Johnny's Pastrami

"We always hope that reboots are as good as the one the people behind Mizlala pulled off at this historic walk-up window in West Adams. Johnny's Pastrami combines everything you want in an old-school deli stand (a fast food-style menu, exceptional pastrami, life-affirming matzo ball soup) with nice touches like serving their sandwiches on Tartine marble rye. We particularly love the French Dip pastrami, which is about as thick as a football and perfect to split. Johnny’s also owns the bar right next door, which means you can bring food from the restaurant to their string-lit patio and start the night with a round of cocktails." - brant cox, nikko duren, sylvio martins

"As you might guess from the giant neon sign affixed to the building that shouts PASTRAMI, Johnny's—a longstanding late-night stand in West Adams that was revamped a couple of years ago—is a great destination for thick-sliced pastrami sandwiches on marble rye. But less apparent is that Johnny's is one of the best spots in the area to assemble a gaggle of hungry friends: There's a gorgeous patio in the back with enough room to seat a marching band, a menu that includes everything from matzo ball soup to crispy chicken sandwiches to banana cream pie, and a full cocktail bar next door where the fun people in your group can extend the evening if so inclined. " - Brant Cox

"This bar right next door to Johnny’s Pastrami in West Adams is owned by the same people, which means you can bring food over directly from the restaurant. It’s the perfect place to gather all your friends around a spread of affordable deli classics and gin martinis. Their huge patio has more than enough room for guests to come and go as they please, and the old-school R&B playlist will keep everybody grooving until midnight. " - brant cox, nikko duren

" The neon sign affixed to Johnny's Pastrami—an iconic neighborhood institution that was brought back to life a few years ago— shouts PASTRAMI in big, glowing letters, so there should be no confusion about what to prioritize here. The house-smoked pastrami is slightly peppery, sliced super-thick, and served simply on marble rye with a dab of deli mustard, though you should also save room for the matzo ball soup and banana cream pie. This casual, counter-service spot has a massive back patio that’s perfect for big group hangs, plus there’s a bar right next door for when you want dinner to transition into drinks. Although the restaurant itself closes at 10pm, the bar stays open until midnight. " - Nikko Duren

"This counter-service pastrami spot in West Adams has a huge patio where you can gather all your friends around a spread of thick pastrami sandwiches, deeply smoked brisket, and sides of matzo ball soup. But Johnny’s does more than just showcase affordable deli classics. There’s a bar next door (which is run by the same people) where you can order a few drinks, listen to old-school R&B, and party till midnight. " - nikko duren