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Factor's Famous Deli
Master Critic Reviews (6 Lists)
Factor's Famous Deli
8.2
A classic LA deli serving big, old-school American Jewish comfort—stacked sandwiches, soups, and breakfast plates that locals treat like a daily utility. Not a design destination, but consistently satisfying for takeout or a casual booth meal.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pastrami sandwich, Matzo ball soup, Corned beef hash breakfast
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Old-LA deli comfort with reliably hefty portions.
Who should go: Deli loyalists and anyone craving a big sandwich.
When to visit: Late morning or mid-afternoon for shortest waits.
What to order: Pastrami, matzo ball soup, breakfast hash.
Insider tip: Order half-and-half meats to sample more without overdoing it.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Small on-site lot plus metered street parking on Pico and adjacent side streets; easiest before noon and after 2:30pm.
Dress code: Casual and unfussy; anything from gym clothes to jeans-and-a-tee is normal.
Noise level: Moderate during peak brunch/lunch rush; still easy to hold a conversation in most booths.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes; evenings are steady but rarely slammed.
Weekday lunch: Often minimal wait, though peak noon rush can push 5–10 minutes for a booth.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong selection—omelets, salads, veggie sandwiches, and classic deli sides.
Vegan options: Limited but workable—salads, some vegetable sides, and customizable orders.
Gluten-free options: Several GF-friendly options including salads and some proteins; sandwiches require modification.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? It’s better for casual comfort than romance—great if you want relaxed, low-pressure energy rather than ambiance-focused dining.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—reservations aren’t the norm. Walk in, expect a short wait during peak brunch or lunch, otherwise seating is quick.
Is it kid-friendly? Very—ample booth seating, kid-appropriate menu items, and a family-heavy weekend crowd.
Best For
Better for: Hefty classic deli plates, dependable portions, and all-day breakfast executed with neighborhood consistency.
Skip if: You want a modern, design-driven brunch spot or a lighter, chef-driven meal—this is hearty, traditional deli fare.
Factor's Famous Deli
8.4
A classic Jewish deli that doubles as an all-day breakfast powerhouse, with a deep menu and true neighborhood-institution energy. Breakfast here is big, old-school, and reliably executed, from smoked fish plates to omelets and griddle staples. The kind of place locals treat like a weekly ritual.
Must-Try Dishes:
Nova lox bagel, Potato latkes with eggs, Matzo brei
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Historic deli serving all-day breakfast with institutional reliability.
Who should go: Deli regulars and big-breakfast seekers.
When to visit: Weekday mornings or late breakfast.
What to order: Lox bagel, latkes and eggs, matzo brei.
Insider tip: Split a plate; portions are built for sharing.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Small onsite lot with limited spaces; metered street parking on Pico and adjacent side streets is usually manageable before 10am but tight during peak brunch hours.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable; come as you are—athleisure, jeans, and weekend brunch wear are all common.
Noise level: Moderate during breakfast rush; conversational but lively with deli hustle.
Weekend wait: Not applicable—breakfast and daytime are the primary draws; evenings are quieter with minimal waits.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, though peak noon hours may see a brief 5–10 minute queue.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—ample options including omelets, pancakes, salads, and deli classics without meat.
Vegan options: Limited—some sides, salads, and customizable items, but the menu skews traditional deli and breakfast.
Gluten-free options: Some workable choices like omelets, salads, and smoked fish plates; verify bread substitutions day-of.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if the goal is casual and low-pressure—it's more of a neighborhood comfort hub than a romantic setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—most guests walk in. Weekend late mornings may require a short wait, but turnover is steady.
Is it kid-friendly? Very—high chairs, large booths, and a big menu with plenty of kid-appeal breakfast items make it an easy family pick.
Best For
Better for: Oversized portions, classic Jewish deli breakfast staples, and a warm, lived-in neighborhood feel that newer brunch spots can't replicate.
Skip if: You want cutting-edge brunch dishes, minimalist décor, or a quiet, refined setting—this is a bustling, old-school deli experience.
Factor's Famous Deli
8.4
A classic Pico-Robertson Jewish deli that quietly functions as an all-day brunch powerhouse. The breakfast bench is deep—eggs any style, thick matzo brei, smoked fish plates—and portions are built for sharing. It’s an old-school room with real neighborhood gravity and reliable execution.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lox bagel, Matzo brei, Latkes and eggs
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 7.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Institutional deli brunch with smoked fish and griddle classics.
Who should go: Deli loyalists and big-breakfast crews.
When to visit: Late morning for shortest waits.
What to order: Lox bagel, matzo brei, latkes and eggs.
Insider tip: Split plates—portions are generous.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Dedicated lot behind the deli with free parking; nearby residential street parking is usually available but signed, so check restrictions.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable; anything from jeans to weekend leisurewear fits the room.
Noise level: Moderate — lively deli energy but still easy to hold a conversation at most tables.
Weekend wait: Not a peak hour for this deli; usually 5–15 minutes or seated immediately.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, though a brief line can form during the noon rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong — plenty of egg dishes, pancakes, salads, and dairy-forward plates.
Vegan options: Limited — a few salads and sides work, but the menu skews dairy and eggs.
Gluten-free options: Moderate — some breakfast plates and salads are workable; gluten-free bread is occasionally available but not guaranteed.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? It’s better for relaxed, low-pressure meetups than romantic first dates. The vibe is friendly and bustling, ideal for a casual get-to-know-you brunch.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — they operate mostly on walk-ins. Arrive late morning to avoid peak brunch lines; larger groups may wait a bit longer.
Is it kid-friendly? Very — booster seats, spacious booths, and a kid-approachable menu make it easy for families with children of all ages.
Best For
Better for: Classic deli brunch plates, large portions, and groups who want a roomy booth and a dependable neighborhood standby.
Skip if: You want a trendy, chef-driven brunch or a quieter, design-forward café environment.
Factor's Famous Deli
8.6
Vibes:
Comfort Food Classics
Family Friendly Favorites
Business Lunch Power Players
Group Dining Gatherings
A long-running Pico-Robertson institution where towering Jewish-deli sandwiches are the main event. Pastrami, corned beef, and turkey are sliced thick, piled high, and served with that classic LA deli rhythm that keeps locals returning for decades.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pastrami sandwich on rye, Corned beef sandwich, Hot brisket dip
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 9
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Old-school LA deli doing big, reliable stacked sandwiches.
Who should go: Deli traditionalists and sandwich maximalists.
When to visit: Weekday lunch for fastest table turn.
What to order: Pastrami on rye, corned beef, brisket dip.
Insider tip: Split a hot sandwich—portions are built for sharing.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Shared lot parking behind the deli plus metered street spaces on Pico; the lot fills during peak lunch hours but turnover is steady.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable; anything from jeans to business-casual works.
Noise level: Moderate—busy deli energy but still fine for conversation at most tables.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes depending on groups and takeout volume.
Weekday lunch: Often a short wait at peak (5–10 minutes), but many days seatings are near immediate.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—salads, egg salad, tuna salad, grilled cheese, and veggie-friendly sides.
Vegan options: Very limited—basic salads and a few sides, but most sandwiches are not vegan-modifiable.
Gluten-free options: Limited—no dedicated GF bread; salads and some plates work if you avoid the bread.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? More practical than romantic—great if your date appreciates classic LA deli culture and hearty sandwiches, less ideal if you want a quieter or moodier setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are the norm here. During weekday lunch you may wait briefly, but turnover is quick.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—very. High chairs, spacious booths, and a menu full of kid-approved classics make it easy for families.
Best For
Better for: Huge deli sandwiches with that classic Pico-Robertson Jewish-deli feel—bigger portions and a more old-school vibe than most competitors.
Skip if: You want vegan options, gluten-free sandwiches, or a quieter, more polished dining room.
Factor's Famous Deli
8.3
A long-running Pico-Robertson deli where big, classic Jewish comfort plates and all-day breakfasts keep locals cycling through. The garden patio is dog-friendly, making it an easy pick for a relaxed sandwich-and-coffee stop with your pup. Portions are generous and the menu is deep enough to suit every kind of craving.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pastrami sandwich, Matzo ball soup, Chopped liver plate
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 7.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Legacy deli cooking with a dog-friendly garden patio.
Who should go: Deli lovers and dog owners on Pico.
When to visit: Late morning or early lunch for patio ease.
What to order: Pastrami, matzo ball soup, deli sides.
Insider tip: Ask for patio seating right away; it fills fast.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Pico and surrounding side streets; usually manageable before noon but can tighten midday. No valet.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable—most guests come in everyday wear.
Noise level: Moderate during peak brunch and lunch; still easy to hold conversations on the patio.
Weekend wait: They close early, so dinner rush is minimal—typically no wait near closing.
Weekday lunch: 10–20 minutes for patio seating on busy days; indoor seating often immediate.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—plenty of salads, omelets, sandwiches, and deli sides fit vegetarian diets.
Vegan options: Limited—some salads and vegetable sides qualify, but the menu skews dairy and deli-heavy.
Gluten-free options: Partial—many items can be modified, and there are gluten-free bread options, but cross-contact is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for relaxed daytime meetups than formal dates—the patio feels warm and casual, ideal if you want something low-pressure with good comfort food.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—Factor’s operates primarily on a walk-in basis. Patio waits can build on weekends, so arriving before the lunch wave helps.
Is it kid-friendly? Very—large booths, a broad comfort-food menu, and quick service make it easy for families with toddlers or young kids.
Best For
Better for: Hearty deli classics, generous portions, and pet-friendly patio dining make it stronger than more modern cafés in the area for casual, dependable meals.
Skip if: You want a trend-driven brunch or chef-y plates—Factor’s is firmly in the classic deli lane.
Factor's Famous Deli
8.4
A long-running Pico-Robertson deli institution with fast, professional service and a menu built for power-lunch reliability. Booth seating, steady pacing, and a huge comfort-food lineup make it easy to conduct a meeting without fuss. Best for classic LA deli plates that deliver the same way every time.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hot pastrami sandwich, Matzo ball soup, Stuffed cabbage
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Old-school LA deli execution with meeting-friendly speed.
Who should go: Teams, clients, and deli loyalists.
When to visit: Weekday midday for classic lunch rhythm.
What to order: Pastrami, matzo ball soup, cabbage roll.
Insider tip: Grab a booth toward the back for quieter conversation.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Pico and adjacent residential streets; small on-site lot fills quickly during peak lunch hours.
Dress code: Casual and office-casual; business attire welcome but not required.
Noise level: Moderate — steady deli energy but still easy to hold a meeting at a booth.
Weekend wait: Not a major dinner destination; usually minimal wait.
Weekday lunch: Short waits of 5–10 minutes during peak hours; often seat immediately before noon.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong — salads, veggie omelets, sandwiches, and breakfast items cover most needs.
Vegan options: Limited — a few salads and vegetable sides, but customization is required.
Gluten-free options: Several items can be made gluten-free on request, including salads and some egg dishes.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal — the focus is on efficiency and comfort-food reliability, better suited for casual meetups or work conversations than date-night atmosphere.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — they operate on a walk-in basis, and weekday tables turn quickly. Arriving before the lunch rush ensures immediate seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — the menu is family-friendly with plenty of classics kids recognize, and booths make seating easier for small children.
Best For
Better for: Dependable, fast-paced deli service for business lunches where timing and consistency matter more than ambiance.
Skip if: You want a quiet, upscale setting or high-end culinary flourishes — this is a classic deli, not a fine-dining experience.