This Pastrami is Oakland’s Best Kept Secret | Word of Mouth

Chef Cash Caris and Anahita Cann are the owners of Pyro’s Pastrami, a homemade pastrami sandwich pop-up they operate near a train station in Jack London Square in Oakland, CA. A staple in NY-style delis around the east coast, pastrami is relatively unknown in the Bay Area; but Pyro’s is still a popular destination for diners who know the food or are just learning to love it. Cash’s labor of love is his intensive 30-day process that includes brining, smoking, and steaming his beef brisket pastrami. They make everything they serve from scratch, like their potato chips, sandwich bread, sauces, pickles, and more. Though still under the radar, Pyro’s Pastrami has found their deli-hungry fanbase in Oakland.
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[@meatce]

I showed up in Oakland not realizing that Delirama (their new home) was closed that day so I messaged Cash to ask him for recommendations in the area and he said "Meet me at the restaurant and I'll make you a sandwich." And I did. And he did. And it was by far the best pastrami sandwich I have ever had. Thank you Cash. You're a fucking hero.

[@GregCurtin45]

No one does a better job than Munchies at finding these unique restaurants/food stalls and introducing them to the world. Thank you to the entire team behind creating/filming/& editing this.

[@sashasinger8262]

love you to greg. thanks for the support - its hard making these videos.

[@ScottOrd]

Your comment sums up my feelings - bravo! 🤩

[@marcustongue123]

@@sashasinger8262 Hi Sasha, did you create this video? I wanted to speak to Munchies about possibly editing for them. It would be a dream for me to be involved somehow.

[@UBRS85]

with hookers

[@TheZGHD]

let’s not forget that all the people they interview are the corniest niggas of all time

[@omarhernandez5675]

Anybody else watching from the Bay Area getting ready to head over there? I’m salivating right now

[@RyuDaBurninator]

I wish!

[@jorgefelix4263]

Can’t wait to get there and see a huge line 😭😂

[@linberl]

Augie's is closer to me, so that'll leave some for you.

[@justinchonguyen149]

Gotta wait till Saturday :/ but you’ll see me there haha

[@mikebeuselinck6138]

See you Sunday!

[@jameshill2450]

This dude totally just hired a dominatrix a few times and eventually talked to her about doing his commercials and I'm very here for it.

[@SoFreshNSerene]

What’s her name for research purposes lol

[@sayakchakraborty4206]

@@SoFreshNSerene Andrea

[@anahitacann6323]

@@SoFreshNSerene It’s The Andrea Rosu! She’s amazing.

[@harrysunn1]

Holy Shit! I'm dying! I thought the same thing.

[@Maestro-gh2ei]

Based

[@norcalquas]

I really like how Munchies recently has been covering Bay Area spots. I can go to a lot of these places within a 30 minute drive.

[@sennadesillva]

same here, I'm in fremont and been to jack london a bunch of times the last few years and somehow I've havent seen this place. Gotta make a trip there soon

[@ponypoopa865]

You must live round the corner from me! Hi neighbour!

[@poppybell8217]

Aren’t you special?

[@nathanhyatt]

@@poppybell8217 You're special too.. special needs.

[@ayosgsauce]

It's so hard to find good Pastrami nowadays. Restaurants claim they have pastrami but when you order it it's just sliced deli meat you can buy at the grocery store. This looks like the real deal, hand cut from a brisket with the fat still on it. Great feature Munchies!

[@justicejoycetv]

Say it 🙌🏿

[@siteone1354]

Yes. I grew up in LA and now reside in Texas. Can’t find pastrami like this here.. even the thin steamed pastrami sandwiches all the burger places in LA sell, I can’t find stuff like that either. Closest I’ve had was Yardhouse restaurant

[@ayosgsauce]

@@siteone1354 you must miss The Hat huh? Awesome pastrami there.

[@siteone1354]

@@ayosgsauce sure do, I lived down the street from the one in Monterey park near East LA college!

[@danospect5991]

come to new york we have a few spots

[@Woozlewuzzleable]

You don't need a giant menu that's ok, you just need one thing that you do very well that's homemade and people will come. You're also going to save money on food costs and time spent on prep.

[@goose6941]

Those are usually the best places tbh

[@AngelRK07]

@@goose6941 Agree

[@briangarcia8384]

Tell that to my boss

[@Exilitate]

Did you hear the end of the video though? Dude is in over his head, and one step away from selling out to a corporation.

[@julzcdg4880]

@@Exilitate exactly.

[@ryanh9533]

There needs to be more companies like this. The company has a personality and caters to everyone, I can’t applaud them enough. To many large faceless companies are ruining small independent business that need our support.

[@AngelRK07]

True

[@aloevera7422]

I mean, you can't cater to "everyone". They cater to "all-inclusive" people, which is NOT racists, sexists, bigots, etc.

[@neilkorsgaard]

Many "Faceless Companies" are actually independent franchisees trying to earn a living. Just sayn'

[@MTMF.london]

@@neilkorsgaard And a lot of them started out small and independent. They just got more successful and expanded - you don't start out as big, faceless companies from the get-go.

[@angpham941]

I was getting emotional about his stories Then suddenly he invited a thicc mistress to film his ad Lol wtf a complete 180 emotional roller coaster for me xD

[@jokezup7850]

lmaooooo forreal! i was like oh! ok!

[@Dayvit78]

I was just about to share the video with my parents who live near there. Then this... maybe I'll just have to take them directly. lol

[@berkcancinar]

One of the most genuine and inspiring personalities I’ve seen here. Cheers!

[@karlsmith2570]

I actually love pastrami and if I ever find myself in Oakland, I'll have to check this place out

[@Emily-qs6cx]

Your comment was so wholesome. It brightened my day.

[@josemunoz5608]

Oakland all bad !!!

[@poopy9184]

Love how Vice puts small businesses in the spot light.

[@aloevera7422]

I really love this guy's position on everything about his business

[@jred5153]

That is one mean burn scar on his forearm. I've seen my fair share of them over my years in the restaurant industry.

[@richardholguin3481]

Came here for this. Not making fun of the guy just damn that's a big burn

[@adc2327]

Doesn't look like a burn scar to me. I may be wrong. I am not going to get into it. That is his business.

[@juliusebola9712]

@@adc2327 Pretty clearly a burn scar and I've seen my fair share in this business. Dude I used to work with had one in that exact same spot from spilling a pot of hot grease on his arm.

[@adc2327]

@@juliusebola9712 Ok. Like I said, it is his business, so I will not go there.

[@adc2327]

@@Bayg415 Of course. I wasn't going to go there, you did instead. Dana Black and others kept on about it being a burn scar. I work in healthcare, I know better.

[@emmyashbaugh]

What a monumental labor of love. I had no idea how much work went into pastrami. These sammies look incredible 😛🤤

[@bulmerz4185]

Food looks amazing & what a nice genuine guy wish him the best of luck

[@o.h.w.6638]

I absolutely love these types of interviews

[@tyisha2105]

I don’t even like pastrami but I became 100% invested in this story. Almost makes me want to give pastrami another try.

[@dimpelzmyles]

I dont really eat pastrami but if I'm ever in Oakland, you have a customer. I love eveything about this

[@galaf9790]

My goodness those sandwiches look AMAAAZING!!

[@brianmoody2549]

It’s who the food is made,and what makes your food so great.love and understanding in what you do,makes the food great,and who much heart and time you put in to who you want things done.

[@BIGREDTECH]

I will be visiting this place soon! Looks AMAZING!!

[@CarpeDiem-ii5fu]

Oh my God that looks fantastic!!!

[@MrRatFinkster]

I want to know more about that bread - it looks incredible!

[@robertgriffin4118]

Munchies FREAKING LOVE YOU GUYS YO!!!

[@lalaland5332]

His passion for his creations is what’s making me smile 😃

[@TheSlavChef]

This looks soooo tasty!

[@MrJep4940]

I super love this video... the first place I’m hitting up when I get to Oakland... so much passion. ❤️

[@90BUGAHSUGAH]

This place looks so good. If I ever go to Oakland I know where I’m getting lunch!

[@bbbt8090]

Will stop by this place when in the Bay! Thx Munchies

[@logeedoy]

Cannot wait to sample this chef’s product. Looks great!

[@leestimis9264]

I sooo love you people. 😍 I have felt like abandoned all my life and I know how it feels to be on the outside. I hate it. Every one wants to be with others! Good job on the path and journey. You are awesome! Reason why you 2 came together.

[@boluchhh]

Definitely stopping by sometime! It looks good 😋

[@czarinagarcia3724]

Omg can’t wait to try this love pastrami!

[@konstantinanthonyromanov6952]

I love pastrami ! I’m gonna be there as soon possible.

[@racheldavis8070]

I live in SF. I’m so excited. See you tomorrow.

[@paulking962]

Awesome. I love love love 💘 pastrami. I may have to try making this. I smoke and sell smoked pork belly salmon and cheese. I make my own Garlic dill pickles 😋 I would love to try your pastrami but I live in Southern California. I'm HAPPY for you and your business 🙂

[@raeaua]

it looks SO GOOD

[@abrahambrambila7920]

Oakland Ca always be having good ass food 💯💪💪

[@sbrosier2383]

He is one of the most pleasant talkers I've ever heard

[@cfrydlewicz]

I always loved the Reubens at Chop Bar right nearby there. I'll have to try this place and compare!

[@haitianfrommars6704]

Perfect type of videos to watch while you got the munchies.

[@faqu529]

Omg looks AMAZING 😻

[@danb4811]

I have a few good spots for pastrami. It's a blessing.

[@batteryturntup8910]

That looks so good

[@juliogil565]

Will be visiting them this coming week ✌🏼

[@kinsmangallo6732]

Wow that looks delicious! I hope you could also make more fried donuts with different flavored glazes, designs and topings! Thank you!😍❤️

[@ACE7O2]

I love pastrami and this one looks amazing

[@lolaron582]

I grew up in that area and I will be making a trip to your place, looks delicious and I love your story.

[@wynterrosexxx]

Shout out to this guy for including the pros ..our front line heroes since the beginning of history

[@christophermiller7532]

I live in LA. I will have to make an Oakland run. Black American adopted by a Jewish woman and was raised in the deli world. This is greatness.

[@aisha6577]

I loved pastrami sandwiches from the deli when I lived in New York!

[@MooGuyGoo]

Dang. This looks incredible. Nice work!

[@hicham5088]

I Dream to work there !! Greatings from France !

[@MonkyDollqueen]

Good things come to people who wait, but better things come to those who go out and get them.

[@pedropierre9594]

I got a better one, who dares wins

[@TakuacheReviews]

Good things come to people who displace the locals and charge $24 for a sandwich I guess🤷🏽‍♂️

[@kimberlykinner2192]

@@TakuacheReviews no one is forcing you to buy anything... you pay for quality. They literally just posted about raising money and putting one of the local homeless men in a hotel for a couple of nights and getting them some food. Every year Cash packs up food after Thanksgiving and passes it out to the homeless community. Complain about $24 all you want, but I’m more okay with spending that on 1. People who actually give a shit about others and not just themselves, and 2. High quality food that’s prepared with care vs. someone purchasing in bulk from Sysco and slapping their name on it.

[@TakuacheReviews]

@@kimberlykinner2192 that would be something a white person named Kimberly would say. I don’t care that they’re charging $24 for a sandwich. I care that they’re doing it in Oakland. Take that shit to Berkeley. I guarantee you most of their customers are not even native of Oakland🤦🏽‍♂️

[@kimberlykinner2192]

@@TakuacheReviews “a white person named Kimberly” lol nice one, bud. Cash is my brother. Doesn’t do any good to assume you know someone over the internet, especially based on their name 😂. Prices in Oakland have been going up well before Pyros popped up. It sucks that the area is being flipped but that’s the entire bay. We can thank tech companies for that. Also people should 1000% be supporting all small businesses. Taco trucks, hole in the wall taquerias, pho places, etc. It doesn’t have to be one or the other.

[@justicejoycetv]

That thumbnail. *Y'all have a fine looking sandwich there.* Kudos!

[@joeyblack986]

EID MUBARAK to ALL brothers & sisters 🙏🏻

[@AWish-uh1vd]

Eid Mubarak! Grew up in Berkeley/Oakland ( B High '96). Live in DC now.

[@princeofcamelot1487]

Islam is evil

[@joeyblack986]

@@princeofcamelot1487 why do you say that ? What are your facts about Islam ? Have you read the holy Quran ?

[@manag3r198]

@@princeofcamelot1487 No one asked for your opinion buddy

[@princeofcamelot1487]

@@joeyblack986 it's common knowledge

[@spitflamez]

I’m in LA and I’m driving to Oakland for this and a good road trip 👍🏾

[@Healthhub23]

Cash you just inspired me brotha. Good stuff.

[@kirstenjaguilar]

Quality people making quality food. Excited to head over and eat!

[@AngelekaL]

As soon as mentioned the days on the brine I liked the video!

[@samuelvilanova4217]

The beautiful Bay Area yes sir can’t wait to go try that pastrami

[@MariaHernandez-qx9sq]

Love you story! So happy for your success and that you were not part of the statistic ending up on the streets!! Totally opposite, you end up as handsome and hard working men! Congratulations , I guess your little brothers are so proud of you and following your steps to became a great humans!!! Blessings ❤️❤️❤️👏🏽👍😁

[@amazinggrace5620]

This look real tasty 🤤 hope I can try it one day

[@ddu22]

wow so amazing!!!!😍😍😍😍

[@QChalla]

Oh I m bout ready to get one now!!!

[@coldkid6]

That looks fire!

[@IanAbellana]

Gonna get this tomorrow 😋

[@rlewis1203]

Many blessings to all! Feed the revolution, if I ever get to the Bay Area I’m going over

[@lays9171]

the bay area has food that is second to none. so glad i grew up here.

[@mumble97]

Jack London Square is quite popular for food and other things, also this restaurant just opened up so I don't know how it's a secret. I am glad that they opened up and are on munchies although.

[@wiggieest.8415]

Sounds amazing

[@hairpluckplucker]

Looks so good!

[@chansaicommerce1721]

GO GO MUNCHIES !!

[@letibugg3523]

I normally do not eat Pastrami Sandwiches. However the next time I'm in the Town, I'm going to give this place a visit.

[@CarlosPerez-em3wu]

Once I get my motorcycle time to check this place out 😁.

[@selahbelah2880]

I live in Oakland and I’m going to try this tomorrow!!!

[@aaronmchenry7290]

I'm going here Friday ASAP

[@sabrinabreaux1727]

Looks delicious!

[@Sara-9865]

I’m going to support and buy when I. Go to Bay Area it is endearing that he makes pastrami

[@williampatience9524]

Reminds me of the mid Atlantic pastrami back East. About time.

[@harleybartelstein2447]

Been here. It is by far best in the bay. I have tried over 20 places in Bay Area and first that lives up to my rueben standards from nyc or Chicago

[@7swordmary567]

Gorgeous Reuben Sandwich❗

[@h.Freeman]

I love a good team player

[@banksta3]

The best pastrami sandwich I've ever had is indeed in California. But not in Oakland, but rather Oakdale. A hole in the wall called Ferrarese's. Whenever I visit my brother in Sacramento, we make the 3 hour round trip. It's that good.

[@true1love87]

Thank you! I love a good pastrami.

[@banksta3]

@@true1love87 If you find your way out there, buy the tri-tip and Italian sandwiches too. The sides are pretty standard, nothing special.

[@CuzzoEats]

I live in Modesto which is 20 minutes away, Imma go try that place out.

[@djartifx]

Oh my ... I lived there for almost 3 yrs... I will be visiting next time I am in the O -Town!!!

[@yeeoaktown]

im coming soon! been searching for the best pastrami in oakland for the past year now.

[@MsZooper]

Please highlight more east bay restaurants!

[@ibeethatoneguy7807]

That looks insanely delicious

[@SSN70]

Amazing

[@danielbernier9115]

Omg that looks dope ! Pastrami with swiss pickles and spicy mustard please

[@xoener]

Omg this place is gonna get a LOT of customers now lol I just had a super mediocre pastrami sandwich the other day without knowing about this place. That pastrami looks amazing!

[@hevnervals]

I looked it up. It's permanently closed now

[@xoener]

@@hevnervals Nooooooooo 😭 I was never able to get my hands on one. I blame the pandemic and the rise of crime in Oakland.

[@hevnervals]

@@xoener Yeah you're probably right

[@BodaciousBubbles]

Watching from Augusta, Georgia and I’ve literally never had pastrami. It is now my life’s mission to eat here at least once before it is my time

[@drewengles4477]

Katz's Deli in NY. Their pastrami is the gold standard and life changing.

[@BodaciousBubbles]

@@drewengles4477 bless u

[@Toler222]

I’m definitely going

[@lewisjohn2597]

Beautiful Miyabi knife Chef!

[@JoeBlow_4]

Traditional pastrami is a rare find. The neighborhood should understand how fortunate they are.

[@lowbvll8969]

Ayyyy I gotta slide over there lol I was just at Ben and Jerry’s and walked right by them

[@ayosgsauce]

"Though still under the radar..." Not anymore.

[@bossmanq6504]

Na this place still under the radar. It’s not near one of Oakland’s top spots. I’ve never heard of it. Looks great tho.

[@wayneschmidt3386]

Jack London Square not a hot spot 🙄 GTFO

[@JSBeats85]

I can't wait to go, so awesome that amazing pastrami is so close by. Gotta wait till payday though.. expensive af

[@tlakoyoualehekatl3940]

About to take all the homies on a date! All 15 of us will be there! Y'all better be ready!

[@phoenixtodaro-ali6519]

can I come ?

[@tlakoyoualehekatl3940]

@@phoenixtodaro-ali6519 i don't know can you ? Hahahahahahahaha. Pull up homie to the block

[@holgaholic]

sus

[@tlakoyoualehekatl3940]

@@holgaholic your just mad cuz your boys don't take you out as a whole hahahahaha