

No-frills deli with theatrically cranky service serving mile-high sandwiches since 1888.
Hours
| Friday | 8 AM–11:30 PM |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | 12 AM–11 PM |
| Monday | 8 AM–11 PM |
| Tuesday | 8 AM–11 PM |
| Wednesday | 8 AM–11 PM |
| Thursday | 8 AM–11 PM |
Address and Contact Information
Address: 205 E Houston St, New York, NY 10002
Phone: (212) 254-2246
Website: https://katzsdelicatessen.com/
Menu Photos
localmenu.katzsdelicatessen.com
Photo Gallery
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Reviews
Unlike the smoky, crusty BBQ brisket you find in Texas, Katz’s serves a quintessential New York braised brisket that is incredibly tender, moist, and flavorful. It’s slow-roasted to perfection, sitting in its own rich juices until it practically melts on the tongue. I ordered mine on rye with a bit of gravy and a side of their iconic pickles, and it was pure comfort food.
The portions are massive (easily enough for two), and the hand-carved slices are thick and juicy. Yes, there’s usually a line and the ticket system is old-school, but for a true taste of NYC history, this brisket is 100% worth it. A must-visit for any meat lover!
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.
This place is pure legend. From the moment you walk in, it feels like stepping into NYC history—loud, lively, and full of character. The pastrami sandwich is unreal: thick-cut, juicy, perfectly seasoned, and piled so high it’s almost ridiculous (in the best way). Every bite tastes like it’s been perfected over generations.
The vibe is classic and unapologetically old-school, with photos and signs covering the walls and a nonstop buzz of people enjoying real comfort food. Yes, it’s busy. Yes, it’s pricey. And yes—it’s 100% worth it.
Portions are huge, flavors are bold, and the experience itself is part of the meal. Whether you’re a tourist or a local, Katz’s is one of those places that truly lives up to the hype.
The matzo ball soup was clear, well balanced, and properly seasoned, with a soft but structured matzo ball.
The atmosphere is busy, authentic, and unchanged by time. Efficient service behind the counter and a true landmark deli experience in New York.
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.
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.
The pastrami sandwich is simply iconic. The meat is hand-carved right in front of you, incredibly tender, juicy, and packed with flavor. Served on fresh rye bread with just the right amount of mustard, it’s easily one of the best sandwiches you’ll ever taste. The portions are generous — you definitely won’t leave hungry.
The atmosphere is lively, energetic, and uniquely New York. The walls are covered with photos and memories from decades past, adding to the charm and authenticity of the experience. It’s busy, it’s loud, and that’s exactly what makes it special.
The staff is efficient and experienced, keeping things moving even when the place is packed. Despite the crowds, the service remains organized and professional.
If you want to experience real, classic New York deli culture, Katz’s Delicatessen is an absolute must. Legendary food, historic atmosphere, and unforgettable flavors. Highly recommended
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.
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. ❤️
The pastrami is everything — incredibly tender, juicy, and loaded with rich meaty flavor.