Delis will always have something for everyone. For some reason, their menus are the biggest you are likely to see in the restaurant industry. One deli that comes to mind (unnamed because their food is definitely not so hot) has over 600 items on the menu, for example. But it can be hard to get everything right when your kitchen is producing everything from Reubens to fettuccini alfredo to teriyaki stir fry, though when at least half of the menu is excellent, patrons don’t mind an omelet that is simply acceptable when their dining partner can get pizza and potato latkes at the same meal. A good deli is a great thing, though. And Brent’s is just about the best in LA, according to the huge crowds that gather in front of it every day.

Brent’s Deli has been around since 1967 and has won too many awards to count. Not only do they have a great neighborhood feel, they are widely regarded as the best deli in Los Angeles and Zagat called them the “Best outside New York.” Their goal is “to be the best family owned & operated delicatessens & restaurants in the country”, and if you’ve ever eaten there, you’ll know that they’re not far off that mark. Everything is always fresh, helped in no small part because thee restaurant is always packed. The only thing that takes longer than getting a table is trying to find a parking spot in their lot around lunchtime. Park across the street, if you can help it.

Their menu is huge, the prices are right, the service is quick and the food is very, very good. The sandwiches are piled high with every meaty filling you could imagine and the cakes are piled even higher with frosting and whipped cream. Their pastrami on rye is excellent and definitely the perfect comfort food for expat New Yorkers, but their many offerings will suit any taste. They have “chicken in a pot” and Matzo Ball soup to warm up diners on chilly days. While they do serve Black and White cookies, a la their New York deli counterparts, Brent’s homemade cheesecake is probably the most popular dessert item. It is rich, heavy and creamy and a good choice for any cheesecake lover. Of course, after a massive meal you probably won’t have room for it, but that’s what “to-go” boxes are for, right?

Come hungry, leave stuffed and take some home for tomorrow.

Brent's Deli and Restaurant
19565 Parthenia Ave.
Northridge, CA 91436
(phone) 818-886-5679

[Photo by Nicole Weston]