Verified by SPOT · 8.2

Langer's Delicatessen-Restaurant

Westlake, Los Angeles · Deli · $$

Founded in 1947 across from MacArthur Park, Langer's has survived neighborhood decline, changing demographics, and a 30% revenue drop when Metro fares rose - partly because the Red Line now drops riders a block away, and partly because the pastrami is just that good. The No. 19 - hand-shaved hot pastrami, Swiss, coleslaw, and Russian dressing on double-baked rye - is considered by serious eaters to surpass even the legendary pastrami at Katz's in New York. Everything is made on premises, the booths are tufted chestnut leather, and the dining room hums with the sound of silverware and multiple languages.