Fat Sal's Deli — Restaurant in Los Angeles

I watched the MVF and hearing about these frankenfoods those kids over near Syracuse were eating at R U Hungry and simply put wasn't that impressed with the combinations. What I liken them to is when you go to Costco and get a bunch of microwaveable appetizers to stock the house for when the kids are home and you aren't to make them dinner. When your 12 and put anything you can find together in a meal.

I used to do weird stuff like this when I was young and some weren't half bad, but the ingenuity and creativity of the "fat" sandwich regardless of establishment is seriously lacking. I guess if you're hungry and just need to fill up you go buy the near $9 sub and for a combo spend $12+ (free refills are a real bonus).

First off, NO parking. It's not all their fault they decided to set up shop in Westwood, most kids walk here anyhow, but a FEW spots would be nice. Good for groups? doubtful, with less than a dozen stools and maybe 25 feet of counter space to eat it's got the ambiance of a food truck. I do like seeing people try and eat them while walking and dropping most of their "fat" insides.

There is a reason why In N Out always has a fat line much fatter than anything they serve here.

The mozzarella sticks are nice and hot, but end up starting to solidify in just a few short minutes. The cheesesteak isn't properly mixed and doesn't really encompass the length of the sandwich. I suggest anything with a fried egg because that's always a good idea and easy on sandwiches with sauce. The bacon gets lost, which is hard to do because it's a bold flavor It just makes it sloppy. The fries are pretty bland, and thin, no crunch, not even fluffy on the inside, forgettable. Did I mention the free refills were nice, but waiting back in line for them may not be the biz. Carne Asada Fries are nothing like the kind you get from any Mexican food joint worth their frijoles.

Staff is friendly and works quickly (low order window), but for $12 you can get 2 double doubles, animal style fries and a shake up the street and be way more full than Fat Sals. My last visit I wasn't even that hungry and ate a Fat jerry and fries and probably could have eaten another 2. I've never seen the Big Fat Betty, but with all these college kids around I'm surprised more of them aren't killing it. Based on price it's about 5 sandwiches worth which would be difficult. It's a great concept with good marketing, but the culinary creativity acumen of the kids that eat here. Also in case you hadn't noticed the California market is still moving towards healthier food.

I only slightly prefer the SD location and when in LA and want a sandwich you think of Phillipe's, Mendocino and Figueroa, not Fat Sals. Stick to the...

Fat Sal's brought me back to Philly! I have not had a real Philly cheese steak since I moved here 12 years ago until Fat Sal's. They even had fries with gravy!

The cheese steak was spot on 5 stars. It truly couldn't get any better. The steak was so tender it melted with the cheese in your mouth. The bread is so fresh, soft and wide enough to hold a lot of fillings. I cannot find one negative thing to say about my sandwich.

The mozzarella cheese and gravy fries bring me home to South Philly. I only wish they were as good as the sandwich. The fries alone were great, and they looked so yummy that my husband dived into them first. Unfortunately, for me I have taste buds and a sense of smell. Before I even tasted the fries I could smell the there was going to be a problem. As soon as the first bite hit my tongue I could taste the scorch of the gravy. It was an early lunch hour, so it could only get worse, too.

I did not make an attempt to return the fries because my husband (who has no sense of smell and few taste buds) didn't mind the scorched taste. I would have tried to let them know the problem with the gravy, but the cashier was so busy with a line of people I couldn't get to him.

Speaking of lines, this place is very busy. The line does move pretty fast, but the lack of seating and wait time for food will be an issue if you need to get in and out fast. I would definitely call your order ahead if they take phone orders. It also took us 15 minutes to find parking because we refused to pay $8 for parking right next to the place.

All issues set aside, I will definitely be making a few trips a month to my new throwback to Philly spot. They have so many yummy looking sandwiches I will have to try. By the way, I found this place after seeing Dives, Drive ins and...With...

Fat Sal's is a staple of mine.

Set in the heart of Westwood, Fat Sal's serves up grinders, wraps, dogs, and burgers like you wouldn't believe. Their signature here are their sammies and boy do they pack a punch. My go to is the Fat Buffalo consisting of: "chicken fingers, mozzarella sticks, melted cheddar, fries, buffalo hot sauce, blue cheese dressing, on a hero." To die for!

Tonight was a departure from my norm into the Fat Mona. A juicy well bodied sandwich featuring: "fried eggs, ham, crisp bacon, sausage, sauteed peppers & onions, american & mozzarella fries, ketchup, salt & pepper, on a butter grilled hero."

If you aren't on a diet, or if you are and want to splurge on a guilt trip then look no further. You can't go wrong here as there is a little something for everyone. The portions are huge and the concoctions are worth the price (even though they have risen in the past year.)

Open late, this stand serves up many drunken UCLA students and non-students a like. They take cash and credit and have a multitude of flat screens to catch up on the latest scores while you wait and down your meal.

I haven't seen Josh (one of the owners) posted up here for a while as he was usually in for the late night crowd grabbing people's orders and making sure the operations run smoothly. The other owners Sal and HBO "Entourage" star, Jerry Ferrara, make up the other two anchor points of this joint operation. Well done gentlemen. Keep the food coming, the prices competitive, and you'll be keeping a steady fan...