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    Katz's Delicatessen

    4.1 (17k reviews)
    ModerateDelis, American
    Open 8:00 am - 11:30 pm
    Updated 2 months ago

    Order Katz's Delicatessen Takeout or Delivery

    Katz's Delicatessen Photos

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    KATZ'S DELICATESSEN ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Classy
    Casual
    Good for groups

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    Recommended Reviews - Katz's Delicatessen

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    Hold on to the ticket they give you when you enter, you'll need it when you pay.
    Stella K.

    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.

    Jane B.

    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.

    Katz's Pastrami
    Chezarae L.

    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

    Travis T.

    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.

    Lian T.

    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

    The one the only
    Chris B.

    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.

    Jayson D.

    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.

    Reuben
    Ryan H.

    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.

    Pastrami on Rye with Swiss
    Megan W.

    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 Pastrami
    Karl G.

    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!

    Katz's Pastrami Swiss
    Dorje K.

    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.

    Outside
    Amber E.

    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.

    Emily L.

    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.

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    Katz's Delicatessen Reviews in Other Languages

    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.

    The only thing that I can think about ? Here are the other three that

    The

    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.

    Do they let you share a sandwich between 2 people?

    Yes!

    Pastrami is beef or has pork in it?

    It's a kosher deli...yeah it's all beef.

    Open for Yom Kippur?

    I'm not sure , sorry . Most likely though .

    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.

    View All 71 Questions

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    4.4
    (614 reviews)
    2.6 mi
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    Casual dining
    Kid friendly

    This is a cozy place for italian sandwiches. Expect a crowd during lunch time and seats fill out…read morequickly. They have an extensive menu so be ready for some tough choices. We got the limonata and mandarino to drink and the la toscana and la paradiso for our sandwiches. They are massive so prepare for leftovers. La Toscana- The foccacia is soft and fluffy. You get savory salame toacano, pecorino, and truffle honey that ties the flavors together. La Laradiso- The mortadella is tasty and given in generous amounts. The stracciatella, pistachio cream, and pistachio bits add a depth of flavor and texture. Limonata and Mandarino- This was sweet, fruity, and refreshing. Hits the spot after walking around all morning. Love the vintagr can designs! Great experience overall!

    Someone order a Hot Italian? Here I am…read more The legendary Florentine sandwich shop achieved global fame by earning some of the highest praise in food journalism for its massive, fresh-baked schiacciata sandwiches. Google their name and "best" and get hundreds of hits, but the majors who crowned them "best sandwich" title include Saveur Magazine, the big one touted by the family; Eater NY, ranking La Paradiso the most elite Italian sandwich outside of Italy; Las Vegas Weekly, who crowned them "Home of the world's best sandwiches"; TripAdvisor, for whom the Italian original is the most reviewed eatery with a near perfect rating; and The Infatuation NYC guides who promise the execution of the crispy, airy schiacciata bread completely justifies the hype. All 17 options looked amazing, so I spoke to a regular in line, telling her I couldn't decide between "La Paradiso", the most praised (even though she informed me "mortadella is just bolonie" or the Hot Italian, which was more my style. So, I did what any gluttonous American would do and I got both. And a Diet Coke, of course. La Paradiso has thinly sliced bolonie for a savory base, with creamy shredded stacciatella cheese, with sweet but earthy pistachio cream, and a sprinkle of toasted pistachio for texture (that I didn't detect). It was good, but I will likely fuggedaboutit. The Hot Italian had thin, lean turkey, spicy and smoky spreadable Calabrian pork sausage, a balancing provolone, calabrian chili honey, and peppery arugula (that they claim adds crunch that I didn't detect). Were they life-changing? No. But I rank Paradiso a 8.8 and Hot Italian a 10. And because everyone is hard-working and everything is so freshly prepared and cut, it's a class act. They should seriously make a sign that says, "Can't decide? Get two!" and then give me free sandwiches on my yearly trips for the idea.

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    Interior
    Interior
    La Schiacciata di Manolo
    La Schiacciata di Manolo
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    The New Yorker
    Brooklyn Delicatessen Times Square

    Brooklyn Delicatessen Times Square

    3.9
    (68 reviews)
    2.4 mi

    Last day in New York back the end of March, found us looking for a place to get warm and grab some…read morefood while doing our last exploring dash through Times Square. We ducked here to grab some nourishment before I became to hangry. Ordering takes place at the counter then grab a table. I had a 1/2 bowl of their "famous chicken soup" and 1/2 pastrami sandwich. Had good flavor and was enough to warm me up on this brisk morning. My niece did a bagel, and after trying all week she finally got one exactly how she wanted it made. We ate and chilled for a bit, no plans for the day other than making it to the airport to go home. Was able to people watch and catch up without feeling rushed to leave. Saw locals come through, so you know it is a place worth stopping. The staff were nice and even apologized for not being able to give me the soup I wanted in a half order. Though things can often get overlooked and passed by in the hustle and bustle of the city...stop in and relax while you grab a bite to eat.

    Date of visit: April 14, 2026…read more Our friend wanted to go to a real New York deli during her first trip to the city and this is the one in the vicinity of Times Square and our evening show that was the highest rated according to my fellow Yelpers, but I am not quite sure why based on our experience. Things did start out great, with Boudjema being very friendly and helpful as we placed our order. And once we got seated, we were able to fully appreciate the vibe, both in the primarily 70s playlist, but also the mirror and brass touches across the restaurant. Food-wise, however, there were some definite opportunities. My Roasted Turkey sandwich did come on quite possibly the best rye bread I have ever had, warm and flavorful. But while the gravy was also good, the turkey was cold. This odd temperature mismatch made it hard to appreciate the generous portion of meat on the sandwich. We also ordered some tater tots and those were quite good. While it definitely could have been worse--and I've had worse in New York City--this also could have been so much better.

    Photos
    Brooklyn Delicatessen Times Square
    Hot Pastrami Sandwich
    Hot Pastrami Sandwich
    Chef Salad

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    Chef Salad

    Katz's Delicatessen - delis - Updated June 2026

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