Motor City Deli

Love this place. The sandwiches are amazing. Jeff, the owner, is the real deal. Best smoked meats. A must stop in Culver City!

MY CREW WAS A DOING A JOB RIGHT IN FRONT OF ELEMENT 29 DELI. WALKED IN TO TALK TO THE OWNER JEFF. COOL DUDE, I TOLD HIM I WOULD BE BACK FOR LUNCH AND I DID. I ORDERED A PASTRAMI SANDWICH WITH SWISS CHEESE 🧀 AND A SIDE OF PICKLES. WOW BEST SANDWICH I HAD IN A WHILE.BREAD WAS SUPER FRESH, MEAT HAD AWSOME FLAVOR AND JUICY. I ALSO LOOKED IN THE BAG AND THERE WAS A HOMEMADE CHOCOLATE 🍪 COOKIE. I WILL DEFINITELY BE BACK THE NEXT TIME IM IN CULVER CITY. IM ALL FOR SUPPORTING SMALL AND LOCAL BUSINESSES. THANK YOU JEFF AND CREW👍🇺🇸

Had a great turkey sandwich here! it was flavorful and balanced. Definitely will be coming back

Stopped by for a quick sandwich and left with an experience. The owners were lovely and clearly very passionate about cooking. All around fantastic flavors and textures and clearly very fresh! I even got a little sample tasting of the brisket and was mind blown by the Moroccan spices. Now I can't visit Culver City without grabbing at least one sandwich on my way out.

The owner. What a great guy. I used to deliver as a driver around the area and I’d ask my dispatch to let me take my lunch a little early or later in order to eat here. I’d come in with a bright orange shirt and always ordered the Reuben and I’d chop it up with the owner while watching him make an amazing sandwich. The owner gave me a tour to the back and showed me the briskets he had and all the meats he had and always helped me by giving me tips on how to smoke meat better. He’s been a tremendous help and always so helpful with any meat related questions I had. This all being back in 2020-2021 and I’ve spent hours lately looking though google maps to find this spot and now that I have found it I will be stopping by soon next week . Good bless you man I really really enjoyed coming to eat at your deli. See you soon brother.

The people here are always very friendly! I got the Mustang sandwich and it was delicious. Came with pickles and a small cookie. Just what I needed. Excited to explore the rest of the menu. Highly recommend!

Stopped in right after opening today. I ordered the McStuffin with house smoked turkey. I drove a bit out of my way because it had so many stars. I have to say that it was one of the best sandwiches I have ever had. I am guessing it was the owner working this morning because you could tell he cared. He offered me a sample of the smoked turkey while I waited. He offered to make me up some pickles on the side. He included a delicious chocolate chip cookie and put it in the bag as a nice surprise after I ate my sandwich. I can't wait until I am back in the area to try another sandwich on the menu! This place should have a line out the door and be on every foodies list of go-to delis!

This is the best sandwich place ever!!! I love bread and I love smoked brisket, combined together is heaven for me. They smoke their own brisket and the owner and his friend are really friendly too. I buy 2x a week from them. If you want a good sandwich, this is the place I HIGHLY RECOMMEND 👍👍👍

This Detroit girl can't get enough of Motor City Deli!!! I don't know how I didn't know about it sooner but now that I do I keep bringing everyone here!! I feel at home swap stories of the Big D with the owner & Chef and if there's any doubt as soon as you sink your teeth into the food my mouth knows I'm home!! The marbled rye is delicious and the corned beef is so thick and tender. Any chance I get to drink a Faygo Red Pop or Vernor's I'll take it!! Yummiest hold in the wall!!

Went here during lunch hour and got a 313 pressed melt. The sandwich was pretty decent, and came with pickle and cookie. While it was decent, the portion size was small. They also sell cold sandwiches, salads, and other specialty snacks. The customers had to bus their own tables so it wasn't the cleanest. Not my favorite on the block. The service was good though, the person who helped me was chirpy!

Hella expensive peeps. The deli looks great and has a cool vibe, but the sandwiches prices are steep! The Aquaman was $12.75 in 9/22. Nearly $3 more now. Even better, their $15 to 20 sandwiches have NO included sides! MCD needs a reality check on pricing based on their location (not beverly hills) and the job situation for the rich clientele (massive tech layoffs). Keep your high prices if you must, but have a heart and include a free side or bag of chips...

If you're in the mood for some delicious sandwiches, you should definitely check out Element 29 in Culver City. This spot has a cozy atmosphere that makes you feel right at home, and the owner, Jeff, goes out of his way to make sure you feel welcomed and taken care of... He takes the time to chat with every customer, making you feel like you're part of the Element 29 family. But let's talk about the food - it's absolutely amazing! The Brooklyn sandwich is a must-try, with tender pastrami, melted swiss cheese, and tangy sauerkraut all piled high on a fresh roll. The flavors meld together perfectly, and you'll find yourself savoring each bite. I also suggest a side of potato salad with any sandwich... you won't regret it. Enjoy!

So sad to see him go I only just discovered this joint A true pastrami sandwich washed down w a true German lager I love that I could have walked here when I had a hankering for a little bit of New York deli style eats Thank you for the kind and fun conversation

Sandwich wasn't anything to write home about. Had the Aretha. Couldn't pickup on the jalapeño flavor from the bacon. I should've just made one myself. Ah well.

I work in the neighborhood and was walking one day on my break and saw their Deli Sign and said "I have to check it out". Finally did! It's small and clean. I was greeted when I entered(2:45pm) and I think they close at 3pm so it was empty. I asked for a recommendation on the hot sandwiches and was given the choice between the Detroiter & Texan Brisket. I went with the Brisket! NOT DISAPPOINTED! I took my order to go. It took a lot of control not to devour the sandwich. You have to take your time with this masterpiece and enjoy every bite and chew. It's safe to say I will be coming back to try out other sandwiches. If your around the neighborhood or want something fresh stop by! They also sell alcohol and lotto tickets. It's like a all in one stop lol

Until today I considered Langer's Deli as having the best pastrami sandwich in the US (much better to me, than Katz' in NYC) -- well today there's a new champion -- Motor City Deli in Culver City. They use the same wonderful bread maker as Langers but they cure their own pastrami - and it was the most tender and flavorful that I've ever had. My friend had the Texas brisket sandwich and was equally impressed. A great place for pastrami, corned beef.....and probably more!

Always a smiley Jeff and his team. It's a neighborhood gem so let's keep supporting wonderful local treasures!

Ambience: chill Food: The Brooklyn (pastrami): underwhelming size of sandwich for cost. Pastrami quality is great, but very rationed portion. Turkey salad: aioli dressing is more spread than dressing so felt thick to eat. Missing a zesty element. No sides or drinks. Cost: $38...

Stumbled upon this place while coming back to the Eastside...the gentlemen behind the counter were extremely friendly and helpful in my sandwich selections. The place is nice and clean and has an old school market or deli-vibe. We went with the Detroiter and the Reuben and omg am I glad we stopped. Sandwiches were on point...not too salty and not bland. Many thanks to the 2 fellas behind the counter, keep up the good work!

The hotel I was staying at recommended that I go to this deli for lunch. I asked the guy behind the counter if he recommended the turkey, the veggie, or tuna sandwich. He convinced me to get the tuna melt. I hadn't had tuna melt in years. It was a tasty and kept me full for hours. This great little place has been around for 6 years. Service was great and down to earth. Looking for a deli place, stop here.

Best Deli in LA! Ya, I said it. Only deli that makes everything in house, including the brisket, tuna salad, dressings, & sides like the popular vegan curried cauliflower. Can't go wrong with any of the meat sandwiches or the brisket salad. Yet, my personal fave is the low Mayo delicious tuna salad in a sandwich form aka the Aquaman or on a garden salad. Love that they have bottled old school sodas to wash down your meal with. A must try in Culver City :)

Really good sandwich (Detroiter) Plus played MC5 on the music thing,system/ whatever!

This is the best sandwich in LA. You literally can't go wrong with these sandwiches. The pastrami melts in your mouth and is so delicious. I love the brisket too, it's got a great smoke ring and is so yummy. I've never had Detroit style anywhere else in LA. It's a unique treasure that I love to walk by everyday on my way home from work. The service is nice and the man behind the counter is always so friendly. Bonus, they even give you a yummy cookie and delicious pickles with every sandwich. 10/10, my favorite place in my neighborhood.

A solid deli serving up tasty hot sandwiches, my wife and I stopped by after seeing them featured on Eater LA. My wife's BBQ brisket was very good for its savory flavors and gooey cheese. My New Yorker had good quality pastrami, but the marble rye's crust was surprisingly tough. Compared to the likes of places like Langer's, this was several notches below and a bit overpriced given the execution and portion. Nice staff behind the counter and fairly timely with our takeout order.

This dudes pastrami on marbled rye is for real....Ask for the "Brooklyn"!!! Everything here is homemade, off the hook!

Honestly, one of the best sandwiches I've had in a long time - maybe the best deli sandwich in LA. Lovely soft rye bread, pastrami and corned beef are both tender and perfectly seasoned. Drool.

One of the best Reuben's on the west side! I happen to be in the area and called in a take out order (and it was ready at the estimated picked up time which is something I really appreciate). Everything in the bag had been packed w such care and attention which bodes well for the meal. The bread was toasted but not greasy, the corned beef was well seasoned and extremely flavorful, the sauerkraut had the perfect amount of sour to balance the richness of the corned beef and Russian dressing, and the Swiss cheese was nice and melted (look at that cheese pull in the pic!). I'm very excited that I have found my new go-to Reuben shop in town and look forward to trying some of their other sandwiches. I think the owner was working at the cash register and I overheard a bit of a convo between him and another patron, and you could clearly tell how passionate he is about his product! Very friendly! Plenty of metered parking out front is also a plus!

I get the Stryker and Klein pressed sandwich every week. Before that it was the Detroiter. The sandwiches here with the in house smoked meats are legit. Its the kind of food you can use impress friends. Theres beers and a few wines but I go before noon on the weekdays while I'm at work so I haven't had the chance to have the sandwich with a cold one. But if you're in the area and can enjoy both. Highly recommended.

Literally A1 sandwich! But I'm paying top dollar for 3 slices of brisket!? Double the meat! Feed me when I'm paying $21 for the sandwich. THE SANDWICH WAS AMAZING!!! Stop the cheap and put on more meat! You're brilliant! I don't want a cookie! I want MORE BRISKET IN MY SANDWICH! Deliciously made!

Not sure what the faculty or service is like but my mgr purchased the Texan. It is so good I had to come tell somebody. I didn't have to alter a thing since it had no cheese listed in the ingredients. So glad too because it would have destroyed the flavor profile they created. I'm very pleasantly surprised! Sorry no pic, I ate the whole thing. Lol

Great food and service by real Detroit Chef, Jeff. go for the smoked meats and local Detroit treats.

Amazing spot and so happy I stumbled upon it. Super friendly staff who really put care into their food and selections in the store. Delicious menu, the type of place where everything is good. Corned beef was incredibly good, if you're a sandwich person this is the place to go! Will certainly be back to try everything else!

OH MY YUM!!!! The sandwiches here are SO good! Finally a place smart enough to make the bread thin so everything inside can shine! Probably the best tuna melt I've ever had!

Pretty good, and pretty expensive. As long as I can afford it, I'm going to keep going. I ordered the brisket melt and it was delicious. Perhaps it could have had a tad more sauce.

This is the type of establishment that every neighborhood should have: locally owned business offering amazing sandwiches and nice assortment of imported snacks. I had the brisket melt and I must say, IMHO, this is the best way to ever eat brisket! Wife had turkey melt and she thoroughly enjoyed it. Establishment also offers excellent array of craft beer options at reasonable prices! There's not much in the way of seating so keep that in mind if you are the dine-in type. Parking can be a challenge but this is LA after all. So, if you like good quality tasty sandwiches, just do yourself a favor, and go to Element 29. It's just that simple.

Sandwich shop that makes me happy I live in Los Angeles and that it exists here. High quality ingredients, made to order and damn delicious. This ain't fine dining but it's comfortable, friendly and as mentioned, bangs a wallop of flavor. We will definitely return!

Delicious, juicy sandwiches, generous portions, and friendly team, Jeff and Rolo. This is my second time here, bringing my mom to enjoy this hidden secret of a deli! Love the homage to Detroit and fun sodas in the fridge, yummy cookies, and amazing meats.

That was some surprisingly good pastrami from an unassuming deli in Culver City! It's a tad on the fatty side which is perfect, and the cheese, sliced thin, was just right in intensity. Piled with just enough meat, too. That said am very glad I drove over and ordered in person. Only one guy working inside who was very cool, and spot-on with his time estimates. And had I not actually driven over, I would not have realized just how unassuming this place is. Oh yeah, the salad was okay. Pretty good sized with a few nuts added to keep it interesting, but otherwise nothing special. But gotta get your veggies!

So stocked I discovered this delicious deli! Chris was so friendly and kind. He recommended the Texan sandwich and pardon my language but it was the most delicious freakin brisket I had. Inspired by their Detroit background, the menu is mouthwatering and delicious. Great beverage options, some grocery essentials and all around a perfect little deli!! Thank you Chris for being so friendly and kind ans curating a delicious sandwhich menu. I look forward to bringing friends here!

Not trying to be too hard on them but to spend 18.75 (before tax and delivery fees) for a brisket sandwich with 2 slices is not acceptable. Had really high hopes but the meat ratio compared to other delis like Greenblatt's is just not even close. The Reuben was appropriately stacked so not sure what happened with the other one. If I was at the restaurant in person, I would have sent the sandwich back.

I was very disappointed with the quality & taste of the sandwich I ordered. The bread was spongy and there was barely any Turkey all for $19. I can't believe I spent that on just a sandwich alone. You would have thought it was some gourmet meal with chips and a drink, nope. Do yourself a favor and do not go here!

The selection is phenomenal and they have the best Corned beef on the planet! The other meats are amazing too. You can tell the quality and TLC that went into creating the food as soon as you take your first bite. The ingredients are fresh and tasty in their salads as well! Makes eating healthy easy. The food is made by a true craftsman. The chef is a good guy and deserves wayyyyy more business!

Sweet little locals spot, very unassuming exterior. But there are delights awaiting inside... on yes there are. At heart I am a New York girl so I consider myself a sharp critic when up tell me I can get a Reuben in Culver that rivals one from home. And yet here one is in the small little deli with funky art and tables just 2 blocks from my home. And little special treats like Hi-Chews and rosemary potato chips to surprise and delight my tastes. The corned beef is perfectly cured, moist, rich and served on NY style Rye. Everything from the Russian dressing to the coleslaw to the side of dill pickles and the macaroon... yum!!! I hate and love that you are in my backyard!

Element 29 might seem like a strange name for a deli, but when you realize that they also sell a variety of other items, its makes sense. While waiting for a sandwich you can scratch a lottery ticket, stock up on breath mints and get fluid for your Zippo. But for me, I was there for the sandwich . . . and what a great sandwiches it was! A custom Ruben on regular Rye, mustard, Russian Dressing and cheddar. The meat was nice and tender and with zero gristle. It was perfectly delicious. Elements smokes their own Turkey, Brisket, Corned Beef , Salmon and Pork. They take great pride in the quality of meats they serve. The owner is super friendly and personable, and he gave me a first-time 10% discount. He also included a complimentary side of chocolate and pickles (I've been charged $3 for a side of pickles at other places). This is a good spot to get yourself a great sandwich, and also some wine, beer, and a variety of sundries - But go for the Sandwich!

This is the kind of place Jonathan Gold would have found and wrote about. Totally unexpected. Normally would have just kept walking and gone to someplace I've been before. When you walk in you'll see your typical neighborhood market and deli. For me I noticed something was different when I saw small batch meats and imported chips from Spain. Something's up. I ordered the Mc Stuffin and my friend ordered the The Aquaman. The turkey and tuna on the menu. One bite is all it took, mind blown, unique, high quality. They smoked their own turkey, topped with fresh spinach piquillo pepper aioli. Holy sandwich from heaven. My said his tuna was the best he's had. He was pretty hungry. Hands down, give this place a shot. Don't judge a book by its cover!

Work up the street and decided to try this little spot with some people from my (limited-capacity) office. It's a homely, mom-and-pop feel for sure. It's like a familiar deli with drinks in a fridge (complete with cans of beer, cheers to that) and some racks of chips and candy bars. Staff was friendly. The wait was a little while as it is obvious that they hand-make everything and all sandwiches and dishes are made to order. So worth it though. All the sandwiches were hella good and ingredients were super fresh. I had the "Cesar" sandwich with dried salami, pesto and mozzarella cheese & added the jalapeño bacon by the owners request. It's the best sandwich I ever had - so dang good that I redownlaoded the Yelp app just to review this spot. Give em a shot. Cheers!

I had the opportunity to get take out from Element 29 tonight. First off, I have to say thatJeff, the owner,is a really nice guy. He was so warm and friendly and even though our encounter was brief, I'd return again for his friendly hospitality. We had the Full Stack Pastrami which had such good flavor! We also enjoyed the side of pesto pasta and the Serrano ham and cheese sandwich melt with yummy Havarti cheese. Thank you for a great dinner!

Ahh, they've still got it! I used to visit Element 29 a lot for lunch because my office was right near by. I always knew they were the best corned beef in LA and it's nice knowing there's still one constant during a pandemic! My mom and I are quarantining together and I decided to get her and my best friend (part of our COVID pod) a Full Stack New Yorker and a Brooklyn Sandwich (we are, after all, New York transplants) and the responses were sensational! My mom was impressed- which is a feat- and my friend who was skeptical is a firm believer! The meat is flavorful, the bread fresh and delicious and the pickles on the side a perfect complement. They gave us a few cookies on the side too so I'm glad they're still giving a lil dessert item, it was a nice surprise in an uncertain time. Definitely give these guys some love. The owner was behind the counter working alongside his employees and I'm always happy to be able to proudly support one of our local businesses! It helps when I know I'll have an amazing culinary experience! Give these sandwiches a shot, you won't be disappointed. A note on parking/ordering: there are meters out front but around the corner on Sherbourne is residential parking where you can park for a few minutes. Or call ahead to order and you can just swing in, grab food and be on your way, streamlined AF!

A hidden jewel! Just discovered this today for lunch and can't wait to return! We had the Reuben sandwich and a pressed pastrami on a kaiser roll and potato salad. Just delicious! Now I want to try everything on the menu! Jeff, the owner, really knows his stuff and clearly works hard to create outstanding quality food. Looking especially forward to trying the brisket!

Love love love this deli! It's our favorite lunch spot in Culver area. The Chef is amazing and accommodating. He is able to make any of his sandwiches gluten free! The meat is high quality and delicious. Lots of drink and snack options too. Everything a deli should be!

Jeff is fantastic. great service great attitude great sandwiches. this is a wonderful spot with consistently good experience. meats flavorful and good selection snacks and treats. Catering too!! highly recommended for locals and visitors to stop by -Dave

What's really refreshing about Element 29 is that they seem to like food and and give a damn about it's preparation and quality. Everything here I've had is delicious and filling. It's a place where you can get Foie Gras flavored Spanish chips alongside Chili-Cheese Fritos and it's stocked full of those types of items designed to just make you feel good. It's like a candy store for delicious food. And it has some good candy too. But the star is the sandwiches and seeing how much time and care the owner, Jeff, puts in to cooking the mouth-watering brisket and roast beef I understand why it's so good. Thought I'd put into making it work and it shows. Rare place. Happy to go to Culver from the Eastside to enjoy it. Definitely check it out if you're close.

Stepping back so the ladies who were in cue before me, I waited as the guy behind the counter made sandwiches. My turn comes up and he goes right past me and starts to help someone else. Not sure what he was thinking, when I called him out on this, his answer didn't jive with the fact I had been STANDING there with CASH in my hand. That would be your first and ONLY clue. You can't please everyone, my patronage won't be missed.

We moved into the Culver City Arts District a couple of years ago and quickly befriended owner Jeff, who I call our local shopkeeper. Element 29 is a bright and simple space which offers a variety of sundry items, wines, beers, and a cool selection of soft drinks and snacks. They have a terrific deli, much better than your typical 'convenience store' deli. Jeff whips up a lot of creative concoctions, smokes his own brisket and other meats, and there is a nice selection of sandwiches and salads. We recently picked up a delicious and abundant Tuna Salad, loaded with fresh avocado and other veggies, and a yummy, housemade pulled pork sandwich on a soft brioche bun, cole slaw, and all I can say is wow! During this time of social distancing due to COVID-19, Jeff has expanded his offerings for the neighborhood to include necessities such as toilet paper and paper towels, fresh fruit and veggies and other grocery items. Lovely to stroll down the street and pick up needs without yet another trip to a crowded grocery store. Element 29 is also taking COVID-19 hygienic procedures and social distancing very seriously, so it's a safe and friendly shopping experience. Support local business, especially now! I have to say though, Jeff's sandwiches are so good it's worth a trip out of your way or if you happen to be in the 'hood, stop by!

This place feels like home. In New York we have delis where we can order sandwiches like these. I have been looking for a deli like this for a while. The sandwiches exceeded my expectations. I ordered the turkey barbecue, which tasted so fresh. I also ordered it with a Coke and chips and they gave me a free macaroon, which was a really nice surprise. The sandwich was nice and filling. I will definitely be ordering from here again or coming in person. If you aren't that hungry you can split one of the sandwiches they are pretty filling.

Nice deli spot with some great sandwiches. A little pricey, paid around 50 for two combos. But id come here again for the sandwiches.

Prettyyyy...prettyyyy...prettyyyy... good! Will definitely be coming back for another bite!