LAReview
photo credit: Benji Dell
Canter's Deli
Included In
Hollywood prefers its restaurants hidden, expensive, and highly exclusive. And who can blame the famous wanting simply to eat their food without distraction? But for every $150 pre-fixe menu and darkly lit sushi joint, there’s always an exception. And Canter’s Deli on Fairfax might be Hollywood’s biggest exception of them all.
Opened originally in Boyle Heights, Canter’s landed in its current Fairfax Avenue location in the late 40’s and immediately engrained itself in Hollywood’s shitshow folklore. Open 24 hours and due south of the Sunset Strip, Canter’s became the go-to spot for movie stars, rock musicians and the counterculture flag-wavers. And in 2015? We’re happy to report its all pretty much the same.
First off, Canter’s is flat-out enormous. With a bakery, two dining halls, and a separate bar, Canter’s feels like the first floor hotel lobby where all of LA is staying. Don’t be alarmed to see your hometown girlfriend (who doesn’t even live in LA), Adrien Brody, and your blacked out landlord all sitting in the same row of booths. Stressed? Don’t be. It’s all part of the fun. Aside from the fact Canter’s is still one of the finest Jewish deli’s in the country.
Known for everything from corned beef to bagels, their massive menu is chock-full of old school standbys. Though you can find anything you want to eat here, we highly recommend staying amongst the Canter’s classics. The matzo ball soup, Canter’s Fairfax, potato salad, or Corned Beef Reuben are always delicious and the perfect way to end a marathon night of drinking.
Canter’s is a true LA original and walking through its old kitschy doors feels like you’re walking into the heart of our city. So much has happened inside these crazy confines and so much is still to come. Time to get in on the action.
Food Rundown
photo credit: Benji Dell
Canter’s Fairfax
photo credit: Benji Dell
Corned Beef Reuben
photo credit: Benji Dell
Little New Yorker
photo credit: Benji Dell
Matt’s Special
photo credit: Benji Dell
Tuna Melt
Potato Salad
photo credit: Benji Dell
Matzo Ball Soup
photo credit: Benji Dell