VIBE

Feisty local Jewish landmark that’s over 75 years old and kicking. The hasn’t-been-revamped-since-the-’50s vibe draws a touristy crowd and means higher prices. The haven’t-been-retrained-since-the-’50s staff disgruntles the locals, but there are still a fair number of regular devotees, especially late at night. (Round-the-clock service keeps the post-party snackers coming in.) If you want that Jewish deli ambiance, this place is overflowing with it.

CROWD

Mix of tourists, die-hard sandwich fans, late night post-party hipsters, and the regulars.

WHAT WE WOULD WEAR

Whatever you want!

GO HERE WITH

Friends; late-night party companions; family

WHY WE LIKE IT

Sure, it’s kitsch, and the get-what-you’re-given service ethic is a little rough around the edges, but it’s got a certain spunky charm…and to-die-for pastrami sandwiches (over 5,900 lbs of pastrami sold every month!). Great for a quirky late night bite.

WHAT WE WOULD CHANGE

The brusque attitude we can handle, but speedier service would be nice.

GOOD TO KNOW

Their cocktail lounge, the Kibitz Room, is open daily 10:00am-1:40am and hosts live music most nights. (The Wallflowers got their start here.) True to its Jewish heritage, Canter’s is closed for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. For those into history, a mural in the 1.5-hours-free parking lot chronicles the history of LA’s Jewish community. If you’re coming by car, validated parking is free for the first two hours.

OTHER LOCATIONS

Canter's Deli (Las Vegas)

Read more about Canter's Deli in The Diary

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