Drive along Alvarado by MacArthur park on any weekday and you’re sure to be astounded at the sheer number of street activity: street vendors selling everything imaginable, bus stops overflowing with patrons, mothers with strollers, people moving and shaking…coming and going. Among the hustle and bustle there is a always something we can count on. A warm welcome, a comfy booth and a pastrami sandwich that keeps us coming back year after year.
Langer’s Deli: An LA Institution. Still going strong.
Langer’s Deli has been on the corner of Alvarado and 7th Street, adjacent to MacArthur Park in the Westlake neighborhood, since 1947. When it first opened there was a mere 12 seats for patrons. Today, the 135 seat establishments still has that cozy deli feel. Norm Langer keeps the family tradition going by keeping things as his father Al would have liked them. Having passed away shortly after the 60th Anniversary celebration, Al Langer taught Norm the importance of deli which draws in people from around the world: “give the customer the same sandwich today you served him years ago – never change the quality or quantity”. And that particular reference is to the cultural icon that is Langer’s pastrami sandwich.
Al and Norm Langer 1973
Langer’s menu is as long as it is classic, with traditional Jewish deli nosh, matzo ball soup, brisket, corned and roast beef, and homemade desserts. The item to behold is the #19. Let’s dissect, shall we? Untoasted rye, Russian dressing, creamy coleslaw, and a couple slices of Swiss—all in service of the hand-sliced, juicy, smoky, beefy pastrami. On the side: a single dill pickle.
“And we hand-cut our pastrami in the old ways because that’s the best way to preserve its integrity and flavor.”
For decades the handmade, Jewish-style rye has come from Fred’s Bakery on Robertson Boulevard, then re-baked on site (the signature developed by Al since its founding). The high quality meats have been cured with a secret blend of herbs and spices and smoked from the same local supplier in Burbank for some 40+ years….the magic then happens as the meat is steamed for hours as it gets ready for its signature hand-slicing. An artform in itself.
Aside from the pastrami -obviously- what are some of the other popular dishes one should try? The pastrami chili cheese fries (NO WORDS can describe this amazingness) , the grilled #44 and #88 sandwiches, knishes, latkes (potato pancakes), cheese blintzes, and the legendary cream soda.
“We love our customers, whether they’ve been coming here for decades, or if they’re first-time visitors.”
Folks have argued long and hard which coast is home for the best pastrami. Even world renown chef Jonathan Gold calls Langer’s pastrami “hands down the best pastrami ever – better than anything i’ve ever had in New York”.
Try for yourself. Langer’s partnered with Goldbely.com to ship pastrami and rye and the legendary #19 by air! If you’re in the LA area though, nothing beats the experience of heading down to that crazy bustling corner of Alvarado and 7th and enjoying the aroma of warm meat and a friendly smile as you walk through the door (check out Al’s favorite stool at the end of the counter). As you take a seat in one of the deep red booths you can’t help but feel the nostalgic feeling in the air that lets you know you’re somewhere really special.
The Langer Family in 2007: Al, Trisha, Jeannette and Norm
Langer’s Delicatessen-Restaurant operates six days a week (Monday through Saturday), 8am to 4pm.
Langer’s Deli: An LA Institution. Still going strong.
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