Understandably an institution.
I went with a large group on a rainy day and was able to avoid the rumored long lines as we escaped the summer humidity for a very much anticipated dinner. We all ordered the #4, and I ordered the fatty while some ordered the regular and one person the lean. After sampling them all, the regular makes sense for most customers. I wanted the rich indulgence of the fatty but it hasd a lot of fat and on return visits, I'd stick with the regular (the lean was too dry for my tastes). But all in all, just a lovely sandwich.
I also washed it down with a black cherry soda. I was told that this was their go to drink, but since it came in a can, I was a little bit bummed that it wasn't more of a soda fountain experience. We ordered pickles (great), cole slaw (I prefer mayo-based to vinegar-based slaws but this was a good one in the acidic vinegar category) and cherry peppers (awesome). It was such a fun time and I'm glad we caught it when we did.
Now this might be hearsay, but it is not my favorite pastrami sandwich ever. I'm still partial to my hometown favorite of Langer's in Los Angeles (I know, a crazy place for my particular smoked meat starlet) but without a doubt, Schwartz's is up there for me with some of the all time great sandwiches I've had.