Authentic American Deli?

Question

My community does not have a good East Coast style Deli. In fact, there are not too many around in the Long Beach, CA area.

My question is ...what constitutes an authentic deli? What should it DEFINITELY offer, and what are some preferred options? I am considering starting one, and would value all input!

Answer 1

Oy vey, I live in Long Beach too and since Uncle Morty's on 4th Street closed there isn't a deli close by.
Typically I drive to Langer's or Canter's.
I haven't been to this place, but I read about it in the OC weekly last week. It's callled Kosher Bite Deli & Meat Market in Laguna Hills. I know it's not close, but it's closer than driving to Fairfax.

A good deli should have quick service, ancient women for waitstaff, real bagels, not bread cooked in the shape of a bagel, lox, matzo ball soup, stuffed cabbage, pastrami, corned beef, mishmosh, rye bread, meat loaf, corned beef hash, wonderful breakfasts and crunchy garlicky pickles.
Mmm, I might have to drive out to LA now...

Answer 2

I am not sure what an east coast deli consists of. I have been to Katz's deli in NYC. I know that is supposedly a famous deli, and boy was it good.

You can check out Phillipe's in downtown LA across from Union Station, and any of The Hat's in the LA area. The closest one I think to Long Beach is in Irvine. They are good examples of very popular LA style delis. Phillipe's is probably the best example.

In LA, you have to offer pastrami. It is by far the most popular sandwich. Phillipe's is famous for it's dipped sandwiches. Lamb is their specialty. The Hat is for pastrami. Both have large menus, with lots of cold salad offerings. That is important.

In Long Beach, check ourt Modica's deli on Ocean and Linden. Probably the most popular deli in LB. If you need a cop, you will find half the force there. They have some great salads.

What I loved about Katz's in NYC was that you can order a plate of different meats and make you own sandwich at your table. It was great for a party of like 2-3 people and a cheaper price. They also had the greatest kosher pickles and gerkins. When I was stationed in Pakistan while in the military, my husband ordered a big salami (no jokes) and sent it to us straight from the restaurant. We had nasty food, and salami with mustard on crackers was worth it's weight in gold over there. I could have charged my buddies for a bite.

There is also a deli on Pine Street in LB, between Broadway and 3rd. This place has a way of dealing with the lunch rush. They premake a lot of sandwiches and sell them that way.

Moshers is a good place for corn beef, another popular choice. There is a Moshers on 7th Street, near Park Ave.

If you set up a place in Long Beach, downtown will get you the city lunch rush. The closer you are to the port will get you all of those hungry customers will big stomachs. Belmont Shore is a restaurant mecca, but the rent for a place is higher, and the market might be tapped out. Near the colleges is a good choice too. Personally, I live in downtown, so of course I'd like more restaurants in walking distance. I think the city gives incentives to open up places in downtown too.

Hope this helps!

Answer 3

basically, a real deli has food that has Jewish origins, like matzo ball soup, kreplach, knish, kasha varniskas, etc.
but of course the pastrami, corned beef, and chopped liver are usually the big draws to a good deli
for the best pastrami in LA, you have to go to Langers at 7th & Alvarado, but they are only open for breakfast and lunch
for the best overall deli in LA, go to Brents in Northridge
Jerry's Deli and Art's are both OK, but not the best
happy eating!

Answer 4

There is one by the LB airport called Moshers Deli...they have what it takes, the combo of food plus quality. Also, visit Canters Deli on Fairfax in LA, the chicken soup is to die for.

Visit, drink coffee, sip soup...take in the atmosphere utilize what you find favorable and change what you find unsatisfactory. If your in the shopping district in LB you'll have a winner.

Answer 5

Click on "more details" for each of the delis in this 10-Best listing:
http://www.10best.com/New_York,NY/Restaurants/Deli/index.html

Hope that helps!