Johnny's Pastrami
Sandwich shop · Jefferson ·
Thick-cut pastrami, matzo ball soup, burgers, and banana cream pie
Thick-cut pastrami, matzo ball soup, burgers, and banana cream pie
"As you might guess from the giant neon sign affixed to the building that shouts PASTRAMI, Johnny's—a longstanding late-night stand in West Adams that was revamped a couple of years ago—is a great destination for slightly peppery, thick-sliced, pastrami sandwiches on marble rye. But less apparent is that Johnny's is one of the best spots in the area to assemble a gaggle of hungry friends: There's a gorgeous patio in the back with enough room to seat a marching band, a crowd-pleasing menu that includes everything from matzo ball soup to crispy chicken sandwiches to banana cream pie, and a full cocktail bar right next door where the fun people in your group can extend the evening if so inclined." - brant cox
"This bar right next door to Johnny’s Pastrami in West Adams is owned by the same people, which means you can bring food over directly from the restaurant. It’s the perfect place to gather all your friends around a spread of affordable deli classics and gin martinis. Their huge patio has more than enough room for guests to come and go as they please, and the old-school R&B playlist will keep everybody grooving until midnight." - brant cox, nikko duren
"This dive-y Highland Park staple is more bar than sports bar, but they do have TVs that are usually showing games, a really good taplist, and a much better jukebox than any Buffalo Wild Wings." - kat hong, james montgomery
"This counter-service pastrami spot in West Adams has a huge patio where you can gather all your friends around a spread of thick pastrami sandwiches, deeply smoked brisket, and sides of matzo ball soup. But Johnny’s does more than just showcase affordable deli classics. There’s a bar next door (which is run by the same people) where you can order a few drinks, listen to old-school R&B, and party till midnight." - nikko duren
"The neon sign affixed to Johnny's Pastrami—an iconic neighborhood institution that was brought back to life a few years ago— shouts PASTRAMI in big, glowing letters, so there should be no confusion about what to prioritize here. The house-smoked pastrami is slightly peppery, sliced super-thick, and served simply on marble rye with a dab of deli mustard, though you should also save room for the matzo ball soup and banana cream pie. This casual, counter-service spot has a massive back patio that’s perfect for big group hangs, plus there’s a bar right next door for when you want dinner to transition into drinks. Although the restaurant itself closes at 10pm, the bar stays open until midnight." - nikko duren
