Restaurant Review: Canter’s Deli

My first memory of Los Angeles is an important one. I remember sinking my teeth into a soft black and white cookie from Canter’s deli and wondering why it took so long to taste this flavor. I was about 11 years old. The lemon-forward pastry was addictively sweet and carried a slightly dry cake texture. It crumbled in my mouth and paired perfectly with the moist chocolate and simple icing. That was forever ago. I still have an undying love for Canter’s. Now a resident of LA, I plan on visiting frequently. But I’ve made a pilgrimage here on every trip to get ahold of one of those incredible cookies. On this most recent visit, however, I decided to dine in. Here are my thoughts.

Canters is smack dab in the middle of the almost intolerably hip Fairfax district. But when you go inside, it’s a refreshing reprieve from the Supreme drop lines up the block. It’s a proletariat establishment. Prices are fair, and the menu has just about anything you need. I went for breakfast and got oatmeal, bacon, eggs, and fruit. I assessed a diner on their egg cookery, and Canters didn’t disappoint. The food arrived hot and up to my standard. I enjoyed free refills of the coffee and soaked in the ambiance of a city staple. I also left with a black and white. Because I had to. For $20 (including tip), I’d say this experience was well worth it.

Sometimes you go to a place because it’s unique. Anyone can make bacon and eggs, including you. Hell, I think my black-and-white cookie is better than theirs. But Canters is one of one. You go for good food and experience you can harken back on in a decade. That cookie tastes the same as the first time I had it, albeit maybe a bit drier. But dammit, if it’s not awesome.