Johnnie's Pastrami Restaurant

Contributor

Citysearch

The Scene
Half a century after opening, this Westside institution still embodies the '50s diner vibe that places like Mel's and Johnny Rocket's strive to evoke. As the menu proudly states, the tabletop jukeboxes, booths and even some of the waitresses are all original. If chrome and Naugahyde aren't your scene, grab a patio seat outside by the blazing firepit.

The Food
Abandon all notions of balance and proportion--the menu revolves around meat, potatoes, chili and cheese. The only green items are coleslaw, a side salad and scrumptious kosher pickles. The celebrated French dip is a mound of succulent, thinly sliced pastrami or corned beef, packed into a French roll and served with a dipping sauce that's somewhere between an "au jus" and gravy. Many items (French fries, hot dogs, burgers) are available smothered in thick, savory chili (con carne of course)--just add cheese to make the Epicurean epoxy complete.