Reviews of Katz's Delicatessen (Tourist Attraction)

Z A

I love everything about this place but second to the food is their people. The have the sweetest staff. I love them all. I feel welcomed by all!!

H0ney c

I cant fully explain the pure joy eating here has done for me. The staff was very sweet, helpful, and nice. The food... i cant fet over it, just super tasty.

Joe Zuccarelli

Best deli food in NYC. Traditional deli with friendly but surly staff. Brisket, corn beef and pastrami are delicious. Whether you get it to go, eat in or use waiter service you won't be disappointed. A sandwich big enough to share will cost about $22. Online orders get free shipping when you order $100.

Conrad Cheung

Amazing! I"ve heard about this place both in blogs and the food network. I love the offerings in Jewish delis so I was excited to try this place out. Although the ordering process was chaotic, that adds to the charm. There is an "easy" …

Chris Hsin

This is the best sandwich you'll ever have. My god, the MEAT is so juicy and succulent it's obscene. Tip for more samples, don't knock the tip cup over. Don't lose the ticket. Pay cash at the front, card at the back. WORTH.

Brooke Young

Along with the Second Avenue Deli, Katz's dominates the New York Jewish deli scene. The formula at Katz's is slightly different, providing diners with tickets that facilitate counter ordering (there is still plenty of tabletop seating). In the end, the products are equally delicious and you can't go wrong with either. The pastrami on rye will melt your brain and bring you back to the 1880s when Katz's first opened. Prices, of course, are solidly in the 21st century -- but well worth it for the best (along with 2nd Ave) pastrami in NYC. Get yourself a cream soda and a square knish and you're back in Old New York.

Jesús Pimentel

Very authentic old fashion New York, Deli. A bit expensive but totally worth it. Famous for their pastrami sandwich (Really good!) Favorite of Meg Ryan on "When Harry meets Sally" the famous 80's Rom Com

Silvia Ingegno

I think this is one of the places that got so popular with no reason. Yes, the sandwiches are enormous but they are over priced and you don't have much choice. When you enter you feel confused, they give you a ticket saying that you have to …

Hery Diaz

This place could be very overwhelming for a newcomer but it’s simple. Get your ticket. Get in a line, order, eat, then pay. They accept cash and credit card. The people are very nice and let you try the meat. You are entertained by all the pictures on the wall. But let me tell you that you will be eating most of the time. These sandwiches are big! Get a side of fries and a drink and you are set. It’s isn’t cheap by no means. But we considered it an experience. Enjoy!

Jeffrey Greeson

1st time visit to legendary Katz's, where "Harry Met Sally!" Dining here, you'll be screaming with delight, too. ;) A throwback in time, once you wait in line outside (don't worry, it moves fast!), you're ushered into a cacophony of the most delicious, quintessential Jewish deli sights, sounds & smells. Order your classic hot pastrami sandwich from the "Cutters", and if you want a knish order from counter #1! While you eat, you can stop talking to your party, and fully immerse yourself in the culinary experience and gastronomical delights. Or, join in the buzz and controlled chaos of the busyness and chatter all around you. Peruse pictures of celebrities on the wood paneled walls, which help explain why Katz's has been around 135-YEARS! And, when you're done, you'll be full for 24-hrs!! Guaranteed. (And, it's open 24-hrs on Fri & Sat.)

TOG Traveler

A true classic. Don’t be put off by the crowds or crazy systems of ordering and proof of payment in order to leave. Pastrami and corned beef were outstanding. Hand cut on demand. The combo sandwich had both meats and was perfect. Open super late, great decor of photos of all the famous (and infamous) who have dined there.

Tina Pak

This is a very very popular sandwich spot in New York City. We had to wait in line for two hours in the middle of winter to get sandwiches. We accidentally got the cold sandwich instead of the warm. The quote sandwich was still good but I bet the warm would be even better. The fries though, were the best friends I have ever had in my life. I will probably go back here again and give their warm sandwich a shot

Olivier Nimeskern

Katz's Delicatessen is the most famous place in New York to get a pastrami sandwich and other similar dishes. Almost always full or nearly full, you may have to wait a bit to get sitted, and the service is not the nicest in the world. But it is worth it. As this is really the best pastrami I ever had, thick and juicy. They also have good corned beef.They serve large portions. They have nice pickles to go with your sandwich.

Mariel A. Santos

Crazy crowded but some people are very friendly. Huge tourist attraction. Worth it for sure when you taste everything is perfect. The best super soft pastrami on rye. Warm soups. Best matzo ball soup in city.

Marius Schmitt

Very well known spot with a lot of famous visitors. I had the Pastrami Sandwich which was quite tasty (and with tons of meat on it)! The doorman, who put a note in my hand saying "you need it to pay, better don't lose it", was not very friendly. I was overwhelmed at the beginning by the big hall, filled with lots of people and the long bar where you should order your food. The man at the counter where I ordered my pastrami sandwich was very nice and helped me a lot! Nice experience and I will go there again.

Anthony Marquez

This was the first time my wife and I have tried pastrami and it was AMAZING!!!!! Life changing experience. Kudos to the cutters. Although, not an entirely thankless job, as the may just make about $40/hour in tips alone... They are the the heart and soul of this place and keep it running efficiently and deliciously.

Tom Brendon

Very well known spot with a lot of famous visitors. I had the Pastrami Sandwich which was quite tasty (and with tons of meat on it)! The doorman, who put a note in my hand saying "you need it to pay, better don't lose it", was not very friendly. I was overwhelmed at the beginning by the big hall, filled with lots of people and the long bar where you should order your food. The man at the counter where I ordered my pastrami sandwich was very nice and helped me a lot! Nice experience and I will go there again. love you review

Steven Sklar

Easily the best deli in all of NY. Be prepared to wait to get in and then on line to order. Best way to get extra meat is to tip your chef before he starts slicing. A few dollars goes a long way! Don’t lose your ticket or it will cost you. Grab your food and sit at the middle tables — or skip this (quintessential NY) experience and just sit along the wall for waiter service. Sandwiches are great to split (or eat on your own if you are shameless). Everyone still needs to leave with their own ticket. Go pastrami or corn beef on rye (I like to mix the two). My go-to is Russian dressing, sauerkraut, and mustard — but live your dream. Can’t go wrong with a classic like the Reuben or Rachel. Grab some pickles to take home and pay with card in the back or cash up front. There you have it. The NY and American Dream all in one meal. Congrats. You did it.

Ammye Venturella

Cool place. Was visiting NYC for a long weekend & went there late night & the deli was insanely busy. Well worth the wait as the food was amazing. Expensive but its NYC and the food was incredible. Not your typical deli that's for sure. You have to experience this place, unreal. The entire restaurant has cool pictures everywhere with famous visitors all autographed. You could spend hours just looking at the scenery. Oh coarse, "I'll have what she's having" is highlighted as the cool place to sit. Very cool place, go for food, stay for the fun!

Felicity Seraph Chow

Delicious beef pastrami sandwich - we got the club sandwich bread versus the usual rye. The meat is absolutely juicy. It’s a crowded restaurant so we preferred to take away. Definitely worth the wait!

Félix Langevin Harnois

Nice deli with local roots and history. The cold cuts are very good. The only downside to this place is the chaos one must face before ordering. There are many lines of "Cutlers" and you must pick one and wait in line. Since the place is pretty crowded, people cut the line and the waiting times are very unequal between cutlers. My wife and I waited about 30 minutes in line for two sandwiches which is a lot in this crowded space. Otherwise nice place.

John Vanella

Best sandwich I have ever had. Extremely expensive. Strange way to place an order. They must be doing something right they have been around since 1899. Large large portions. One order of fries are enough for three people. Hand sliced corn beef and pastrami are out of this world.

Seth Grossman

If you are looking for an authentic NY deli, this is the place to go! The atmosphere is enough of a reason to stop by, but the food is also great. They are known for their pastrami, but personally I love their Turkey sandwich. The meat is always moist and tender and perfect! Get the half sandwich and so combo. Their chicken noodle or matzoh ball soups are a great way to start things off, and a half sandwich is stuffed high enough that you won't leave hungry! And make sure you order a Dr. Brown's Cream Soda to wash it down! And yes. This is the infamous deli featured in When Harry Met Sally - they even have a sign posted over the table where Meg Ryan gave one of her greatest performances!

Bernard Værnes

Amazing pastrami (the meat is so tender and fresh, not too much spices, just enough to enhance the flavor of the meat). The bread is fresh and good, the pickles are really good (take that from a guy living in Poland and who's been to Germany many times), and the fries are so huge, crispy on the outside with a thick soft inside. Perfection.

Jeffrey Zheng

Easily one of the best pastrami sandwiches I’ve ever had. definitely make this a stop when you’re in town Seems pricey at first ($22) but it’s enough meat to feed 2 people so it’s well worth it. The lines can take a while as each sandwich is made to order. I stood in line for 15-20 minutes before I was able to order. Even with multiple lines this can take a while. I really like how they give you a sample of the meat before they make your sandwich. The pastrami is cut to order and they slab some mustard on the bread and there you go. I don’t think it’s possible to eat the sandwich without half of the meat falling out but it’s fun to try. It’s a lively interior with a lot of people. I didn’t have too much trouble finding a seat for 1, but seating was scarce.

dalia pan

5 stars are way less for this legendary place! The food is simple & amazing! I’m sure it’s as authentic as it was 131 years ago when it was opened. I’m not a New Yorker, but can visit this busy city just to eat at Katz’s! I also recommend the drink - New York Egg Cream so refreshing and yummy!

Markos Moreno

This place is one of a kind. I order the pastrami on rye with a side of pickles and boy, did they bring the meat! The pastrami was tender, juicy, and delicious, and was amazed by how much they provided. I tipped my sandwich maker, which I hear is recommended, so it seems like he gave me a little bit extra (and I got it from a fresh piece of meat to boot). The price ($22.95) can be a little scary, but each sandwich is enough for about two people, which can ease the cost a little bit. I enjoyed the ambiance, but it can be a little difficult finding seating if you don't want to be waited on. I ended up sharing a table with a nice couple, so be prepared to meet some new people. And like everyone else stated: don't lose your green ticket. You will need when you are leaving, and although I did not lose mine, I imagine it will not be a good time for the person who does. In conclusion: go get your sandwich on at this quintessential New York deli and you won't regret it.

Rosario Ortoli

The best pastrami ever. I visit every time I'm in town. Can't mess with traditions. This place is always consistent and love the atmosphere. The cutters are the 2nd best part of this place. Love them

Yolanda Crandoll

The sandwich is still very much tasty as I remember. I've been going for years and I will continue to go. Highly recommend. Bring your wallet sandwiches start at $22. Worth every penny

Jack Bairamian

As a historical spot this is definitely worth going to once. The hot pastrami is their specialty and they slice it fresh and make it everyday. Once of the best hot pastrami sandwiches you will have. Nothing fancy. You get to stand a counter while the sandwich maker makes it in front of you while you get to sample a small amount of the meat. Definitely worth going once. There can be a long line at times but it moves fast. Credit card accepted at end of line. Quite pricey for a $20 sandwich but you can taste the quality and easily can be split in 2 but can be finished on a hungry appetite especially goes well with a cold beer.

Stephanie Visvardis

Epic. It's perfect. Literally the best pastrami on the entire planet! They care and it shows. Great staff, fast service and clean tables. And did I mention the pastrami??? Sweet Jesus!

Katie

Wow! Worth the wait and the price. Get the pastrami on rye (ask for half to go) - you wont regret it. It tastes just as good heated up the next day!

Mike Hensley

It was EVERYTHING its been hyped up to be! Legendary NY deli that offers huge food. Impossible to make better pastrami. Staff was friendly and accommodating. So glad we made this a part of our NY trip. The BEST.

Mike Landas

I will never not give this place 5 stars. If you don't live in the NYC area, you need to go. If you're planning to visit Manhattan, it needs to be on your bucket list. Pastrami on rye with some mustard. Chocolate egg cream. These pics are from 1am, and as you can see, it wasn't empty.

Chris Gregory

Visiting the city first time looking for a good deli happened on Katz's. My wife and I loved the food. Very old world and the staff was happy enjoying their jobs. Read history & films were created here. Highly recommend. Food is excellent. Just what we looked for.

Mr Phil

I grew up in NY, but have lived in SC for the last few decades. Every time I go back (most every year) I make sure to go to Katz's. If I don't have time to stop and eat there, I'll get a whole 5 or 6lb pastrami to take with me (and some knishes). The pastrami is so good, it'll make you weak in the knees at the first taste. If I can't get to NY, I'll have it shipped to me in SC. Yeah - it's that good!

Frank Jiruska

Tremendous! Best pastrami ever. The half pastrami and matzo ball soup is a great combo. A little pricey, but worth it. Go early to avoid the crowds.

Arnetha Brown

Although it's famous, I went with the chili dog. The bun wasn't toasted and the chili was too salty for my liking. Still good though. They have this thing where when you enter they give you a ticket whether or not you are purchasing or not. …

Andrew Chen

Katz's is a must-try for anyone in New York. This humble deli is constantly packed with hungry patrons looking to experience over a hundred years of tradition. When you take the first bite into the expertly prepared sandwiches, everything begins to make sense as the few simple, but flavorful ingredients begin to sing their choir in your mouth. The meat is so tender, it will literally crumble if you're too rough with it. Unless you have a large appetite, one sandwich is probably good enough for two people. The sandwiches are packed so densely with meat, you'll be shocked at how quick you begin to experience the defeat of food coma. 10/10!

Michael Regier

A delicatessen/diner that must be experienced. The place was busy, but the service was timely, and friendly. The staff were helpful to clarify instructions and answer questions. We had a pastrami, a brisket, a turkey, and a corned beef sandwiches. They were excellent, and huge! The pickles remind me of my grandmother's - pickling cucumbers in pickling brine - perfection!

Jaylens Daddy

Legendary spot in the Lower East Side of Manhattan. They ship food and sandwiches anywhere in the world. It's always best to arrive here early, because around noon each day it gets very crowded. They even let you sample some of the meat before you buy it. The walls are filled with pictures of celebrities who have eaten here before. World famous deli!!!

Jarrod Hunt

I started writing a five star review even before I are the sandwich

לטייל IL

One of the best places to eat. Great pastrami & corn beef sandwiches. The meat is amazing and the atmosphere is unique. We barley finished our sandwiche. Evey one of us ate 1.5 sandwiches and we couldn't walk after eating !! A must place to visit in NYC. We will definitely go to get some more!!

Ed Young

End all be all, my favorite place to eat in the Big Apple. Busy but the food is definitely worth the wait and the price. I strongly encourage people to always plan to be here both waiting in line and eating for at least an hour to 90 minutes. And don't forget to have what she had!

Jocelyn Lim

This all American breakfast place is the bomb. Value for money with huge servings that a normal Asian cannot finish. You can also choose how lean you would want your beef to me. It was really really really satisfying. Would definitely come back here again if i go back to New York!

Axel L

Yum! Juicy and tender! But too salty. A cool place ever! I will vote for five if there are something going with like lettuce tomato or whatever. And could be better if there’s easier way to queue-up and get what you want.

J C

You definitely should try it, if your a foodie. It’s a NY staple and you definitely pay for the history of the place. My girlfriend had the egg salad sandwich($18.12)and wasn’t impressed. I had the Pastrami sandwich and a beer.($34.19) I think that’s pretty high priced even with the history, Though the pastrami was good! The service was decent for the amount of people that Were in there and it sucked trying to get a seat. My first and only visit probably.

Nick Kotakis

It's fine. Feels more like a tourist trap to me though. I enjoyed the pastrami but it wasn't life changing or anything. The Turkey was blah and the Cole Slaw was practically soup. Not worth the huge crowds (very long lines when we went on a …

Alex Rose

The pastrami is pretty tender. Not salty and slimy like store bought stuff. Just enough fat, real meaty. Not super heavy either. Mustard is the perfect condiment here on rye. If you like meat, Katz's is where it's at. Now, if I could have something like this on the west coast i'd die happy.

Ben Szeto

The pastrami sandwich was great. Schwartz is better by a hair. If not for the line up (1 hour) and no seats. Oh and the price. I would of rated this higher

Sophie Shalkowsky

Lives up to the hype and definitely worth the wait in line and the price. You can either get table service or just go up to the cutters individually (faster option!) get your food, and then find a seat yourself and enjoy! You can even purchase meat to ship back home if you're just visiting Manhattan! Highly recommend the pastrami sandwich, definitely the main item, it's 22 bucks but it's the best thing we ate in New York!

Ilan

At this point, Katz is almost like the Statue of Liberty - You really want to visit because it's so famous, but you also know it is packed with tourists. Both are true. If it's a holiday or a weekend, be ready to stand in a very long line, squeeze between tourists and hunt for a table. Is it worth it? Yes, as long as you know what to order. Skip the corned beef - It's incredibly chewy, but the pastrami is divine. All sandwiches are very generous, and not too expensive. I'm a big guy, came hungry, and one of these bad boys was enough. If you still have some room, have the matzo ball soup - We were there when it was raining outside, and even though we didn't take the soup, it looked and smelled amazing. Pro tip - Rain = No tourists.

Bob Martin

One of the best pastrami sandwiches we've ever had. If you're there with 2 people you can definitely split a sandwich. Tip - stand in line for a Carver and get samples (be sure and tip them) and tell them what kind of cuts you like best.

Klaudia Budniak

Love this deli, pastrami sandwich is huge and delicious! The pickles were great and reminiscent of my grandma's pickles back in Poland. The rye bread also provided a nostalgic experience for me as the flavour was very authentic. This meal was one of the highlights of my new York trip and I would absolutely come back!

Edna Banks

There's a reason this place has been in business for 131 years! We flew into NYC on a Friday afternoon, dropped our luggage at the hotel and headed for Katz's. We got there about 2:00. The line was out the door, but not too bad. It went fast and was worth the wait. I ordered a full Pastrami Reuben (over the corned beef). The sandwich was huge! I could only eat half. And didn't order any sides. I recommend watching their video about how to visit and order. There are different lines. Next time, I will have my boyfriend get in the sandwich line and order just one sandwich to split. I will get in the sides line and try the fries. They looked yummy.

Olof Nilsson Heijer

This place has so much history and you can feel that from the first time you see the sign from far away and it grows when you step your foot in here. Then they have a old fashioned way of order food with different waiting lines. It's an only cash place, so remember to bring cash. And if you ain't to hungry don't order to much because it is a lot of food. Its great, a must visit!

Justus George

Amazing eclectic sandwich restaurant. Perhaps one of the oldest and best in New York city. I had the Pastrami on rye with mustard. Pickles on the side. Great customer service and friendly staff. The environment is eclectic and old fashioned. But for the upside it is the best pastrami I ever had. The prices are high but you cannot blame them for making such a finely crafted Pastrami sandwich. I hear they go through 20,000 pounds of meat weekly. Half of it is pastrami.

Imtiaz Kabir

Food is great. Prices are exorbitant. Service was great at the table. What's up with the $50 fine for lost ticket? Curious if they really enforce it. I guess you go to Katz's once and cross it off the bucket list.