Prices, proximity and people make Wilshire delis unique
WILSHIRE BLVD. Whether it’s bagels, blintzes or matzo ball soup, cravings for all three get satiated each day along a small section of this bustling boulevard, home to three of the most popular delicatessens in town — Izzy’s, Bagel Nosh and Fromin’s.
Combined, they have more than 60 years of experience and have cultivated reputations for being the best of the best, offering up friendly service, a clean and cozy dining experience and featuring menus that specialize in Jewish cuisine.
The only problem for most Santa Monicans is deciding which one to patron. All three are located within a few blocks of one another, creating conflict for many customers who have a hankering for all of them.
“I love this place,” said Tim Lappen, while enjoying blueberry blintzes with his sons Moshe and Jay at Fromin’s. “Every time I come here, it brings back a lot of memories. I used to take my boys here for breakfast before school. It just feels like family here. They’ve had the same servers for years. They know your name and they don’t advertise liquor too much... It’s excellent.”
Many had similar sentiments about Izzy’s — the self-dubbed “Deli to the Stars,” as it is decorated with photographs of famous celebrities from the ‘70s and ‘80s — located just three blocks west of Fromin’s and one block west of Bagel Nosh, on the 1400 block of Wilshire Boulevard.
There, regulars fall back into the comfortable booths and soak in some television or some conversation with staff, many of whom have worked there for years and years, sharing stories about their home lives with customers.
“The service is always great. I love it,” said Ian Miller, who has been going to Izzy’s for the last four years for their jumbo onion rings and barbecue bacon burgers — not necessarily Kosher, but definitely a savory
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on January 20, 2007. Read the original PDF.