Wexler's Deli

Tucked inside the bustling Grand Central Market in downtown LA, Wexler’s Deli has carved out a reputation as one of the city’s premier destinations for authentic Jewish deli fare. Yes, parking is a nightmare and you’ll likely be jostling with tourists for a seat, but once that first bite of house-cured pastrami hits your palate, every inconvenience fades away.

The star of the show is undoubtedly the pastrami, cured and seasoned in-house daily. In a city with legendary institutions like Langer’s, Canter’s, and Brent’s, Wexler’s manages to hold its own—and then some. The MacArthur Park sandwich is a bold nod to Langer’s iconic #19, stacking tender, smoky pastrami with creamy coleslaw, melted swiss, and tangy Russian dressing on fresh rye. It’s rich, it’s messy, and it’s absolutely worth the trip downtown.

But pastrami isn’t the only reason to visit. The morning menu offers excellent options for early birds, including house-smoked lox on a bagel that rivals spots across town at a fraction of the price. The Uncle Leo—a hearty combination of lox, egg, and onion on a bagel—is the kind of breakfast that powers you through an entire Saturday of exploring.

What sets Wexler’s apart is the genuine care that goes into every sandwich. Whether you’re ordering a simple Reuben or the dressed-up MacArthur Park, you can taste the attention to detail. For anyone seeking serious deli food in Los Angeles, making the trek to Grand Central Market is absolutely worth it.