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Wexler's Deli
Master Critic Review
Wexler's Deli
8.2
This modern Jewish deli handcrafts pastrami and house-smokes salmon daily over applewood, serving them on organic bagels from Wake and Late. The meticulous attention to traditional deli methods paired with California-fresh ingredients creates an elevated bagel experience that locals line up for.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bagel with House-Smoked Lox, Pastrami Egg & Cheese Bagel, MacArthur Park Sandwich
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 7.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: House-smoked fish and hand-sliced pastrami on organic bagels
Who should go: Deli traditionalists and brunch enthusiasts
When to visit: Weekday mornings for shorter lines
What to order: Lox bagel, pastrami sandwich, matzoh ball soup
Insider tip: Order online to skip the morning rush
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking ($2/hour) or Santa Monica Place structure ($3 first hour, $2 after)
Dress code: Come as you are - from workout clothes to business casual all welcome
Noise level: Bustling deli atmosphere - lively but conversation-friendly
Weekend wait: 20-30 min peak hours (no dinner service - closes 4pm)
Weekday lunch: 10-15 min during lunch rush (11:30am-1:30pm)
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - excellent egg sandwiches, veggie cream cheeses, salads
Vegan options: Limited - bagels are vegan, ask about dairy-free cream cheese
Gluten-free options: No dedicated GF bagels, but smoked fish platters work without bread
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect for casual daytime dates - low-key vibe takes pressure off, quality food shows good taste, counter seating encourages conversation
Can I get a table without a reservation? Counter service only - grab and go or limited seating first-come first-served, best strategy is ordering ahead for pickup
Is it kid-friendly? Very - kids love the bagels, casual atmosphere welcomes families, high chairs available, quick service helps with impatient little ones
Best For
Better for: Superior pastrami to most LA delis, fresher fish than typical bagel chains, actually tastes like NY-quality with California ingredients
Skip if: You want a full-service brunch experience with cocktails, need dinner options, or prefer Montreal-style bagels over NY-style