Katz's Deli Reviews

Famous place because of the movie "When Harry Met Sally" huge sandwiches, apparently what New Yorkers like, very expensive. Go there to try an American classic and take a picture.

The best! I got 2 sandwiches on my way back to Atlanta ,1 to eat on the plane....Wow

I had a nice lunch at Katz' with my kids. The split pea soup was just a bit too salty. The corned beef was outstanding!
This deli is famous nationwide for good reason.

I have been wanting to go here for so long! Finally got my chance when visiting NYC.

There was a line out the door at around 1pm on a weekday. It didn't take too long to get in, but it took maybe 30-45m to place and received our order. It. Was. Worth. It.

If you're planning on eating there, you have two options. The first is to get your food and wait for a table to clear out. The second is to wait in another line for a booth, where they will take your order.

When you enter, there are multiple stations, each with their own line. Hop into whichever looks the shortest - they all serve the same things (except the one on the far right, which does hot dogs and stuff, I think). My wife and I got the meat platter (brisket, pastrami, corned beef, + bread slices and pickles) because we wanted to try everything. Everything was great, but the pastrami and corned beef were my favorite.

We got our friend a salami as a gift. He ate it all in one night. Said it was pretty good.

The prices are fairly steep. I think we ended up paying around $65 for the platter (~$40) and salami (~$20). But the platter was good for 4 meals between the two of us.

I am getting hungry just thinking of this place! But it's on the other side of the country :(

Hubby and I have been 3-4 times now. He really enjoys the famous pastrami sandwiches. We both go for the interesting atmosphere. The meat is tasty too, but not enough to call me back. The waiters have a lot of local flavor but the whole system for ordering and picking is RIDICULOUS and overly complicated.

On a recent trip to NYC we planned a stop here on our way out of the city. Thankfully it was Labor Day so the place was empty. We were even able to park on a side street for free!

Corned beef sandwich was wonderful - packed high with tasty meat. 1/2 sour pickles are also wonderful.

It is not cheap, but was a great stop.

My ruben sandwich was fresh and VERY flavorful. Staff is friendly. The only downside is that it can get crowded to a point where there are no available seats. As a result this place can get loud. Not ideal for a quiet sandwich meal.

Totally worth the 30 min wait to be seated and served at this famous deli that s been open for more than 100 years. Food and atmosphere was superb. Very fast pace and when you enter make sure you get a TICKET and don t lose it or there is a 50 dollar lost ticket fee, no lie!!

OMG. The food was Amazing. So much choice and friendly staff

Amazing portions, although not cheap, it's a fantastic amount of food!

Such an iconic place with delicious dishes for everyone! Well worth the wait!

A little on the expensive side but worth every penny!

Great place! Fun vibe and great atmosphere, Reuben sandwich was great! But the salami sandwich was rather boring and bland.

You cannot go to New York and not eat here it's mind blowing amazing

First off the line is enormous almost every single time I frequent this place, It is a New York staple, an icon if you will. I suppose it is well worth the line for every delicious layer of pastrami and bite of delicious matzo ball soup. You can actually sit at the table where they filmed When Harry Met Sally and you can repeat the line " I'll have what she's having" I'm sure it must get a little annoying but hey when in Rome...

Queues to cutters are crowded. We ordered Pastrami and Corn beefs, both are good but a little bit too salty for me. Staffs are cool ! They will give you sample of meats between your waiting time.

Long Queue to get in. Long wait for a table. Not too impressed with our waiter. 3 meat plate was lovely. Bread was so dry.

Always an experience at Katz's. I come Everytime I visit the city. The ambience, food, and people always make it worth another stop. The pastrami on rye is that good. Get some fries. If you come during peek summer tourist season expect a large line!

The food is amazing. If you're in NYC please take time out to visit this place. It's casual, with New Yorker type service at the doors (loud, quick, in you get), the servers (if you want to use them) are nice and attentive people in what can be a busy joint. You can go it alone too and order at the counter. It's a shame I live in the UK otherwise I'd be placing a mail order for more of their grub. Big portions, good value too. Probably the favourite place I ate in NYC. It's simple, good food. Their own stout like beer was really nice too

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!!!

Great great food. Not just a delicatessen but so much more. I used to go here as a kid and it's just the way I remember it.

We sat in the "Waiter Service" section late on a weeknight. It was busy, and the service was pretty slow, The waitress seemed disorganized and forgetful, but friendly. Please note, we didn't receive an itemized bill, so we weren't sure if gratuity was included. This made tipping confusing. Food was excellent, if a little pricy. Nonetheless, we enjoyed our experience at Katz's.

So good! Really expensive but the pastrami is amazing! PS: don t loose you re ticket.

The sandwich are iconic and consistent. Always amazing service and experience, forget about the wait time, trust these guys, they will make the wait worth it.

I walked 50 blocks there and 50 blocks back to my hotel to get this treat and it was worth every step. Never miss a chance to visit when in NYC.

Very delicious! They give every person a ticket when you walk in, then you add whatever food you want to the ticket, eat, then pay on your way out (or at the back if by credit card/Apple Pay).

Food was great (if pricey), but the place could use a serious makeover (very dated). I d go here again, but strongly recommend bringing someone to share with!

Ok I'm not going to lie the sandwich was very good. But not good enough for me to justify paying $25 for it ever again.
Staff is very friendly and helpfull.
The only reason for 3 stars is because of the price.

Cool vibe that throws back to the heyday. There is no doubt the place is an institution. But $25 for a pastrami sandwich that gets smaller by the year? That s making me reconsider bringing friends from outside Manhattan.

The pastrami sandwich was really good. Although you pay about $20 after tax the amount of pastrami you get is incredible. Meat was tender and fragrant!

Ordered a Rueben sandwich and grilled cheese, on point!
Reason I'm giving them 4 star is because of the cashier (lady) behavior. She was extremely rude.

Great service it can get extremely busy really good food.

The sandwiches are to die for , I love the pastrami sandwich. A must visit if you are ever in New York

Best pastrami sandwich Ever.! definitely will come back when I visit NY again.

So very delicious. I am not a huge fan of pastrami, but every time I am in NYC, I must stop by here and get a pastrami sandwich. Servers are very nice and there are plenty of options to choose from.

Best pastrami on rye sandwich I've ever had. Huge crowd, but line moved fast. They have crowd control down to a science.

Alway crowded, amazing deli choices also in huge portions - worth the higher price

So yummy!!! I've been craving it ever since we finished the sandwhich. Can't wait to visit NYC again so I can stuff my face with pastrami!

Pro tip: DO NOT LOSE YOUR TICKET!

Haven't had anything this fulfilling and satiating ever

If you aren't used to eating a huge plate of meat, with a little slice of bread, order one sandwich for two. If you order the pastrami (why would you not?) Get a lean stack. It sits a bit better than the normal cut with more fat.
Fries are good, but I'd recommend the pickles on the side instead.
Don't lose your ticket unless you want to pay the extra fee!
Enjoy the busy rush, cause once you have your sandwich and your seat, you'll be pleased with what you have.

Just one last FYI, cash ONLY!

Well I was there to fix something actually but I did get a pastrami sandwich. Did not dissapoint probably one of the best pastrami sandwiches I've ever had.

Dont waste your money! Go to a better place for less money!

If they say you that you have to go there in you are in new york, dont trust them!

I arrived there and i saw a really ugly place, but i tought, lets give it a chance. I waited in the line for my sandwich and the cutter was really rough, like a really bad service. They gave me the pastrami sandwich, really big, but it tasted like sausage. The most tasty food were the cucumbers,. Also i ordered a beer and it was $9! Summarizing: i spend 24 usd in an ugly sandwich, with the worst service and + 9 in a regular beer! 35 total!!

We go there for the mile high pastrami sandwiches. It's a NYC tradition!

Beautiful restaurant. Very elegant yet simple. The chef, how creative and talented. I am still dreaming of my wonderful dish.

Organized chaos and o so delicious. Worth the stop. CASH ONLY! Note: They do have a card machine but they are reluctant to use.

Best Jewish deli still alive!!
Price and selection second to none.

Fantastic food, great "new York" service and vibe. But it is expensive , worth it for out of town visitors. Get the Ruben!

The food was disgusting. The decorations was nice. I don t understand why this place is famous the prices are high for a sandwich that only has mustard and pastrami in small pieces of bread. Don t be fooled the pastrami is very disgusting and greasy.I ordered a kids burger for my 11 year old daughter because they said the regular burger was huge but it wasn t any bigger. Only thing I enjoyed was the soda. Don t waste your time or money in this place.

Outrageously good pastrami. Potato pancakes are also incredibly good. Long lines but very very efficient.

What can you say about Katz's that hasn't been said? More than 125 years slinging sandwiches to hungry New Yorkers means they're doing something right. Start with a tasty knish or a hotdog, then tuck into an awesome pastrami or brisket on rye, with some well done fries on the side (maybe half a sandwich and some matzoball soup if you aren't a big eater). While you're at it have them throw in some terrific pickles (I'm partial the half sours), and wash it all down with a Doc. Browns. People will think you're a local. Forget dessert. You won't have room anyway. Expensive? Yeah, it's pricy, but the sandwich is as big as your head! Don't forget to tip you carver.

I really enjoyed the truly authentic interior of this place. We went for breakfast and had the walls and sausage which were good. I jealous of all the sandwiches I saw walking by though!

I wish there were a zero star rating, because it would just sum up that place. Dirty, inedible, overpriced - shocking. We did not believe the bad reviews and it was stupid of us - because we bought the idea of a NY classic, a NY experience. Our expectations were quite high and the reality was shocking. The pastrami was greasy, fatty, charred, inedible, the famous salami was beyond the pale - AVOID LIKE THE PLAGUE. Any street vendor would be miles better, utter disappointment, inedible and unhygienic.

Katz's has existed since the late 1800's being one of the most popular eateries in New York City. I had lunch on a Thursday around 1:30PM with my husband and son. The restaurant was extremely crowded but we found a table when another group of 4 left.

My husband waited in line almost 15 minutes to order from the sandwich maker. It's an experience in itself when guests chat with each other about the food or with the "cutter" who builds your sandwich. After you tell him your order the cutter gives you a taste test of a piece of the meat for your sandwich. I had a Reuben only eating half. My husband had a pastrami sandwich which he says the meat melted in his mouth. Very good. The plate of pickles with your sandwich are really good too. See attached photos.

Many guests have favorite sandwich cutters over the years for obvious reasons. A suggestion, give your sandwich cutter a tip, perhaps $1 in the glass on the counter BEFORE he makes your sandwich. He'll be glad as well as you when you see what you get.

You can share a pastrami sandwich. It s more then enough for one person !

Great meat, quick service, great waiters. The line may seem long but it moves fast. Meat is very well prepared, tender and super juicy. Grdaf atmosphere and tons of happy faces

Pastrami was wonderful, corn beef was just ok. Will try roast beef and beef brisket next time

Amazing pastrami on rye! If you go in the afternoon, prepare for a 20 minute wait outside followed by a 15 minute line inside to get your food.
PS dont lose your ticket(s)

Prices have shot way up. Katz's has become a popular tourist attraction. the Delicatessen food is still good here. It is one of the very few classic delicatessens left within the Lower East Side neighborhood. Note, that there are long lines to get in, due to it having become a tourist attraction.

A True Historical and Delicious Real NYC Deli!! Enjoy the Best Pastrami and Matzo ball soup!!

Always great : waiting online got the hotdogs mustard and sauerkraut and a pastrami on rye food was absolutely great , and of course a Dr. Brown Cherry .

Everything it says it is and more. Perfect New York deli experience. Pastrami is the way to go and add some sauerkraut on the side. The entire staff is into the whole experience as well. Look forward to next time

The most delicious sandwich i've ever eaten! Worth the wait and the price!

Sandwiches r getting horrible. Brisket was full of fat and pastrami was really greasy

Good food, way overpriced. As an occasional visitor to NY on business I try to hit up some of the iconic food places when I'm there so I finally got over to Katz's and tried the pastrami on rye and the corned beef. They are both pretty good and piled high of course as it's famous for, but is it worth $17.95 per sandwich? Nope, not in my opinion. Came out to just under $50 for 2 sandwiches, 1 order of fries and 2 waters. You gotta be kidding me. I'm glad I went there so I can cross it off the list but I will never make a point to go back there again like I do with some of the iconic pizzerias.

We came for dessert and were not disappointed. Love the NYC tradition!

If you want a sandwich unlike any you've ever had in your life, you gotta check it out. Don't wait for table service, go up to the counter, experience the real deal.

Twenty bucks for a sandwich but it's enough for two people the pastrami is incredible

This was honestly one of the worst dining experiences of my life!!! First, the ticket method of ordering and paying is the most bizarre and inefficient method I have ever experienced. The staff are mean and most importantly, the food stinks. The turkey sandwich was dry and sliced thickly-not what is done in a deli. The matzoh ball soup looked like motor oil, my soup puts their's to complete shame! I am very fond of deli food and have eaten in countless delis. The seating was sparse and others were constantly trying to steal our table. Guards were placed at the exit and it felt like jail, rather than a deli. The frenetic atmosphere, horrible food, rude staff, and jail-like setting make this a horrible dining experience. Do not waste your time or money on this one!!!

Can't figure out why Katz's is still garnering all this hype other than longevity qualifies it as a New York institution... The food is average at best and heavily salted, probably to enhance the sub standard taste, and everything is ridiculously overpriced. If you enjoy dining on diner food amongst tourists from the fly over states during the daylight hours, this is your place. If you enjoy dining on diner food amongst drunk Summer Analysts and the Back Office support after the 13th Step closed, this is your place. Cash is King here, not sure how that still flies.

Heartattack in a sandwich. I'd advise to buy 1 pastrami and split with a friend or you will have a stroke.

Love the pastrami but the prices are getting way out of control

After waiting on line for a 45 minutes, I was very happy with my pastrami sandwich. My family also enjoyed the brisket with gravy and tongue sandwich.

If you can't make it to Schwartz's in Montreal for smoked meat, this is the next best thing! Huge portions of really tasty pastrami, but pretty overpriced.

Iconic for a reason. It's a pricey sandwich but it if you're in the market for high quality ingredients with top-drawer flavour, then this is the deli for you.

I had the Reuben, which was a huge pile of salty delicious meet and pickles. 10/10 would order again.

Very crowded and a little overpriced. But I guess if you want to experience New York there it is

This place is amazing!!! The food was excellent! If you re ever in New York City, check it out.

Kat'z. The dream of reliving what the LES once was. Too bad the dream turned into a nightmare. First of all, for a restaurant to have hired security is quite ridiculous, especially a Jewish deli. The security were extremely rude and all they would do is yell at you though really they should have been taking care of crowd control because it was a total mess of people inside not sure where to go.

The ordering system makes sense once you have been there once, but as a first-timer (even though I grew up in NY, I never went until now) it was confusing especially with the hordes of people inside. Huge fire hazard as well. The ticket system is not too efficient and it is not explained well as you enter the restaurant. As a party of three, we were given three tickets, though we thought we would only need one because we are paying all together. This got us into a lot of trouble at the end when security would NOT LET US LEAVE even though we had a receipt, because we were missing two of our tickets. This is when the situation got ugly. The security were extremely unprofessional to everybody in my party, using sarcasm and mocking tones. They told us that we can go ahead and call the police but it would be a waste because they would be against us. We basically became prisoners unable to leave the restaurant even though we had proof we paid. Ultimately we had to find the manager and explain what happened. He acted like he was doing us a huge favor to have us escorted out.

The food was good, very good. The knishes were some of the best I've ever had. But, I can go to Ben's and have a much more enjoyable experience without the crazy security and the food is on par with Kat'z (and cheaper).

It's really good. Just make sure you don't lose your ticket or you are in trouble!

Legendary place, pastrami sandwiches are the best here! Huge line and waiting time worth it.

The food here is amazing - pastrami reuben sandwiches to die for! We also managed to squeeze in a couple of blintzes, which were a great dessert.

That said, the sandwich was over $20, and the place was incredibly busy. We jad to wait for about 20mins just to get in, and a furhwr 10-15 to order.

The bustling nature of the place means it's not a very relaxing place to eat.

Very crowded but worth the wait. One place in a million serves corned beef specials like this. Wonderful pastrami. Who could ask for more from a Deli.

Came here later in the evening (around 10:30 PM) with my friends for a post-dinner snack: what an experience. Not nearly as many people were eating as usual, and we were easily able to grab a seat and hang out for an hour. What a legendary spot. The pastrami truly does live up to the hype, and you can see the history plastered all over the walls. Katz's is well worth the visit for any meat-eating human living on this planet.