When it comes to finding new restaurants, I’m lucky that I know so many great people in the food world.

Being able to open Instagram or read their articles makes it simple for me to find places to eat when I may be at a loss as to where to go. A perfect example of was on a day I was in between work meetings and needed to get out of the office for lunch. A quick scroll through my Instagram feed had me slamming on the brakes when I saw a post from Farley Elliott, Senior Editor of Eater La. If you don’t know of him, he’s a trusted source on all things dining and someone I look up to in food journalism. Whenever Farley says something is delicious, second guessing him only wastes time you could be enjoying his recommendations. Seeing his photo and realizing the restaurant is less than 30 minutes away from my job, had me grabbing my things so I could stand in line at Johnny’s West Adams.

Sixteen minutes to be exact.

Just off of Crenshaw Blvd., you’ll find the restaurant. Chances are there are cars parked out front with little remaining parking and more often than not there’s a line beginning to grow parallel to their space. Don’t let that turn you away; you’ll find a spot and the line moves. Once I made my way to the register, I showed the cashier Farley’s photo asking what it was. Turns out, he photographed the Johnny Burger ($13). The burger spreads thousand island dressing and mustard across brioche potato buns and packs it with pastrami, a thick beef patty, caramelized onions, and melted Swiss cheese. I opted for the burger with easy mustard and ditched the onions.

Even with my modifications, I could see how Farley had to pause to take a picture of it. With cuts of pastrami overflowing over the patty and out of the buns and cheese gently catching the meat it can hold on to, the burger looks beautiful. A bite into it confirms that enthusiastically. From the rich flavor dancing across the pastrami to the sauces that add to it and the softest bun, it’s hard to put the burger down. Sure you’ll want to take seconds to catch your breath, but to come to a complete stop while eating the Johnny Burger? Why bother?

The moment that I discovered Johnny’s West Adams can only be attributed to perfect timing and a friend with the great ability to capture a beautiful burger. Following people who can put you on to great restaurants, like this one is a must because it can lead you to a new favorite eatery. I’ve returned here on numerous occasions and each time; the burger is as good as it was on my first visit. If you’re craving a delicious pastrami burger in central Los Angeles, let this review be the reason you leave wherever you are and get to their restaurant. If Farley’s photo could do it for me, then I hope this post can do it for you.

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Address: 4327 W Adams Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90018
Phone: (323) 840-3048
Hours: Tuesday through Sunday – 12:00pm to 9:00pm
Social: Website and Instagram.