Why you should experience Langer's Delicatessen in Los Angeles, California.
Langer's Delicatessen is a renowned culinary landmark overlooking Westlake where hand-carved pastrami, old-school deli traditions, and generations of Los Angeles history have been served from the same corner since 1947.
Set along South Alvarado Street near West 7th Street and just steps from MacArthur Park, this iconic family-run delicatessen connects Jewish culinary traditions, immigrant history, neighborhood resilience, restaurant craftsmanship, community gathering, and one of the most celebrated sandwich legacies in America. Vintage booths, bustling lunch counters, towering sandwiches, historic interiors, and decades of loyal customers create an atmosphere defined by authenticity and tradition. Founded by Al Langer as a modest twelve-seat deli, the restaurant grew into a Los Angeles institution while remaining rooted in the neighborhood that helped shape its identity. The result is a destination that feels as much a part of the city's story as the food itself.
What you should know about Langer's Delicatessen.
Langer's Delicatessen in Westlake is best known for its No. 19 pastrami sandwich, widely regarded as one of the most famous and acclaimed deli sandwiches in America.
Opened in 1947 across from MacArthur Park, Langer's built its reputation on hand-cut pastrami, double-baked rye bread, and an unwavering commitment to traditional deli craftsmanship. Over the decades, food critics, chefs, and national publications have consistently ranked its pastrami among the very best in the country. The restaurant earned a James Beard America's Classics Award and later received Michelin recognition, further cementing its place in the American culinary canon. Few restaurants in Los Angeles possess such a direct connection to the city's dining history.
How to fold Langer's Delicatessen into your trip.
Langer's Delicatessen is best experienced as an exploration of Los Angeles' remarkable blend of food history, immigrant heritage, and neighborhood character.
Begin at Langer's Delicatessen, where the restaurant's defining relationship with culinary excellence, tradition, and community immediately comes into focus. Continue toward MacArthur Park, whose rich history reveals the social and cultural forces that shaped Westlake across generations. From there, make your way to The Westlake/MacArthur Park Station, where public transit, urban development, and neighborhood revitalization provide a broader perspective on the influences that continue to define this part of Los Angeles today. Along the route, you'll encounter historic landmarks, neighborhood institutions, cultural destinations, public gathering spaces, architectural treasures, and celebrated local icons that showcase the remarkable depth of the area. The progression moves naturally from renowned deli to historic park to civic gateway, revealing the enduring character of one of Los Angeles' most fascinating neighborhoods.
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