Katz's Delicatessen is a legendary New York institution, operating since 1888 and recognized as NYC's oldest deli. It's famous for its hand-carved, generously portioned sandwiches, particularly the pastrami. The restaurant offers a unique, authentic, and lively old-school New York deli experience, attracting both locals and tourists.
Customer perception is mixed but generally positive, highlighting Katz's as an iconic and historic NYC experience. Many praise the pastrami sandwich for its tenderness, flavor, and generous portions, often calling it a 'must-visit.' The atmosphere is described as authentic, lively, and chaotic in a fun way. However, common criticisms include long lines, a potentially confusing ordering system, and high prices. Some reviewers find the food, particularly the corned beef, to be mediocre or overrated, while others feel it lives up to the hype.
Additional Details
Katz's Delicatessen offers nationwide shipping, allowing customers across the country to experience a taste of NYC. It's known for its unique ticket system for ordering and payment, which adds to its distinctive character.
Lines can be long, so visiting earlier or later in the day is recommended to avoid peak crowds. Ordering for pickup is also an option to bypass the wait inside.
5
A true New York institution and an absolute must-visit.
Katz’s Delicatessen is much more than a restaurant—it’s a piece of New York history. From the moment you walk in, you can feel the energy, the authenticity, and the decades of stories that have passed through its doors.
Of course, the legendary pastrami sandwich lives up to the hype. The meat is incredibly tender, flavorful, and generously stacked, making every bite worth the wait. The portions are famously huge, and the quality is great.
What we loved most was that Katz’s remains completely unapologetic about what it is: loud, busy, bustling, and full of character. It feels genuine in a city where authenticity can sometimes be hard to find.
Yes, there may be a line, and yes, you’ll probably share the experience with plenty of tourists—but for good reason. This is one of those iconic places that truly deserves its reputation.
If you’re visiting New York for the first time, Katz’s should be on your list. If you’re returning to New York, it’s the kind of place you’ll happily come back to again and again.
I’ve been to Katz’s several times over the years, and every time I bring someone new, I get to experience it all over again through their eyes. There is something special about watching a first timer step up to the counter, see those mountains of hand carved pastrami, and realize that the sandwich they are about to receive is unlike anything back home.
Yes, there is usually a line. Yes, it is busy. But Katz’s has been doing this since 1888, and there is a reason generations of New Yorkers and visitors keep coming back. The pastrami is the star of the show. Tender, smoky, peppery, and sliced right in front of you. The brisket is outstanding as well, and the potato latkes are worth saving room for.
What I love most is that Katz’s does not try to be trendy. It does not need gimmicks, fancy presentations, or social media tricks. It simply focuses on doing one thing exceptionally well and has been doing it for more than a century.
Every visit feels a little like stepping into a piece of New York history. The walls tell stories, the countermen work with the confidence that comes from decades of experience, and the food still lives up to the reputation. Whenever friends or family visit the city with me, Katz’s is one of the first places I suggest. Not because it is famous, but because it earns that fame every single day. Five stars.
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 ever. Soft bread, melted cheese, tender flavory pastrami, and mustard. You can taste all of the different flavors as they are perfectly balanced. The knishes were very good too but it was the first time ever so I had no benchmark to compare.
Definitely a new favorite at NYC. Will come back for more.
For over a century, this place has been making iconic kosher sandwiches in the heart of New York. Like everyone else, we went to eat pastrami. Corned beef used to be more famous, but thanks to Instagram, pastrami, which looks more photogenic, has become popular. When you go inside, it looks like a living museum, and they give each customer a ticket at the entrance. If you lose this ticket, there's a $50 penalty. You return it to the cashier at the exit. There are long queues, but you get your turn quickly. When it's your turn, you watch the meat being cut and taste a piece of the meat offered to you. The meat is prepared by salting for up to 30 days. My wife and I ordered one, and since there was a lot of meat inside, we were both full. Although it costs $28.50, with fries and drinks, you can only get by for about $50. We can't say we were extremely pleased with the meat, but it was a nice experience.
Finally, 'Katz's, That's All'.
Long queue outside but don’t worry it goes super super quick. Quite hectic once inside with a ticket and canteen system. Get the ticket, grab a queue, pick your food and take it to a table, once you’ve eaten you pay at the door with your ticket. There is an option for table service too. The pastrami sandwich itself was quite amazing - not just a tourist trap.
