Discover the diners, drive-ins and delis located along Route 66, or at least close by. From Du-par’s, to Mish, Canter’s and Tail O’ the Pup, L.A. is rich with culinary adventures. Indulge in a Tommy burger, relish a Pink’s hot dog, or splurge on a CUT steak. Enjoy reading about Nancy Silverton, Wolfgang Puck and Margie Christoffersen of El Coyote. Dig in!

Canter’s Deli

What started as a humble Jewish delicatessen in Jersey City in 1924 has evolved into an L.A. icon that draws tourists and locals alike for its generous sandwiches, quirky atmosphere and overall sense of comfort. Generations of Angelenos have grown up in the orange leather booths of Canter’s Deli on a perfectly balanced diet of pastrami and pickles. The towering neon marquee shines bright at 419 N. Fairfax Ave., the street’s north star since 1948.

“My grandparents started basically just trying to make a living for their family, and over the years it just became an institution,” third-generation owner Marc Canter said. “Canter’s is a place where grandkids grow up and become grandparents. There’s a lot of history here, and you have to celebrate all those years of doing this and just be proud of it.”

Now celebrating 95 years in Los Angeles (its pre-Fairfax years were spent in Boyle Heights), the legendary deli’s old-fashioned philosophy is remarkably simple.

“The food is good,” Canter said. “It’s old recipes. It comes from over 100 years ago and it worked. It worked then and it works now.”

It would be a fool’s errand to try and list every delectable deli sandwich at Canter’s – there are simply too many to name. But you can’t go wrong with a hot pastrami Reuben. Add a matzo ball soup on the side, you won’t be disappointed. While you’re at it, go ahead and get some potato latkes too. Oh yeah, and Canter’s has a full bar next door – the Kibitz Room – so stop over there for a gin and tonic when you’re done having a nosh.

(photo by Tabor Brewster)

Tail o’ the Pup

Sometimes, a restaurant can give the wrong impression.

I thought this was a “café” and now you’re telling me I needed a reservation two months in advance?

Or… What do you mean this “bar and grill” charges $30 for a hamburger?

Thankfully, that will never happen at Tail o’ the Pup on Route 66 in West Hollywood. Probably because it’s shaped like a giant hot dog.

Originally opened on the corner of Beverly and La Cienega in 1946, the 17-foot stucco wiener sandwiched between two bulbous buns might be Southern California’s best surviving example of programmatic architecture – a structure modeled after the product it sold. Think of Randy’s Donuts, Wigwam Motels or the many “muffler men” that lined the Mother Road. For drivers cruising down Route 66 at 50 mph, these towering oddities were designed to make them hit the brakes for a better look – each business effectively an advertisement for itself.

Though the Pup was beloved for its peculiar architecture and fast food, a development project forced its closure in 2005, and the colossal frankfurter was moved into a storage facility.

Luckily, in 2022, the Pup returned – this time, to a fitting home on Route 66. The 1933 Group, a hospitality company responsible for restoring several other historic restaurants and bars, dusted off the old dog and gave it a home at 8512 Santa Monica Blvd.

Today, the Pup proudly serves an array of specialty hot dogs – from Chicago-style dogs to the Manhattan, topped with sauerkraut, raw onions and house-made mustard. With corn dogs and cheeseburgers too, Tail o’ the Pup is the perfect pit stop for anyone driving Route 66 in L.A.

Psst – poke around the pickle barrel and you might find a tiki bar.

(photo by Maxim Shapovalov)

Nate ‘n Al’s

Just a block south of Route 66 in Beverly Hills sits the city’s favorite deli since 1945. Ask Beverly Hills locals to recommend a classic Jewish deli and they’ll probably all give you the same answer – Nate ‘n Al’s.

The delicatessen was founded by Al Mendelson and Nate Rimer, who worked at a deli together in Detroit and headed west with the dream of opening their own place in Southern California. Nate ‘n Al’s opened in a tiny storefront on Beverly Drive long before the Golden Triangle became known for luxury shopping and high-end restaurants, and the deli quickly became an important gathering place for the Jewish community.

As movie stars and film industry titans flocked to Beverly Hills and the city grew, so too did Nate ‘n Al’s, expanding from the original storefront with enough space for just 30 customers to a much larger dining room lined with leather booths and a long deli and bakery counter. The delicatessen welcomed Hollywood producers, writers, directors and actors for business meetings and power lunches – reportedly a favorite of Doris Day, Nancy Sinatra and Larry King, who visited every morning by 8 a.m. sharp.

The Mendelson family operated Nate ‘n Al’s for decades, until they sold it to music mogul Irving Azoff and his wife, entertainment executive Shelli Azoff, in 2019. The couple also purchased the iconic Apple Pan on Pico Boulevard, demonstrating their passion for keeping classic L.A. establishments alive.

There’s no time like the present to enjoy a hot pastrami sandwich or some flaky rugelach at Nate ‘n Al’s, still in its original location at 414 N. Beverly Drive. A recently approved development project means the restaurant is expected to relocate. But until then, it’s a great place to enjoy some bagels ‘n lox while keeping your eyes peeled for Larry David.

(photo by Tabor Brewster)

Irv’s Burgers 

Irv’s Burgers, a classic Route 66 roadside stand in West Hollywood, is celebrating its 80 years on Santa Monica Boulevard.

First opened in 1946 as Queen’s Burgers, the stand quickly became known for a sign that read, “No Lobster, Just Burgers.” In 1970, new owner Irv Gendis changed the name to Irv’s and subsequent owner Sonia Hong carried on the legacy. Known for serving burgers on paper plates she inscribed with inspirational messages and doodles in the customer’s likeness, Hong moved the burger stand in 2014 when the property at 8289 Santa Monica Blvd. was developed. Operated by entrepreneur and restaurateur Lawrence Longo since 2022, Irv’s remains true to its roadside roots offering classic burgers, hot dogs and chili dogs, patty melts and pastrami sandwiches, as well as frosty shakes and floats. The signature Original Roadside burger features a quarter pound patty, American cheese, Irv’s Sauce, lettuce, tomato, onion and pickles, served on a toasted bun.

West Hollywood designated Irv’s Burgers as a cultural resource in 2005. Irv’s now has six restaurants including in West Hollywood at 7998 Santa Monica Blvd., and 1000 S. La Brea Ave.

(photo by Edwin Folven)

Langer’s 

For 79 years, Langer’s Delicatessen-Restaurant has served hand-carved pastrami sandwiches and delicious deli-style dishes at the corner of Seventh and Alvarado, across from MacArthur Park.

A landmark whose interior gives the feeling of stepping back to a simpler time, Langer’s has earned its place as one of Los Angeles’ historic delicatessens.

Opened in 1947 by Al Langer, the son of Jewish immigrants from Russia who settled in New Jersey and later moved to Los Angeles, the restaurant’s success grew due to Langer’s hard work, determination and dedication to quality. After starting with only 12 seats in 1947, Langer’s expanded with the deli’s popularity to include 135 seats by 1968. During that time, the delicatessen became famous for its pastrami, carved by hand to preserve tenderness and served on fresh rye bread with a crisp outer crust.

Langer created the famous No. 19 then and it remains the deli’s most popular sandwich today with pastrami piled high on rye and topped with Swiss cheese, coleslaw and Russian-style dressing. Along with dozens of sandwiches, Langer’s offers an expansive menu of deli classics. Breakfast includes familiar egg dishes, hot cakes and omelets, along with deli favorites such as fried kippers and onions, whitefish, and lox and cream cheese. Got a sweet tooth? Shakes, sundaes and Langer’s whipped cream cake fit the bill.

Al Langer’s son Norm followed in his footsteps, overseeing operations since the 1970s and continuing the Langer’s family tradition. Langer’s Delicatessen-Restaurant has received two James Beard Awards and is recognized by the prestigious Michelin Guide. In 2008, the city of L.A. dedicated Seventh and Alvarado as Langer’s Square.

(photo by Edwin Folven)

NORMS

NORMS Restaurant, a classic diner serving homestyle made-to-order meals, has been a home away from home for hungry diners since Norm Roybark opened his first restaurant in 1949 near Sunset and Vine.

One of Los Angeles’ first 24-hour diners, NORMS became a big hit and quickly expanded to new locations. NORMS’ restaurant at 470 N. La Cienega Blvd. opened in 1957 and is now the longest continually operating restaurant in the chain.

Motorists can’t miss the La Cienega Boulevard restaurant and its distinct Googie-style architecture, characterized by angled rooflines and a futuristic, space-age design. The Los Angeles Conservancy lists the building as being “among the most exuberant and exaggerated Googie designs in the nation … a rare remaining example of the California coffee shop type.”

NORMS serves breakfast, lunch and dinner all day and night. Enjoy breakfast combos, three-egg omelets, steak and eggs, French toast, waffles and hot cakes made from a recipe unchanged since 1949. Sink your teeth into hand-crafted burgers, sandwiches and melts. NORMS’ “Ultimate” Meatloaf, is served with garlic mushrooms, bacon and brown gravy. Enjoy a Classic Super Schooner Sundae with three scoops of French vanilla ice cream topped with hot fudge, strawberry or caramel sauce, whipped cream, nuts and a cherry.

Stop in anytime and enjoy a slice of classic Americana.

(photo by Edwin Folven)

Original Tommy’s 

The Original Tommy’s has been serving chili-topped burgers, hot dogs and French fries from the iconic red and white walk-up stand at Beverly and Rampart boulevards since 1946.

Founded by Tom Koulax, the entrepreneurial son of Greek immigrants, the quintessential corner eatery is open 24-hours and has been a destination for generations of Angelenos. Known for its red roof and affectionately referred to as “The Shack,” the Original Tommy’s slogan tells customers, “If  You Don’t See the Shack, Take it Back.” Tommy’s is celebrating its 80th anniversary this year, making it the perfect opportunity to return for an old favorite or try something for the first time.

Tommy’s menu is simple, and nearly everything is topped with chili unless requested otherwise. Single, double and triple cheeseburgers, hot dogs, tamales and chili fries are staples, with special “caliente” versions available with grilled peppers and onions and pepper jack cheese.

The breakfast menu features chili topped sausage sandwiches and burritos. Don’t forget to ask for a side of the yellow chili peppers. Take a container of the world-famous chili to go.

Tommy’s remains family-owned and operates many satellite locations, but the original stand at Beverly and Rampart is an experience unto itself. Customers walk up to the counter to order and have a clear view of employees preparing the food. There are no tables or chairs at the Original Tommy’s at Beverly and Rampart; customers dine on counters affixed to buildings surrounding the parking lot. Paper towels, instead of napkins, are provided out of necessity, as the warm chili and melted cheese can get a little messy. It’s all part of the experience at the Original Tommy’s, often imitated but never duplicated and still a roadside icon in L.A.

(photo by Edwin Folven)

There’s so many great diners, drive-ins and delis in L.A. Tell us your favorites!