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Nate'n Al's
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Nate'n Al's
8.0
This 80-year-old Jewish deli institution serves NYC-style pastrami piled high on fresh rye alongside matzo ball soup that LA Weekly ranked #1. Celebrity sightings are common at this no-frills spot where the Canon sandwich combines pastrami and corned beef.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pastrami on Rye, The Canon (pastrami & corned beef), Lox & Cream Cheese Bagel
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 9.1
What makes it special: Beverly Hills deli royalty since 1945
Who should go: Deli traditionalists and celebrity spotters
When to visit: Early lunch beats the rush
What to order: Pastrami sandwich, matzo ball soup, cheese blintzes
Insider tip: Larry King's regular table still gets flowers
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free lot behind restaurant, fills up at peak lunch (12-1:30pm), metered street parking available
Dress code: Come as you are - locals in gym clothes, agents in suits all welcome
Noise level: Bustling deli energy - lively but conversation-friendly
Weekend wait: 20-30 min typical, call-ahead waitlist available
Weekday lunch: 15-45 min during power lunch rush (12-1:30pm)
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - eggs, blintzes, salads, veggie sandwiches, sides
Vegan options: Very limited - mainly salads, check with server
Gluten-free options: Some options - proteins and salads, no GF bread available
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for established couples - it's bright, bustling, and decidedly unromantic. The focus is comfort food not ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, they don't take reservations. Show up off-peak (before 11:30am or after 2pm) for shortest waits.
Is it kid-friendly? Absolutely - high chairs, kids menu, tolerant of noise, and grandparent-approved atmosphere. Peak family time is weekend mornings.
Best For
Better for: Authentic NY-style pastrami that rivals Langer's, superior matzo ball soup, and genuine deli atmosphere without tourist markup
Skip if: You want trendy ambiance, light portions, or Instagram-worthy plating - this is old-school deli through and through
Nate'n Al's
7.9
Vibes:
Comfort Food Classics
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Family Friendly Favorites
Quick Bites Champions
This legendary Jewish deli has been serving pastrami on rye and matzo ball soup to Beverly Hills since 1945. Now owned by music mogul Irving Azoff, it remains a celebrity favorite where Larry King held court and where you'll still spot industry titans over lox and bagels.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pastrami on Rye, Lox and Bagel Platter, Matzo Ball Soup
Scores:
Value: 8.9
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 9.2
What makes it special: Authentic NY-style deli serving celebrities since 1945.
Who should go: Deli enthusiasts and nostalgia seekers
When to visit: Weekend mornings for classic breakfast
What to order: Pastrami sandwich, lox platter, potato pancakes
Insider tip: The Shelli special combines best breakfast items
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking with 2-hour meters, small lot behind restaurant fills quickly. Valet available during dinner for $8
Dress code: Come as you are - tourists in shorts mix with agents in suits
Noise level: Bustling deli energy - loud but charming, booths offer more privacy
Weekend wait: 30-45 min typical, no reservations taken
Weekday lunch: 15-20 min during peak hours (noon-2pm)
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - excellent egg dishes, bagels, salads, and veggie sandwiches
Vegan options: Very limited - mainly salads without cheese, call ahead for options
Gluten-free options: Some options - salads and egg dishes, but no GF bread available
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual second or third dates - it's loud, fast-paced, and fluorescent-lit. The lack of ambiance is part of the charm, but not romantic
Can I get a table without a reservation? They don't take reservations - it's first come, first served. Weekdays before 11:30am or after 2pm are your best bet to avoid waits
Is it kid-friendly? Absolutely - high chairs available, kids menu, quick service, and staff who've seen it all. The noise level means nobody notices crying babies
Best For
Better for: Authentic Jewish deli experience with star-spotting potential. Better pastrami than Canter's, more scene than Langer's
Skip if: You want a quiet romantic meal or modern healthy options. Try Gracias Madre for plant-based or Republique for upscale brunch
Nate'n Al's
8.0
Vibes:
Comfort Food Classics
Family Friendly Favorites
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Since 1945, this legendary Jewish deli serves classic New York-style fare with crispy french fries accompanying their famous pastrami sandwiches. The old-school atmosphere and generous portions make it a beloved institution for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pastrami Sandwich with Fries, Matzo Ball Soup, Reuben Sandwich
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 7.3
Cultural Relevance: 9.2
What makes it special: 79-year-old deli institution with classic hand-cut fries
Who should go: Deli lovers and nostalgia seekers
When to visit: Weekend brunch or weekday lunch
What to order: Pastrami sandwich, fries, matzo ball soup
Insider tip: Celebrity spotting is common during weekend brunch
Logistics & Planning
Parking: 2-hour metered street parking on Beverly Drive, small lot behind restaurant often full by noon
Dress code: Come as you are - locals in sweats, tourists in designer clothes all welcome
Noise level: Bustling deli energy - conversation-friendly but lively
Weekend wait: 20-30 minutes, no reservations taken
Weekday lunch: 5-15 minutes during rush (12-2pm)
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - eggs, salads, veggie sandwiches, plus sides
Vegan options: Very limited - stick to salads without dairy
Gluten-free options: Some options but no dedicated prep - salads and proteins
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect for casual daytime dates - low-key vibe takes pressure off, but skip for evening romance
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, they don't take reservations - just show up and wait, moves quickly even when busy
Is it kid-friendly? Absolutely - high chairs available, kids menu, and staff used to families. Crayons provided
Best For
Better for: Authentic NY-style deli experience with better prices than Canter's, more character than modern spots
Skip if: You want Instagram-worthy plating or trendy atmosphere - go to Joan's on Third instead