WHY No-nonsense deli sandwiches stacked high—don’t be afraid to get your hands messy.

WHAT This L.A. landmark has been around since 1931 and is open 24 hours. The endless menu boasts breakfast food, soups and salads, but it’s the sandwiches you want, even if they are pricey. It’s not quite Langer’s, but Canter’s serves one of the better pastrami sandwiches in town, though classics like tuna melts, roasted turkey and brisket are also good. Sides like fresh pickles, potato salad and cole slaw bring back memories of what mom used to make.

WHO Longtime regulars, yuppies seeking a midnight snack and the occasional celebrity walking in from nearby CBS studios.