Otto’s Import Store & Delicatessen

This guy saved my Polish hiney! Polka in Glendale is temporarily closed and we needed some Polish Xmas food. Well, this guy walked me through his store and picked out all the Polish products for me, and Hungarian options to supplement. Na Zdrowie! My stomach, wife and home thanks you! We’ll be back!

Horrible experience. Will not come again. The attitude and overall customer service from the manager (I think that’s him) left a lot to be desired.

I’m giving it a one star because they do sell lottery tickets and he just print them to order so they’re probably not expired. I stopped in here because it’s on the way to a friends house and I really wanted a snack and a cold drink. Well I did get 335 mL Mexican Coca-​Cola for a gigantic price of $ 2.50. I wasn’t able to find a piece of chocolate candy that was still in code. Much of his stock was 1 to 3 years out of date and stale.
The deli case looked like it shouldn’t even be touched so I didn’t bother with that I got my drink and left. I wish I had cases it before I left because this thing must be so old. I’ve never had a Coca-​Cola in a bottle it tasted this awful. If they were a date on it I’m sure would be out of code

one of the best deli’s in burbank great sub’s would get sub’s there every day for lunch when i was in high school

I have returned to Otto’s a few times now. Tom is a nice guy. From what I understand, he gets his deli rolls from a local Kosher baker. If you don’t enjoy white sandwich rolls, you’re in luck, because although it ain’t exactly on the menu, there is some pretty decent rye bread handy and Tom will make you a sandwich just like your Bubby used to do — for under 7 bucks, I believe.

YESSSSS!!! I am Hungarian and have been on the hunt for some good ol’ Hungarian meats and treats! Unfortunately all Hungarian restaurants in the area have closed, but fotunately Otto’s is there to help ease the loss. The owner is great! Very friendly and fluent in Hungarian. Things are a little pricey, but hey! It’s cheaper then a roundtrip flight to the EU. Try the meats– especially the boyscout salami :-)

Great place for any anyone from the east that misses their local European deli… feels like home… coming back here whenever I feel homesick and want something mom used to make

No. No. No. No. No.
Walked in here one day after driving by it many times wanting to try it.
It was lunch time and I was the only one in there. The shelves are piled with items that look like they’d seen better days.
Ordered a sandwich from the man behind the counter.
Bread came straight out of a freezer and went into a microwave. This should have been my first indication to RUN.
Meat came out and was sliced onto my sandwich without even removing the wrapper. Yes, the green/​red/​white wrapper was still on the salami that went into my sandwich.
Cheese was some off brand individually packaged American; not the kind you put on a sandwich.
Got it home, and after removing the bits of paper and plastic from the salami, decided to try it.
It was terrible.
The bread was crazy chewy, salami and other meats were indelible, cheese tasted like it should have been moldy (NOT in a good way), vegetables were dried up and on their last days yesterday.
Dude behind the counter was friendly enough, but this is not the place for sandwiches.

A colleague recommended this European deli. The cramped store has a variety of imports, however, I was there to try their sandwiches. A normal deli has a dedicated person making sandwiches, Otto’s isn’t that busy so the owner makes the sandwiches. Being the owner, you’d expect him to use extra hygienic precaution, sadly he does not. After giving him my order, the bread was frozen, so he had to thaw it out. At no point were gloves used to handle any of the food items, nor did he wash his hands prior to preparing the sandwiches. That’s just plain gross.
I would have asked him to cancel my order, but I felt guilty to just walk out. Don’t think I’m coming back here again.

So today I went in there after 20-​plus years of living in the great city of Burbank, browsed around, and ordered a Black Forest ham and swiss cheese sandwich. It comes with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, pickles and delicious hungarian pepper. The bread is good, but chewy as fuck. It was like biting into a piece of jerky! Fucking bread jerky n’ shit. I grabbed a double bock beer from the cooler and $ 12 bucks later I was on my merry motherfucking way.
The guy running the store (Tom) was really cool, we chopped it up for a bit while he made my delicious sandwich. Really nice guy. I’ll be coming back again.

Why can’t you give 0 stars?!
I see that no one has reviewed Otto’s in a while. Well let me change that with my experience. I bought a cheese grater mail-​order from them, which had a disc jammed in it before it could even be used. We were going up to LA from Hermosa, so we decided to return it to the store in person. We arrived at 1 minute past their closing time and no one answered our knocking. I was able to call the sales line though, which was still open. I explained that we had just put the grater into their mailbox right at their front door. He said fine and they would probably get it on Sunday, even though they were closed. Note, this store is in a residential area off of a main road. They most likely live in the area. Anyhooo my letter to them basically explains my experience, so here goes…
Yes hello…
This is a nice story. Very clever. I did not tell you not to call my phone again. I couldn’t hear you in the wind and I thought that you said you were from an Auto Import store, so I asked why I would know you. At that point you became very agitated and rambled off that you were calling about the item I left in your mailbox and would not bother me again. After you said the word mailbox I understood who you were and I tried to say that I had misunderstood you and thought you were a call from a car business. I said I couldn’t hear well in the wind outside the courthouse… but you hung up in the middle of my saying all of this. That’s when I tried to call you back 4 times. And that’s when you wouldn’t answer your phone. And that’s when I left a message saying that I was on a jury and that you could leave me a message, send me an email, or call me during my break the next day.
When you didn’t, I tried calling back twice yesterday. It’s easy to avoid answering me, because I have an out of area area-​code on my cell phone, right :-) I checked my spam and there is no email message from you there, nor in my regular mailbox. The good thing about all of this is that I can afford to lose the cost of the non-​functioning product which you sent to me. Since I told you that I’d placed it in the mailbox when we spoke on Saturday, your referring to my having a tracking number is a comical touch. And since I have no physical proof that you received it back, I guess I’m done here. It was either stolen, or you are trying to trump me, even though you have the item back. It’s basically your word against mine, although we both know the truth of the matter. Let’s settle on it most likely being stolen from your mailbox, in the less than stellar neighborhood where your business is located. You have a nice day and I’ll see you on Unilocal.

Update: a week after posting this, my review got filtered. The first Unilocal review I ever had removed. That tells you something…
Wow, I find it pretty odd that almost all of their 1* reviews are filtered, except for mine. If you would really like to have the full picture, read the filtered reviews alongside the rest.
So I went back recently when I found myself in a bind and needed to get some Hungarian wine asap. I was already in the valley, too far from all my other sources, so I ended up here… I have to say that the place was just like I remembered it from 5 years ago, though service was a tad bit better… They were actually open when I showed up during business hours, the wine was probably not expired (it was a gift, they haven’t complained yet…) But unfortunately the improvement was not enough to rate it any better, since they are still choosing to ignore expiration dates, still failing to put prices on their items, still trying to eyeball clients to see how much to charge them for each item (anywhere between a small fortune and an arm and a leg), and overall they will not make it a priority to make the customer happy. Not impressed.
After my first review I was contacted to take it down… I would, if there was an improvement. Right now I stand by my review… And if you read all the filtered reviews, you will understand that I’m not the only one.

I gave Otto a Five rating because of the products and selections that he carries. For sure he has items that are hard to find eleswhere.
On the negative side:
1) Items are expensive almost like gold. I am not sure imported Hungarian items are cheaper in other places.
2) Store is cluttered. He helped me locate items I needed in my basket that otherwise would have been next to impossible for me to find.
3) A couple of sweets I like were only available during holidays.
On the positive side:
1) Very friendly and talkative. Extremely socialable and pleasant. Offered me a cold drink on a hot and steamy day.
2) Pointed out differences and provided valuable advice in selections.
3) Parking is easy.
Overall, I was very pleased and I will be back to sample more HUngarian products.

I have been going to this place for 24 years now, since 1986. I remember coming here with my dad when he was alive after preschool which was across the street, i always will remember Otto, he was amazing. livley, sweet, kind and generous, as was his wife who was the same. Their daughter Ericka friend of my brothers i also practically grew up with whenever i went there. Otto always made sure you were happy, so as always customer service gets a big thumbs up for me.
the sandwiches, are a true gem, REAL meat, REAL veggies (bah but ey they are also good) and just wow! i love this place! like in and out it has never changed! they still stick to their same ingredients and service. They give subway a run for their money! if you want real meat and tasty treats go here, if you want to be over charged go to subway
Otto passed away but Tom his son still serves up the same quality as his father did, sans the accordian, and the zanyness :)
i say this with truth, i am a customer for life!

I heart this little shop. It is very typical Hungarian style and it actually looks like many of the little corner shops that existed in Miskolc (Hungary) back in the day. Its a little bit of a mess, but there are tons of treasures to be found.
Shelves are cluttered with all kinds of Hungarian mustard, pasta, soup mixes, preserves, wines (I saw an Tokaji Aszu from 1999?), etc. They’ve got decent Pogácsa (a kind of a delicious savory scone sometimes infused with bacon that dads love to eat with beer), paprika salami, head cheese and an incredible slab of smokey bacon, (to be eaten as-​is, or fried). The bacon is pricey, as are a lot of things in the store. If you’re confused, the owners are very sweet and will turn you on to a lot of goodies.
I give this store five stars for feeding my personal nostalgia, existing in L.A. in the first place, and for the service. Whenever feeling homesick, I can just visit here and pretend that I’m in Hungary, (or mom’s kitchen). Now, if only I could pay in the «Forint» of the 1980’s…
Otto’s also has a great website and will ship to wherever you may be.

I was browsing Unilocal for a new lunch destination; in the mood for a sandwich, I typed in Deli and stumbled across Otto’s. Based on all the kind words from fellow Unilocalers, it’s disappointing I wasn’t able to meet the store’s namesake since he recently passed away (
). None the less, I’m sure he’d be proud to know that his son, who inherited the family business, is carrying on the tradition of providing customers with a genuinely pleasant experience.
Located in a very quiet residential neighborhood, you could miss the place if you weren’t paying attention. Out front there is a small patio with a couple tables and chairs, I could see enjoying a peaceful lunch here but unfortunately I had to take my order to go. I went with a medium «Otto Special» with mayo, no mustard and extra onions. I also grabbed a Kinder ‘Bueno’ candy and a Jones’ Cream Soda… while they were making my sandwich I wandered up and down the aisles trying to take it all in.
There’s so much stuff here that it’d take a few visits to mentally process everything they have to offer. I was pleased with my sandwich but it wasn’t anything out of this world; tasty meats and cheeses with fresh vegies on a tender deli roll. It doesn’t always have to be exotic for it to be delicious. I loved their salami, next time I go in I’m going to ask for extra.
While my life wasn’t changed by visiting Otto’s I still feel like I’ll be returning, I love supporting business that care about their customers. There’s far too little of that these days. The prices are a little steep but it’s comparable to most other delis around the city.

Otto’s was great, and I’m really only writing this because it was just recently brought to my attention that Otto has passed away.
Junior high school brought about many, many trips to this awesome, tucked-​away little store on Clark (one of my favorite tree-​lines streets in Burbank), trips that resulted in the consumption of candy, chips and other deli/​convenience odds and ends that kids that age ingest like fuel.
But what I really miss about Otto’s, or rather Otto, is standing in line at the post office on Magnolia, every day, and seeing him with his Pomeranians. Always happy, chatting with everyone.
It’s good to hear that this place is still around and I look forward to bringing all of my favorite, carnivorous friends here soon!

Hallelujah!!! This Magyar has found her new gold-​mine shop!
Minutes away from my apartment; I was first slightly taken-​a-​back by the fact that Otto’s is located in a residential neighborhood. But then I realized this adds to the «home-​y» feel that us Magyars are known for. Walking inside, I was transposed back into my childhood when my family would receive the brown-​paper parcel packages in the mail tied with string and stamped with Hungarian stamps and airmail stickers from my grandma whom was still living in Hungary. These are items (such as Piros Arany and Boci) that I haven’t been able to purchase in the US without ordering online. No wonder it’s called an «import store». Plus, they have Hungarian wine!!! Magyars are now for our wine, palinka, and our high alcohol tolerance, so bring it on!
The best part is the deli portion. Only here can you purchase teli salami, hurka, and our special smoked sausage at GREAT prices. Teli Salami uses goes for $ 10 for a half pound while here it is $ 6. Smoked sausage? ABOUT $ 5 FOR TWO LINKS! THIS IS HIGHWAY ROBBERY! AND I’M RUNNIN’!
It was mentioned that items are expired so I specifically looked for that and saw that some of the canned goods were indeed expired. But people, these are canned veggies/​fruits! They are good even until after Armageddon arrives!!!
Otto’s son was absolutely lovely. Speaking to me in Hungarian, asking if he can take a phone order or if I wanted them on hold so he could serve me, and giving me samples.
Certainly the place to go to wow with with Hungarian salamis, sweets, and wine at your next party.

I read about this place on one of the weekly Unilocal emails and bookmarked it for whenever I found myself in Burbank. Thankfully I found myself nearby just a few weeks ago and decided to check it out. I called to see if it was open, and they were, and even offered to stay open past their usual closing if I wasn’t able to get there on time. It’s that nice, local, friendly touch that made me like this place right off the bat.
Now, to be fair, I didn’t purchase anything since there wasn’t anything I needed. I had read that their chocolate selection was really good but I didn’t notice anything special about it. They do have a wide selection of wines, spices and sauces. It would take me several visits to fully catalog what they offer. True, at this point, many of these items are now available in certain super markets, but it’s good to see a local niche business still kicking it.
Other reviews have said they are pricey, and I can see that. I guess since it’s all imports I can understand the price. It’s not a place I would go to often, it’s more for special occasions or if there’s some unique item I must have.

After going in circles looking for this place I finally happened upon it. Yes… it IS in a residential area by the way.
After seeing the giant OPEN sign on the door, I grabbed the handle and BAM… the door wouldn’t budge. Turns out Otto was taking an afternoon nap on his front porch (they call it the garden) next door. He got up and graciously let me in.
The place is jam-​packed from floor to ceiling with junk. It’s freakin’ awesome! The sandwiches were nothing to write home about, but not bad either.
Chatting with Otto and listening to him rave about being in the same locale for like 50 years earned him an extra star for this rating.
I ended up with a turkey sandwich and a regular Coke Classic in a GLASS bottle. Very cool. Beware the $ 2.50 price tag on that coke though. Next time, I’m going plastic or aluminum!