California is famous for tacos, avocado toast, and fish tacos by the beach, but the state also has a serious pastrami tradition. Some of these delis opened when Truman or Eisenhower was in the White House, and they are still serving piled-high sandwiches on rye today.
The six spots on this list stretch from Los Angeles to San Diego to the desert in Palm Springs. Each one has stayed in the hands of the same family or kept its old-school deli style for decades, and that steady approach is exactly why people keep coming back.
Some are known for their rye bread, some for giant bakery cases, and one even stays open around the clock on weekends. If you love a good sandwich and a side of history, save this list for your next road trip or lunch break.
1. Langer’s Delicatessen-Restaurant, Los Angeles, CA
Ask any pastrami fan in Los Angeles to name one sandwich, and the answer often lands on a corner of Alvarado Street. Langer’s has been slicing pastrami there since 1947.
The deli built its reputation in the 1950s and early 1960s on two things: its pastrami and its hot rye bread with a crispy crust. That pairing is still the reason people plan whole days around a visit.
The Hot Pastrami Sandwich is the headliner, but the menu goes well beyond it. Pastrami Chili Cheese Fries are a bold side order, and potato latkes and a Denver omelette cover the breakfast crowd.
Pickle lovers can even order a full pound of pickles. Save room for the carrot cake, which has its own loyal following.
Plan carefully, because hours are short. Langer’s is open Monday through Saturday from 8 AM to 4 PM and closed on Sundays, with Saturday mornings being the busiest stretch.
Expect to spend about $20 to $30 per person. Takeout and delivery are available if you would rather eat at home.
2. Canter’s Deli, Los Angeles, CA
Night owls, this one is for you. Canter’s on Fairfax Avenue stays open 24 hours on Saturdays and keeps late hours the rest of the week.
The deli has been a Los Angeles institution since 1931, and the Canter family has kept it going across multiple generations. Walking in can feel a little like stepping into a time capsule.
Signature pastrami is the main draw, and the Hot Pastrami Sandwich comes stacked the old-school way. Corned beef is right there too, along with house-baked pastries from the bakery side.
If you want something warm on a cool evening, the Matzo Ball Soup with Noodles is a classic order. Sweet pickles and cole slaw round out the table.
Weekday hours run from 6 AM to 11:30 PM, so a breakfast stop or a late snack both work. Sunday evenings and Friday nights draw big crowds, so a weekday lunch may be calmer.
Free and paid parking options are nearby, plus curbside pickup and delivery.
3. Brent’s Deli Northridge, Northridge, CA
A strip mall in Northridge is not where most people expect to find one of the best Jewish delis in the country. Yet people drive in from across Southern California to Parthenia Street for exactly that.
Brent’s has been family run since 1969, and the menu shows it. Pastrami, brisket, corned beef, and club sandwiches all share space with an all-day breakfast menu.
One order stands out for the brave: Hot Pastrami and Chopped Liver. It is a classic combo that you do not see everywhere anymore.
Portions run large, so sharing is a smart move. Chicken noodle soup and cabbage soup make good partners for a sandwich.
Hours are worth a quick check. Brent’s closes at 3 PM on Mondays and stays open until 8 PM Tuesday through Sunday.
Weekends get busy from morning on. A free parking lot makes the stop easy, and prices land around $20 to $30 per person.
4. Katella Bakery, Deli and Restaurant, Los Alamitos, CA
Half the fun here starts before you even sit down. Katella’s bakery cases are packed with breads, cakes, and pastries, and it is hard not to plan dessert first.
The family-owned spot in Los Alamitos dates back to 1964. It combines a deli counter, a full restaurant, and a bakery under one roomy roof.
Piled-high pastrami on rye is the star sandwich, with corned beef close behind. Blintzes, chopped liver, and matzo ball soup keep the Jewish deli menu feeling complete.
On the sweet side, carrot cake and chocolate fudge cake slices are popular picks. Breakfast fans can grab a French toast combo with coffee.
Hours are generous, opening at 7 AM every day and running until 10 PM on Fridays and Saturdays. Weekend mornings are the busiest time, while Friday and Saturday nights are quieter.
I would save this one for a day when you want to leave with a sandwich in your stomach and a cake box in your hands.
5. D Z Akin’s, San Diego, CA
San Diego is better known for fish tacos, but D Z Akin’s has been the city’s go-to for New York-style deli food since 1980. The Akin family has run it the whole time.
Some regulars have been coming for more than 30 years. That kind of loyalty tells you a lot.
Sandwiches here are oversized, and pastrami is a big part of the lineup. Housemade pickles come along for the ride, and you can order a whole pickle if one is not enough.
The menu gets wonderfully specific, with blintzes, kasha, matzo ball soup, chopped chicken livers, and even chicken fried steak. The staff runs the busy dining room with impressive speed.
Then there is the dessert counter, which deserves its own visit. A banana split is on the menu for anyone feeling bold.
The deli sits on Alvarado Road near the College Area and opens at 7 AM daily. Families will appreciate the changing tables, and free Wi-Fi is available too.
6. Sherman’s Deli & Bakery, Palm Springs, CA
Desert heat and hot pastrami might sound like an odd match. Sherman’s has been proving otherwise in downtown Palm Springs since 1953.
The founder’s family has kept the deli going over generations. It sits on East Tahquitz Canyon Way, right in the heart of town.
Pastrami and reubens are the sandwiches people come for, and portions are large. Corned beef hash, chicken noodle soup, and matzo ball soup fill out the menu with classic comfort.
The real showstopper might be the bakery case. Carrot cheesecake, chocolate pie, strawberry shortcake, and key lime pie come in massive slices.
Sherman’s is open every day from 8 AM to 9 PM, which makes it easy to fit in after a morning hike or an afternoon of shopping. Weekend mornings bring the biggest crowds.
Expect around $20 to $30 per person, with curbside pickup available if you are heading back to the hotel pool.
From Langer’s rye to Sherman’s cake case, each deli on this list shows how a family recipe can outlast trends. Pick one, grab a seat, and order the pastrami.
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