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Katz's Deli, New York City
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Katz's Deli, New York City

Katz's Deli - New York City
Katz's Deli
by catpause
Dining reviews and photos of Katz's Deli posted by real travelers and New York City locals.
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New York City Katz's Deli Reviews 1 - 10 of 38  
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Katz's Deli: yes, ... Yes, .... YEESSS!!!!
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    • davequ
  • Updated By davequ on October 8, 2009
  • New York City Page by davequ
    • Katz's Deli - New York City
    by davequ, 3 more photos
    My fave deli for BIG pastrami or corned beef sandwiches.
    Two can get by on one sandwich they are so huge.Per the waitstaff (I agree): you shouldn't take it with you ... in other words, your sandwich is not nearly as good when reheated later, try & eat it all before you leave.Everyone has their fave NY Deli: Carnegie, 2nd Ave, etc.
    Katz is my favorite for both taste and location,
    and they stay open late (after 2am on weekends, see website). The sign out front says: - "Katz's, that's all"
    per Alan Dell the owner:
    “ This sign originated when Benny Katz hired the signmaker to make the sign,” Mr. Dell said. “The signmaker asked, ‘Well, what exactly do you want to have it say?’ and Benny said to the signmaker, ‘Katz’s, that’s all.’
    Sure enough he painted that on the sign! ”Here's a good descriptive & current NYTimes piece on the Katz experience.

    NOTE: TICKET ALERT - when you enter they give you a "theater ticket" that you must redeem when you exit ( they do this to minimize theft ). Hang on to your little yellow 'theater' admission ticket,
    or you will have some esplanin' to do w/ the security guard on the way out.

    Hot Pastrami w mustard & horseradish.
    If I shoot the moon, I start with chopped liver, a pastrami & egg salad sandwich, then cheesecake with either cherry or strawberry topping.

    About $19 bucks for a sandwich & rootbeer (that's "tableservice" - it's a couple bucks cheaper if you get it yourself at the counter and sit at a middle table)

    Probably $30+ for all the above, but it's enough for 2 and imo some of the best you'll ever eat.
    Ess gesunt!

    Here's the menu

    Leave a Comment

  • Theme: Deli
  • Price: US$21-30    » Currency Converter
  • Comparison: more expensive than average
  • Address: 205 E. Houston, NYC 10002
  • Phone: 212-254-2246
  • Directions: Lower East side. On the corner of Houston & Ludlow Sts. Subway F or V: get off at Houston and 2nd Ave.
  • Website: http://www.katzdeli.com/
    • Not Helpful 1 2 3 4 5 Very Helpful

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    Katz's Deli: Pastrami on Rye!
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    • sue_stone
  • Updated By sue_stone on August 16, 2004
  • New York City Page by sue_stone
    • Pastrami anyone!!?? - New York City
    Pastrami anyone!!??
    by sue_stone,
    3 more photos
    Katz's Deli is a fabulous New York institution that dates back to 1888.

    While it is not glamorous, it is one of those must go places in New York for lunch - but make sure you are hungry. Their pastrami on rye is HUGE!

    Katz is also famous as being the location for "that" scene from 'When Harry Met Sally', and has also been used as a location for numerous other films.

    The walls are lined with photos of the owner with the various celebrities that have dined here.

    Drop by for a pastrami on rye - I like it with mustard - YUM - you won't be disappointed!!

    Leave a Comment

  • Theme: Deli
  • Price: US$11-20    » Currency Converter
  • Comparison: less expensive than average
  • Address: 205 East Houston, NYC 10002
  • Phone: 212-254-2246
  • Directions: On the corner of Houston & Ludlow Sts.
  • Website: http://www.katzdeli.com/
    • Not Helpful 1 2 3 4 5 Very Helpful
    Katz's Deli: Send a salami …
  • Tip Rating:
  • Satisfaction:
    • toonsarah
  • By toonsarah on November 12, 2008
  • New York City Page by toonsarah
    • In Katz's - New York City
    In Katz's
    by toonsarah, 2 more photos
    In relatively recent years Katz has become famous as the place “where Harry met Sally” in the film, but its original claim to fame came during the Second World War when this Lower East Side deli established a mail-order business for its traditional meat products with the slogan “Send a salami to your boy in the army”. The slogan still appears on all their merchandise, staff uniforms etc, and has unfortunately acquired a new relevance in recent years, with a steady stream of salamis finding their way to Iraq and Afghanistan.

    In fact Katz’s can truly claim to be that often over-used entity, a “New York institution”, dating back as it does to 1888. Whether its other claim, to be the best deli in the city, is quite so justifiable I’m less sure, but a meal here is certainly an experience and should certainly be on your New York itinerary.

    We came for lunch and shared a Reuben sandwich (portions are very large), which with a couple of sodas cost us $11. To be honest it wasn’t the best Reuben either of us has ever had, by some way (and Chris considers himself to be a bit of a connoisseur of Reubens!) and the accompanying pickle was also a disappointment, but that’s not really the point. Coming to Katz’s is much more about the experience and the setting than it is about the food, and there’s no denying the setting is worth seeing. It’s also arguable that this is deli food as it was traditionally intended to be, and we’ve got too used to the more refined offerings at trendier joints!

    Do check out the website, by the way. There’s an interesting history of Katz’s and a gallery of famous stars who have eaten here (a much more comprehensive gallery lines the walls of the restaurant). Look at the photo under the heading “… worth a 1,000 words” to see just how big a Katz’s sandwich can be!

  • Theme: Deli
  • Price: US$11-20    » Currency Converter
  • Comparison: about average
  • Address: 205 East Houston Street, New York 10002
  • Phone: 212 254-2246
  • Directions: We took the subway to Lower East Side / 2nd Avenue (lines F & V)
  • Website: http://www.katzdeli.com/
    • Not Helpful 1 2 3 4 5 Very Helpful
    Katz's Deli: I'll Have What She's Having - Katz's Deli
  • Tip Rating:
  • By love2travel2alot on June 28, 2003
  • New York City Page by love2travel2alot
    • Where Harry met Sally - New York City
    Where Harry met Sally
    by love2travel2alot
    On New York City's Lower East Side, where Jewish pushcart peddlers once hawked their wares, is the deli to end all delis.
    You don't go to Katz's Delicatessen for elegant décor. You don't go for the service. You definitely don't go if you're on a diet.

    But if you're seeking authentic Jewish deli food that is truly New York, look no farther -- corned beef, pastrami, salami, and Nova Scotia Lox.

    Katz's operates on an unusual system. To enter the restaurant, you pass through a turnstile and take what looks like a raffle ticket from the cashier. The food is served cafeteria-style; you stand in line and give your ticket to the cooks when you order. They'll punch the ticket and hand over your food. When you're finished, just hand your ticket to the cashier and he'll ring up the bill.
    The atmosphere at Katz's Delicatessen is bright, bustling and no-nonsense.

    The décor is old fashioned without being quaint: salamis hanging from the ceiling, promotional food signs (circa 1960, judging from the color scheme) and autographed pictures of celebrities. There are letters of appreciation from several U.S. Presidents who stopped by for a nosh when they were in the neighborhood. And John Glenn requested Katz's Pastrami before his ride on the Space Shuttle. A bit of trivia for movie buffs: Katz's Delicatessen is where they filmed the famous deli scene in When Harry Met Sally ("I'll have what she's having!)

    Corned Beef Sandwich, Saurkraut, and Potato Knish

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  • Theme: Deli
  • Price: less than US$10    » Currency Converter
  • Comparison: about average
  • Address: 205 E Houston St New York NY
  • Phone: (212) 254-2246
  • Directions: F, V at 2nd Ave Corner of Ludlow and Houston Street
    • Not Helpful 1 2 3 4 5 Very Helpful
    Katz's Deli: KATZ'S DELI - A Must Experience In New York
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  • By opalzebra3 on December 21, 2008
  • New York City Page by opalzebra3
    • Katz's Deli -
    Katz's Deli - "my proof
    of meal"
    by opalzebra3
    Founded in 1888, Katz's Deli is an institution and you have not really seen New York until you have tried it. Would you believe many New York residents have never even tried Katz's? We were in New York last November 2008 and we said we had to try this famous deli, made even famous by the film "When Harry Met Sally". The East Village is not exactly the most pleasant place to walk around in, especially at night, but the trip to Katz's is worth it. We came by 6 Train from the Bleecker St. station and walked a bit west on Houston St.. When we got in, the fellow at the door gave us one ticket each and we proceeded to the food counter. We ended up with one of the more "senior cutters" and I ordered a salami to-go. He gave us a choice of bread, pickles etc. and even made us try the salami before he made the sandwich. When he was done, boy was the sandwich big! The VT tip was right, it is made for 2 persons. While we were there, we decided to wander around the deli, looking at the photos. On the way out, we presented our ticket and the paid the cashier. Since everyone else took photos of the place, I decided to post the bag of my salami sandwich for a change.

    Since we were on the go, we ordered to-go so it had to be a cold sandwich. Otherwise I would have tried maybe the hot pastrami. Thus we settled for the salami sandwich and it's meat was twice as thick as the bread it was on. It was huge too, we split the sandwich and it was just right. But there is always another trip - next time it will be hot pastrami or hot dogs.

  • Theme: Deli
  • Price: US$11-20    » Currency Converter
  • Comparison: more expensive than average
  • Address: 205 E. Houston, NYC 10002
  • Phone: 212-254-2246
  • Directions: On the corner of Houston & Ludlow Sts., take 6 Train to Bleecker St. then walk east on Houston. Or take Bus 15 that runs along 1st/2nd Avenue.
    • Not Helpful 1 2 3 4 5 Very Helpful

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    Katz's Deli: Send a Salami to Your Boy in the Army
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    • travelfrosch
  • Updated By travelfrosch on April 16, 2009
  • New York City Page by travelfrosch
    • Katz's Deli - New York City
    Katz's Deli
    by travelfrosch, 4 more photos
    Katz's Deli, founded in 1888, is the New York Deli world's answer to the Hofbräuhaus -- crowded, touristy, and expensive. But, like the Hofbräuhaus, the product it serves is first-rate. Renowned for its preserved meats, particularly its pastrami, corned beef, and salami, Katz's made a name for itself in World War II because its hard salami was so resilient, it could actually be shipped to the troops. Hence the motto "send a salami to your boy in the Army" came into being. You can even ship a salami to the troops today if you want to -- check the website or ask at the counter for details.

    Lots of celebrities have visited Katz's over the years -- from Bill Clinton to Sarah Jessica Parker. Then-Vice President Al Gore even brought Russian Prime Minister Viktor Chernomyrdin over for a bite. And probably the most famous visitors were the cast of "When Harry Met Sally." Yes, this was the place where Sally (Meg Ryan) filmed her famous "yes...yes...YES!" scene. The table she sat at is labeled, in case you want to re-live the movie. Want to have what she was having? According to the website, it was the brisket.

    I had to try the pastrami on rye. I have to say it was the tenderest pastrami I had ever eaten. I washed it down with a bottle of house seltzer. The sandwich is quite large, so it can easily be shared by two people. Since I was alone, I ordered it "to go," ate half at the deli, then brought the other half home.

    When you enter the Deli, you will be greeted with a hearty "How Ya Doin'?" and handed a ticket. Whatever you do, don't lose the ticket, as this is where your bill will be totaled when you exit (lose your ticket, and you pay 50 bucks). As you order your food and drinks, hand your ticket to the server, and he/she will add the appropriate amount to your bill. Even if you don't order anything, your ticket is your exit check.

  • Theme: Deli
  • Price: US$11-20    » Currency Converter
  • Comparison: about average
  • Address: 205 E. Houston St, New York NY 10002
  • Phone: +1 212-254-2246
  • Directions: On the corner of Houston & Ludlow Sts. Closest Subway is 2nd Avenue/Lower East Side (F and V Train). About 1/2 mile walk east from Broadway-Lafayette (B,D) and Bleeker St (6)
  • Website: http://www.katzdeli.com
  • Other Contact: 1-800-4HOTDOG (US only)
    • Not Helpful 1 2 3 4 5 Very Helpful
    Katz's Deli: Great Sandwiches
  • Tip Rating:
  • Satisfaction:
    • lynmur
  • By lynmur on May 17, 2006
  • New York City Page by lynmur
    • Love the food and the atomosphere, Katz's is worth going back to time and time again
    The size of the sandwiches can feed two - they are huge .
    Katz Deli is a good NYC experience.
    Also you can sit in the seat where Meg Ryan faked her orgasm in When Harry met Sally

    The pastrami sandwiches are superb.

    Leave a Comment

  • Theme: Deli
  • Price: US$21-30    » Currency Converter
  • Comparison: about average
  • Address: 205 E. Houston, NYC 10002
  • Phone: 212-254-2246
  • Directions: On the corner of Houston & Ludlow Sts.
    • Not Helpful 1 2 3 4 5 Very Helpful
    Katz's Deli: for pastrami fans
  • Tip Rating:
  • Satisfaction:
    • PALLINA
  • Updated By PALLINA on July 17, 2009
  • New York City Page by PALLINA
    • Half of a pastrami sandwich - New York City
    Half of a pastrami sandwich
    by PALLINA
    Kat's Deli is a sort of legend of the Lower East Side, became famous during WW2 with the slogan "Send a salami" because, from there, girls could send a salami directly to their boyfriend at the Army. Actually I went there in August 1999 for the first time, because the most famous scene of "When Harry met Sally" was right here. Besides, my husband felt in love with their pastrami sandwich. It is a 10-inches-tall sandwich, so full of lovely sliced meat (beef), served with gurks and mustard (but I hate both of them, I prefer a plain pastrami, it's full of flavours standing alone). In July 2009 we came back, the place mantains its atmosphere (we recognize some waiters) but found it bloody expensive. For two pastrami sandwiches and two beers, we paid 48 usd!!!! And we waited at counter, so we had not paid the service. Moreover, we were short of cash, at the main cashier credit cards are not accepted, at the 2° cashier they were out of order....I took the risk to stay there and do the washing up! A draft bier costs 6 usd and a pastrami sandwich 14,95 usd. Don't leave NYC without trying Kat's Deli pastrami, but you can find cheaper bier.

    Pastrami sandwich is a legend; thanks to VT I had read the interesting story of it, brought to US by Jewish immigration, see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pastrami

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  • Theme: American
  • Price: US$11-20    » Currency Converter
  • Comparison: more expensive than average
  • Address: 205 E. Houston, NYC 10002
  • Phone: 212-254-2246
  • Directions: On the corner of Houston & Ludlow Sts.
    • Not Helpful 1 2 3 4 5 Very Helpful
    Katz's Deli: Dont Miss it
  • Tip Rating:
  • Satisfaction:
    • gagarcia
  • By gagarcia on July 10, 2006
  • New York City Page by gagarcia
    • Great Comb0 - New York City
    Great Comb0
    by gagarcia, 1 more photos
    It was a sunny day in New York. Having sometime to spare. An idea crossed my mind since I am in New York why not try some of the locals eats . No not the pricey Nobu restaurant , AOC Bedford or a Peter Luger Steak house (this one I had to try another time). I simply wanted a sandwich. So I headed to Lower East side Manhattan using the subway. I came in about late afternoon the crowd was not bad sometimes lines form for a 30 minute wait just to get in. I was issued my ticket (Don’t lose your ticket) before heading the ordering counter. The place was old since 1888 but it was clean and still has that spark in the air. So I lined up at the self service counter. I order the classic corned beef on rye. Their corned beef is supposed to have been cured for a month before serving. They cut a small portion for you to taste while they go about making your order. When I tasted my sample. The beef was tender and full of flavor. It was as of now the best corned beef I ever tasted. I eagerly awaited my sandwich. My Sandwich was humongous about 5 to 6 inches thick along with it came a small plate of home made pickles and Dr. Brown’s Cherry Soda. The sandwich was good enough for 2 people luckily I can eat for 2 people hahahahahah.

    Meg I saw the pictures of famous people who ate at Katz from Harry Houdini to Meg Ryan. To those movie buffs yes this is where they filmed the movie “When Harry met Sally’. The spot where Meg Ryan faked an orgasm I sat beside it. Sorry no Meg Ryan that day. The sandwich was a lot but it simply so good you really want to finish it with the Cherry soda washing it down. But Alas I simply had to take home half of it. Burp. Anyways if you have the chance to be in New York I suggest you drop by Katz’s Deli trust me it’s worth the trip.

    Corned Beef on Rye ...simply perfect

  • Theme: Deli
  • Price: US$11-20    » Currency Converter
  • Comparison: about average
  • Address: 205 E. Houston, NYC 10002
  • Phone: 212-254-2246
  • Directions: On the corner of Houston & Ludlow Sts.
    • Not Helpful 1 2 3 4 5 Very Helpful
    Katz's Deli: Open til 3AM!
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    • cup0joe
  • By cup0joe on December 6, 2005
  • New York City Page by cup0joe
    • The size of the sandwiches can feed two persons. Ambience is not exactly the word for Katz Deli. An experience is more like it. It can get very busy sometime, but once you're seated with your food it will all be a great NY moment.

    Word of warning. The prices are high for a sandwich. You'd think you were in the theater district. But they are large. So share a plate.

    I don't eat meat, but I'm told the Cornbeef is excellent. Plus no trip to NY would be complete without a Rueben corned beef, swiss cheese, and sauerkraut.

    I usually go for a Knishes after a night on the town. Potato, Broccoli or Sweet Potato. Or if I'm really hungry a bagel, with Lox and cream cheese. Rather pricey, but it location. You can get one much cheaper at any bagel shop in the city!

    You won't fine these in the UK. New York Egg Cream. Choice of chocolate or vanilla with milk and a ?spritz? of seltzer.

    Leave a Comment

  • Theme: Deli
  • Price: US$11-20    » Currency Converter
  • Comparison: more expensive than average
  • Address: 205 E. Houston, NYC 10002
  • Phone: 212-254-2246
  • Directions: On the corner of Houston & Ludlow Sts.
    • Not Helpful 1 2 3 4 5 Very Helpful
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