The Underrated California Deli Serving Pastrami That Steals The Spotlight

When you think about legendary pastrami, New York usually comes to mind first. But tucked away in Los Angeles, there’s a deli that’s been quietly perfecting the art of pastrami since 1947, and it deserves just as much attention.

Langer’s Delicatessen has been serving up some of the finest pastrami sandwiches you’ll ever taste, and once you try their famous Number 19, you’ll understand why people keep coming back for more.

Historic Roots Behind Langer’s Los Angeles Legacy

Founded in 1947 by Al Langer, this family-run delicatessen has remained a cornerstone of Los Angeles dining for over seven decades. What started as a modest sandwich shop has grown into a landmark that draws food lovers from across the country.

The restaurant sits at 704 S Alvarado St, where it has weathered changing neighborhoods and evolving food trends while staying true to its original vision.

Three generations of the Langer family have kept the operation running with the same dedication to quality that Al established. The commitment to traditional Jewish deli fare never wavered, even as Los Angeles transformed around them.

This longevity speaks volumes about the quality and consistency that guests experience with every visit.

The deli earned recognition far beyond its neighborhood, including a Michelin star that few delis can claim. That achievement validates what regulars have known for years: authentic craftsmanship and unwavering standards create something truly special.

The history woven into every corner makes dining here feel like stepping back in time.

The Story Of The Famous No. 19 Pastrami Sandwich

Among the dozens of menu options, one sandwich stands above all others and has achieved legendary status. The Number 19 combines hand-cut hot pastrami with Swiss cheese, coleslaw, and Russian dressing on double-baked rye bread.

This particular combination wasn’t random but carefully crafted to balance rich, smoky meat with bright, tangy accompaniments that cut through the richness.

Customers often describe their first bite as revelatory, with the pillowy soft interior of the rye contrasting against its crispy crust. The coleslaw adds a refreshing crunch that prevents the sandwich from feeling heavy despite its generous portion.

Russian dressing brings sweetness and acidity that ties all the components together into something greater than the sum of its parts.

Many visitors compare it favorably to famous East Coast competitors, with some declaring it superior. The sandwich costs around thirty dollars after tax, which reflects the quality ingredients and expert preparation involved.

First-timers receive consistent advice from regulars: order the Number 19 exactly as it comes without modifications to experience it as intended.

Why Langer’s Pastrami Earns Legendary Praise

What makes pastrami exceptional comes down to the curing, smoking, and seasoning process that transforms beef brisket into something extraordinary. Langer’s sources quality briskets and applies a traditional preparation method that results in meat with the perfect balance of fat and lean portions.

The peppery bark that coats each slice delivers intense flavor while the interior remains tender and juicy enough to melt against your tongue.

Smoking the meat low and slow infuses it with that characteristic smoky richness that defines great pastrami. The seasoning blend includes black pepper, coriander, and other spices that create layers of savory complexity.

Every bite offers umami depth that keeps you reaching for another taste before you’ve finished chewing the previous one.

Reviews consistently praise the texture, which never feels dry or tough despite being beef. The fat content remains intentional, adding moisture and flavor rather than greasiness.

Customers who have sampled pastrami across different states and countries often rank Langer’s among the absolute best they’ve encountered, which speaks to the skill involved in achieving this level of quality.

The Hand-Slicing Craft Behind Every Sandwich

Behind the counter, skilled staff members slice pastrami by hand to order rather than using machines that would compromise texture. This traditional approach allows them to control the thickness of each slice and maintain the integrity of the meat.

Hand-cutting ensures that the warm pastrami stays tender and doesn’t get compressed or torn the way mechanically sliced meat often does.

The thickness matters more than you might expect because it affects how the flavors release and how the sandwich feels in your mouth. Slices that are too thin become stringy and dry out quickly, while overly thick cuts can be chewy and difficult to bite through cleanly.

Langer’s strikes the perfect middle ground, producing slices substantial enough to showcase the meat’s quality while remaining easy to eat.

Watching the preparation process reveals the care that goes into each order. Staff members pile the freshly cut pastrami high between bread slices, creating sandwiches that look almost too tall to bite.

The warmth of the just-sliced meat slightly softens the bread and cheese, creating textural harmony throughout the sandwich that cold assembly could never achieve.

What Makes Langer’s Pastrami Stand Out

Several factors combine to elevate this pastrami above ordinary deli fare and into the realm of culinary excellence. The double-baked rye bread provides a foundation with a subtle caraway aroma that complements rather than competes with the meat.

That extra baking step creates a crust with structural integrity that holds up to the substantial filling without becoming soggy or falling apart.

Swiss cheese adds creamy richness while the coleslaw introduces bright, crunchy freshness that prevents flavor fatigue. Russian dressing brings tangy sweetness that acts as a bridge between the smoky pastrami and crisp vegetables.

Every component serves a purpose in the overall flavor profile, creating balance that keeps each bite interesting from start to finish.

The ratio of ingredients demonstrates thoughtful construction rather than random assembly. You taste everything in every bite instead of getting overwhelming meat in one section and mostly bread in another.

This attention to proportion shows respect for the dining experience and understanding of how flavors interact. The result feels both indulgent and surprisingly refined for what could be dismissed as just a sandwich.

Classic Deli Sides That Complete The Experience

Beyond the famous sandwiches, Langer’s offers traditional Jewish deli sides that round out your meal and provide variety. Matzo ball soup arrives in clear broth with tender, fluffy dumplings that provide comfort in every spoonful.

The simplicity allows the quality of the broth and the light texture of the matzo balls to shine without unnecessary complications.

Potato latkes come out crispy on the outside and tender within, offering that satisfying contrast that makes them addictive. Some guests order them as appetizers while others save them for alongside their sandwiches.

The potato knish presents another starchy option, arriving surprisingly large and packed with seasoned filling that tastes like home cooking.

Coleslaw appears both as a sandwich component and as a standalone side, featuring fresh cabbage in a tangy dressing. Pastrami chili cheese fries take things in a more indulgent direction for those who want extra richness.

The fries themselves receive mixed reviews, with most people agreeing the sandwiches remain the main attraction. Still, having these classic options available lets you build a complete deli experience rather than just grabbing a sandwich and leaving.

The Old-School Atmosphere Guests Love

Stepping inside Langer’s feels like traveling back several decades to when diners and delicatessens dominated the American food scene. The interior maintains its original character with booth seating, classic diner aesthetics, and a dessert carousel that spins near the counter.

Nothing about the space tries to be trendy or modern, which creates an authentic atmosphere that younger generations find refreshingly different.

The decor and layout haven’t changed much over the years, giving the restaurant a lived-in quality that new establishments can’t replicate. Regulars appreciate this consistency because it means their favorite spot remains familiar no matter how long between visits.

First-time guests often comment on the genuine old-school vibe that makes them feel connected to Los Angeles history.

Community seating arrangements sometimes mean sharing space with strangers, which adds to the traditional deli experience. The temperature inside can run cold until staff adjusts it, and the surrounding neighborhood shows visible wear.

However, these minor imperfections contribute to the authentic character rather than detracting from it. People come for food and atmosphere that feel real rather than manufactured for Instagram appeal.

Why Locals And Visitors Keep Coming Back

Repeat business drives Langer’s success, with some families returning across multiple generations to enjoy the same sandwiches their parents and grandparents loved. The consistency in quality means you know exactly what to expect each visit without worrying about disappointing changes.

This reliability builds trust that keeps people choosing Langer’s over newer options that might seem more exciting but lack proven track records.

Visitors from other states and countries specifically seek out Langer’s based on its reputation, making it a destination rather than just a lunch spot. Food enthusiasts who take pastrami seriously include it on their must-visit lists when traveling to Los Angeles.

The combination of historical significance and current excellence makes it appeal to both nostalgia seekers and culinary adventurers.

Service speed impresses guests who appreciate getting their food within minutes rather than waiting extended periods. Staff members demonstrate genuine friendliness and offer helpful recommendations when diners feel overwhelmed by menu choices.

The servers work hard, staying attentive with coffee refills and checking on tables regularly. These human touches create positive experiences that extend beyond just the food quality, giving people additional reasons to return and recommend Langer’s to others.

What Regulars Say Makes Langer’s Special

Customer reviews reveal consistent themes about what makes dining at Langer’s memorable beyond just eating good food. Many people mention the emotional connection they feel to a place that represents Los Angeles history and Jewish culinary traditions.

The experience taps into something deeper than hunger, offering a sense of continuity and authenticity that modern fast-casual chains cannot provide.

Regulars emphasize the importance of ordering the Number 19 without modifications to experience it as the creators intended. They warn newcomers against substituting ingredients or requesting changes that might seem appealing but actually disrupt the carefully balanced flavors.

This protective attitude shows how much people value the traditional preparation and want others to appreciate it properly.

The value proposition receives mixed reactions, with sandwiches costing around thirty dollars seeming expensive to some while others consider it reasonable for the quality and portion size. Most reviewers conclude that the experience justifies the price, especially considering the craftsmanship involved.

Long-time fans express hope that Langer’s continues operating for many more decades, preserving this piece of culinary heritage for future generations to discover and enjoy.

How Langer’s Preserves Tradition Today

Operating from 8 AM to 4 PM Monday through Saturday and closing on Sundays, Langer’s maintains limited hours that reflect old-fashioned business practices. This schedule might seem inconvenient in an era of all-day dining, but it allows the staff to focus on quality during peak meal times.

The restaurant prioritizes doing things right over maximizing revenue through extended operations.

The kitchen continues using traditional preparation methods rather than adopting shortcuts that could increase efficiency at the expense of taste. Hand-slicing pastrami, double-baking bread, and making sides from scratch all require more labor than modern alternatives.

This commitment to craft keeps the food tasting the same way it did decades ago, which loyal customers consider essential to Langer’s identity.

Located at 704 S Alvarado St in a neighborhood that has seen better days, the restaurant stays rooted in its original location despite challenges. The surrounding area features visible homelessness and urban decay that some guests find off-putting.

However, remaining in this spot rather than relocating to a trendier district demonstrates dedication to community and history. Langer’s proves that exceptional food can thrive anywhere when the quality speaks loudly enough to overcome location concerns.