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Fat Sal's Deli
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Fat Sal's Deli
7.9
Fat Sal’s Westwood outpost is a late-night destination for overstuffed, everything-in-the-basket sandwiches that mash fries, mozzarella sticks, and deli meats into one. Quality leans indulgent rather than refined, but the sheer spectacle and generous portions make it a reliable choice for post-game and post-party crowds. It’s as much about the energy on the sidewalk as it is about the sandwich itself.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fat Jerry Sandwich, Fat Texas Sandwich, Buffalo Chicken Fries
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 6.6
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Maximalist sandwiches stuffed with fries and fried snacks that cater to serious late-night cravings.
Who should go: Hungry night owls who want one big, over-the-top sandwich.
When to visit: Late evenings and post-game hours when the sidewalk scene is buzzing.
What to order: Fat Jerry, Fat Texas, share a basket of Buffalo Chicken Fries.
Insider tip: Split a full sandwich or pair it with fries if you don’t want to tap out halfway through.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Gayley, Broxton, and nearby Village streets is possible but competitive at night; Broxton Public Parking Structure is the most reliable option.
Dress code: Super casual—hoodies, jerseys, and late-night campus wear are all normal.
Noise level: Loud during peak late-night hours with sidewalk crowds; quieter in early evenings.
Weekend wait: 20–35 minutes depending on the post-game rush.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal wait aside from short order-backups.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited but present—some sandwiches and fries can be customized without meat.
Vegan options: Very limited—no dedicated vegan builds, and fried items may share equipment.
Gluten-free options: No gluten-free bread; fries and sides are options but cross-contact is likely.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date is into over-the-top comfort food; the messy, indulgent sandwiches don’t lend themselves to a polished first impression.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—it's counter service with open seating; tables can fill up late at night but turnover is fast.
Is it kid-friendly? During daytime and early evening, yes—portions are big and recognizable. Late-night crowds can be loud and chaotic, better for older teens than small kids.
Best For
Better for: Massive, indulgent sandwiches and late-night energy you won’t find at more refined delis or sandwich shops.
Skip if: You want something light, gluten-free, vegan-friendly, or a quieter, more polished dining experience.
Fat Sal's Deli
8.1
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Group Dining Gatherings
Late Night Legends
Fat Sal's Westwood flagship is famous for stuffing fries into over-the-top sandwiches and serving a full slate of Fat Fries on the side. From basic seasoned fries with Fat Sauce to chili cheese and bacon cheeseburger fries, it’s the archetypal late-night fry stop for UCLA students.
Must-Try Dishes:
Seasoned Fries with Fat Sauce, Chili Cheese Fries, Bacon Cheeseburger Fries
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Westwood’s original over-the-top fry temple, with an entire Fat Fries section and fries packed into sandwiches.
Who should go: Hungry night owls chasing big, messy fry creations.
When to visit: Late nights after games, parties, or long study sessions.
What to order: Seasoned Fries with Fat Sauce, Chili Cheese Fries, Bacon Cheeseburger Fries.
Insider tip: Pair a Fat Sandwich with a shared order of loaded fries instead of going solo on both.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking on Gayley/Strathmore is the primary option; expect competition during peak UCLA hours. Limited neighborhood street spots open up after 8pm.
Dress code: Ultra-casual—hoodies, sweats, and campus wear are the norm.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during late-night rushes; quieter during mid-afternoon hours.
Weekend wait: 15–30 minutes, often longer after games or campus events.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal wait; quick counter-service flow.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—seasoned fries, some salads, and a few meatless sandwiches can be customized.
Vegan options: Limited—fries are vegan-friendly but most sauces and toppings are not.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free menu; fries are the safest option but cross-contamination is likely.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date appreciates messy, over-the-top comfort food. It’s more playful and casual than romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—tables are first-come, first-served and turnover is quick, though seating is limited during rush hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids and teens who enjoy big sandwiches and fries; limited seating and late-night crowds may not suit very young children.
Best For
Better for: Massive, indulgent fry creations and late-night cravings unmatched by most nearby spots.
Skip if: You want lighter, health-focused food or a quieter sit-down environment.
Fat Sal's Deli
8.3
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Late Night Legends
Quick Bites Champions
Group Dining Gatherings
Fat Sal’s Westwood flagship is a late-night institution a few steps from campus, known for over-the-top sandwiches and griddled burgers stacked with fries, sauces, and cheese. Massive portions, long hours, and a raucous college-town energy make it one of the most relied-on spots in 90024 for indulgent burger runs.
Must-Try Dishes:
Classic cheeseburger with griddled patty and American cheese, Fat Texas BBQ sandwich loaded with brisket, onions, and fries, Veggie burger with provolone, avocado, and grilled vegetables
Scores:
Value: 9
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Westwood’s original over-the-top sandwich and burger counter open late nightly.
Who should go: Hungry night owls chasing maximalist burgers and massive portions.
When to visit: Late nights after games, parties, or marathon study sessions.
What to order: Classic cheeseburger, Fat Texas BBQ sandwich, loaded fries.
Insider tip: Grab your food to-go and eat on Gayley to avoid crowds.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Gayley and Broxton is the main option; expect tight availability at night. The nearby Broxton Public Parking Structure usually has spots and is the most reliable choice.
Dress code: Casual and come-as-you-are — campus attire, hoodies, and game-day clothes all fit in.
Noise level: High during peak late-night hours with chatter and music; quieter in mid-afternoon and early evenings.
Weekend wait: 15–30 minutes depending on bar crowds and campus events.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, though lines build slightly during UCLA class breaks.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: A few options, including grilled cheese, veggie-loaded fries, and customizable sandwiches.
Vegan options: Very limited; most items include dairy or meat, though fries and certain add-ons can be made vegan.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free buns or prep protocols; cross-contamination is highly likely.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date appreciates messy comfort food and a lively college-town vibe. It’s fun and casual, but not ideal for a polished or intimate outing.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s counter-service and entirely first-come, first-served. During late-night rushes, seating can be scarce, so many people grab to-go.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids and teens who enjoy big burgers and fries. Young children may find portions overwhelming, and the late-night scene can be loud.
Best For
Better for: Massive, over-the-top burgers and sandwiches served until very late — perfect when hunger and indulgence trump refinement.
Skip if: You want a quiet meal, cleaner dietary options, or a more traditional burger experience with table service.