THE SUNDAY DRIVE: You Can Count On Greenblatt’s 365 Days a Year

May 8, 2017
Share this story:

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — If you’re in the mood for some laughs and  latkes (potato pancakes) and other delicatessen delights, I’ve got just the places – and they’re right next to each other (8001 and 8017 Sunset Blvd.) in West Los Angeles.

The Laugh Factory has been cranking out laughs since 1979 with its lineup of A-list comedians like Tim Allen, Dane Cook, Jerry Seinfeld, Chris Rock, Bill Maher and Kathy Griffin. For an admission charge ranging from $20 to $30, plus your standard two-drink minimum, you get to sit in uncomfortable chairs around a tiny table and laugh your …. off.

But for my money, the real attraction is next door at Greenblatt’s. Not only does the Jewish deli have seniority, having started in 1926, but unlike a stale joke, the food never falls flat or disappoints. And it’s got another stat, I like. It’s open every day (as in 365 days a year) from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. They are equal opportunity providers. They don’t close for Hanukah or Christmas or any other holiday.

As for the menu, while it’s long, it doesn’t ramble. Over the counter, you can clearly see the soups, salads, sandwiches and desserts clearly listed. Whether you fancy pastrami, corned beef or roast beef, expect to pay about $14.95. Combo sandwiches run a couple of dollars more. Soups like chicken noodle or chicken kreplach run $6.95. Most of the main deserts, like homemade apple pie, New York cheesecake, double chocolate fudge cake, pecan pie and lemon cake, also run $6.95.

As both the soups and desserts were $6.95, and I was going to pick only one to keep my bill in manageable, I, of course, selected the double chocolate fudge cake. Soup is soup, I told myself, but when life presents a double tier wedge of chocolate cake and icing, you take it.

The pastrami stacks right up there with Cole’s (118 6th St., Los Angeles) and Langer’s (704 S Alvarado St, Los Angeles), with some Yelpers claiming it’s L.A.’s best.

What, however, is indisputably the best, is Greenblatt’s down-to-earth vibe. There are a few tables downstairs and another dining room upstairs, but both areas offer an easy, timeworn neighborhood feel. Although Greenblatt’s is very much in the celebrity zone – the deli used to be a favorite of everyone from Marilyn Monroe to Marilyn Manson –the real stars are the lox and bagels, the imported cheeses, the vast wine selection, the hand-cut coleslaw, old fashioned rye breads, kosher salami, potato knishes and chopped chicken liver sandwiches that Greenblatt’s prepares daily.

Greenblatt’s offers one off-menu item that also win you over: free parking in the back. That’s kind of perk that goes over better than even the best Dave Chappelle one-liner next door.

Greenblatt’s offers a robust selection of wines.

 

For a chuckle, wander next door to the Laugh Factory.

Leave a Reply