Marion S.
Yelp
For years I have begged the gods for a Jewish style deli in Burbank. It didn't have to be great, it didn't have to be mind blowing good, just a place where you could get a corned beef or a pastrami on rye and a bowl of matzo ball soup. Finally, my prayers were answered. Katz's Deli is exactly what I wanted and it is great and it is mind blowingly good.
I have found great food in all sorts of unusual places...but what are the odds I'd find another great sandwich spot in the back of a liquor store? Apparently high. Katz's (not to be confused with that one) is as hidden a hidden gem can get. Right next to the energy drinks and office supplies section of Village Liquor & Market, is a counter top where you can order some of the best food in town.
The menu is simple, hot sandwiches like a Reuben or a tuna melt. Cold sandwiches like a chicken or turkey club. Their meats are apparently sourced from Burbank's own, RC Provisions, so even without taking a bite, I know it'll be good. The sandwiches come with your typical sides of coleslaw, potato salad, or mac salad...and of course, a pickle spear. Unfortunately, I was feeling under the weather and really couldn't eat a sandwich...but a bowl of matzo ball soup would be the perfect meal and it was.
The larger size comes with two, almost baseball sized, matzo balls. To matzo ball aficionados, these are probably closer to floaters than sinkers, but there's still a nice bite to them. They soak in the rich broth, but don't get soggy. The broth has that schmaltzy taste to it where it's lip smacking good...and even though I drove back to the office, let it sit for a bit, then ate it...they were steaming hot til the last bite. They have a small pantry of things behind the counter and it looks like they make their soups from premade canned broth and a box mix, but even if that was the case, it was so damn comforting. Then you add in the little touches like tiny carrot medallions and the noodles, it was perfect. Fitting that a Katz's deli would leave someone smiling and satisfied.
Katz's however is not faultless. Service is slow, but it's expected when everything is made to order. It is contrasted with wonderful people behind the counter who are working hard to get orders out. There's nowhere to sit while you wait or eat, it is strictly take out only given their setting. The prices are pretty steep too. Most of the sandwiches cost 20 bucks, which is a high price to pay for just meat in between bread...but that seems to be the going rate these days for quality, great food. I've paid that much for a sub par fast food meal, so at the end of the day it's worth it, but it just seems crazy that a corned beef sandwich and a bowl of matzo ball soup might cost as much as a steak dinner. I wish they were open on the weekends, but for now, their hours are 11-4, which tend to be the busiest hours on Olive Ave for parking.
With all that said, this place is great and a welcome addition the neighborhood. It probably won't be a regular thing, but when my soul needs some nourishing and comforting food, this is definitely where I'll turn to.