeli.com
Little old Jewish couples, punk rockers, TV network bigwigs, celebrities, and late-night club hoppers come together at Canter’s, a perfect snapshot of the residents who give “La-La Land” its wacky name. Canter’s is a hangout for neighborhood locals, employees from nearby CBS Studios, and shoppers from the Fairfax Farmer’s Market. Partiers nurse their hangovers with potato pancakes and matzo ball soup into the wee hours at this all night spot. No-nonsense waitresses who’ve worked here forever take your orders for everything from pie to corned beef on rye. If you’re really in for something quirky, step into the full bar and cocktail lounge adjacent to the large dining room. On your way out, take a gander at the huge bakery cases filled with pastries and breads.
Nate’n Al at Beverly Hills
414 N. Beverly Drive
Beverly Hills
www.natenal.com
This is where the stars come to nosh on Sunday mornings. The sassy old waitresses nearly steal the show from the celebs they’re serving. Larry King commands a regular table here with his buddies on Sunday mornings. Take the waitresses’ word when they offer unsolicited advice on what to order. The mood is warm and friendly here and the tables close enough for you to listen in on your fellow diners, who may be talking about their next starring role.
Junior’s
2379 Westwood Blvd.
Los Angeles
www.jrsdeli.com
The atmosphere and food here are more bland than at Canter’s or Nate’n Al, but regulars swear by the place. It’s a quality deli run by the same family for years, catering to everyone from local Jewish families who pick up dishes at the deli counter on high holy days to shoppers from the Westside Pavilion down the street. Try one of the giant pickles on your table while you wait for your meal.
Factor’s Famous Deli
9420 W. Pico Blvd.
Los Angeles
www.factorsdeli.com
The menus, huge portions, and prices (fairly expensive) are similar at all of the delis mentioned here, but Factor’s is probably the fanciest, with flowers, flat-screen TVs, pretty booths, and even an outdoor patio. The corned beef rivals any of the delis in town. Factor’s even delivers.
