Nate 'n Al

This old school, divey deli serves up all the classic Jewish standards, somewhat incongruously, from the heart of Beverly Hills’ shopping district. In much the same vein as Canter’s Deli, it’s unpolished and old school and has been around forever, but Nate 'n Al’s following swears this one is the best deli on the West Coast. The line seems to attest to that, and it’s true, the blintzes, pastrami sandwiches, matzo ball soup and other deli fare is anything but typical. Plus, the ambiance harks back to another era – probably 1945 when it opened – when carbs were cool and corned beef was king. The cadre of feisty waitresses are half the fun, all gruff and pushy and put-upon, and they don’t suffer fools. Of course deli or no, being in chichi Beverly Hills means equally chichi prices – expect to pay about $20 per person.

TIPS: Valet used to be essential, but now you can park for two hours in the Crate & Barrel structure up the block. If you’re hankering for sandwich to go, they’ll wrap it with an ice pack for ultimate freshness. And despite being the quintessential Jewish deli, it’s not kosher, only “kosher style.”