Katz's Delicatessen
Quick info
About Katz's Delicatessen
Katz's Delicatessen is a no-frills deli on the Lower East Side of New York, serving mile-high sandwiches since 1888 from its address at 205 E Houston St. Theatrically cranky service is part of the experience, with staff carving and handing over towering sandwiches ticket by ticket in a format that keeps lines moving and portions generous. The signature order is Pastrami or Corned Beef, piled high on rye and accompanied by mustard. Sides and drinks round out the counter menu, including Cucumber and Celery Soda. Because the dining room stays busy through peak hours, securing a table can take patience, and many guests opt to eat at the counter or take their order to go. The space spans multiple counters and dining areas, allowing steady turnover even as crowds build around the ticket system.
Menu & Prices
81 dishes · mains $2–145
Reviews
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention pastrami sandwich, reuben with pastrami, corned beef and knishes.
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention pastrami sandwich, reuben with pastrami, corned beef and knishes.
Customer Review Summary
The pastrami sandwich stands as the defining draw, with reviewers repeatedly calling it tender, juicy, perfectly seasoned, and piled high on fresh rye bread. Many rank it among the best they have ever had, and several single out the Reuben with pastrami as a standout, noting the rich pairing of pastrami with Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing. The New York Brisket also earns praise as a masterclass in deli tradition, while the square knishes and crispy fries get mentions as satisfying sides. Lines are a recurring theme, with most describing long queues that move quickly, and several suggest arriving near opening or grabbing your own plate rather than waiting to be seated. A few reviewers push back, calling the sandwiches mediocre, the meat tough and lacking flavor, and one noting the sandwich arrived super cold. The atmosphere draws consistent notice as authentic, old-school New York deli energy, with cutters described as friendly and efficient.
Customer Review Summary
The pastrami sandwich stands as the defining draw, with reviewers repeatedly calling it tender, juicy, perfectly seasoned, and piled high on fresh rye bread. Many rank it among the best they have ever had, and several single out the Reuben with pastrami as a standout, noting the rich pairing of pastrami with Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing. The New York Brisket also earns praise as a masterclass in deli tradition, while the square knishes and crispy fries get mentions as satisfying sides. Lines are a recurring theme, with most describing long queues that move quickly, and several suggest arriving near opening or grabbing your own plate rather than waiting to be seated. A few reviewers push back, calling the sandwiches mediocre, the meat tough and lacking flavor, and one noting the sandwich arrived super cold. The atmosphere draws consistent notice as authentic, old-school New York deli energy, with cutters described as friendly and efficient.
Featured reviews
- Fernando Javier Menendez
“We went there on a Wednesday afternoon and it was packed. Though lines move fast and everyone is extremely helpful. We had the Ruben sandwich with pastrami and we also tried the square knishes. The sandwich is #1 or #2 in my list of best …”
- Rmin Lotfi
“Katz’s Delicatessen absolutely lived up to the hype. I ordered the classic Pastrami Sandwich, the Reuben with pastrami, and a side of fries. The pastrami was incredibly tender, juicy, and packed with flavor. Every bite tasted fresh and perfectly seasoned. The Reuben was just as impressive, with the rich pastrami pairing perfectly with the Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing. The balance of flavors was outstanding, and the bread was toasted to perfection. The fries were crispy, hot, and a great complement to the sandwiches. Portions were generous, and the quality of the food made the experience worth it. Beyond the food, the atmosphere felt like a true New York institution with lots of history and character. If you’re visiting NYC and want an authentic deli experience, Katz’s is a must-visit. I would gladly come back again.”
- Dogukan CAN
“Tried reuben, pastrami and brisket. Each has its own taste. Worth trying each. Although there is a queue, they serve very fast. We were there around 6pm. Other times might be busier. Cutters are very friendly. Atmosphere is quite authentic, I liked it. I recommend that you get in the line and grab your own plate rather than waiting to be seated.”
- Daniel Nieto
“This place is truly legendary. Had the half pastrami on rye with mustard and half corned beef. The best pastrami sandwich I've ever had. If you go at peak times, be prepared to wait in line, but I assure you it will be worth it!”
- Billy
“AMAZING!!! ———> This is some of the best pastrami I’ve had in my life!!! This stuff melts in your mouth. Paired with delicious cheese, sauerkraut, and mustard it is a seriously good bite of food. The sandwich was enough to fill both my wife …”
Hours
- Monday
- Tuesday
- Wednesday
- Thursday
- Friday
- Saturday
- Sunday
Good to know
“No-frills deli with theatrically cranky service serving mile-high sandwiches since 1888.”
- ReservationsWalk-in only
- ParkingPaid parking lot · Paid street parking
- AccessibilityHas wheelchair-accessible entrance · Has wheelchair-accessible seating · Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Amenities
- Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Paid parking lot
- Offers delivery
- Offers takeaway
- Serves dine-in
- On-site services available
Show more amenities
- Has toilet
- Accessibility· 2
- Has wheelchair-accessible seating
- Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
- Parking· 1
- Paid street parking
Location
How this listing is sourced
Hours, contact details, and amenities are sourced from publicly available business data and re-checked regularly. Listings are ranked independently — no paid placement.