Loeb’s NY Deli, Downtown, Washington, DC

As regular readers know, I have been surveying the leading pastrami sandwiches in the Washington area. I started off asking Hungry Onion participants which were the best. If you know of any I haven’t tried (search the restaurant name or “pastrami” in the blog), please let me know. Loeb’s, a long-time Washington deli, was mentioned but somehow fell through the cracks.

Loeb’s is an institution. Walter Loeb opened the restaurant back in 1959. Today, Loeb’s children, Dave, Marlene, and Steve Loeb are in charge. Loeb’s has been chased around some in those 65 years. It started on the block of 15th now occupied by the “Old” Ebbitt Grill (the original historic Rhodes Tavern/Old Ebbitt structure and everything else on the block were demolished to make way for the new restaurant and other tenants). Loeb’s moved to the Lafayette Building, only to lose its space to renovations for the Export-Import Bank, also known as Boeing’s Bank. Loeb’s now sits at 1712 I Street NW, just a few blocks north and west of the White House.

Note that there’s some outside seating. Inside, Loeb’s is a long, narrow space devoid of charm

except for some memorabilia from the days when Washington had a couple of real delis.

I went to Loeb’s from time to time as a change from the late Breadline and hot dog stands back when I worked downtown, and always enjoyed it. Although it’s moved to less deli-like quarters and it’s hit 65, Loeb’s is not ready for retirement. I ordered a hot pastrami on rye. Here it is, somewhat disarranged.

And here’s a side view, in progress.

I enjoyed it. Let’s be clear. Loeb’s will never be confused with Katz’s, Langer’s, or Manny’s. But then this is Washington, and where else are you going to find a decent, actually satisfying pastrami sandwich downtown? Okay, 2fifty over by Mount Vernon Square on Thursdays, which can hold its own with any pastrami sandwich, but 2fifty is sui generis, and it’s not remotely deli-like. The Loeb’s pastrami sandwich comes on above average rye bread, it has the right amount of fat, and it’s served hot from the grill with a proper deli mustard. For the office worker looking for something on a limited lunch break, Loeb’s is a fine choice. Give them a try, and let me know what else I should order there.

***

And while you’re at it, click “follow” on our front page to receive blog posts in your email box. Or bookmark us and check in from time to time. We’re on Instagram  (johntannerbbq) and Twitter (johntannerbbq1) pages, and if you’re planning a trip, you can “Search” the name of the destination city, state, or country for good restaurants (in Europe, often close to sites, like the Louvre, Prague Castle, Vienna’s Old City, or the Van Gogh Museum, that you’ll want to visit in any event.  We welcome comments and questions, and eagerly seek suggestions of places to eat and stories to cover.