Fat Sal's Deli — Restaurant in Los Angeles

I wanna love this place, I just don't. My husband enjoys it more than I do, so maybe it's just a personal preference.

Anytime I've gotten a very novelty sandwich like "Fat Hot Chick" I have thought it was gross. Disgusting. Couldn't swallow one bite of it. And that's saying a lot for a fat kid like me.

I have enjoyed their burgers and even their Philly cheesesteak sandwich. Stick to the classics is my best advice for here.

But last trip just made me ugh. I stopped for a milkshake after a surgery as an "I survived " treat.

I got one of the novelty shakes with Oreos and Carmel. I believe it was shake #4 . It was $11.99

I was very excited for my large, delicious shake.

First, it took approximately 10-15 minutes to get this shake. It was not busy, so I was a bit saddened by this. But I thought, man, it must really be good for it to take this much prep!

When it arrived, oh man, the disappointment. It was SO SMALL! Like truly reminded me of a happy meal drink size. How in the world can a 12 dollar shake be so small?! I looked over the menu and nowhere are the ounces listed. Sigh. I guess that's my fault?

And the absolute heartbreaker was that it was 99% Vanilla ice cream. It had a few Oreos sprinkled on top. And one swirl of Carmel.

Oh god. Food should not be this traumatic, but I was already having a bad day and this...man.

I think I'm done coming here, but will likely be back if I'm dragged.

The vibe is kinda cool. I love the music. Awesome hip-hop: Kendrick Lamar and Jay-Z were playing.

But the bright bright lights don't really mesh with the cool vibe. Just seems a bit disjointed.

Staff is cool. Friendly. Not in your face about it, which I prefer.

I guess give this place a try, but get ready for hit or miss food at a large cost...

We love Fat Sal's. We go there for smash burgers mostly. I definitely haven't eaten every one, but of all the smash burgers I've had all over the city, Fat Sal's is to me the best. Lacey and crispy around the edge, American cheese as God intended on a smashburger, good bun and you can add lettuce and tomato if you want. Sometimes we'll get a loaded side of fries as well. The menu is full of delicious sounding, but a little over the top combinations of things piled up on a smashburger or a sandwich. I'd love to try them, but the regular smashburger is so delicious. They have a pastrami smashburger on the menu, but it has chicken tenders and a bunch of other stuff on it as well. I don't want all of that, I want a smashburger with griddled pastrami added to it, maybe some Swiss. The regular smashburger, maybe with an extra Patty added is the go-to for both of us. The staff working there all knows and recognizes us. They're very friendly, and very customer service oriented. They always want to make sure we have everything we need and that we're taken care of, they'll swing by the counter where we're eating to see if we need any more ketchup, napkins, etc. It's really next-level service for this kind of a fast casual. Lots of TVs up high on the walls showing whatever sports is on, plus a Fat Sal's Venice Beach skater video running on a loop. Recommend if you like a delicious smashburger in a cool low-key environment with great service. And...

Worst food I’ve had in a while. I ordered the chili and onion rings. Chili had no beans in it and tasted worse than dog food. Onion rings were soggy inside. My family ordered the sandwiches and said they were awful. And cost $19-20. Only decent thing was the tuna salad but a rib off for subway quality for $14.99 for a salad with cheap lettuce, some tomatoes and a scoop of tuna salad. For 5 of us we spent $87 + tip for awful inedible food. Not sure how there are high reviews. Also worst name. It was one of the few places open late in the area so my fam went last night. Weird atmosphere ~ some sketchy characters kicking it there in the parking lot and outside patio. The person taking orders was friendly and kind so the one plus. Bathrooms were dirty. Ambiance is not it. Seats are so high up (stools and benches) which was very difficult and uncomfortable for my father who is older to sit in. They were playing horrible music for when you’re trying to relax and eat or talk to those you’re with. Felt like I was in some cheap depressing club. Should’ve gone to Bacari slightly further out for much better ambience, food etc for the...