It’s been nearly 100 years since the stock market crash of 1929. That horrible event closed a popular Jersey City, New Jersey Jewish deli, owned by the Canter family.

Jersey City’s loss was LA’s gain.

Ben Canter and his brothers moved west, to Los Angeles. They settled in the Baldwin Hills neighborhood, the Jewish center in Los Angeles, and opened Canter Brothers Deli in 1931.

The Baldwin Hills neighborhood changed, as neighborhoods often do, so the Canters relocated to the Fairfax district, where they thrived. Open 24 hours, it became a favorite hangout for celebrities and locals alike.

In 1953, the Canters bought the larger Esquire theatre and converted it to their new deli. It’s been in this location ever since, continuing to be a favorite hangout of celebrities, musicians, tourists, and the neighborhood regulars. For over 90 years, Canters has served flavorful pastramis, corned beef, briskets, chopped liver, and so much more.

When you enter Canter’s, you have a bakery on the left, where you can buy bagels, pies, cakes & cookies. And the deli is on the right. Straight back is the dining area, with booths set at an angle. To the right is an old-fashioned counter — the decor hasn’t changed much in the last 70 years. The walls contain photos of celebrities who have visited, original art, news stories, and an old menu.

But the star is the delicious food they serve.

In this video, I give you a tour of this famous deli and some of its amazing food.