What Langer's Delicatessen Is

Langer's Delicatessen is a Jewish deli in Los Angeles that has been operating since 1947. It sits on Alvarado Street in the MacArthur Park neighborhood and is known for hand-sliced pastrami, corned beef, and traditional deli sandwiches made to order. The restaurant operates as a walk-up counter and table service location where you order at the counter, pay, and then sit down or take your food with you.

The deli is a physical restaurant, not a mail-order or delivery-only business. You visit in person during their operating hours, place an order with a staff member behind the counter, and receive your food prepared fresh. Langer's does not have a website where you can order online for pickup or delivery, though third-party delivery services may list them.

Key Takeaways

  • Langer's is a counter-service deli in Los Angeles where you order and pay at the counter before sitting down or taking your food away.
  • The restaurant is known for hand-sliced pastrami and corned beef sandwiches, which are the most popular items on the menu.
  • You can eat at tables inside the restaurant or take your order to go; there is no table service where staff bring food to you.
  • Langer's has been in the same location since 1947 and operates during set hours that vary by day of the week.

How to Order at Langer's

When you arrive at Langer's, you walk up to the counter and look at the menu board or printed menu. A staff member will take your order and tell you the price. You pay at that time, either with cash or card. The staff then prepare your sandwich or other food item while you wait, which usually takes a few minutes.

You do not need to make a reservation or call ahead for a single sandwich or small order. If you are part of a large group and want to order many sandwiches at once, calling ahead can help the kitchen prepare them more smoothly. The phone number is listed on the restaurant's storefront and in online business directories.

What Langer's Menu Includes

The core menu centers on deli meats sliced to order: pastrami, corned beef, roast beef, turkey, and salami. The most famous item is the pastrami sandwich, which comes on rye bread with mustard. Corned beef is the second most popular sandwich. Both are available in regular and double-meat sizes.

Langer's also serves sides like potato salad, coleslaw, and pickles. Beverages include soft drinks, coffee, and tea. The menu is relatively straightforward and focused on traditional Jewish deli food rather than a wide variety of options. Prices vary by item and meat selection, with sandwiches ranging from moderate to higher cost depending on size and meat type.

Eating In or Taking Food Away

Langer's has a small dining area with tables and chairs inside the restaurant. After you pay at the counter, you can sit at one of these tables and eat your meal there. The space is casual and not fancy; it is a working deli with a neighborhood feel.

You can also take your order to go. After paying, you receive your sandwich wrapped and ready to carry out. Many customers do this, especially during busy lunch hours. There is no difference in price or preparation between eating in and taking away.

Hours and Location

Langer's is located at 704 South Alvarado Street in Los Angeles, California. The restaurant is open for lunch and early dinner most days, though hours vary by day of the week. The deli is closed on certain holidays and may have reduced hours on some days.

Before you visit, check the current hours online or call ahead, since restaurant hours can change seasonally or due to staffing. The storefront is in an older building in a busy urban neighborhood, and parking is street parking only. The location is accessible by public transit via the Metro Red Line.

Payment and Pricing

Langer's accepts both cash and credit or debit cards at the counter. You pay when you order, not after you eat. There is no tipping jar or tip line at the register, though some customers leave cash tips on the table or counter.

Prices are moderate for a deli restaurant in Los Angeles. A single pastrami or corned beef sandwich costs less than a meal at a sit-down restaurant but more than fast food. Double-meat sandwiches and sides cost extra. Exact prices change over time and may vary slightly by specific item.

Why Langer's Is Known for Pastrami

Langer's pastrami has a reputation in Los Angeles food culture because the restaurant hand-slices the meat fresh for each sandwich rather than using pre-sliced pastrami from a package. The meat is steamed and then sliced thick or thin depending on customer preference. This method produces a different texture and flavor than mass-produced deli meat.

The restaurant has been making pastrami the same way for decades, which is why it appears in food guides and why locals recommend it. The pastrami sandwich is not unique to Langer's — many delis serve pastrami — but Langer's version is well-known in the Los Angeles area specifically.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to make a reservation to eat at Langer's?

No. Langer's operates as a walk-up counter deli, and you do not need a reservation for a regular order. If you are ordering for a large group or party, calling ahead is helpful so the kitchen can prepare multiple sandwiches without a long wait.

Can I order from Langer's online or by phone for delivery?

Langer's does not have its own online ordering system or delivery service. You must visit in person to order. Some third-party delivery apps may list Langer's, but this depends on whether the restaurant has partnered with those services.

What is the difference between Langer's pastrami and corned beef?

Both are cured beef products, but they are made differently. Pastrami is seasoned with spices and smoked, while corned beef is brined and boiled. At Langer's, both are hand-sliced fresh. The pastrami has a spicier, smokier flavor, while corned beef is milder and more tender.

Is Langer's Delicatessen still open?

Yes, Langer's has been operating continuously since 1947 and remains open. However, restaurant hours and operations can change, so it is best to call or check online before visiting to confirm current hours and any temporary closures.

What should I order if I have never been to Langer's before?

The pastrami sandwich is the most famous item and is a good starting point. If you prefer milder flavors, the corned beef sandwich is also popular. Both come on rye bread with mustard. You can ask the staff for recommendations based on your preferences when you order.