The Last Pastrami Sandwich

An apparent victim of Covid and Postmates, as Izzy's is now for lease.

By David Ganezer, Observer Staff Writer

Oy gevalt. Izzy's restaurant, which used to sport optimistic signs saying, "See you again soon!" now has signs that say, "For Lease." It appears that the fifty year old restaurant has closed for good, another victim of the coronavirus pandemic and Postmates apocalypse.

We spoke to the real estate agent whose name is on the sign in the window for lease. He confirmed that the entire 5200 square-foot premises is for lease. "We're looking for the right operator" he said, adding that the rent will be approximately $25,000 per month.

The lease comes without the name Izzy's, which belongs to the former operator, he says. He has no idea what Izzy's has in mind for the future. The phone number for the restaurant simply leads to a machine, which states they will open in June after renovations, which is clearly no longer the case.

"Great staff. Good food. Reasonable prices, another family business closes in Santa Monica," posted Matthew Millen on Social media. Others speculated that crime and vandalism was a factor in Izzy's demise.

Many restaurants struggled during the pandemic, especially those with as much indoor seating as Izzy's. Take out dining from apps like didn't help either, as it changed the economics of restaurants with wait staff and so many booths.

Izzy Freeman, the current owner, opened the restaurant in 1973 with partner Kenny Horowitz. Pictures of the many celebrities who have munched pickles there, adorned the wall.

The place was located on 15th Street and Wilshire Blvd, across from Santa Monica UCLA hospital. For a time, it was open 24 hours, to accommodate the many health care workers who unwound there after late night shifts.

"A big menu of deli & diner comfort foods plus soda fountain, beer & wine dished out in homey digs," says the Yelp review of the Jewish delicatessan.

In true New York style, Izzy's featured such items as pastrami sandwiches, corn beef, pickles, rye bread, mandelbrot, knishes, all kinds of omelets, scrambled eggs with lox and onions....... such memories! Vey es meer