Langer's Deli

Langer's Deli Restaurant Review:

One of the city's most beloved delis, this L.A. landmark has been going strong since 1947. In the early days, the MacArthur Park neighborhood was home to middle-class Jews, many transplanted from places like Brooklyn, where the nondescript Langer's would fit right in. Threatened by urban blight in the 1990s, the opening of the nearby Red Line station revitalized this old favorite, further bolstered by the subsequent renaissance of downtown L.A. Many Financial District businesspeople hop onto the Metro for a short ride to lunch at Langer's. For motorists who don't want to stick around, there is curbside pick-up service upon request. The major draw at Langer's is the pastrami. Traditionalists insist on it straight-up, while others opt for the #19, which piles the pastrami on crusty twice-baked rye, along with Swiss cheese and a heap of coleslaw. Other traditional deli favorites --- matzo brei, knishes, egg cream sodas --- are available as well. All these years in trendy L.A. hasn't compromised Langer's vibe --- with its long counter and Formica tables, it still has the look of an old-school Brooklyn deli.