greatest sandwich in the world , will go there every chance i get to nyc fresh cooked in front of you

A new york trip would be incomplete if you didn't stop by Katz deli once. Honestly, for the price you're paying, you get a pretty hefty sandwich and some history with it. The pastrami here is literally one of the best things you can put in your mouth from new york. I might've went overboard with the potato latkas but i had to try them. Sour cream is the way to go btw, still not convinced of the apple sauce. Wait wasn't too long, due to the number of lines you can stand in. You order first, eat, then pay. read more

Katz's Delicatessen - Delis Near Me - New York, New York

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Having heard all the great things about Katz's Delicatessen it was safe to say I was going to have to check it out. Especially in since I was on a mission to hit the majority of the hot-spots during this New York adventure. STAR #1 - The process is pretty simple: Wait in line (if there is one) to get in, get a ticket, pick a cutter, wait again, nosh on a sample of the meats while the carve up your order. Nothing too complicated here! STAR #2 - I opted for the pastrami. Whoa! This piece of culinary art easily surpassed my expectations for a sandwich. It made me question whether I've ever truly had pastrami before. So yeah, it's damn good STAR #3 - Don't forget the Dr. Brown's to wash it all down. Because what pairs better with a meal at one of the oldest (or at least the most famous) restaurant in America than sipping on one of America's oldest soda brands. Nothing, Literally nothing. It's the partnership your mouth needs. STAR #4 - I really dig the pics of all the patrons over the years. It really puts how iconic Katz's Delicatessen is in perspective. It's a vibe, that's for sure. The only drawback to my experience at Katz's Delicatessen was the two men in the group two ahead of me who tied up the line and ordered about 40 sandwiches. No, I don't envy the small loan they must've taken out to pay for that order. With how busy this place can be I truly wish there was a better way to manage large orders. Can I hold their popularity against them? Absolutely not. I'm glad I got to check out this staple of the Lower East Side. Would I return to Katz's Delicatessen? Yeah, I would. Nosh on New York, nosh on! **PRO TIP: Don't forget to grab a little souvenir from your cullinary adventure! They offer a small assortment of merch. I knew I had to have a tote bag to commemorate my visit. read more

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I received a pound pf sliced tongue, part of a Mothers Day gift. It was awful! All the rest of my order was fine. So I called, emailed, tried all kinds of numbers, I I just asked them to acknowledge my complaint, and see the pictures I had taken. Nothing!! I tried at least half a dozen times, I was an old customer and other orders ---no tongue----no problem. Marcia L. read more

The iconic Katz's Deli. I've been to my fair share of viral food spots, so I'm familiar with the process. Waiting in line is never much of a problem in the presence of good company. The inside was packed with hundreds of people trying to get their sandwich fix, but it was pretty clean all things considered. When we ordered, we were given samples of the pastrami. It was pretty decent, and I was excited for what was to come. The cutters themselves were fairly dismissive, even after tipping, so I'd say save your money on that unless you're genuinely okay with just donating. Unfortunately, the pastrami itself was served closer to room temperature and wasn't quite the "stacked meat mountain" it had been made out to be. My final verdict is that I probably caught them on a bad day. However, like many visitors, we only have a limited amount of time in the city. It's hard to justify giving places like this a second chance, especially when you're paying a premium tourist price. Ultimately, I think Katz's lacks consistency. Maybe I didn't get them at their best, but based on my experience, I'm proud to say the west coast still has the better pastrami. Edit: Changed my rating after looking at some of the other 5-star reviews. Katz's really dropped the ball with the serving size they provided me with. read more

Katz's Delicatessen - Katz's Pastrami - Delis Near Me - New York, New York

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Now, you know KATZ DELICATESSEN is the place to eat. On any giving day, you'll be standing in a line to get in. It can be a long line or a short line. Lasted night it was a medium line, the wait not bad. Now, let's get to the sandwiches. The prices are getting ridiculous. Why, why is the pastrami on rye $30.95. That is a bit much and to me it was a little dry for that amount of money. Nevertheless, we brought it anyway because waiting outside on line then inside on line. We wasnt walking away empty handed. The ambiance was very busy and eager to eat. Make sure you bring you money because 2 pastrimi sandwiches , 1 with cheese and 1 plain will run you $69.75. I could have brought some meats and groceries for that amount for 2 sandwiches. Only in New York, 2 sandwiches cost the same amount for groceries. Smh read more

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I finally made it back to Katz in person. The place just wreaks of such history. The food wasn't exactly spot on this visit. But I'll cut them a little slack, as I've had it shipped in so many times and it's always been great in the past. Be sure and get one of their hard salamis. That stuff has such a condensed flavor...excellent stuff it is! read more

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Very busy upon arrival. I was moved to a line but the line was not the correct line for what I wanted to order, so I spent a few minutes waiting here when this wasn't necessary. Ordered a chicken noodle soup and knish. They were fairly good quality. The ambiance is very busy. Felt like I was hurried along while there. I understand they need to run a tight operation with how busy it is, but it just didn't feel very welcoming to me. Will need to try one of the sandwiches next time. I enjoyed seeing the wall decorated with pictures of famous faces who have visited. read more

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Katz's did not disappoint! We had the pastrami on rye and brisket on rye, along with the matzah ball soup, and everything was fantastic. The pastrami was seriously some of the best I've ever had.It was tender, juicy, and packed with flavor. The brisket was excellent too, and the matzah ball soup hit the spot. Of course, the pickles were great as well. The service was really good, but the meat cutter was definitely part of the experience. He was fun, personable, and gave us great customer service while piling that meat high on the sandwich. You can tell these guys know what they're doing. Great food, great atmosphere, and a classic NYC experience. Definitely worth stopping at Katz's! read more

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Sandwiches are pricey but worth it! We always stop here when we visit New York. The lines are long but move quickly. The cutters give you a taste and it's always delicious. While it gets crowded you can have a normal conversation as the noise level is not bad. read more

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Amazing pastrami! We decided to get there right at opening to beat the crowd. Pastrami sandwich for breakfast? Why not! We only ordered the half sandwich with matzo ball soup. It was really plenty for us. I count imagine finishing a whole sandwich between the two of us. It was very thrilling to visit one of NYC iconic deli. I'm happy to have had an opportunity to see, feel, and taste it. read more

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Lowkey overhyped and overpriced. Still enjoyed my sandwich but it wasn't anything out of this world. Food was ready relatively fast. Cool interior. Lowkey comparing this to the pastrami sandwich I had in Montreal. And I like that one more.... Nice to absorb liquids after a night out tho. read more

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Of course, the husband had to come here. He had the Ruben. I had the half roast beef sandwich and chicken noodle soup. My roast beef had NO flavor. Worst sandwich ever. Soup was ok. Lots of noodles. My husband enjoyed his Ruben, but said it was very fatty and had to constantly spit food out to the point it was embarrassing since they seated us with strangers. When paying at the credit card checkout, the light complexion black gal was so rude and when I asked what the dessert choices were, she refused to speak up so I could hear her. Very frustrating. read more

Katz's Delicatessen - Noodle soup. Tons of noodles. - Delis Near Me - New York, New York

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Visited 7/17/26 1000/10 First time in NY - before I even booked my flight, people were telling me to try Katz I don't think I've been so excited to write a review... speechless forreal! So I'll start off saying the line is longgggg if you're not there early lol however, the line moved MUCH faster than I expected (check menu during this time). You'll be handed a ticket to go inside, hang on to it - it'll be used to write your order on & pay, once finished eating. Once you get inside, there's about 5ish separate lines - you'll wait in line, til you get to the counter & order. RECOMMEND TO BRING CASH TO TIP for line cooks, we left a good tip... our sandwiches looked extra "filled" based to others around us... My family & I got the Rueben. When I say this was the best m f sandwhich I've ever had, DUDE! So juicy, flavorful, the extra condiments on the Rueben just MELTS in your mouth. Talk about an "explosion" in your mouth!! UGH & the pickles.. amazing, bite for bite. Sandwhich bite & pickle bite together, heaven I would fly back up just to go to Katz. Now I'm on the hunt to find something similar back home in Dallas lol It was definitely a NY experience everyone needs to try when visiting!! read more

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We went there before 9 am so there was no line and only few people, so our experience was good. Ordered a pastrami rueben, it was so huge, the amount of pastrami was generous. They gave us a small piece to try. The sandwich was so good, it also came with some pickles, which can clean your palate. I'd recommend 2 people share one sandwich. read more

Katz's Delicatessen - Pastrami rueben - Delis Near Me - New York, New York

Katz's Delicatessen absolutely lives up to its legendary reputation! The pastrami sandwich was everything I hoped for and more. If you're ordering one, don't skip the Swiss cheese, coleslaw, and Russian dressing. That combination is pure perfection. The pastrami was incredibly tender, juicy, flavorful, and stacked sky high. The melted Swiss cheese, crisp slaw, and creamy Russian dressing took every bite to another level. It was the perfect balance of savory, tangy, and rich, creating one of the most mouthwatering sandwiches I've ever had. The atmosphere is all part of the experience. It's busy, energetic, and moves surprisingly fast despite the crowds. The service was quick and efficient, and don't be surprised if you end up sharing a table with complete strangers. Somehow, it just adds to the charm and makes the whole experience feel even more authentic. Be prepared for a delicious mess. You'll want plenty of napkins! Every bite was worth it, and I'd make the trip back to New York just for this sandwich. Katz's is an iconic experience that absolutely deserves every bit of its five star reputation. Already missing this sandwich back in Maryland! read more

Katz's Delicatessen - Delis Near Me - New York, New York

I finally made it back to this famous institution. The vibe. The atmosphere. The food. Everything was delicious. The staff was very nice, friendly and professional. I took pictures everywhere but I forgot to take a picture of my Reuben sandwich . Very sorry but I was so happy to enjoy the sandwich and think of all the good family times from here. read more

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The restaurant has a classic New York atmosphere and is very popular, so you may have to wait in line. Even though it's crowded, the seating process is well organized and moves quickly, and the food is delicious, especially the generous and flavorful pastrami sandwich. read more

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We arrived on Thursday, July 2, around 10:10 PM after flying in from California. We were exhausted, but we still took an Uber from our Times Square hotel because we wanted our very first meal in New York to be at our favorite place. Unlike my previous visit, the gentleman who prepared our sandwich was incredibly kind and welcoming. He offered us a sample to taste, smiled, and made us feel appreciated as customers. He deserves recognition for his professionalism. Unfortunately, that's where the good experience ended. By the time we received our sandwiches, it was around 10:30 PM. Even though there were still many customers eating inside, the staff had already stacked chairs upside down on the tables. It looked awful and completely unprofessional. No customer should walk into a restaurant and see that while people are still dining. We were exhausted after a cross-country flight and only intended to sit for five minutes. My husband had already taken a seat while I was waiting for our food. As soon as I walked over with our sandwiches, an employee marched up to us and, in an extremely rude, hostile, and disrespectful manner, ordered us to leave because our food had been packed to go. My husband politely explained that the restaurant didn't close for another 30 minutes, many customers were still eating inside, and that we would be gone in five minutes. He was respectful and simply asked for a little understanding. Instead of showing even the slightest bit of courtesy, the employee continued speaking to us with an arrogant and dismissive attitude, repeatedly insisting that we leave immediately. He wasn't asking--he was throwing us out. We said only one sentence: "We'll be out in five minutes." That was enough for him to treat us as if we were completely unwelcome. We picked up our food and left. We ended up eating our sandwiches in the back of an Uber on the way to our hotel. By then, the excitement of finally arriving in New York and visiting one of our favorite places had been completely ruined. Do you notice that I've written this entire review without even mentioning how the sandwich tasted? That's because when an employee feels entitled to humiliate customers and chase them out like this, the food no longer matters. What disappoints me even more is that no manager stepped in. That tells me this behavior is either accepted or ignored. This was our final visit. We will never return. A business can survive for a while with the mentality of "If one customer doesn't come back, another will." But that attitude eventually destroys the reputation that made the business famous in the first place!! I do have the video and the photo of the disrespectful employee, I can provide it if the owners just message me I avoid sharing his picture here to be respectful. read more

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This place is huge and feels more like a bustling cafeteria than a traditional deli. We waited about 30 minutes in line before ordering, but the process moved pretty smoothly. The combo sandwich definitely lived up to the hype. The pastrami and corned beef were warm, tender, and stacked high. On their own, the meats weren't super flavorful, but together with the melted Swiss, Russian dressing, mustard, and club bread, every bite was so satisfying. The bread wasn't toasted, so it wasn't super soft, but it also wasn't tough. Overall, one of the best deli sandwiches I've had. 7.5/10. read more

Katz's Delicatessen - Pastrami - Delis Near Me - New York, New York

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The pastrami sandwich is delicious and they even give you a piece to sample before you order. I went on a weekday and there wasn't a line. It's very loud inside and I can see how on a busier day it could be a little overwhelming. The workers weren't exactly the friendliest but all I can say is make sure you know what you want to order before you get to the front. They move fast and appreciate when there's no delays. The sandwich itself is pretty huge and perfect for sharing. read more

Katz's Delicatessen - Pastrami sandwich but I swapped the bread because I personally don't like rye bread. - Delis Near Me - New York, New York

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Finally made my first visit to Katz's Delicatessen, and it absolutely lived up to the hype. I ordered the Hot Katz's Pastrami Sandwich, a Round Knish, Potato Salad, and a classic New York Egg Cream. The pastrami was everything people rave about: incredibly tender, juicy, perfectly seasoned, and piled high on fresh rye bread. Every bite was worth it. The round knish had a crispy, golden exterior with a soft, flavorful potato filling, and the potato salad was fresh, creamy, and a perfect complement to the sandwich. To top it all off, the New York Egg Cream was refreshing and a fun way to experience a true New York classic. The atmosphere is lively, historic, and full of character. You can feel the tradition the moment you walk in. The lines move efficiently, and the staff keeps everything running like a well-oiled machine. If you're visiting New York or simply craving one of the city's iconic deli experiences, Katz's is a must. I'll definitely be back to work my way through more of the menu. Hope you enjoy your next visit just as much. read more

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Katz's Delicatessen is an iconic Jewish deli in New York City's Lower East Side, famous for its hand-carved pastrami on rye, corned beef, and other classic sandwiches. It's known for its bustling atmosphere, ticket system for ordering, and large portions (I MEAN LARGE). Not to mention, pretty popular among famous people, political figures, and iconic movie scenes (When Harry Met Sally). Remember that one-liner, "I'll have what she's having", yep, that scene was shot inside Katz's Deli. Pretty cool. I ordered the the pastrami sandwich- considered one of the best in the world, featuring 30-day cured, smoked, and hand-carved pastrami that is tender and fatty, typically served on rye bread with mustard 11/10! My wife ordered the Katz's brisket sandwich- incredibly tender and rich in flavor. Ask for the "fatty" cut at the carving counter for the best flavor and moisture. You won't be disappointed! Despite high prices (roughly $28 per sandwich) and long lines, it is still a "must-visit" for its high-quality ingredients and authentic taste. If we're ever back in NYC, this will be our first stop! read more

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We visited after work on a Tuesday and got lucky that there wasn't a line outside the door. However, once you step inside, the ambiance is an absolute madhouse, but an incredibly efficient one. Just a heads-up for first-timers: you are handed a ticket as soon as you enter. Do not lose that ticket, or you will have to pay a hefty fine to the store. There are multiple lines you can join to order, and our wait in line was only about 10-15 minutes. Despite the chaos, there were plenty of chairs available to sit down and eat. The service was an unexpected highlight. We tipped our cutter when we ordered, and he was amazing, he gave us four pieces of fresh meat to try right there on the spot while he was preparing our food. The food absolutely lived up to the hype. We ordered the famous Reuben sandwich, and it was DELICIOUS. We also got the corned beef sandwich, which was fantastic (though the Reuben still won our hearts). To round out the meal, we grabbed a couple of their sodas and a hot dog. Everything was excellent! read more

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If I could give Katz's 4.5 stars, I would. The food absolutely deserves 5 stars. The only reason I'm giving it 4 is because, as a first-time visitor, the ordering process was confusing. I wasn't sure where to order my drinks and sides, and a little more signage would go a long way. The pastrami sandwich absolutely lived up to the hype. I was visiting from Sacramento, and I'd gladly come back just for another sandwich. The long lines make complete sense. A tip for first-timers: try to avoid 11 a.m.-1 p.m. and 4-7 p.m. if you can. I went around 10 p.m., and it was still busy. There are 10 carving lines to choose from, and drinks and sides (fries, coleslaw, and latkes) are ordered at the counter in the back. Also, don't lose your orange ticket--you'll need it to pay before you leave. I recommend ordering the pastrami sandwich with everything and adding onions for a little extra crunch. Pair it with a side of fries, and you're set. I'll definitely be back the next time I'm in New York, and I'll be bringing my family. Katz's is a must-visit. read more

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Get ready for a true New York attitude and expereince. IT WAS SO worth the wait. These poeple have got their system down to a science. I was so impressed how they effienctly managed the line, which was down the street and around the block. We were there at 1pm on a weekday and every table was taken. We finally found one. The crowd moves quick. I also LOVED the beer here. The sandwich, (Pastramin) was HUMUNGOUS! Share one with a friend. The meat carvers are really artists. WE LOVED this amazing place that was a true step back in time -- look for the famous "Harry Met Sally" table and take your picture under the sign! OH MY GOSH don't leave NYC without experiencing this place -- but fast the day before or the day after haha! read more

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Overall (A) Katz is really good and worth the hype. Should try it out atleast once for the experience. Food (A+) The pastrami sandwich is the best I have ever had. It melts in your mouth. Get it with melted cheese. Service (A+) They put on a great show when making the sandwiches and are super friendly and nice. Value (A-) Plan to spend around $30 a person. So it's not cheap. But they demand is so high they can probably charge more. Doing something right. Basically is it worth it to pay this much more? Maybe not To try it and make up your mind. It is really good and addicting. I always promise myself I won't go here but I end up back. read more

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My parents and I came here during a recent trip to NYC. We took the subway over from Harlem and it was easy to get to. We went at an in-between time; so while there was a little wait, it wasn't bad at all. The place is crowded and fast moving, but it is organized. My dad wanted to get a sandwich and some extra pastrami to go. We also ended up buying some mustard and pickles. Near the door, we also purchased two tee shirts and a pin set. The reason I knocked off a star is because the pricing was wild. They don't advertise the price of the pin set (3 pins) but it was $40! My dad seemed to like the food. I feel like this spot is definitely an occasion spot vs a deli you'd visit weekly. Staff was nice. read more

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If you heard the name, you know what to expect. Now, is it worth the prices and thr wait... thats a totally different story read more

Katz's Delicatessen - Delis Near Me - New York, New York

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Very good pastrami sandwich. Rye bread fell apart too easy though so it made it hard to eat. We both ended up using forks. Very flavorful and juicy though. Service was good but took a bit to come to the table even though we were one of three tables in back room. As far as paying for our bill, the young lady checking us out was on her phone FaceTime the whole time. She actually picked up the phone and was talking on it looking at it while she was ringing us out. Then she handed me the bill not looking at me. Still on FaceTime. I then asked her for an itemized receipt as I have no idea what we got charged for and she said we don't do that and looked back on her phone. I immediately turned my 17-year-old daughter and explained to her what customer service was and how if she ever did that to a customer how disappointed I would be... Not rushing back If I could ask for a refund, I would because it was not a good experience very rude. We just left. 6/25/2026 @ 4:40pm read more

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

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This place is iconic. It's delicious. And you have to go if you're in New York. I would go here every single day if I could. The only downside is that it's super crowded and they have a weird ticket pay at the end system that is making things too complicated and it's really hard to figure out where to get your food and how to get your food if you want something besides this pastrami and everything is very convoluted and feels kind of anxious in there but other than that the first delicious. Oh and you have to wait forever to eat. 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

Katz's Delicatessen - Delis Near Me - New York, New York

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

Katz's Delicatessen - Katz's Pastrami - Delis Near Me - New York, New York

Excellent food, large portions. Real traditional Jewish dishes. Crowded but we were O.K.

Awesome sandwiches, authentic interior The menu is good. Key positions are different sandwiches on rye or white bread. There are different meat varieties - the most iconic one is pastrami on rye, it's really cool! You can also see some breakfast offerings (till 11:30am) like omelettes, bagels and etc, fresh salad. Portions are giant - be hungry entering this place :) For drinks there are beers and sodas. There are many seating tables inside the place. You can see the queue but don't be afraid, it goes fast. read more

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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

Katz's Delicatessen - Delis Near Me - New York, New York

Great sandwich spot! The sandwiches at Kratz are fresh, flavorful, and filling, with quality ingredients and great portions. Be prepared for a line, especially when they're busy, but it's definitely worth the wait! The staff keeps things moving and the food makes up for the wait. Definitely a place I'll be coming back to. read more

Katz's Delicatessen - Favorite sandwiches - Delis Near Me - New York, New York

Katz's is king. Pastrami sandwich is huge and pastrami is thick cut delish. Cutters are great! He let me eat half in house and wrapped for me the other half for takeout for later. read more

Classic NYC spot! The corned beef sandwich was huge, juicy, and really good. Fast service and a fun, busy atmosphere :)))) read more

Katz's Delicatessen - Delis Near Me - New York, New York

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