I wish I tried this place sooner… It was great comfort food.  Thanks Ryan for letting me use your pics!

Canters Outside

A view of Canter's from Fairfax... the parking lot is right there to the left, unlike Langer's, who's parking lot is a block away, and is closed on Sundays.

I've seen this sign so many times in tv shows and movies.

I've seen this sign so many times in tv shows and movies.

It was HUGE inside!  The restaurant was packed, but there were still plenty of empty tables.

It was HUGE inside! The restaurant was packed, but there were still plenty of empty tables.

First thing we got were the pickles.  They weren't very good, but you gotta have pickles at a Jewish Delicatessen.

First thing we got were the pickles. They weren't very good, but you gotta have pickles at a Jewish Delicatessen.

Anthony Bourdain says to order Dr. Brown's Cel Ray soda at Katz's Deli, but I forgot.  I made up for it with this meal.  It's celery flavored soda!

Anthony Bourdain says to order Dr. Brown's Cel Ray soda at Katz's Deli, but I forgot. I made up for it with this meal. It's celery flavored soda!

My first matzo ball soup with bagel chips.  This was ultra comfort food!  Soup tasted like a chicken broth... the matzo ball was like a juicy soaked bread, similar to the corn meal in turkey stuffing but without the flavor.

My first matzo ball soup with bagel chips. This was ultra comfort food! Soup tasted like a chicken broth... the matzo ball was like a juicy soaked bread, similar to the corn meal in turkey stuffing but without the intense flavors.

Corned Beef with Cabbage and Potatoes - a childhood favorite.  GOOD!

Corned Beef with Cabbage and Potatoes - a childhood favorite. GOOD!

Ruben sandwich with fatty fries.  Good!

Ruben sandwich with fatty fries. Good!

Pastrami and corned beef sandwich.  I thought the corned beef was a little overbearing to combine with the pastrami, but it was still good.

Pastrami and corned beef sandwich. I thought the corned beef was a little overbearing to combine with the pastrami, but it was still good.

Conclusion: Canter’s is really good. It’s open 24/7 which means you can eat it whenever you feel like it – literally! It’s got cool old Hollywood charm, and it’s common to see celebrities here. If I had to compare the food with Katz’s, I would tell you to go shoot yourself. Katz’s is on an entirely different level… If I had to rate, Canter’s is a 9 out of 10 and Katz’s is 12 out of 10. Canter’s is still good, but man… Katz’s is touched-by-God good.

Canter’s Fairfax Restaurant – www.cantersdeli.com
419 N Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles – (323) 651-2030