Los Angeles loves a great deli. Two names always lead the conversation: Brent’s Delicatessen & Restaurant and Langer’s Delicatessen-Restaurant. Both are iconic. However, they deliver different experiences, so the better choice depends on what you want.
To begin, Langer’s Delicatessen-Restaurant focuses on mastery. Since 1947, it has built its reputation on pastrami. People go for one reason: the #19 sandwich. As a result, it feels like a true destination. Meanwhile, Brent’s Delicatessen & Restaurant offers variety. Since 1967, it has served the Valley with a full menu that includes breakfast, soups, and classic comfort food. In other words, it feels like a neighborhood staple.
Next, consider the sandwich itself.
If you judge by pastrami alone, the answer is clear. At Langer’s Delicatessen-Restaurant, the #19 stands out. The meat is tender, the rye bread is crisp, and each bite feels balanced. Therefore, many consider it the best pastrami sandwich in Los Angeles. On the other hand, Brent’s Delicatessen & Restaurant serves large, hearty sandwiches. They satisfy every time. However, they lean more toward comfort than precision. For that reason, Langer’s wins on the sandwich, and when visiting, request Eva as your waitress.
However, the full experience tells a different story. Brent’s Delicatessen & Restaurant shines with options, space, and convenience. The menu is broad, the setting feels relaxed, and parking is easy. As a result, it works well for groups and repeat visits. In contrast, Langer’s Delicatessen-Restaurant sits near MacArthur Park, and the surrounding area can feel rough around the edges, especially for first-time visitors. That said, the restaurant itself is well-run and busy during the day, and most guests visit without issue. Still, Brent’s offers a more comfortable overall outing.
Finally, if you live near La Canada, take a simple approach. First, visit Langer’s Delicatessen-Restaurant during the day and order the #19. Then, make Brent’s Delicatessen & Restaurant your regular spot when you want comfort, variety, and an easy experience.
In the end, Langer’s delivers the more iconic sandwich, while Brent’s provides the better everyday deli experience. However, wouldn’t you think we could get a great deli in Pasadena or Glendale? There has been a void ever since Billys closed.
I am team Brent’s all the way. And yes their menu is vast but for me it’s hard to go there and order anything but the corned beef sandwich on rye. They also have some of the best potato salad in the area. It’s also generational for us. I started going there with my parents and my in-laws as well and now my kids take their kids who are little but enjoy matzo ball soup one tiny sip or bite at a time