Langer's Delicatessen
A historic Westlake deli famous for its hot pastrami on rye.
The call
Worth it if you're watching the budget and you only have one day.
Short answer
Is Langer's Delicatessen worth it?
Langer's Delicatessen deserves a place on most first itineraries.
The answer depends on your budget, time and travel style; the breakdown below shows who gets the most value.
Why
- 01
Old-school, no-nonsense and proud of one thing it does better than almost anywhere: the pastrami.
- 02
A daytime LA institution, though the surrounding MacArthur Park area and limited hours need planning.
Is it a fit?
Go if
You're watching the budget
Langer's Delicatessen earns the spend, even on a tight budget.
You only have one day
Short trip or not, keep Langer's Delicatessen.
You're traveling with kids
With kids, Langer's Delicatessen is an easy yes.
You're traveling as a couple
As a couple, Langer's Delicatessen is an easy yes.
The plates that decide it
- The #19 pastrami sandwich — the signature; the entire reason to come
- Plain hot pastrami on rye — reliable if you want it simpler
- Filler diner sides — skip them and save room for the sandwich
Plan it well
- Cost
- Affordable / moderate
- Allow
- 45 min – 1 hour
Sources and method (3)
- Westlake deli famous for the #19 (hot pastrami, cole slaw, Swiss, Russian dressing on rye); a two-time James Beard America's Classics winner and Michelin Bib Gourmand honoree. langersdeli.com ↗
- Celebrated its 79th anniversary on June 17, 2026. langersdeli.com ↗
- en.wikipedia.org ↗