I have been up to the Skirball Center twice. Once with my dad to see the Einstein Exhibit and once with my mom to see the Noah’s Ark installation. Both times, I timed the visit so that we could eat at the Zeidler’s Cafe.

I’m a sucker for museum cafes in general. Maybe they just feel a little more civilized because they are surrounded by culture. I think there is more to it than that though, most of the museum cafes in Los Angeles really do serve good food.

Zeidler’s Cafe is a relatively small space, set up in almost a triangular floor plan. Two of the walls are windows to the outside and one back towards the museum. It’s almost like outdoor dining indoors.

The menu has basic lunch sections, but each one of them is stocked with simple, delightful choices. When I first saw the menu, I immediately locked on to the Salmon Pastrami Club. In fact, both times I have eaten at Zeidler’s I had this sandwich.

Last time I went, my mom and I split the sandwich. It is huge, more like two full sized sandwiches stacked on top of each other. Even the two of us had a hard time finishing it. From the menu, the details are: Pepper Cured Salmon Pastrami, Sliced Red Onion, Tomato, Avocado and Dill Dressing on Toasted Rye Bread ($10.95).

The ingredients in the Salmon Pastrami Club play together perfectly. Fresh, soft rye bread, lightly peppered salmon sliced thin and piled just high enough, juicy tomatoes, creamy avocados, subtle red onions and when your mouth is already having a party, a touch of dill dressing to brighten all of the flavors.

As my mom commented, it’s worth stopping by the cafe just for this sandwich, even if you’re not going to the museum.

To balance the sandwich, we also split a Chopped Salad. Field Greens, Tomato, Cucumber, Roasted Peppers, Mozzarella, Green Beans and Artichoke Hearts Topped with Avocado. Served with Balsamic Vinaigrette on the Side ($9.50). It’s hard to tell from the picture above, but there is a lot of stuff packed in and around the greens. The green beans are a nice touch, blanched and chopped along with the other goodies, adding crunch and flavor. Who doesn’t love crunch and flavor? I don’t want to know.

If you already are planning on visiting the Skirball, make sure to take time to visit the cafe. If you’re driving up the 405 over the hill to the valley, take time to visit the cafe, there is free parking and you don’t need to pay museum admission to eat there. If you have kids, take them to the Noah’s Ark exhibit. You and they will have a great time. It’s a big, creative art piece that you can crawl all over and explore with all of your senses. I do recommend making reservations since there is a timed entry (and exit) to keep the crowds down.

Zeidler’s Cafe (at the Skirball)
2701 North Sepulveda Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90049
(310) 440-4515