Katz's Deli Reviews

Disgusting illegal shake down process for $50.00 if you lost or miss place your blue ticket. Don t put two orders on one ticket.it can cause unessasary drama from the rude African security they have at the door. This restaurant venue is so over rated. I can only imagine how much money was paid to katz security. after bulling a tourist if they misplaced or lost there ticket. illegal shake down of tourist and New yorkers like myself for $50.00 if ticket is lost. DONT GO THERE. I will never go back unless I'm contacted and apologized too. if they care they would do something about this. if they don't care well. they'll continue to do business as usual and continue to delete my reviews. which i noticed. the other reviews are deleted.

Very crowded place! We were there on a saturday lunchtime. The queue moved gast and it was relatively easy to find a seat. Decor was old school and school. Pastrami was very flavourful

I've never sat down at the service side of the restaurant, only the side which requires you to stand in line and order. This is initially confusing, but the lines move quickly and the guy who makes your sandwiches is quick and responsive. Tip a dollar or two at the counter.

Stick with the Pastrami sandwich, which will make you realize why Pastrami could be worthy of love.

Came here solely due to its history. The sandwiches looked pretty awesome, we opted for cheesecake and coffee. Small slices of cheesecake on chipped plates and small cappuccinos in disposable cups - wasn't the best. It's in a pretty dumpy area too. Given the choice I think I'd have opted to go to Junior's instead.

It was good at 10:30pm because I didn't have to wait. Any other time is an hour wait The sandwich is nice, yummy pastrami, bread is a bit disappointing. The pickles were good! Pretty expensive.

Take it from New York's number one food critic on Google the pastrami sandwich is a religious experience.

Worth every penny. Dr browns soda is excellent also

Oh Em GEE.. my friends and I went here after the club one night, and it was amazing. It was my first time there, so I was somewhat confused about how the ordering/eating/paying continuum is laid out.

But the food is AMAZING and the people that work there are nice folk.

The pastrami is delicious, and the mustard is top-notch too. Only thing is that they pile so much meat onto the sandwich that it s really a challenge to get through the whole thing. I ate half and felt kinda queasy after. Call me a heretic but I think it s better slice by slice instead of on the sandwich

Another maybe-heretical opinion: ask for it lean if you can, big globs of fat aren t so nice

Delicious place. Pastrami amazing. Not expensive. Very crowdied during the day, but I was at 9 and it was almost empty. Not sure that it's good for breakfast but perfect for meat lovers

OMG delicious. Crazy busy but the move people thru fast.

I think this is just okay. It has become a tourist stop because of When Harry met Sally but is very over-priced. The wait is crazy and the food is good but nothing spectacular.

I don't get the hype...My sandwich was good, but not $20 good - and paying $20 hurts more when it has to be paid in cash.

This legendary spot is all it is made out to be and more. The food is absolutely phenomenal, and though on the pricey side, you do get plenty. True New York atmosphere to boot.

It s an NYC experience. Crowded & chaotic (until you know their system). The lunchtime crowd spills out into the street but moves pretty quickly. All up we waited 40 minutes & everyone is friendly so have a chat while you wait. For future reference if you can hold out til 3pm you can probably walk straight in. Beware the sandwiches come with meat & bread, that s it, so maybe order some coleslaw.

I near about blew their payment system though... I totally didn't realize that little pink yellow ticket they give you at the door? Yeah, you absolutely have to have that. Lose it? Off with your head... (kidding) The downside to this place I'd say is the layout. A tad confusing. There are multiple workers running along the counter and from what I gather, each one is sorta a separate line. You can either opt for counter service, which you can take with you or sit down with, or you can supposedly have table service (which we never yeah quite figured out). Layout issues aside, what fabulous food. My mom and I split the reuben because we felt like it was just what you did on your initial visit to Katz's. I'd heard it was ginormous and it didn't disappoint, both in size and quality. Fabulous! I also got a cup of their chicken noodle soup. I don't know if it was due to fall's initial breezes coming in, but it was absolutely the best chicken noodle soup I've had in a long time. Definitely want to make a return visit to check out some of their other offerings, including a chocolate cake my sister said is sinfully delicious.

Katz's Deli. A New York City institution. A place where the hot dogs are kosher and hot, the fries are served in a bag fresh,a sandwich costs as much as many restaurants charge for an entire meal and loved by almost all!

Being from Dallas I thought this place was crazy and I was right. Crazy good and crazy busy. It was an experience I will never forget but in a good way oh yeah and bring cash.

Going to Katz is a NYC experience. The restaurant was jammed when I arrived with people waiting to try their famous delicatessen, especially the pastrami. It was worth the wait. Talked to couple next to me while dining and they were tourists from Argentina. So I helped them order, and they thanked me later.

Food is good, no doubt. Value not so much though. 23 $ for a sandwich. They exploit the hype.

The absolute best! Worth the trip and every dime spent. Definitely a treat.

Just go. Make sure to lay off any meals for the whole day leading up to it, though.

Came in the morning to beat the rush. Food surpassed my expectations and enjoyed the down to earth hospitality. Wish I could come here more often!

Yeah, there is a lot of hype around this place, but honestly I have never had a better pastrami sandwich in my life. You have to hustle through the ordering process, but it's worth any wait. There is so much character in this place, too. If a delicatessen can be a national treasure, this one certainly qualifies.

Lines are long, but when you get to eat ,you will realize that it was well worth the wait!

Best jewish deli in northeast. Pastrami and corned beef is recommended. Bring ur appetite. Portions are huge. Sharing is a good idea. Dont be afraid to ask for a doggie bag. Shame to waste great food.

Beat pastrami on rye I have ever had. Order it "nice and juicy".

If you're vegetarian, do not let your family drag you here. I got the knish and hated it, and it smells like rotting flesh. Also, the waiter was rude.

Excellent overall. The quality of the bread, condiments, and meat were all outstanding. $22 bucks for what probably should be an $8 sandwich is to be expected in Manhattan, not a bad value overall. Surprisingly, I would have to give a slight edge to Schwartz in Montreal. I found there sandwich just a tad bit tastier.

The Pastrami was amazing here! Easily worth the 15 bucks they are charging. If you've never been here, when you first enter they hand each person a ticket. This is how they keep track of what you've bought. Go up to the different sections of the counters to get the food/drinks/sides you want and hand the person helping you your ticket. When you leave they will charge you. This system is awesome and it makes for a quick moving line. If you are in NYC you definitely have to come here!!!

I wish I could give this more than 5 stars. Stunning reuben with the best pastrami on the planet. Huge portions. I may have had a 'moment' when I tucked into my sandwich. Great atmosphere. Love it.

Simply amazing, I'm from Florida and have enjoyed receiving and sending deli gift boxes from their online store! Authentic, fresh and full-flavored offerings! Especially love the Reuben birthday package and chicken soup. I don't think there's a wrong choice on the menu, it's that good.

Terrible with an attitude. My first And last time going here. Disorganized place with discusting Ruben. I have had better at Arby's. Meat cut way to thick, taste was off and sandhich not grilled. Save your money. 22.95!!!

An iconic New York staple, you have to stop here for lunch or dinner! A bit on the expensive side for a sandwich, but one is definitely big enough to share, you get around a pound of meat. A very energetic atmosphere and New York charm make this deli complete!

Katz's is from a different generation. If you want fancy, you are in the wrong place. If you want a working class, blue collar experience from old NYC, this is your place.

This is not disappointed at all. I got matzo ball and 2 meats sandwich pastrami and beef brisket. It's very good!

Matzo meatball soup and the deli sandwich. Your in good hands. Highly recommended!!

Very busy BECAUSE IT IS SO YUMMY
Try the Pastrami , Matzo Ball soup, & latkes.
My picky eater nephew lives the Tuna Fish.
Pass on the French Fries.
DON'T LOOSE YOUR TICKET

The best pastrami and ruben in NYC. Service is ok, but definitely awesome sandwiches.

I haven't had a sandwich in years from katz's but I remember the food was good& so much meat you could make another sandwich from the same sandwich!I live in brooklyn I wish katz's deliver to brooklyn! Thanks

Pastrami is delicious! Unfortunately the restaurant service is a bit slow

Everyone raves about pastrami but the real treat is the Philly cheesesteak. Thank me later

Best pastrami sandwich around as well as the corned beef sandwiches

Anthony Bourdain was right !! This is probably one of the best pastrami on rye you will find on the PLANET !! don't skip out on the mustard and pickles !! . I do think it's a little pricey though. The portions are large so share a portion first and you can always get more :)

So the food is good ! But the price is a little bit high~

Great if you love Pastrami. It was the first time I had pastrami, I found it too salty and rich. The Matzo soup was nice, again too salty. Huge portions! Goid thing is that you can buy half a sandwich. Be prepared to queue during the holiday. Its a great experience but I was a bit underwhelmed:(

This is a tourist trap. $25 for a sandwich that wasn't even good. Lesson learned.

Simple the best Sandwiches ever! Nice friendly staff to.

You will not be disappointed! Have to go here every time we visit NYC!

me and my family went here and it was really good and stuff but my sandwich ws really big and i could not finsh it it would be better if they made it a little smaller

Great place for a meal, pastrami sandwiches are one of a kind but a bit expensive. It's a must for tourists and a great occasional for locals.

Exactly what I expected. Yes the sandwiches are expensive but they are massive and can easily be shared between 2.

Always high quality food at Katz's! Pastrami is top notch and my wife gave her seal of approval to the latkes!

We were in and out in about 40 minutes on a busy Sunday afternoon.

Be sure to keep track of your ticket!!

Melt in your mouth pastrami, fast service, friendly staff. I will go back for sure.

Brilliant. Just brilliant. Sit at Sally's table and have what she had. The sandwiches are to die for and the photos on the wall tell the history of the success of a great NY icon. Check it out!!!

My first time there I love sandwiches noy a long wait at all they even give u samples of meat lol

A classic stop in NYC. Pastrami is wonderful so is the atmosphere. Better choose to be served at the table because the ticket/food system for self-service is outdated and confusing.
Nice staff and service. Must stop.

Super busy but finally got there. Food was mediocre.

I'm a Montrealer, and compared to Shwartz, I'm sad to say that Katz' Deli was better! I still love Shwartz.

Food was very good and atmosphere was very interesting. Downside was the place was very expensive

Legendary and much rarer now that the Carnegie is gone! Go if you've never experienced a real authentic Jewish deli and its delectable fare!

Come in for a pastrami on rye, you won't regret it!

Excellent. What else can you say about this place? Our waiter was fantastic. Lines moved fast. The corn beef and pastrami is out of this world.

When I am in the area, I know that this is where I am going to get one of the best sandwiches. But I know one more thing, I am about to pay for it more than it should cost. I know (and taste) that they use fresh and good products for the sandwiches. But I still think it should not cost as much.

Paatrami STILL delicious. Just no longer worth the money!!! Price is higher and sandwich is half the size!

Best pastrami i ve ever had. Cucumber and Pickels are good. Beer is fresh. Always busy here. Neighbourhood is really cool with lots of bars and restaurants nearby. Staff is very nice, sometimes a bit rude. Sometimes there is a long queue in front of the Shop. Prices are bit high but normal for New York. It is A very good and reliable Place!

With the air conditioning turned on, the food get cold very fast and the taste is not good enough. Used to be the best pastrami in the world, not anymore. The bread is very simple and the meat was cold.

Although a pretty pricey sandwich, the rueben definitely lives up to it's expectations!! The chicken noodle soup as well as the matzo soup were also perfect for the cold day. Overall, the food was great, the staff were super helpful and the atmosphere was really comfortable.

Be warned: this place will ruin you for pastrami for life. I swear, it s that good! The deli is always hopping, but especially around lunchtime. Try to avoid if you can do you don t feel rushed. Enjoy all the photos of celebrities on the walls as well as Katz s own beers. I ll be back!

Great food, atmosphere, cooking was top-notch. Portions were exceptional, but I always like exceptional. Definitely coming back here!

It was nice, seemed like a pretty kid friendly place too

Your not going to find a deli with a more tender juicy thick cut pastrami on a hero or rye with sauerkraut. Swiss and mustard anywhere in the city. You'll pay double what you would in any other deli but it's worth and deserving to treat yourself to this authenticity once in a while.

Loved the food. Some low reviews say it was expensive. I am glad no one came up to the table and asked for more money because i would have gave it to them. Well worth it plus some.
Oh the pickles. I have yet to eat some as good. I wonder if they ship them to the midwest...

Incredible sandwiches! My idea of what NY is like in one small busy place. Can't go wrong with this spot! I will be many times.

First time in a Jewish deli and my experience was great. LOVE Pastrami sandwich

With all my love to this place and cravings for pastrami, there are insane lines to get inside, and... Lines inside to order food also made me feel claustrophobic... There is also a challenge to get a seat. And most likely you won't seat romantically by yourself. You will have to squeeze yourself in between other people.
But... The food is yummy! Matzo ball soup to die for. Meats are delicious.

The food here is delicious (it's famous for a reason), but ultimately not worth the wait and price unless you value the novelty of the experience.

Understandably a very busy place, but staff work hard to serve you quick, corned beef sarnie a must!!

Wow this place was good! Ordered their most popular homemade pastrami on rye. The pastrami had a melt in your mouth soft texture. The pastrami had a perfect meat to fat ratio and wasn't too salty surprisingly. The pastrami was cooked perfectly and love the portion size!

You definitely need patience at Katz since the lines are a bit long, jam-packed and they move a bit slow like in a theme park. Yes this sandwich is a bit expensive to go on a weekly basis but being a tourist that visits NYC once/twice a year, it is okay to splurge $23 on a sandwich. Comparing to Ichiran, it is a $20 bowl of ramen with mainly carbs but Katz is $23 of meat!!! So don't really understand why the tourist complain about the price.

We got the pastrami sandwhich and chicken noodle soup. AWESOME! The pastrami was perfectly cooked and the chicken noodle was very flavorful. We had to wait in line outside for about a half hour and another half hour inside to get our food, but it was worth it. We will definitely go back next time we are in NYC.

I had what she had Pickles and Pastrami Sandwiches

Not as expected, too salty pastrami and the corn beef, over price for the quality and Testing, they need to improve more