Wexler's Deli

"You just mouthed off to a child wearing an Elsa dress and you’re not even out of the parking ramp yet. Stop what you’re doing and go right to Wexler’s. This Jewish deli has only been around since 2014, but is one of our go-to spots for great pastrami. The MacArthur Park (an ode to Langer’s famous #19) comes topped with coleslaw, Swiss cheese, and Russian dressing, and is the exact kind of comfort you need right now. That and the chocolate babka you’re definitely getting on your way out." - brant cox

"We have no idea why a Jewish deli as cool as Wexler’s decided to open in downtown Santa Monica, but we’re glad they went for it. This spot has a lot more space than the Grand Central Market original, so you can sit and enjoy your pastrami sandwich without having to worry about the elbow-shoving battle for your seat that’s happening behind you. Take your time, and save room for the babka." - sylvio martins, jess basser sanders

"Some say that Wexler’s housemade pastrami rivals Langer’s. That’s high praise for this modern interpretation of the Jewish deli, but add in the proprietary bagels, smoked fish, and everything else, and Wexler’s is certainly a contender for the throne. There’s a full-size location in Santa Monica open until the early afternoon and a busy kiosk at Grand Central Market in Downtown LA. Wexler’s in expanded to another location inside the Aria resort in Las Vegas." - Rebecca Roland

"You can’t quite remember why you agreed to meet your friends at the beach at 10am, but at any rate, your best hope for a hangover cure is a stop at Wexler’s in Santa Monica first. Open every day at 8am, this modern Jewish deli has excellent food across the board, but on those hazy weekend mornings, we go right for the Uncle Leo. Lox, egg, onion, and cream cheese, all on a bagel of your choice. If this doesn’t clear things up for you, you might just have to head home." - brant cox

"You’ve walked the length of the Promenade more times than you can count, and your friends are finally done watching that street performer with the sad monkey. Now you get to pick lunch. Don’t waste your time looking for decent affordable food in the packed outdoor mall, because there is none. Instead, head a few blocks away to Wexler’s. This place serves excellent bagels, pastrami sandwiches, and other deli classics, and you won’t have to wait an hour to get them." - jess basser sanders, amy clark, brant cox