Station 43 Pastrami & Burger in LA — Restaurant in Los Angeles

Came here because it was highly recommended by a food vlogger. Not sure I can trust them again. Could not comprehend how this place has such high ratings.

I ordered take out, was quoted 20 min on the phone but got there within 10 min and the food was already sealed to go but the bag felt lukewarm at best. I should have been more suspicious when there was literally no one else inside the restaurant. It was made so quickly that the pastrami sandwich bread wasn’t even toasted. The wild burger bun was also terribly mealy/dry and the cherry sauce, while novel, did not add anything significant to the flavor experience. Ordered it medium but it was definitely well done. Was so disappointed, I couldn’t eat more than one bite on my 45-min drive home. I had to stop by McDonald’s where I actually had a very satisfying meal oddly enough. (Go to the one in Temple City off Las Tunas. Best one in the nation, I’m convinced of it!)

I felt compelled to warn others to lower their expectations or make whatever you’re craving at home. Even though the food only set us back $36.14, if you’re like me and get salty when you feel you’ve wasted a meal out, go elsewhere to fulfill a craving.

Pro tip: At home the next day I removed the awful bun and made a sourdough patty melt with the burger insides. Toasted the pastrami sandwich on the stove and added thousand island dressing that actually tasted like thousand island. Yes, it was salvageable but why should I have to put in work to make it look...

Wow - going to go right in and say best pastrami sandwich I’ve ever had in LA. Brined for 14 days and you can tell. Moist AND tasty! Great Rye bread too - loved everything about it. This is a must go if you are a pastrami lover. Fries perfect too! Hot crispy - perfectly seasoned. Nice folks too. I have to contrast the pastrami sandwich to Katz’s deli in NYC - the holy Mecca of pastrami - and this is up there with them! Some thought last to the owner maybe :). Some suggestions, maybe add brown spicy old school mustard as an option. Maybe trim the meat a little more - the fat is very important for taste and your meat is soooo perfectly moist and tasty / but a tiny fat trim maybe? Also - pickles - good - but would be nice to have an option to order a little plate of old school half-sours - the super green ones (like Katz’s) that are just like lightly brined cucumbers - stealing their pickle style would be brilliant! With all that said - LOVED my pastrami - destination worthy! Yum yum...

If you’re a fan of pastrami, this place is a must-visit. From the moment you walk in, the aroma of slow-smoked meat hits you in the best way possible. The pastrami here is next level — tender, perfectly seasoned, with just the right amount of fat to keep every bite juicy and flavorful.

I went with the classic pastrami on rye, and it did not disappoint. The bread was fresh, the mustard sharp, and the meat piled high. You can tell they take pride in their craft — nothing felt rushed or generic. Even the sides (I had the coleslaw and a pickle) were crisp and well-balanced.

Service was friendly and fast, and the vibe of the place had that perfect blend of cozy and lively. It’s the kind of spot that makes you want to become a regular.

Highly recommend to anyone looking for an unforgettable deli-style...