Delicatessen

The food was fine and about what you would expect from a decent delicatessen. They're fairly consistent with their level of quality and portion sizes as well. If your goal was to get a great pastrami sandwich, you're probably better off just going somewhere else (and it would be a lot cheaper, too). But this is a NY staple and is a great place to visit once (and I mean just once). Their prices reflect their mainstream popularity so just keep that in mind. Their portion sizes are also huge so that offsets it somewhat. Just something to keep in mind. Lines can get long but you can avoid that by going earlier or later. You could also order pickup if you don't want to stand inside for long. I mentioned earlier that if your goal was to get a great pastrami sandwich, you could go elsewhere. I'm not going to list any places since that would be inappropriate on someone else's business page, but you could find them through google. Alternatively, if your goal was just to go to any random delicatessen, you could walk down the street.

Katz’s Delicatessen is an absolute New York institution, and visiting it was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. This place is truly one of a kind. Forget what you know about regular delis; the entire experience is an old-school, organized chaos that is just wholesome and unforgettable. It's packed with people from all over the world, all enjoying the same beautiful meal together. While there was a line outside, it moved reasonably quickly. Half the fun is joining that classic process! If you want full service with almost no wait, you can head to the back, but I loved the energetic atmosphere of the main dining hall. The staff is incredible; my server was amazing and even let me taste different meats before I decided, which was a small gesture that really made my day. The service at the individual stations (cutters and sides) was also surprisingly fast, even on a busy Saturday. The food is next level. The pastrami is definitely the star, so juicy and full of flavor, it’s the best I’ve ever had. If you prefer something slightly milder, the corned beef is also fantastic; you can’t go wrong with either. The side dishes are great, too; the coleslaw was fresh and delicious, and the fries hit the spot. Even if you have to share a table with strangers, it just adds to the unique experience. The portions are generous, the value is incredible, and it's a must-visit for anyone in New York.

If you’re ever in NYC, Katz’s Delicatessen is an absolute must. The famous pastrami on rye lives up to every bit of its reputation. The walls are lined with signed photos of musicians, actors, and cultural icons who have passed through over the decades, adding to the unmistakable sense of history. Katz’s has been a New York staple since the late 1800s and has occupied its current location since the 1930s. Be prepared: Katz’s is cash only, and the iconic pastrami sandwich costs over $30. That said, it’s unlike anything you’ll ever taste. The sandwich is massive and easily enough to share between two people. Even with multiple carving stations, you can expect a wait of at least 20 minutes on a slow day, but it is absolutely worth it. The experience made such an impression that we even brought a sandwich home for my father-in-law, who hadn’t had one in decades. When he heard we were going, he insisted we bring one back. That alone says everything. Katz’s isn’t just about incredible food. It’s about stepping into a living piece of New York history. I highly recommend making it a part of your NYC experience. ❤️

It’s still an absolute must-go for anyone visiting the city. The staff is super friendly and efficient even when it’s packed, and the vibe is pure old-school deli magic. The pastrami is everything — incredibly tender, juicy, and loaded with rich meaty flavor.

We waited about and hour since we got there to the moment we got a table and the food. The food was amazing!! It was worth every penny. We ordered the classic Katz pastrami which it there signature sandwich. We also ordered the Reuben, some of their fries and they gave us regular and pickle cucumber. The pastrami was super juicy and tender, smoky. Their house made mustard was really testie and creamy.Their house beer was also really good. It was fruity and smooth. I left this place super happy and excited to come back to New York City to have this amazing food again!!

Great pastrami. If you order a whole sandwich, keep in mind it can easily serve two people. I had the combo of a half pastrami sandwich with matza ball soup, and it was more than enough - I left completely full. Be prepared to wait, the line took about 35 minutes, which I understand is actually considered a short wait for this place. The place is a bit pricey; my meal came to just under $30 including tax.

One of the most, if not THE most, iconic bites to have in New York. Was initially concerned that it wouldn’t live up to the legend but when we finally got there it was genuinely one of the best things we ate on the whole trip, and one of the only spots we made an effort to visit more than once - that pastrami was too good not to, super tender and perfect flavour. Lucky to get in both times without much queuing but it does get very busy, so expect to queue. Atmosphere is great in here, my only problem is there isn’t one in London !!

I've been waiting to come to Katz my whole life. There is a reason they have been open so long and stay open. That pastrami sandwich is so good. And the experience of being there was just as amazing. The line was long but moved fast. The meat cutter was friendly. It's an expensive sandwich but it is also huge! My wife and I shared one and it was plenty of food. Everyone should experience Katz at least once in their life!

Pastrami with cheese with no sauce on bread with a side of coleslaw is the only thing one should order here 😁. Great pastrami sandwich and coleslaw goes well with it. Each individual must get a ticket at entrance no matter eating or not!, If ordering meat then get in any one of the ~10 lines and order your food which they make in front of you, that alone is worth 5 star to me :). Then customize right there with cheese or which spread and that is it. The cook is gonna mark your ticket before you get the food. Then go to another place for order drinks and cole slaw etc and they will mark on your ticket. Then go find a table and get in. The way they are letting people in , you will for sure get a chair but might have to share a table with a stranger, heck it's NYC so why not. I got a movie recommendation for Sisu 2 !!!.. now if you want more then get back in line and order and get your ticket marked again. Keep goin until you need to leave where you checkout and must present your ticket to get out after paying the dues cash in one corner and credit in the other corner of restaurant, heck it's NYC so you know.. forgot your ticket? Well if not ticket then pay at the least 50 bucks and some rough housing perhaps before you are let out. All in all definitely worth the expensive cost. Its a manhattan experience better then summit it WTC IMO! On the way out back to subway get your El churros with dulce caramel dip sauce from "El churros" and that is a nice Dinner experience all together! Have fun

What can you even say about this place. Katz’s is one of a kind. It is the best deli I have ever visited. The whole experience is chaotic in the best possible way. Old school. Wholesome. Packed with people from everywhere. It is busy so expect a line outside and inside. If you want full service with almost no wait, walk to the back. But half the fun is joining the organized chaos and doing it the classic way. My server was amazing. He let me taste different meats before deciding and that small gesture made my day. I tipped him twenty dollars because he deserved it and he genuinely appreciated it. The pastrami and corned beef are next level. The pastrami is the star for me. Juicy and full of flavor. If you prefer something a bit less spiced, go for the corned beef. You cannot go wrong with either. It was so crowded that there were no open seats so we invited a couple of strangers to join our table. Ended up having a great time. People from all over the country and the world all enjoying the same beautiful meal. The coleslaw was fresh and delicious. The fries were solid and hit the spot. The portions are generous and the value is incredible. There is a reason they have tens of thousands of reviews. If you are in New York, Katz’s is a must. The food is fantastic and the experience is unforgettable. It is truly a unique place.

A true NYC icon that is totally worth the wait in my opinion! The pastrami reuben was something dreams are made of. Even though the line was wrapped around outside, it moved pretty fast. Probably 45 minutes to get inside and order at a cutter. Make sure and tip your cutter! The matzo ball soup is rich and hearty.

Katz’s Delicatessen – An Absolute NYC Classic! If you’re in New York and want to taste authentic deli history, this is the place. I ordered the legendary pastrami sandwich, a matzo ball soup and a side of half sour pickles and every bite felt like stepping back into New York’s golden era. The pastrami is juicy, smoky, perfectly spiced and piled sky high between slices of fresh rye bread. The soup is comforting, with a fluffy matzo ball that melts into the rich broth. Yes, it’s busy but that’s part of the magic. Watching the carvers hand slice steaming pastrami behind the counter while neon lights glow and the crowd buzzes with energy is an unforgettable NYC experience. I finished everything to the last bite worth every penny and every minute in line. Katz’s isn’t just food it’s a New York institution since 1888. Must try: Pastrami on rye with mustard, matzo ball soup and pickles. Tip: Keep your yellow ticket safe, find a seat after ordering, and just enjoy the show. Update: The team was super kind to reply! I’ll be back for another sandwich next time for sure… 🍞💛

This place is all it was hyped up to be and more. The weight was a block long, but went by quite quickly. The staff was very helpful. The pastrami sandwich was out of this world, and surprisingly the cheesecake was one of our favorite things. Also would highly recommend the matzo ball soup it was really good. Also, the celery soda paired so nicely with the sandwich. It was amazing would highly recommend.

Wow, just wow. I sure know why this is such a iconic spot and a must visit for any foodie visiting NY! Took the classic pastrami with mustard on rye, as well as a brisket on rye. Both amazing but the pastrami was unbelievable. Amazing service from the moment you walk in the door and a fun experience talking and watching the carvers do their thing! The line looked huge around 12 but it went smooth and fast. Roughly 25 minutes total wait time until we had the food before us

Katz's has retained its charm, even though it is now surrounded by taller buildings. The line moves quickly, and if you come outside of peak hours, you won't have to wait at all. Inside, there are several lines to the slicers, and here, as everywhere in the US, tipping is customary. They let you taste the meat, which melts in your mouth, and you can choose from a selection of pickles, some of which taste like they do in Europe, which is great. The price matches the quality. In the second part, you can sit at tables where food is served. There is also a counter with clean water, which you will really need. There is a lot of meat, and you won't be hungry for a long time... Pastrami is a wonderful American experience and one of my favorites.

I absolutely love going to Katz’s Delicatessen. It feels incredibly authentic and so New York — the kind of place that truly captures the city’s soul. The vibe, the people, the energy… everything feels real. The staff is very friendly and welcoming, and the food is excellent. It’s honestly a must-go if you’re visiting New York. Yes, it’s popular and a bit touristy, but for once, it completely makes sense. I usually hate tourist traps because the food is often disappointing — but that’s not the case here at all. The food is genuinely delicious, the prices are fair for the quality and portions, and even if you have to wait in line, it’s absolutely worth it. The experience, the atmosphere, and the food make it unforgettable. A true New York experience.

During my second visit to NYC, I finally made it to Katz. I was extremely jet lagged and woke up at 4 am. While searching for something open, I saw that Katz was open, so I took an Uber and arrived around 6:30 am. Luckily, there was no line and only two tables occupied inside. The food was ok, not amazing, but definitely good. However, the ordering and payment process felt unnecessarily complicated. Most of the staff didn’t speak English well, and even though I was clearly trying to order, nobody approached me. I’m glad I went for the hype and the experience. The food is good, but I wouldn’t wait in line to eat there.

This is an experience to be had in New York. It is a famous traditional deli which operates 24hrs a day and expect to queue to get in and queue even longer if you want table service. Meat eaters paradise. Great options, large portions. Great taste. Definitely worth a visit!! Very limited vegetarian options.

We stayed in Times Square and had a morning going to the Brooklyn Bridge then 9/11 memorial. Had to check out Katz’s. We’d seen so much online (videos, photos) and it didn’t disappoint. We shared the Reuben with extra pastrami. If you’re in New York you have to make the effort to go to Katz’s.

Crazy atmosphere, crazy good food. Kimishes and pastrami are to die for. Been coming here for over 40 years. Never been disappointed. It's a non conventional ordering and pay set up but be patient, roll with it. Enjoy the craziness. If you're from our of town, ask questions, and read a little before you go. The wait is worth it. There's a draft yourself area and a table service area.

No surprise people are willing to wait in that long line it’s absolutely worth it. The meat is outstanding: juicy, tender, and smoky. The pastrami/corned beef on rye with just a swipe of mustard is perfection. The hot meat plate with gravy is spot-on—thick-cut and satisfying. Classic old-school deli vibes, lively crowd, and quick service even when it’s packed. A true must-visit in New York.✌🏻

I finally understand what all the hype is about — and it’s absolutely worth it! From the lively cutter line to the personalities of the cutters themselves, the energy and customer service here are top-tier. You can tell they genuinely love what they do, and it shows. Their tip jar was overflowing (and rightfully so!) — I loved that I could even tip electronically. They offered plenty of samples — though my sons devoured them before I could even turn my head. We truly enjoyed the beef brisket Reuben. Wow We ordered the Philly cheesesteak, the grilled cheese, and those thick, steak fries. My pastrami and corned beef sandwich was phenomenal — juicy, tender, and paired with the best Dijon mustard I’ve ever tasted. The Philly cheesesteak was loaded with flavor and served on bread that was just perfect. From start to finish, this place delivers an experience as satisfying as the food itself. I’m so glad I finally checked it off my list — and honestly, I can’t wait to go back! Sad it was to go.

Katz’s Delicatessen lives up to its legendary reputation. The pastrami sandwich is easily the best I’ve ever had. The meat is sliced thick, perfectly tender, and packed with smoky, peppery flavor. It’s juicy without being greasy, and the seasoning gives it the right balance of salt and spice. Paired with fresh rye bread and a touch of mustard, the sandwich is simple but unbeatable. The portion size is HUGE. One sandwich could easily feed two people, but it’s hard to stop once you start. The pickles on the side add a crisp, tangy contrast that cuts through the richness of the pastrami. Service is quick and straightforward, even with the crowds. The place can feel chaotic and the lines are long, but that’s part of the experience. Katz’s delivers authentic New York deli food at its absolute best. If you’re in New York, this is a must-visit. The pastrami sandwich alone is worth the trip, and it shows why Katz’s has been an icon for generations. Five stars without question.

I just had food sex. Juicy and intense….and just satisfying. Big bite… and then you get into a food coma. Delicious. What a sandwich. They even tease you with a sample before you take a real bite! Definitely worth the wait.... PS 8 lines of cutters. PASTRAMI, RYE, MUSTARD ONLY.

The lines are long for a reason, this is easily the best pastrami in the city by far. It was so packed that there weren’t any free tables, so we ended up sharing ours with a couple of strangers. It turned into such a fun experience. People from across the country and around the world all gathered to enjoy the same incredible meal. If you’re in New York, Katz’s is an absolute must. The food is outstanding and the whole atmosphere is truly unforgettable.

World famous pastrami, mustard, & cheese on Rye bread. Long wait lines EVEN right before the noon rush inside. Thankfully I didn’t have to wait in a long line outside. Waited about 15-20 mins. Tips from a tourist: - keep your ticket on you at all times - tipping isn’t required by any means, but cash tips will get you a sample and ask for a better cut - 1/2 sandwich is perfect for one person - pay with CASH ONLY up front -pay by car at the coffee station on the far left of the counter - you will mostly likely be sharing a table with strangers if it’s just 1-2 of you in your party.

The store was packed with people, with a line even waiting outside—but it moved quickly, so the wait wasn’t bad at all. I tipped our sandwich maker as I handed him the tickets, and we ordered a pastrami and a brisket sandwich. I got to choose the bread for both, and added cheese to the pastrami. On the side, we had gravy, cucumbers, and pickles. The food was incredibly filling and absolutely delicious—everything tasted so fresh and flavorful. The overall experience was great! Just be prepared to sit in a tight spot to enjoy your meal, then head out once you’re done.

Katz's Deli: All the Hype is REAL! A Legendary NYC Institution. ​I can wholeheartedly confirm: Katz’s is an absolute gem and 100% worth every bit of the hype. I visited on a busy day, and the restaurant was full to the brim—the chaotic energy and bustling atmosphere are part of the authentic, unforgettable New York experience. ​The Food: Legendary for a Reason ​I came for the classic and ordered the original Pastrami on Rye with a side of fries and the complimentary pickles. The sandwich is nothing short of legendary. Watching the carvers hand-slice and pile the ridiculously tender, perfectly spiced pastrami sky-high is half the fun. Every bite was savory, smoky, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. The pickles provided the perfect sour, crunchy contrast to the rich meat, and the fries were a fantastic accompaniment. ​More Than Just a Meal ​It’s important to grab your ticket upon entry; it’s part of the iconic process! Beyond the food, Katz's is a piece of New York history, having operated since 1888. And for movie buffs, you can even spot the table where the famous "I'll have what she's having" scene from When Harry Met Sally took place. ​If you’re seeking the definitive, authentic New York deli experience—from the fast-paced atmosphere to the world-famous, hand-carved meat—you have to go to Katz's. Go hungry and enjoy!

Katz’s Delicatessen is definitely an NYC classic and a must-visit at least once. The atmosphere is super authentic and chaotic in a fun way — it really feels like a piece of New York history. The food is very good, especially the pastrami sandwich. The meat is tender, flavorful, and the portions are huge (easily enough to share). You can tell the quality is there and that they know what they’re doing. That said, it’s extremely crowded and the system can feel a bit stressful and confusing, especially if it’s your first time. Sometimes it’s not very clear where you’re supposed to pay or if you can add more items to your order, which makes the experience a little overwhelming. Prices are also quite high for what you get, even though it’s iconic. Overall, it’s a great experience and worth trying for the vibe and the food, but probably not a place I’d go to regularly. Still, a solid 4 stars for the quality and the legendary NYC feel.

It is famous for their pastrami sandwiches but I think it is too much meat and the bread was not the perfect choice. Pickles were good. My suggestion is take one sandwich and extra fries for two person, it should be enough. And of course, keep your ticket until you pay. They are very serious about it. Adding extra tip for butcher gets you better meat.

The Reuben sandwich with pastrami was good although I expected a bit more. The sauerkraut was too sour to my taste. The cucumbers accompanying the sandwich were really good. The portion size is pretty large and you can share a single sandwich with two adults if you are not ultra hungry. The atmosphere inside is nice and moves you back a few decades but it’s a little bit on the dirtier side. The place is obviously iconic. The payment with a card is not very comfortable and everything is designed for cash payments. Overall it’s a good place and worth a visit if you are in New York. I expected a bit more for the money though

Decided to stop in at the famous deli to see what it’s all about. We got a pastrami Rueben and a traditional corned beef Rueben - both were delicious! One sandwich looks easy to finish, but it’s A LOT of meat and neither of us could. I wish they perhaps had a “slim” option where they just put less meat on a full sandwich (would be easier to eat that way too). Ultimately we spent $82 for two full sandwiches and two drinks, which is a little crazy honestly. What was most disappointing is that we couldn’t take our leftovers with us when we were leaving the hotel because we had no room - we totally wanted to finish those haha. They have fine tuned their process with a small table service section versus the stand and order then find your own seating options - we opted for table service and it was quick and painless. Really the only thing they could do is update the interior. It’s really cool, though, to see all of the pictures of staff with celebrity visitors.

Restaurant was super busy and lively. Was confusing at first with the stop for tickets upon entry and was reminded to not lose the ticket as you need that to leave. Waited about 45 mins even with multiple sandwich making lines. The infamous Pastrami was great. Loved their classic chicken noodle soup on this cold evening. Lots of pickles on the side.

I knew what I was getting into, but still had to try it. The line to get in was all the way down Houston and wrapped south onto Orchard Street. It was an hour wait. Organized chaos on the inside, but the Pastrami with mustard on rye was 100% worth it. I asked for an extra fatty cut and that's what I got. Melt in your mouth, super tender pastrami. Bread was perfectly soft but held together really well. The house made pickles were excellent too. One of the best tasting sandwiches I've ever had. Would recommend trying Katz's at least once in a lifetime.

Definitely a place you don’t want to skip as a tourist. Its gets very crowded but with a little patience you’ll get a table. The meat is very tasty and quite a generous amount, the only downside is the bread that breaks down way too easy making harder to eat.

I tried the pastrami and corned beef sandwiches, and honestly, I think this is why I don’t usually get excited about viral food spots. The sandwiches were pretty mediocre. The meat didn’t have much flavor, the sandwich was served super cold, and the texture was too tough to really enjoy. The bread, though, was excellent, probably the best part of the whole thing. The russian sauce is sweet relish nothing special. I felt that the restaurant was overrated and that’s why I didn’t enjoy that much. It’s not something I’d go back for, and if you haven’t tried it yet, you’re not really missing much. That said, the historical vibe of the restaurant was cool. But it has a crazy line to wait to go in and then wait for available cutter. I wouldn’t personally recommend it, but if you’re curious about viral places, it might still be worth checking out just for the experience.

I really wanted to LOVE the pastrami sandwich; but I didn’t, it was just ok. Probably wouldn’t pay $28.95 again for a sandwich. Also, even if you are not sitting down for waiter-service, you have to tip a few dollars to EACH station (cutters, sides & drinks) - now that is a $35-40 sandwich. Highlights are the fast service each respective station (cutters and sides/drinks). The line from around the block to inside moved reasonably quick and all-in-all, perhaps a 25-30min wait on a Saturday evening. The pastrami sandwich itself….maybe I’m just not a fan of deli-style pastrami cuts, but it just seemed dry versus a BBQ-style pastrami. Seating was first come-first served; and staff won’t really go out of their way to clean up unless you depart and they get around to it. There is a section of seating all the way back that has servers, but we seat in General dining area and shared a 4-seat table with others for a short period.

Came here on Thursday 5pm and was able to order immediately at the counter. Plenty of seats too. IMO, however, this place does not live up to the hype. I got the pastrami sandwich. Yes the meat was juicy and that’s all. I took two stars off because 1) there’s a piece of hair among the meat. This is not the quality you’d expect from a “landmark deli” with restaurant-level price. 2) the ordering experience was disappointing— the guy put my order in a to-go bag without even asking if that’s what I’d like. The experience could also be made better by asking customers how they like their cut (I prefer leaner cut but got many fatty pieces) or if they’d like to add anything (I didn’t even receive the pickles as the guy just gave me the bare minimum)

We came here as a must visit site in New York. They were queuing out the door! Not particularly friendly. Handed a token and told we had to have it to exit and w out I’d be fined if we lost it. Had no idea how to use the counter or what to order, so queued and sat in the serviced area. Very little options for vegans (it is a salami deli…) so I had a potato pancake. Essentially a fried ball of mashed potato. It was okay. The problem was that I finished and was done by the time that his arrived. He had a pastrami sandwich and didn’t really like it. They demanded tips even though the service was poor and food was iffy. Great to see and think of Harry met Sally, however, much better places to eat!

We visited on a Saturday night and stayed in the outside line for about 40 minutes and another 40 minutes inside for a table service. We were a group of 6 people visiting from Southern California. We ordered all sandwiches on the menu and the only one that was truly delicious was the Ruben pastrami sandwich. It was really good! But don't try other things like the corn beef and the brisket because they were so plain and tasteless. Not worth the price at all. Their fries were really good too! Unfortunately the staff and the servers are not nice... While we were waiting for our table, one lady who was in charge of sitting people down screamed at us when we didn’t directly answer her question! And after we sat down and we needed something, it was hard to get anyone's attention and not being ignored. In summary, it was nice trying it once, but we will not go back.