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I thought I could combine visiting the WTC area with a visit to Katz's Deli afterward. Unfortunately I had underestimated how far apart the two were by the time we were hungry and ready for lunch. It looked much closer on the map LOL. We decided to make a special trip to Katz's on another day. That turned out to be on Sunday and I was very surprised to find a long line at 11am. Their system is chaotic. There's a guy at the door handing each adult a ticket (hold on to it and don't lose it, otherwise they charge you $50 when you try to leave). Then everyone mashes into the right side and get in one of the Cutter Lines. It can be unclear which line you'er in when it's very crowded. No need to stop at the first Cutter Line, move on back to Cutter 6, 7 or 8. You eat, you pay and you leave by handing them your ticket with the receipt showing payment proof. The register at the back accepts credit cards while the one at the front is cash only. A better method would be a "one line feeds toward the next available Cutter"; something like Marshall's setup. They've already got the guy at the door handing out tickets... he can easily direct people to the next available Cutter. The tables were pretty full when we were there. We ordered our Pastrami Sandwich on Rye ($28.95) and decided to take it to go. They are really good about packing the sandwich. It's wrap in several layers of paper, then placed in a thick brown paper bag, which is then placed in a thick plastic bag. They also give you pickles and mustard. The sandwich was amazing! The pastrami was juicy and flavorful. My mouth was sad when I finished the sandwich. It was so good, I made a point to go back to Katz's on the following Wednesday! The 2nd sandwich was also good, however I noticed that they gave us 4 quarter wedges of pickles instead of 4 half wedges that we received on Sunday. They should be more consistent when both times we ordered one Pastrami Sandwich. If you don't want to deal with the "first come first serve" seating madness, you can skip waiting in the Cutter Lines at the front of the store and head straight to the back for "Table Service", where they seat you, take your order and bring your meal to the table. It's a smaller seating area in the back. Restrooms are available. You just head to the back of the restroom, then hang a right to walk through the "table service" section, and then you'll see signs for the restrooms. When I used the ladies' room, my toilet would not flush at all. And I heard the person in the stall next to mine try to flush hers and it made the same sound of not being able to flush. I hope someone fixed that because that's pretty bad for 11:30am in the morning. Service is mixed. I had waited in 2 different Cutter Lines on my 2 visits and therefore served by 2 different Cutters. Both Cutters were really friendly and personable. The same can't be said about the 2 people working the front & back registers. They have what I'd presume to be the "rude, impatient, passive aggressive New Yorker attitude". They make customers feel like they're being scolded when they're trying to pay for their meal. It's not a very welcoming feeling. Katz's sells branded merchandise at the front of the store, where it's all displayed. You'll find all sorts of things including t-shirts, caps, mugs, aprons and tote bags. It's easy to get to Katz's by taking the F train to the 2nd Ave station. Exit at the E. Houston St & Allen St exit, then walk down E. Houston (eastward) for 2 short blocks. You can't miss the big sign out front.
Went to Katz's Delicatessen on a weekend in June for a late lunch, and there was a line to get in. Once inside, I got in line for one of the sandwich cutters. When I reached the front, the cutter handed me a sample of the pastrami, and it was great, tender and flavorful. I ordered the classic pastrami sandwich with mustard on the side, and it also came with a pickle. The cutter station accepted both cash and Venmo tips. Then, to pay for the meal by credit card, you take your ticket to the registers toward the back of the restaurant. Once paid, they staple the receipt to your ticket and hand it over as you exit. The restaurant is entirely open seating, so I found a table in the back, and there's a self-serve water station with clean cups available, and the restrooms are also located toward the rear of the restaurant. The pastrami sandwich was very large and delicious. The meat was warm, juicy, and melted in my mouth. The sandwich cost $28.95, but considering the portion size, it is easily enough food for two meals for most people. Katz's is not an inexpensive meal, and you should generally expect a wait, but it is also one of New York City's iconic dining institutions. Between the atmosphere, the history, and the quality of the pastrami, I found it worth both the wait and the price.
A M A Z I N G!!!!!! When you come in you get a number (DONT LOSE IT OR YOU WILL HAVE TO PAY TO GET OUT). Pick a line and the magic happens!!! Hubby and I got 1 to split w/ a plate of extra pickles. They give you a HUGE portion for a tester while you're waiting. Find a seat, chow down, pay and leave. I will definitely be coming here again. It has such a New York vibe inside. I love it
Despite the hype, the lines weren't very long since I entered before 10am on a weekday. The cutter let me had a sample of the pastrami while it was being sliced and assembled into a sandwich, so make sure to tip the cutter a couple bucks. The pastrami sandwich was tender, but the bread was a little soggy but the flavor of the pastrami made up for it. If you're visiting NYC, it's worth going at least once but I recommend going during off-peak hours to avoid long lines.
People love to hate on this place but nobody doing it like Katz's. Juicy melt in your mouth packed with favor. You get the pastrami sandwich, you get the matzo ball soup, you get the potato pancakes, you leave full and happy. People saying you got to tip 20$ is wild I usually tip 5-10 depending on what Im doing, you'll get hooked up. It's wild in there the tables turn over pretty quick so getting a seat isn't a problem. Im lucky to just be a few blocks from this fantastic institution.
I had what SHE was having! Arrived at 11 am on a Saturday and the place was already packed with a line out the door. But once we got inside we lucked into a table without much more of a wait. Save yourself any trouble and get the hot pastrami. It tastes like NYC between bread. It's meaty and stacked high and sliced against the grain, so it's bite tender. Sides are à la carte. Try the coleslaw. Also try one of the Katz's draft brews--the Katz Ale is dark and gives carmel notes. And yeah, you can see the exact table where Harry and Sally sat. IYKYK.
Try: Corned Beef Reuben! Why: Pastrami is obviously delish here and I've had it various times but finally tried their Corned Beef Reuben and it was melt in your mouth goodness! Notes: Came with my parents for late breakfast and it was already busy. Got our tickets at entrance and I went to sandwich line immediately while my parents grabbed a table. Don't forget to tip your butcher esp if they give you a sample. If you're sharing family style, keep all your tickets even unused ones so you can give them back the tickets at exit after paying. Credit card accepted in back counter. Front counter is cash. Ordered too much food? Get it wrapped and bagged in back counter too. Def a staple NYC establishment and dining experience.
I ordered this for delivery the other night because I've been dyings to try this place but haven't wanted to stand in the line. I hate to say it but the sandwich really is worth it. I'm not a huge red meat fan but even I have to admit just how good this was. It was simple. The rye was subtle but incredible. The meat was good. Plane and simple. I got Swiss added which I think was a great call. Not sure how long I would wait in line for it but I would definitely have the sandwich again. And don't forget the mustard! Great on its own but the mustard does add a little something.
Katz's Delicatessen was my very first stop on my first trip to NYC, and it absolutely lived up to the hype. This iconic spot has been around for generations, serving up legendary pastrami in a classic New York setting. Expect a long line, but it moves quickly. You'll receive a ticket upon entering, have your order marked, and pay on the way out. - Katz's Pastrami Sandwich (on rye) -- incredibly juicy and tender with thick, hand-cut slices piled high; on the pricier side, but worth trying at least once; it's massive and easily shareable, one of the most beautiful pastrami sandwiches I've ever seen The vibe is bustling and full of energy. The walls are lined with old photos that showcase Katz's long history, and the bright fluorescent and neon lights give it that unmistakable deli feel. Beyond pastrami, they also offer classics like corned beef, sauerkraut, and matzo ball soup -- don't forget the pickle to balance everything out. Service is efficient and friendly given the volume. I'm already craving another pastrami sandwich as I write this... Katz's is truly a must-visit NYC staple!
I usually go with the pastrami on rye, sometimes I'll throw Swiss on it. It's stacked, juicy, and exactly what you want from a classic deli sandwich. What makes it even better is the history. Katz's has been around since 1888, and it's one of the last old-school Jewish delis still doing it at that scale in NYC. It's been in the same Lower East Side spot for well over a century, serving generations of New Yorkers, immigrants, and everyone in between. Even the interior still has that worn-in counter-service vibe that feels unchanged on purpose. Pastrami here is consistently amazing. I end up going at least once a month because nothing else really hits the same.
In a word, disappointed. I've been wanting for years to go to the famous Katz Deli. Maybe I hyped it up too much. I don't know. We arrived promptly at 11 o'clock on a Saturday morning and there was almost no line. You go in the door, you get one ticket for every person and it's extremely important that you keep that ticket even if there is nothing written on it. Then you hop in the line for whatever it is that you're needing whether it would be a sandwich or hotdog a soda, etc. Then you get in that corresponding line. After you get your food you do not pay at that time. We were lucky enough to find a table right away. Now for the food. We both got corned beef with spicy mustard. The sandwiches look amazing! The meat was hot and it was thick and they had trimmed most of the fat away which I love. The problem is there's almost no taste. It's like steamed meat and the spice is a wish and a dream. A whisper of spice if you will. The pickles were terrible! If you can see my pictures, you can see that one is a dark green and one is a bright green. The dark green ones could be something that you pick off of a grocery store shelf and the bright green one tasted like you just cut up a cucumber and put it in vinegar with maybe a little salt For two sandwich sandwiches, extra pickles and two diet Pepsi's the bill came up to $63 and some change. To be honest, we have a great sandwich place back in Indianapolis, Indiana called Shapiro's and Shapiro's is by far better and at least five times better than Katz. If you don't have a deli by where you live, maybe this will be amazing because you have nothing to compare it to. I do and this was not worth it. I'm glad that I tried it though because if I didn't, I would've always wondered. You should definitely try Katz's at least once, but don't get your hopes too high. Seems more like a tourist trap.
I got lucky and there was no line when I went. While waiting, they even gave out samples of pastrami to try--omg, it was so tender, juicy, and good. I just ordered the classic pastrami sandwich with mustard, and got their spicy sauce on the side. The sandwich was huge and packed with meat. Honestly, it was the best food I had in NYC while I was there.
1 month ago
I ordered 6 bagels last Saturday and got them today on Thursday. Bagels are light, chewy with a buttery flavor toasted. If I don't feel like doing a day trip run to New York I would just order. There's 5 bagels in the bag because I couldn't wait to try one. read more
22 hours ago
This legendary Jewish deli is entirely worth the hype, offering a chaotically well-organized experience. Arriving at the right time can mean a short 15-minute wait from the back of the line to receiving your food. The operations run smoothly thanks to a ticket system where you pay on your way out, keeping the transaction separate from the food preparation. While making your sandwich, the deli workers hand you a fresh slice of meat to try at the counter and include two varieties of pickles with your order. The sandwiches are massive, incredibly well-seasoned, and juicy. While they are easy to share, ordering your own is the better move so you have leftovers to eat later. Staff was also super friendly and helpful. read more
I thought I could combine visiting the WTC area with a visit to Katz's Deli afterward. Unfortunately I had underestimated how far apart the two were by the time we were hungry and ready for lunch. It looked much closer on the map LOL. We decided to make a special trip to Katz's on another day. That turned out to be on Sunday and I was very surprised to find a long line at 11am. Their system is chaotic. There's a guy at the door handing each adult a ticket (hold on to it and don't lose it, otherwise they charge you $50 when you try to leave). Then everyone mashes into the right side and get in one of the Cutter Lines. It can be unclear which line you'er in when it's very crowded. No need to stop at the first Cutter Line, move on back to Cutter 6, 7 or 8. You eat, you pay and you leave by handing them your ticket with the receipt showing payment proof. The register at the back accepts credit cards while the one at the front is cash only. A better method would be a "one line feeds toward the next available Cutter"; something like Marshall's setup. They've already got the guy at the door handing out tickets... he can easily direct people to the next available Cutter. The tables were pretty full when we were there. We ordered our Pastrami Sandwich on Rye ($28.95) and decided to take it to go. They are really good about packing the sandwich. It's wrap in several layers of paper, then placed in a thick brown paper bag, which is then placed in a thick plastic bag. They also give you pickles and mustard. The sandwich was amazing! The pastrami was juicy and flavorful. My mouth was sad when I finished the sandwich. It was so good, I made a point to go back to Katz's on the following Wednesday! The 2nd sandwich was also good, however I noticed that they gave us 4 quarter wedges of pickles instead of 4 half wedges that we received on Sunday. They should be more consistent when both times we ordered one Pastrami Sandwich. If you don't want to deal with the "first come first serve" seating madness, you can skip waiting in the Cutter Lines at the front of the store and head straight to the back for "Table Service", where they seat you, take your order and bring your meal to the table. It's a smaller seating area in the back. Restrooms are available. You just head to the back of the restroom, then hang a right to walk through the "table service" section, and then you'll see signs for the restrooms. When I used the ladies' room, my toilet would not flush at all. And I heard the person in the stall next to mine try to flush hers and it made the same sound of not being able to flush. I hope someone fixed that because that's pretty bad for 11:30am in the morning. Service is mixed. I had waited in 2 different Cutter Lines on my 2 visits and therefore served by 2 different Cutters. Both Cutters were really friendly and personable. The same can't be said about the 2 people working the front & back registers. They have what I'd presume to be the "rude, impatient, passive aggressive New Yorker attitude". They make customers feel like they're being scolded when they're trying to pay for their meal. It's not a very welcoming feeling. Katz's sells branded merchandise at the front of the store, where it's all displayed. You'll find all sorts of things including t-shirts, caps, mugs, aprons and tote bags. It's easy to get to Katz's by taking the F train to the 2nd Ave station. Exit at the E. Houston St & Allen St exit, then walk down E. Houston (eastward) for 2 short blocks. You can't miss the big sign out front. read more
Went to Katz's Delicatessen on a weekend in June for a late lunch, and there was a line to get in. Once inside, I got in line for one of the sandwich cutters. When I reached the front, the cutter handed me a sample of the pastrami, and it was great, tender and flavorful. I ordered the classic pastrami sandwich with mustard on the side, and it also came with a pickle. The cutter station accepted both cash and Venmo tips. Then, to pay for the meal by credit card, you take your ticket to the registers toward the back of the restaurant. Once paid, they staple the receipt to your ticket and hand it over as you exit. The restaurant is entirely open seating, so I found a table in the back, and there's a self-serve water station with clean cups available, and the restrooms are also located toward the rear of the restaurant. The pastrami sandwich was very large and delicious. The meat was warm, juicy, and melted in my mouth. The sandwich cost $28.95, but considering the portion size, it is easily enough food for two meals for most people. Katz's is not an inexpensive meal, and you should generally expect a wait, but it is also one of New York City's iconic dining institutions. Between the atmosphere, the history, and the quality of the pastrami, I found it worth both the wait and the price. read more
15 days ago
A M A Z I N G!!!!!! When you come in you get a number (DONT LOSE IT OR YOU WILL HAVE TO PAY TO GET OUT). Pick a line and the magic happens!!! Hubby and I got 1 to split w/ a plate of extra pickles. They give you a HUGE portion for a tester while you're waiting. Find a seat, chow down, pay and leave. I will definitely be coming here again. It has such a New York vibe inside. I love it read more
Despite the hype, the lines weren't very long since I entered before 10am on a weekday. The cutter let me had a sample of the pastrami while it was being sliced and assembled into a sandwich, so make sure to tip the cutter a couple bucks. The pastrami sandwich was tender, but the bread was a little soggy but the flavor of the pastrami made up for it. If you're visiting NYC, it's worth going at least once but I recommend going during off-peak hours to avoid long lines. read more
Amazing. Line moves fast and the carvers don't rush you. The pickles are so freaking good??? How???? So crunchy. We got the pastrami sandwich on a roll with sauerkraut, mustard, and cheese. We did not need the cheese but it didn't hurt either. Delicioso read more
People love to hate on this place but nobody doing it like Katz's. Juicy melt in your mouth packed with favor. You get the pastrami sandwich, you get the matzo ball soup, you get the potato pancakes, you leave full and happy. People saying you got to tip 20$ is wild I usually tip 5-10 depending on what Im doing, you'll get hooked up. It's wild in there the tables turn over pretty quick so getting a seat isn't a problem. Im lucky to just be a few blocks from this fantastic institution. read more
I had what SHE was having! Arrived at 11 am on a Saturday and the place was already packed with a line out the door. But once we got inside we lucked into a table without much more of a wait. Save yourself any trouble and get the hot pastrami. It tastes like NYC between bread. It's meaty and stacked high and sliced against the grain, so it's bite tender. Sides are à la carte. Try the coleslaw. Also try one of the Katz's draft brews--the Katz Ale is dark and gives carmel notes. And yeah, you can see the exact table where Harry and Sally sat. IYKYK. read more
Try: Corned Beef Reuben! Why: Pastrami is obviously delish here and I've had it various times but finally tried their Corned Beef Reuben and it was melt in your mouth goodness! Notes: Came with my parents for late breakfast and it was already busy. Got our tickets at entrance and I went to sandwich line immediately while my parents grabbed a table. Don't forget to tip your butcher esp if they give you a sample. If you're sharing family style, keep all your tickets even unused ones so you can give them back the tickets at exit after paying. Credit card accepted in back counter. Front counter is cash. Ordered too much food? Get it wrapped and bagged in back counter too. Def a staple NYC establishment and dining experience. read more
I ordered this for delivery the other night because I've been dyings to try this place but haven't wanted to stand in the line. I hate to say it but the sandwich really is worth it. I'm not a huge red meat fan but even I have to admit just how good this was. It was simple. The rye was subtle but incredible. The meat was good. Plane and simple. I got Swiss added which I think was a great call. Not sure how long I would wait in line for it but I would definitely have the sandwich again. And don't forget the mustard! Great on its own but the mustard does add a little something. read more
Katz's Delicatessen was my very first stop on my first trip to NYC, and it absolutely lived up to the hype. This iconic spot has been around for generations, serving up legendary pastrami in a classic New York setting. Expect a long line, but it moves quickly. You'll receive a ticket upon entering, have your order marked, and pay on the way out. - Katz's Pastrami Sandwich (on rye) -- incredibly juicy and tender with thick, hand-cut slices piled high; on the pricier side, but worth trying at least once; it's massive and easily shareable, one of the most beautiful pastrami sandwiches I've ever seen The vibe is bustling and full of energy. The walls are lined with old photos that showcase Katz's long history, and the bright fluorescent and neon lights give it that unmistakable deli feel. Beyond pastrami, they also offer classics like corned beef, sauerkraut, and matzo ball soup -- don't forget the pickle to balance everything out. Service is efficient and friendly given the volume. I'm already craving another pastrami sandwich as I write this... Katz's is truly a must-visit NYC staple! read more
I usually go with the pastrami on rye, sometimes I'll throw Swiss on it. It's stacked, juicy, and exactly what you want from a classic deli sandwich. What makes it even better is the history. Katz's has been around since 1888, and it's one of the last old-school Jewish delis still doing it at that scale in NYC. It's been in the same Lower East Side spot for well over a century, serving generations of New Yorkers, immigrants, and everyone in between. Even the interior still has that worn-in counter-service vibe that feels unchanged on purpose. Pastrami here is consistently amazing. I end up going at least once a month because nothing else really hits the same. read more
Business owner information
Jake D.
Once a month sounds about right! So glad you've enjoyed your visits…
In a word, disappointed. I've been wanting for years to go to the famous Katz Deli. Maybe I hyped it up too much. I don't know. We arrived promptly at 11 o'clock on a Saturday morning and there was almost no line. You go in the door, you get one ticket for every person and it's extremely important that you keep that ticket even if there is nothing written on it. Then you hop in the line for whatever it is that you're needing whether it would be a sandwich or hotdog a soda, etc. Then you get in that corresponding line. After you get your food you do not pay at that time. We were lucky enough to find a table right away. Now for the food. We both got corned beef with spicy mustard. The sandwiches look amazing! The meat was hot and it was thick and they had trimmed most of the fat away which I love. The problem is there's almost no taste. It's like steamed meat and the spice is a wish and a dream. A whisper of spice if you will. The pickles were terrible! If you can see my pictures, you can see that one is a dark green and one is a bright green. The dark green ones could be something that you pick off of a grocery store shelf and the bright green one tasted like you just cut up a cucumber and put it in vinegar with maybe a little salt For two sandwich sandwiches, extra pickles and two diet Pepsi's the bill came up to $63 and some change. To be honest, we have a great sandwich place back in Indianapolis, Indiana called Shapiro's and Shapiro's is by far better and at least five times better than Katz. If you don't have a deli by where you live, maybe this will be amazing because you have nothing to compare it to. I do and this was not worth it. I'm glad that I tried it though because if I didn't, I would've always wondered. You should definitely try Katz's at least once, but don't get your hopes too high. Seems more like a tourist trap. read more
I got lucky and there was no line when I went. While waiting, they even gave out samples of pastrami to try--omg, it was so tender, juicy, and good. I just ordered the classic pastrami sandwich with mustard, and got their spicy sauce on the side. The sandwich was huge and packed with meat. Honestly, it was the best food I had in NYC while I was there. read more
NY must. Delicious pastrami. Line moved relatively quick, since they've been around for so long. You take a ticket then pay on the way out. Lines get long during meal times and weekends so go during the off, off hours. I usually get mine on club bread, but not this time. And something about the pickles. You'll have eaten 10 before your sandwich comes! read more
Disclaimer, I am normally not a pastrami fan but I wanted to see if anything has changed. Knowing that Katz is known for their pastrami, I hoped it would change my perception of what it could taste like or be. We ordered the pastrami sandwich and the matzo ball soup. I have mixed thoughts on the sandwich, some of it had juicy, tender bites but other bites were salty and dry. The matzo ball soup was unique and I liked it, but it was too salty for me. I was in desperate need of water after having both together. The line is long but it moves relatively quick, make sure you go in the lines that have a large tip jar. It means they are likely to move quick and get the food out faster. It was my first time and I learned that you take a ticket, order, eat, then pay. You also have to take a ticket even if you're not ordering, or else pay a lost ticket fine Overall, it was decent. I would try it because it's iconic to NY but I wouldn't go out of my way for it. read more
Tried Katz' Deli during our trip to NYC! Lots of other tourists were there taking photos. You go in and order at one of the counter lines. Everyone who enters gets a ticket (when you place your order they write it down on the ticket). You bring your ticket to the exit counter and pay there. My husband and I got a full pastrami sandwich and it was way too much for two people! Gigantic mega portions of pastrami meat. The pastrami meat was deliciously fatty and well seasoned but way way more ratio of meat to bread than necessary (which is probably why they are so famous). You could probably feed two people with just a half sandwich. If we had a fridge in our hotel we would've brought more of the meat home and just buy extra bread to eat it with! Tasty but also probably ridiculously fatty read more
Whenever you vacation in NY this is one tourist trap worth a visit every time ! I'm usually not a big pastrami person but Katz's pastrami is next level, you have the option how you want your pastrami( more leaner if that's your taste) it's loaded sharable and so good ! The best itself still wasn't my thing but hey it's the traditional ionic rye bread so no complain Services are always fun and friendly! Love the classic fun atmosphere/seating area !! Sure miss grabbing a ticket ordering enjoying then pay on your way out! read more
Business owner information
Jake D.
So glad to hear we could make a pastrami fan out of you! Drop by…
2 months ago
Was this a delicious sandwich? YES Did it satisfy my 2:30 AM hunger after drinking? YES Was it amazing and did it change my life? Absolutely not. I finally tried Katz's after seeing the ridiculous amount of online hype over the years of everybody raving about this place. I think this is one of those places where I had too high of expectations going into it and I was let down. This was a great sandwich, although very expensive. They definitely need to fix the bread situation. They need to get thicker or sturdier bread for the sandwiches because it falls apart completely after the first bite. Pickles were good. I honestly don't see myself ever going out of my way to come here again, but wouldn't be mad if I stopped by while in the area next time. read more
Confusing to figure out what to do. We stood outside in the long line at 3pm on a Friday. Once we got to the door we were given the choice of counter ordering or waiter service. Counter looked confusing and crowded and I was unsure of the process so we were then directed to a new line to wait for waiter service. I thought we came at the "right" time but when we left at about 4:30 or 5:00 the waiter service line was non existent. Overall I think we waited an hour. Food was great. All of it. Bought some merch as we left. Legendary dinner. read more
Business owner information
Jake D.
We're glad you enjoyed your first visit! And though it can be…
The wait time here can be very long with wait times being more than a hour. It definitely gives the classic NY vibe with the lively and straight up atmosphere. You can even try out the meats before you decide what you want, but you should tip the worker. I got the pastrami sandwich which is definitely a must try and was worth the wait. It's definitely big enough to share between two people. The pickles went well with the meatiness of the sandwich. The meat was tender and savory. The Dr. Brown sodas were refreshing and went well with the meal. Definitely would come back again. It is definitely worth the hype. read more
"Ask, and ye shall receive!" We've all known that Katz's is one of those New York City landmark that is world famous. Especially that scene in 'When Harry Met Sally' with Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal. I'll have what she's having. My best friend was in New York recently and he was texting us photos. Subsequently, he sent us photos of the sandwiches from Katz's. I jokingly replied, "Where's mine?" He texted back,"Brisket or Pastrami?" And further asked what kind of cheese I wanted. I replied that I was joking and if he was serious. To my surprise (not really), he said that he was going to get one for me prior to returning home the following day. Sheeesh. Now, I haven't been to New York and this has definitely been on my bucket list for the longest since the 80's. The anticipation of finally getting my hands on their famous Pastrami Sammich was palpable. When he finally arrived and handed me the bag, I had plenty of emotions that I couldn't describe. As I gently unwrapped the wax paper, this thing was definitely hefty. Now, it may not have been in the best shape as it just traveled 5 hours across the country, but it still looked pretty decent. I had to give it a few minutes in the air fryer before finally tasting it and it was satisfying. No, I didn't get the same reaction as Meg Ryan did, but overall, it was a solid Pastrami Sammich. Now, I'm fully aware that it would be best to consume it freshly-made, but the sandwich held up. The meat was fatty, juicy and flavorful. But what surprised me the most were the sides of pickles that came along with it. I'm not a fan of pickles, mind you. But these pickles had a nice, crisp, sharp tang to it that complimented the sandwich splendidly. I can't fully say I can cross this off my bucket list now since I know I'll have a different experience eating it there. But I was appreciative of my friend by providing me with that experience of finally having the privilege of gettin' this in mah belly. On a side note: Langer's in LA is still my best rated Pastrami Sammich to date. read more
I had went to Katz Deli all the time way before my yelp years and it was always a vibe stroking into a Time Machine with all the old time decor and styles of the deli. I happened to be in the area and couldn't fight the craving for a nice pastrami on rye with a nice bit of mustard and those amazing pickles. It's always a vibe and the great cutters providing a great service cutting that amazing pastrami right in front of you. I could've left with the sample and called it a day. But I took my order to go and had a feast when I got home. read more
23 days ago
Must Try!!! We visited on a weekday around 3pm, the line was long as expected, but it moves quickly. Once you're inside, it's organized chaos, with multiple lines to choose from. We ordered the pastrami sandwich, and it was absolutely worth the wait and the price. The pastrami was incredibly juicy and tender, served with dijon mustard and pickles on the side. read more
Business owner information
Jake D.
We're so glad you enjoyed your first visit - we love making new fans!…
3 months ago
There's usually a huge line but luckily around 9:30pm on a Friday the line was not out the door! Large with many cutters ready and even though the line wasn't out the door it was still incredibly busy inside and took maybe 30 minutes to get our food still Pastrami on rye with cheese and Russian - actually very good! Meat was hit and juicy and tender, cheese was pully too! Sauce was good and matched well but it was very very heavy. I think it's hard to even finish half but definitely yummy 3.5/5 Dr brown black cherry soda - basically a little bit sweeter strong cherry coke maybe mixed with Dr Pepper flavor! Was good but not too unique 3.25/5 Not a fan of the corned beef. Too dry read more
While on a business trip in NY, everyone has been telling me that Katz is a MUST! There is only one location and I was shocked to see how full this restaurant is! The place was busy, but very organized. It can get noisy due to the number of people dining in at the same time. Upon entering you'll be given a ticket which will be your tab. There are several ordering lines and all turn it around very quickly. The servers give you a generous sample of Pastrami of which Katz is known for. Ordered the Pastrami Sandwiches and Matzo Ball soup. Sandwich was huge, good for 2 servings! Pickles are a must! Hands down the BEST Pastrami I have ever had! As the people next to me would say that Katz is the Church of Pastrami! Definitely will come back again. Highly recommend if ever in NY! You can't find anything close to it! read more
Wow. I- I didnt know pastrami could be like this. Like the dude was cutting it and I was like do they have a really good knife or am I seeing pastrami sashimi'in right in front of my eyes?? TOURIST LUCK in coming here and there was no line!! No crowd!! Yipee! First off, amazing system. I wish we had it for tacos here. Its a bit confusing if you've never been but u go in and get a ticket, line up anywhere to get your deli sandwich, they write on it what you get, and then you eat and enjoy it and pay the ticket out the door. So efficient. Inside is spacious, full of history/culture, and lots of seating. Kind of like a school lunch room and a grandpa's living room had a baby. The pastrami I was in shock when the man started cutting it, literally sliced down like butter. They give a piece to sample and are very efficient with the sandwich. I ate it and instant mind blown. Like I couldn't believe how tender it was, that pastrami could be so thick yet melt so easily. It wasnt too salty and full of flavor. But best of all, omg the pickles and cucumbers was just that craving that I can never hit in California. Not sweet, soo crunchy, perfectly sour. Taking the pieces of meat that fell out of the pile of the sandwich and wrapping it around the cucumber- absolute perfection. The sandwiches are pricy but we shared it nicely amongst 3 people and it could be stuffed amongst 2. If I were to go again, I'd ask for extra pickles. read more
4 days ago
The pastrami was horrendous dry no flavor, it's overrated. The coleslaw tasted sour I will never go there again. read more
I knew enough about Katz's Delicatessen to know that their sandwiches are big and it would be a good idea to head out here with a dining companion. I was right. What I didn't know was that unless you wanted to head deep in and to the right for a seat in their table service area, that it was the hunger games in here. But first, we had to wait to get in. This was the easy part. At 2:12pm on a weekday, we waited in a line just over 10 minutes to enter their doors. Each person received a pink ticket. Don't lose it. They charge a minimum if you lose one, even if it was blank. And they count your tickets as you leave, should you have paid in the back already. With ticket in hand, this is what you should do - each person in your party should tackle one of the following, by proximity order: soup head over to the first line which is right most; sandwich with pickles, head to a cutter line, drinks and sides, that's the line left of the numerous cutter stations, for dessert, ask one of the folks on either side of the cheesecake case, who will also take your money when you are done, and if you have a spare person, they can go table hunting. My cutter line was a little slow as he got tasked with take out order prep, but he was really nice! Note: cutters have tip jars. This was my first pastrami sandwich. The meat was hot and tender! I let them add microwaved melted cheese (for a charge) to it along with the mustard. There's more mustard on the table! As well as ketchup and napkins. The pickles were two sort, and included in the price. Dull green were true pickles. The ones that looked more fresh tasted like they were just soaked in water, but I ate it in conjunction with the pickled pickle to lighten things up. My DC wanted the matzo ball soup. It ended up hitting the spot to bring comfort to the tummy in company to the sandwich. To finish, I grabbed a slice of cheesecake when the line had died down. No graham cracker crust here! Just your average tasty creamy cheesecake. After tax, we two got out the door for $53.19 and our two pink tickets stapled on. (And ripped off at the door.) read more
8 days ago
100% best pastrami sandwich. Our 1st time in NY & we researched the best spot to try one of these sandwiches & this place was mentioned the most. TIP: the line literally wrapped around the building so we saw somebody suggest to go on Uber Eats and order through there for a pick up, which is what we did so we did not have to wait in line for half an hour or longer. There was a park nearby that we sat down at to eat it. read more
What an amazing experience. The sandwiches are expensive - but are enough to feed two people. My daughter and I got a pastrami with sauerkraut and cheese, and a side of macaroni salad, with a water and a black cherry soda. Our total was $48 before tax, and we were very full. This was our first time and ordering is a little confusing, but there direct you to one of the cutters to get started. I was asking questions and my cutter may have been trying to be funny and witty, but since it was my first time I genuinely did not know if he was joking or not. I would have preferred a non sarcastic answer as I was new. The food was nothing short of AMAZING. The best, most creamy Mac salad I've ever had, and this was also my very first pastrami sandwich of my life. I recommend getting the Russian sauce on the side and then you can mix between the Russian and the mustard that is sitting on the table. I equally liked them both . I don't think I got the full experience of trying different meats because the cutter was not helping me. Don't skip this - worth the time and money, but I hope you get a more helpful cutter. (And yes, I tipped him s as suggested). read more
Business owner information
Jake D.
We're so glad that you and your daughter enjoyed your first visit!…
Waited about 25 minutes to get inside the place was jampacked even more of a reason to want to try it out . Everybody told me if you go to New York. You gotta go to Katz's you won't be disappoint and they were all right. The thick cut pastrami sandwich was BOMB AF ! three sandwiches fries and drinks was well over $100 but definitely worth it. They Let me try a few pieces of their beef tongue, which was delicious but me personally I like it in a taco with salsa verde onions and cilantro, not in a sandwich. But to each their own. read more
Wow. Amazing, was so excited to try and it did not disappoint! The pastrami is the best I have ever had. Super efficient counter service with many lanes to get food made in front of you, and a very awesome vintage vibe. Only knock was they only had Pepsi products read more
Very tourist spot but definitely worth trying in my opinion. Super busting they give you a ticket upon entry and you checkout using the ticket as you leave. Losing the ticket is a $50 fee lol. Pastrami is cooked incredibly well, falls apart as you bite it. Definitely an expensive sandwich but big enough to share among a couple people. Plenty of seating even though it's so crowded. I think I will be back in the future! read more
Business owner information
Jake D.
We're so glad you enjoyed your first visit - we love making new fans!…
Probably one of the best pastrami sandwiches I have eaten. Having a sandwich here was memorable. Only downside was the wait. It took about 1 hour but I'd do it over again. Make sure you know what to order before you get there because it's very overwhelming. If you go to NYC specifically Manhattan this is a must visit staple! read more
Business owner information
Jake D.
We're so glad you enjoyed your first visit - we love making new fans!…
There's a reason this place has been around since 1888. These sandwiches are iconic! Some say it's a tourist trap, but I say it's a bite into history. The ordering process is a bit strange since you have to wait in different lines to order the sandwich, drink, and sides but it's well worth it. The line also moves pretty fast so don't be intimidated. It is a little pricey but they load it up. Definitely worth checking out. read more
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More info about Katz's Delicatessen
205 E Houston St
New York, NY 10002
Lower East Side
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(212) 254-2246
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https://www.katzsdelicatessen.com
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Ask the Community - Katz's Delicatessen
Does Katz make its own pastrami/ corned beef/ brisket on the premises?
If you mean, slaughtering a fresh animal, no, but I'm sure they get it delivered somewhere else locally. If you mean, cooking it on the spot which I'm now realizing then yes they have a full on kitchen in the back, I'd call them up personally.
Can they vacuum seal the meat by the pound or do they sell vacuum sealed bags of the meats there?
I've never seen vacuum sealed in store but I'd call and ask. When we order online and ship to home it's sealed. If ordering by brisket it's packed on cold ice and must be cooked or refrigerated/frozen upon receipt.
Can I order for 12 people pickup?
Probably a good idea to not call during the lunch or dinner rush.
Is there still outdoor seating? Is it covered?
No outdoor seating that I'm aware of.
Can I buy a small bottle of your pickles?Can't find in New orleans and you have spoiled me . Miami deli are close second!
Katz Deli delivers, you can check online, they have a choice of quart full or half sour pickles available.
Are they open during Passover?
Best to just call them and ask. Go directly to the source for an accurate answer. :). Enjoy! Now, you have me thinking about matzo brei. LOL. Enjoy -whenever you are able to get to Katz's. I loved the pastrami on rye.
Best time for the shortest wait on a weekday? Is the line any shorter at say ... around 11AM or 11:30AM than it is after noon?
There weas no line when I was there at 10:30am on a week day
What is the wait on a Saturday afternoon?
A city block of line but the service is quick so 30-45 minutes to be seated with a sandwich in hand
Is there usually a long line?
Yes, but it moves pretty quick. I think we waited 20 -30 min & it was a long line.
Does this place serve kosher or halal meat?
Yes they do! There is a kosher section on the menu.
What’s the weight of either pastrami or corned beef in their restaurant sandwiches?
It's all hand carved they throw on a pile but don't weigh it.
Are you open on New Years Day? Please say yes!
Now open 24 hrs on weekends! Monday - Thursday: 8:00 AM - 11:00 PM Open Friday 8:00 AM - Sunday 11:00… Read more
Haven't been to NYC in few years and on my way. How much are the pastrami's these days? Thanks!
Pastrami Sandwich is big enough for 2 to share or 1 very hungry $24.95 3 Meat Platter with pastrami,… Read more
On average, what is the usual wait time for service?
All the answers below are good. The line to get inside on weekends/holidays can be about 30min. Once inside you have 2 options. Sit at tables that are waiter service only or go to counter and order and find a table. Once at counter depending on… Read more
Can I order just a quarter pound of freshly sliced pastrami?
Yes you can. They sell the pastrami by the pound.
Is any of their meat kosher?
No, it is not Kosher. It says (Kosher style) which is NOT kosher.
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Katz's Delicatessen - delis - Updated June 2026
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