American

Langer’s Deli

A few years ago, I was assigned to work in downtown L.A. for a while. I became fast friends with some coworkers, and we always went out to lunch together. One day, they started talking about Langer’s, but they kept looking at me because they weren’t sure if I would like it. I had made my feelings very clear about deli’s like Jerry’s. It may be famous, but to me, it is infamous for bad service, overpriced entrees, and bland food. They reassured me that Langer’s will be much better than Jerry’s, and after that I kept going back. During my sabbatical in the “frozen tundra,” my former coworkers went to Langer’s and sent me a mouse pad they purchased from there to taunt me. In response, I sent them a nasty email demanding they “Forget the mouse pad! Send me cream soda and pastrami!”

Since I’ve been back to L.A., I have made a few visits back to Langer’s, including yesterday for lunch. As usual, I’m not disappointed. No matter what I order to eat, I always start off with a cream soda ($2.50). I’m really not a soda drinker, but you can’t tell that from the way I down one glass after another of the cream soda. Yes, Langer’s give free refills. Every time I order this, before I hit the last sip, my server would ask if I want a refill. How could I say no to that? I’ve asked servers at Langer’s on a number of occasions to divulge their secret ingredient (what kind of cream or syrup is used), but they lips are sealed tightly. A waitress once told me that the only ingredient she can tell me is cola. I know traditionally, sweet cream is mixed with cola or your choice of soda, but I have no clue if Langer’s secret is really this simple.

My actual food order was the cup of soup and half sandwich combo ($10.95). I chose my standard chicken noodle with hot pastrami on rye. The chicken noodle soup is filled with thin egg noodles, which I’m happy about, but there are no chicken pieces at all. The lack of chicken meat is probably the only complaint I have about the soup. My friend opted for the matzo ball soup, which I had before, too. I can’t say it’s my favorite, but the matzo ball is quite big and better than some of the others I’ve had. What I really like about Langer’s food is the hot pastrami on rye. Some people just aren’t crazy about the pastrami here and are mystified why fans like myself enjoy it so much. First of all, each slice is a thicker cut than most other sandwich shops. There are some people who prefer layers upon layers of thinly sliced pastrami. If you are one of those people, then you should probably pass on the pastrami here. Due to the thickness of the pastrami here, the layers are smaller, which give some diners the impression that Langer’s is stingy with their portions. I can say that looks are deceiving. I have never been able to finish more than half a sandwich at Langer’s. The pastrami here is also surprisingly lean and well seasoned. In addition, the rye bread is very good, too. I enjoy the flavor of the rye, as well as the crunchy crust. If pastrami really isn’t your thing, there are many other choices. I recommend the brisket of beef sandwich ($14.25) and tenderloin skirt steak sandwich ($15.95).

Langer’s is right on the corner of 7th and Alvarado, right across the street from MacArthur Park. There is a parking lot on 7th and Westlake. Langer’s will validate.

Langer’s Delicatessen
704 S. Alvarado St
Los Angeles, CA 90057
Phone: (213) 483-8050
Mon-Sat 8am-4pm

By Pauline (see more of her posts).

© 2008 la.foodblogging.