Katz's Deli Reviews

I'm not sure why the reviews are so positive. I've had much better smoked meat, with better service, and better prices. The wait times are long (45 for a table, an hour to recieved our food); the meat is not as moist/tender/fatty as you'd expect from smoked meat.

Katz's is iconic, so we had to stop during a visit to New York. My husband loved his pastrami sandwich, and I really enjoyed the matzo ball soup. The open face turkey sandwich was good, too.

Again $5 bucks back when I was a kid got ya a whole sandwich and meal and now it s 3 times the amount but still a must do!

It's well worth the wait. Food is amazing, but the whole experience is one of a kind.

Delicious food and really nice staff! Great atmosphere. Definitely a must-see/eat when in NYC!

A story.
Once upon a time, I went to NY. It was my first visit. My then-bf had been several times. I mentioned to then-bf that I'd like to try this place I read about called Katz's Deli. Then-bf said no, bc he'd rather go to [deli that shall remain unnamed that is now closed]. I ate at deli that shall remain unnamed. I was not impressed.
Then-bf eventually goes back to NY. With his family. He returns. Tells me how bored he was watching [Broadway play that shall remain unnamed]. Oh, btw, he tried Katz's Deli - it was SO GOOD. Then-gf me is nit happy.
Fast forward many years later. Single me FINALLY goes to Katz's Deli w my sister. Single me def over-ordered but regrets NOTHING. Single me dines on Katz's Deli leftovers the next day. Single me is happy.
Don't be the ex that never took his girl to Katz's Deli.
The end.

Great food, service guys were a little unenthusiastic but food quality was good. For the price, it should have been EXPENSIVE

The staff are inappropriate and aggressive. I was purposefully sent to the incorrect line to take my to-go order, then when I wanted to leave, the bouncer physically stopped me because I gave my empty order note to the chef in the wrong line.

Pastrami Reuben had a lot of tough fat on it. Almost half the meat was inedible. Not worth $24 for the sandwich at all.

The inside was cool, but my food experience was sub par.

So much history here! Awesome pastrami piled high. A little pricey but worth it.

Had the pastrami on rye, the best pastrami I've ever had. This place was packed on a holiday at 3pm so be prepared for the lines.

Fun spot, infamous and well worth a drop by for a sandwich on your trip in NYC! Recommend the hot meats, that is their main thing!

Simply the best deli in New York, they allow you to try a piece of the meat before putting it into your sandwich and I've never been disappointed.

Classic NYC experience, food was great and Server was fun and attentive.

Best sandwich in town..must place to go...little pricey

Best Pastrami in NYC. Area always crouded but personnel is very well orginized. A must when at NYC. Easy access using Metro line F

If you see this place ranked at five stars, it was a tourist reviewing. This is not a New York experience at all. Maybe it was in the past, but now it's just like being sucked into a tourist trap. I felt like I was waiting in line for a roller coaster and the chaos was too much. Everyone working there was mean or fake nice. The worst part was the fact that the sandwich was twenty five dollars. For a huge sandwich that could be split between two people. But I'm just one person. And I'm a New Yorker. I don't want to drag around leftovers. It was also crowded on a Friday morning so I just left and went to a nice little bagel place down the street instead called heaven hot bagel. Delicious lox and cream cheese on an everything for ten bucks. I'm glad this place was here because I would have been sad and hungry otherwise.

Of course the pastrami and the corn beef is the go to sandwich.

I would give 0 stars if I could
Everyone there is just so rude, the owner, jake dell is just a rude person. Arrogance oozes out of him.

3rd time there and still surprised by the gorgeous taste of the pastrami!!! 24$ is far too much for a sandwich but if u see how crowded the place is all day long it seems nobody cares about that.

So delicious!! And, the menu...Just wow! Great atmosphere and service!

Great dining experience from A-Z. Our server Katy was the best and really was a pleasure. If you are looking for a satisfying deli meal look no further.

One of the best sandwiches I have had. This place was recommended to me and I am so glad I went. The meat is so tender and flavorful. I had actually eaten right before going here but loved the food so much I ended up finishing the whole thing. Worth it!

Pricey but so worth it, truly lives up to its reputation!

This was one of my favorites places to eat when I was in NY if not my favorite place. The food was so incredibly good and the waiter service was also top notch! If you are reading this, you NEED to go to this place to experience it yourself! You wont regret it.

Old School, Place to Share. Try something like the half brisket, half pastrami and some deli pickles ordered from one of the no nonsense deli guys (but they will let you try a sample of the meat options if you ask) and some specially brewed katz's ale from brooklyn brewery and sit down to share both with a friend. Not cheap, fun to have every so often

10/10
Best Deli in the city hands down. Probably the best Deli on Earth ...

Walk in --> take a ticket --> Buy a pastrami sandwich on rye --> eat it --> pay the $25 (In cash-only)--> leave.

It's the best pastrami sandwich on Earth, so it can be $22.95 plus tax.

Good food but a little pricey at $23 for a sandwich

If you are in NY better stop by the best Damn deli in the city. Trust me it's worth the trip!! Love this city! !!

Traditional deli. 100+ years old. Amazing corned beef and pastrami sandwiches

Love this place and I love that it's open 24hrs on the weekend. I haven't had a bad thing yet. The staff is also friendly

I couldnt explain why anyone would pay $25 for a sandwich, that will give you heartburn, even in NYC, until I tried Katz's Delicatessen. Even the anxiety inducing crampedness you must navigate through to get your expensive sandwich won't deter me from leaving a five star review. Why? Because it's incredibly delicious, and worth every penny.

This place is legend, anyone, I mean anyone reviewing under 3 stars has a envy disorder. Your mad you came during the bars closing down and had to wait ? Leave sooner or preorder. Your mad they have security because you can't control your flailing arms while piss drunk , not their problem. Your mad you got banned because your a jerk, again your own problem. This place is pinnacle for the mighty pastrami. It is the mecca of it. After all they are open 24/7 for a reason.

Best Pastrami sandwich on the Planet. Liked the sign.

We live nearby and come by once every year or so. It was packed with NY'ers and tourists at 2:30 pm. Huge Sandwiches: corned beef on rye, pastrami on rye, 2 sodas, coleslaw, and pickles cost $56. It's 2019!

A magical place of delicious foods so simply amazing and awesome service too thanks katz .

My boyfriend and I went here for the first time Friday night. We went around midnight so there were places to sit. I got the pastrami sandwich and was blown away at how good it was! They aren't kidding when they say they've got the best pastrami! My boyfriend got corned beef and it was pretty great also! We both got the matzo ball soup which was depressing. I was so excited to try it but the broth really didn't have a flavor besides salt and some hints of chicken. The matzo ball was dense and kind of dry and didn't really have a flavor. the set up of the deli is a little confusing. If I hadn't read reviews I wouldn't have known to keep my ticket and that you pay as you're leaving. We wanted to go just to experience it and we are glad we did it.

I've been miserable since leaving but it was worth it. Reuben and Pastrami sandwich out of this world . Grabbing some matza ball soup for a great time.

Outstanding service and food! How can you go wrong with food like my grandmother used to make!!!

Man, everyone has to go here at least once in their life. Ask for extra pickles lol

Amazing as ever. Sandwiches are huge and delicious. Everyone is very friendly and patient.

THE FOOD!!!! Enough said....... The experience is ok to say you did it but I found that some of the locals were less than accommodating when it came to sharing space to sit and it made less sense how the "waiter" tables were set up amongst the others made it more difficult to find a place to sit. But then there's THE FOOD! Will definitely hold you over for a long day of sight-seeing

Amazing pastrami sandwich, but too many people, a very big line, and above all is too expansive, come on guys 20 bucks for a sandwich...

Katz Delicatessen is a legendary NY landmark and institution since 1888 and one of the city's few remaining Jewish delis. The legendary #pastrami sandwich is out of this world but you have to be prepared for the breathtakingly long lines. it still has many joining 'When Harry Met Sally' fans in shouting yes, yes, yes!

Saw some dude from a show "Impractical Jokers" He asked me if I could bless his food. He then decided to sign my napkin. Anyway, the food was good.

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.

Expensive but it's iconic. The pastrami sandwich was truly amazing so consider the price part of the experience and enjoy!

Simply the Best Corned Beef and Pastrami anywhere. A New York institution.

Unbelievably delicious, crowded, and crazy but thats what makes Katz so great. The true NYC deli experience. Don't skip this New York City stop!

Katz is a great deli very busy but has fast good service.they have alot of selection for food. The beef brisket is fantastic. They feel like an old school deli. A must try if your passing by even worth a special trip.

Experience has not changed over the decades I've been going there. Only the prices, which have certainly kept up with inflation and prevailing NYC rates.

PHENOMENAL!!!!!!! This was absolutely the best meal I've eaten in a restaurant in this year yet because the food was delectably tasty. I had the steak dinner which was truly delicious. The price is right, the decor is good, and the staff is friendly!

Iconic and delicious - not for agoraphobes, it was utter chaos at 4pm on a Saturday.

Excellent food, don t even bother asking anything to any other waitress other than the one on your table - they just dgaf.

Delicious! The corned beef sandwich was the most delicious sandwich I've ever had. If there were more stars, I would give them.

Sandwiches are good, but not worth $20. Would be great sandwich shop if prices were cheaper.

It s an essential place to visit. Iconic in every way and the food does not disappoint. Atmosphere is fun and don t be put off by the abrupt service, it s New York! Generously overfilled sandwiches and decent sides. Loses one star for outdated and confusing ticket system

Waited a longtime to finally eat here and it did not disappoint me at all! Got the Pastrami Sandwich and it was delicious! Great Matzo soup and Turkey Sandwich is awesome as well! Must stop if you are in the right part of NYC! I will be back!

A New York landmark worth visiting so that means tons of tourists.
It's cash only.
The Pastrami sandwich is really big but still overpriced.
I recommend getting the pastrami if this if your first visit something to cross off your list.

I will only go here if I have someone visiting and they want to go :)

This food is worth every penny. The place was packed when we arrived. We were instructed to take a ticket upon entrance. Everyone must take one even if you are paying together. They may do this to take tabs of how many come per day. This was a Sunday night. The chefs behind the counter sliced the meat and just the looks make you want to go googoo for Gaga. They'll ask you what's your selection. I'm a huge corned beef fan and I said I wanted it on a Reuben. The guy prompted me to ask if I was sure. We ended up wanting a taste test. Their cornbeef was sub par in comparison to the pastrami. And honestly it tasted like a better corned beef. Anywho, a $20 sandwich became worth it. You can sit it or carry out. We carried out and I headed back to my state. When I tell you eating that sandwich while I hit the road was nothing short of fabulous I felt like I was still in the restaurant. The meet remained tender. This meat comes from the Butcher God's. I prefer vegetables but every time I think about that sandwich I relapse. I cannot wait to go back. Make sure you take photos while you're there. Also, by the time we paid, the packed house had already died down. They get you in and out. So don't fret about the long lines

A must visit!

Very busy at lunch but worth the wait

I wouldn t advise waiting for table service - it s a lot quicker just going up and ordering! (They also give you bits of meat whilst you watch them make your sandwich).

Friendly staff and the food is great! Pastrami sandwich is amazing and the matzo ball soup is delicious as well!

This place was here before I was born .........79 baby .....

Corned beef Reuben with pickles and root beer soda yes! What a great lunch!

Everything we expected it to be!! Great fun, waiter and crew were great. Food amazing, simple and so tasty. Loved the experience

Yum! I didn't realize they had their own beer label, too!

Me and my wife had an amazing time in this place. The place is clean, wide selection of food; my favourite are the sandwiches as they were very flavoursome, the staff were also friendly, accommodating and polite.

Heaven on earth. The best pastrami or corn beef anywhere on earth.

2nd. time here , last time was 15 years ago. Same as I remember. Great food. A touch pricey.

Still the best pastrami in the world.... no contest.

Amazing food, highly recommend.
In our case waiting for been seated wasn't the right desion and we found our self waiting for an hour just to be seated

Super busy restaurant. A little on the unorganized side. When you walk in you are suppose to go line up under a cutter number hanging over head. When you walk up to an available cutter you are then instructed by someone yell at you behind the counter to form one line on the side! ??? Ok. No problem.

The staff and cutters are friendly and willing to give you samples. The pastrami comes out of the huge cooker or warmer or steamer or whatever but it s just this giant hunk of juice meat. They all wear gloves and are very clean about fixing your food. You pay cash in the front and credit at the back. You are usually in and out of there in 10mins. I highly recommend Katz Deli.

Thank you thank you thank you, Katz's, for letting me bring in a group of middle schoolers without warning! You were so kind and patient. The kids loved it!

I've been in new York for a while today was my first time and is worth it, it's seems busy, but it's actually faster than you think.

Way too salty and so overpriced for what it is. Very overrated, wish I never went. It ruined my trip.