The Juiciest Pastrami in California Might Just Be at This Century Old Long Beach Landmark

If you’ve ever wandered through Long Beach in search of a bite that captures local flavor, history, and that elusive quality people call “character,” you’ve likely landed at the doors of Joe Jost’s. Established in 1924, this century-old Long Beach institution has become one of California’s most enduring bars.

While the pastrami here isn’t the headliner, Joe Jost’s offers something rarer: genuine California hospitality and an experience that lingers long after the last crumb. And if you do order the pastrami, you might be surprised at how juicy and satisfying it is, a hidden gem alongside the true classics.

Here’s why Joe Jost’s has become one of California’s most legendary destinations for lovers of classic bar fare, and maybe, just maybe, a surprisingly juicy pastrami sandwich.

1. A Century of Stories

Walking into Joe Jost’s feels like stepping through a portal to old-school California. Locals tell stories about grandfathers who played pool here or first dates that started with a sandwich and a handshake. The walls wear nearly 100 years of laughs and clinking glasses, all wrapped in a setting that refuses to modernize just for trend’s sake.

There’s something comforting about this kind of continuity. So many places have come and gone, but Joe Jost’s keeps its vintage charm alive without missing a beat. Maybe it’s the original mosaics on the floor, maybe it’s the handwritten chalkboard menus, or maybe it’s just that sense the world outside moves too fast.

I love how regulars find their spot, order what they’ve always ordered, and chat with servers who seem to know everyone by name. Even if you’re new here, you quickly feel like part of a longstanding, easygoing ritual. When you’re at Joe Jost’s, you’re not just eating, you’re joining a living tradition.

2. The Legendary Joe’s Special

The Joe’s Special isn’t just a sandwich; it’s a rite of passage for anyone visiting Long Beach. Picture a Polish sausage, sliced and tucked inside fresh rye, layered with Swiss cheese and a sharp burst of mustard. It’s finished with a pickle that’s as crunchy as any you’ll find west of the Rockies.

This sandwich has stood the test of time for a reason. Most regulars claim you can’t quite recreate it at home, no matter how many trips to the deli you make. There’s a balance here, the spicy sausage, the earthy bread, the creamy cheese, and that mustard that never overpowers.

I’ve watched first-timers bite into the Joe’s Special with skepticism, only to nod in approval after the first chew. It’s unpretentious, filling, and exactly what you want from a neighborhood staple. Sometimes, classics don’t need updating, and this sandwich proves it.

3. Pickled Eggs: The Unexpected Favorite

At first glance, pickled eggs might not sound like the highlight of any menu. But at Joe Jost’s, these tangy orbs are legendary. Served in a glass bowl with a handful of pretzels and a fiery chili pepper, they’re a quirky local tradition that surprises visitors and keeps regulars coming back.

Pickled eggs at Joe Jost’s have a bite that balances sour, salty, and just a hint of heat. I’ve seen whole tables order another round, not of beer, but of eggs. That’s how much they’re a part of the fabric here. People even buy jars to take home, a move I once thought was strange until I found myself doing the same.

What sets these eggs apart isn’t just their flavor, but the sense of nostalgia they evoke. With each bite, you get a taste of the past and a glimpse into the culinary quirks that make this place irreplaceable.

4. Pretzels & Simplicity Done Right

One of the most endearing things about Joe Jost’s is how even the simplest snack can become part of its identity. For decades, pretzels have been served here in small glass bowls, often alongside their legendary pickled eggs. At first glance, it doesn’t seem like much, just a salty side dish, but over time, this pairing has become a ritual that regulars insist on.

There’s a balance to it that feels almost intentional: the sour tang of the egg, the heat of the chili pepper, and the crunch of the pretzels. Together, it’s a flavor combination that has outlasted countless food trends. What might seem ordinary in another setting becomes iconic here because of the consistency, the tradition, and the way it connects people to the past.

I’ve seen newcomers raise an eyebrow when their order arrives, only to finish every bite and nod in quiet approval. Locals, meanwhile, don’t need to be told, it’s what they’ve been enjoying for years, sometimes across generations. At Joe Jost’s, the pretzels are more than a side snack. They’re part of the story, a reminder that sometimes the simplest foods, served with care, are the ones that last the longest.

5. Atmosphere That’s More Than Decor

Every corner of Joe Jost’s tells a story, from the original 1920s sinks in the restrooms to the battered pool tables that have seen generations of competition. Walking inside, I always notice the mix of laughter, clinking glasses, and the low buzz of conversation, it’s lively, but never overwhelming.

The decor isn’t staged for Instagram. Instead, it genuinely reflects almost a hundred years of use and love. Even the faded advertisements and old beer signs hanging from the walls feel authentic, not curated. There’s a warmth here that’s rare to find, a welcoming quality that invites you to stay a little longer.

Whether you’re perched at the bar or tucked into a booth, you can’t help but soak in the nostalgia. Joe Jost’s isn’t just a place, it’s a feeling, crafted by time and the people who keep coming back.

6. A Community Table for All

The crowd at Joe Jost’s is as varied as you’ll find anywhere. There are lifelong locals catching up over sandwiches, college students swapping stories, and visitors who heard about the place from a friend. I’m always struck by how easily strangers become friends here over a shared plate or a quick game of pool.

Unlike some historic bars that cater mainly to regulars, Joe Jost’s opens its arms wide. Every time I’ve dropped in, I’ve found myself in conversation with someone new, whether it’s a retiree telling tales from the seventies or a first-timer looking for menu recommendations.

It’s this spirit of togetherness that makes Joe Jost’s more than just a bar. It’s a community hub, a spot where everyone gets a seat at the table, and where the good-natured buzz is as much a draw as anything on the menu.

7. Tradition Meets Today

Joe Jost’s is proof that you don’t have to abandon tradition to stay relevant. Over the years, they’ve made subtle tweaks, maybe a new beer on tap or the occasional menu addition, but the core experience remains unchanged. This respect for heritage is what keeps generations coming back, each adding their own stories to the mix.

I’m always intrigued by how new visitors bring fresh energy, while longtime regulars ensure the old ways are never forgotten. It’s a gentle blend of past and present, woven together with real care. Even as other spots chase the latest craze, Joe Jost’s focuses on what it does best.

That’s the true legacy of this place. It’s about honoring roots while welcoming what’s next, ensuring that every guest, old or new, feels right at home.