A Hollywood institution since 1931, Canter's is a classic Jewish deli on Fairfax Avenue open 24 hours. The Kibitz Room bar hosts live music, while the deli counter serves massive pastrami sandwiches, matzoh ball soup, and blintzes that have fed generations of Angelenos.
Canter's Deli on Fairfax Avenue in the Fairfax District of Los Angeles has been feeding Angelenos around the clock since 1931, making it one of the oldest and most beloved Jewish delis in the American West. The Canter family has operated the restaurant continuously since opening, maintaining the same recipes, the same deli counter stacked with house-cured pastrami and corned beef, and the same round-the-clock schedule that has made it a pillar of the neighborhood's Jewish heritage and a Hollywood institution. The pastrami on rye — thick-cut, hand-piled, served with yellow mustard on rye bread — is the definitive order, accompanied by a bowl of matzoh ball soup that deserves its legendary status. The Reuben sandwich with sauerkraut, Swiss, and Thousand Island dressing, the potato latkes with sour cream and apple sauce, and the blintzes filled with farmer's cheese have fed generations of Angelenos and countless celebrities over nine decades. The deli case near the entrance displays house-cured meats, smoked fish, pickled vegetables, and a selection of desserts that includes a formidable New York-style cheesecake. The adjacent Kibitz Room bar hosts live music on weekend nights, making Canter's equally a late-night music venue and deli. Open 24 hours at 419 North Fairfax Avenue in Los Angeles, California, Canter's is an essential part of the city's culinary and cultural history.
Location
419 N Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036
Highlights
- Hollywood Jewish deli institution since 1931, open 24 hours a day at 419 North Fairfax Avenue in the heart of the Fairfax District
- Pastrami on rye hand-piled from house-cured beef — the definitive order and a benchmark of the American Jewish deli tradition
- Celebrated matzoh ball soup, blintzes, potato latkes, and Reuben sandwich feeding Angelenos for nine decades
- Kibitz Room bar hosts live music on weekend nights, making Canter's simultaneously a deli and a neighborhood music venue
- Open around the clock — a beloved late-night destination after concerts, clubs, and late shifts throughout Los Angeles
Tips for visiting
- A perfect late-night stop after clubs. The 24-hour availability makes this a beloved institution for night owls.
Accessibility
Canter's Deli is on street level on Fairfax Avenue with accessible entry at the main door. The dining room accommodates wheelchair users; the deli is large enough to navigate with mobility aids. Accessible restrooms are available within the restaurant.
Frequently asked questions
Is Canter's Deli open 24 hours?
Yes. Canter's Deli at 419 North Fairfax Avenue is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year. It is one of very few full-service delis in Los Angeles with truly round-the-clock service.
What should I order at Canter's?
The pastrami on rye is the essential order. The matzoh ball soup is also considered excellent and worth starting with. Blintzes, potato latkes with sour cream and apple sauce, and the Reuben sandwich are other menu highlights.
What is the Kibitz Room?
The Kibitz Room is a bar adjacent to the main deli dining room that features live music on weekend evenings. It draws a mix of local musicians, industry professionals, and late-night visitors and is a beloved institution within the larger Canter's experience.
Is Canter's still family-owned?
Yes. Canter's has been owned and operated by the Canter family since it opened in 1931, with subsequent generations maintaining the same recipes, sourcing approach, and round-the-clock operating schedule.