Across from the Sony lot, on West Washington Blvd, lies the unassuming little hole-in-the-wall that is Victor Jr.’s. It is easy to miss, but I urge you not to because it is home to some of the best pizza and Italian subs I have had in Los Angeles. It’s not a secret either--between twelve and two on weekdays the place is packed with busy Hollywood types from Sony who are just dying for a treat. In fact, that’s how I found out about the place: I work on the lot and my boss recommended I go there for lunch. Once I got a taste, I haven’t been able to stop eating there! It’s becoming an addiction—one that I don’t want to quit.
When you walk in, you may be overwhelmed by their extensive menu that boasts, “everything [is] made from scratch.” They’ve got pizza, pasta, hot subs, cold subs, salads and deserts. And let me tell you, they all are tasty options—you pretty much can’t go wrong. But let me start by telling you about their pizza.
It’s New York style, hand tossed, and utterly perfect. The dough and crust are chewy, and just the right level of thickness (but if you want an uber thin crust they’ll make it for you). You can buy a slice for $1.95, but note that the by-the-slice options vary by day. You can always count on cheese, though. The slices are huge and filling, so order carefully-- two slices should be quite enough to satisfy even the manliest of appetites.
Their whole pizzas are 18" and start at $13.95 and go up to $24.00 for their specialty pizzas-- this may seem like a lot but it's worth it because they're loaded with toppings. As for toppings they have two categories: house and gourmet. House toppings include pepperoni, Italian sausage, Genoa salami, green peppers, black olives, mushrooms, pineapple and jalapenos. While gourmet toppings include: char-broiled chicken breast, chicken parmesan, Grandpa Vic's divine meatballs, sun dried tomato, roasted eggplant, and eggplant parmesan. But if you really want something extra special try a specialty pizza like the Wizard of Ahs (Rib-Eye Steak, Strips of Chicken Breast, Onions and Mushrooms, topped with their Cheese Blend), the Gourmet Vegetarian pizza (Roasted Eggplant, Broccoli, Fresh Spinach, Roasted Bell Peppers and Sun Dried Tomatoes) or the Char-Broiled BBQ Chicken Pizza (self-explanatory). How crazy good does all that sound?
But wait there's more--subs! Big, forearm length, delicious, messy subs! There's a huge selection of both hot and cold subs and all are yummy to the tummy. Take for example the Eggplant Parmesan, which is loaded with breaded eggplant goodness, stuffed into a fresh toasty roll, topped with homemade marinara sauce and a cheese blend that includes Mozzarella and Provolone. The Meatball Sub is virtually the same except for one big, tasty difference: Grandpa Vic's Divine Meatballs replace the breaded eggplant. And no, they aren't boasting by calling their meatballs "divine." Those meatballs have indeed been blessed by Jesus himself! They will melt in your mouth and you will sing the gospel. I swear it happened to me, and I'm a Jew.
Another sub I'm truly a fan of is the albacore tuna: I'll take it anyway I can get it, be it hot as a melt or cold with lettuce, tomato, and onion. It doesn't taste like tuna salad you make at home or get at a cafeteria. It's not fishy smelling or tasting. It's just...well, good!
Victor Jr.'s also has a few pasta specialties that are worth a try. They have cheese or spinach ravioli served in their homemade marinara sauce. They also have a rich and tasty baked ziti that might make you cry tears of joy. And of course you can get spaghetti topped with those Divine meatballs I was telling you about.
Now if all this rich, hearty, carb-a-licious food is making you worry about your waistline don't worry-- Victor's has some great salads for you too. First, let me say that all their dressings are homemade and delicious--nothing that tastes like it came from a valley in hiding. They have a Chinese chicken salad, a Greek salad, an Italian salad, a taco salad and a garden salad--all of which are chock full of fresh lettuce, veggies and meats. But my favorite is their Cesar, which features crunchy, buttery homemade croutons, Parmesan cheese, verdant romaine lettuce, and the most amazing Cesar dressing I've ever had in my life! It's so good, that you'll never look at Cesar and his salad in the same way again.
Victor Jr.'s is very small and can get very crowded during the lunch hour. There are no tables to sit at indoors, but there is a counter with barstools. Outside, in front of the restaurant, are a few tables where you can sit and be waited on. However, most people take-out from Vic's.
Warning: Victor Jr.'s has a $7.50 minimum for credit card purchases, and if you want delivery there's a 15% charge. Also they are closed on the weekends, which totally sucks for addicts like me who can't control their cravings.
Victor Jr.'s
10113 Washington Boulevard
Culver City, CA 90232
Tel: 310-559-8900
http://www.victorjrs.com/
Open Monday thru Friday
10:00 AM to 9:00 PM
