10/21/17
Johnnie's Pastrami is an institution, and for good reason. There are no frills here, and the french dip pastrami sandwich reflects the restaurant's straightforward personality. Just delicately thin slices of perfectly cured meat between 2 pieces of bread; cheese and mustard are optional. The pastrami is well marbled, sliced razor thin, and stacked 4-5 inches high. The fat and salt just melts together. It makes you thirsty (literally!) for another bite, and another, and another, until you've devoured all of it and lean back in satisfaction. There's nothing fancy about this sandwich, nor should there be. In a place like Los Angeles that sometimes overthinks its food, Johnnie's pastrami french dip keeps it simple and that's what makes it stand out.