Like many of you, I have been very fond of Langer's #19 for several years. I remember my first meal at Langer's in 1982, when Mac Arthur Park suffered from a little bit less cocaine and heroin and violence, while not seldom, was not nearly as commonplace as today. The American Cement Building was still fully rented, and the paddle boats still were present on the lake. The Boathouse was not in a state of demolition. I ordered corned beef hash and two eggs over easy. I did not discover the #19 until 1995.
The #19 is arguably the best sandwich available in a shitty sandwich city. Bay Cities Importing is pretty good, but it has nothing on the Central Market Muffletta, for instance. Or a real Italian Sandwich from a deli in North Beach. The #19 is the best pastrami I have eaten, that is for certain. The Hat is just pure gristle and salt on a mass-produced roll from the Francisco Bakery. The chili fries are large enough to give the City of Alhambra the runs. The pastrami at Langer's is in a whole different universe than the Hat as far as I am concerned.
For several years, I indulged in artery clogging goodness at Langer's on a weekly basis. #19, fries, extra Russian Dressing, and a couple of refills on the pickles. And a cold beer. Your cardiologist could not hope for a better lunch to increase his profits.
I have heard several people talk about how they don't go into Langer's too much after suffering their first heart attack. I don't go in too much anymore. Across the street, you can buy a nice big crack rock for $20.00 without any references. I am inclined to say that the sandwich is probably more harmful than the cocaine. Especially if you do it up like I used to. I'm not saying I'll never do it again. Langer's, I mean.
