
Katz's Delicatessen
Quick info
About Katz's Delicatessen
Serving mile-high sandwiches since 1888, Katz's Delicatessen is a deli on E Houston Street in New York that has kept its counter-first routine intact. Pastrami on rye, hand-cut and sliced thick, is the order the kitchen is built around, with corned beef sandwiches and Reubens made with pastrami or brisket also going out regularly. Fries, pickles, coleslaw and matzo ball soup round out a menu that runs to 81 dishes, including a sweet potato knish, kishka and chopped liver with onion. There are two ways to eat: order from a cutter, who hands out samples of the meats first, then find your own place at the communal tables, or head to the table-service section at the back. The front counter takes cash only, while the counter near the coffee at the back accepts cards. Everyone gets a ticket on entry, and losing it carries a fee. It is walk-in only and open daily, with lines common both to get in the door and again for a cutter. Photos of celebrities and staff cover the walls.
Menu & Prices
81 dishes · mains $2–145- Sweet Potato Knish$9.45
- Cole Slaw$8.45
- Kishka$12.95
- Vegetarian Baked Beans$7.95
- Potato Salad$8.45
- Chopped Liver With Onion$23.00
Reviews
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention pastrami on rye, pastrami reuben, fries and pickles.
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention pastrami on rye, pastrami reuben, fries and pickles.
Customer Review Summary
Pastrami on rye is what most reviewers come for, described repeatedly as juicy, tender and thick cut, with fresh rye and mustard. The Reuben, made with pastrami or corned beef, comes close behind, and the brisket on rye, fries, coleslaw, pickles and matzo ball soup also get mentions. Portions are huge, and several say one sandwich could feed two. One pair could not finish theirs and wished for a slimmer option. Reviewers describe a loud, busy, old-school hall with photos on the walls, long lines, shared tables and a chaotic counter where one diner missed out on pickles. Opinions are not all positive. One reviewer found the pastrami and corned beef tough, cold and low on flavor, called the place overrated, and said only the bread was excellent. Another reported a hair in the meat and an order bagged to go without being asked, with no choice of a leaner cut. Several praise the cutters, and more than one mention being handed a sample of pastrami before ordering.
Customer Review Summary
Pastrami on rye is what most reviewers come for, described repeatedly as juicy, tender and thick cut, with fresh rye and mustard. The Reuben, made with pastrami or corned beef, comes close behind, and the brisket on rye, fries, coleslaw, pickles and matzo ball soup also get mentions. Portions are huge, and several say one sandwich could feed two. One pair could not finish theirs and wished for a slimmer option. Reviewers describe a loud, busy, old-school hall with photos on the walls, long lines, shared tables and a chaotic counter where one diner missed out on pickles. Opinions are not all positive. One reviewer found the pastrami and corned beef tough, cold and low on flavor, called the place overrated, and said only the bread was excellent. Another reported a hair in the meat and an order bagged to go without being asked, with no choice of a leaner cut. Several praise the cutters, and more than one mention being handed a sample of pastrami before ordering.
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.”
- 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!”
- 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.”
- 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.”
- 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
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