Johnnie’s Pastrami Restaurant is a planned destination stop for many flying in to Los Angeles. It has been a landmark in Culver City, California, since 1952. Walk inside and it takes you right back. The counters, the juke boxes on the counters, and the booths are all original. If you don’t want to eat inside there are two outdoor covered patio dining areas.
Johnnie’s has a varied menu with burgers, hot dogs, and other sandwiches, but pastrami is the star attraction. It is first boiled, then transferred to a steamer, from which it is plucked with a tongs, then stuffed into a soft French roll. It’s unlike pastrami served at delicatessens.
The sandwich is so large you could make two or three meals out of it. (If you have any room left after a sandwich, there is fresh pie and coffee.) Served with the pastrami sandwich are some of the best crunchy dill pickle chunks I’ve ever had. I’ve heard that some people go to Johnnie’s just to buy a gallon or more of pickles.
Johnnie’s Pastrami is one of those places where you can say your parents ate there, your grandparents ate there, and maybe even your great grandparents ate there. And if your grandkids have any sense, they’ll be eating there, too.
Sunday | 10am - 9:30pm |
Monday | 10am - 9:30pm |
Tuesday | 10am - 9:30pm |
Wednesday | 10am - 9:30pm |
Thursday | 10am - 9:30pm |
Friday | 10am - 10:30pm |
Saturday | 10am - 10:30pm |
Other Nearby Restaurants
-
Shaky Alibi
Los Angeles, CaliforniaLos Angeles’ Shaky Alibi is all about the best imaginable Liège Belgian waffles, both sweet and savory. On the side: best-in-the-city coffee.
-
Cassell’s Hamburgers
Los Angeles, CaliforniaMany were saddened when the original Cassell’s closed, but now we can rejoice. A revamp of the classic burger diner respects traditions that made it famous.
-
Kettle
Manhattan Beach, CaliforniaA classic southern California coffee shop, open round the clock, serving high-quality square meals with especially good breakfast. Kettle muffins are a must!
-
Harriet’s Cheesecakes Unlimited
Inglewood, CaliforniaCheesecake is the single thing on the menu at this Los Angeles take-out-only storefront bakery. Dozens of varieties are available; the best is praline.
-
Sugar ‘N Spice
Newport Beach, CaliforniaThank Sugar ‘N Spice for frozen bananas’ popularity on Newport Beach’s Balboa Island. Since 1945.
-
Serving Spoon
Inglewood, CaliforniaEstimable soul food is the specialty of the Serving Spoon, a Los Angeles restaurant that fairly rocks with hospitality and good vibes.