Katz's Deli Reviews

Dont get a new carver. Check the tip jars-thays a good indication of who is getting it right. We got a new guy- didnt speak good english. We said 1 reuben with corned beef and pastrami on rue and one pastrami on rye- he made 3 sandwiches. If you want matzo ball soup and you ask for it in the carver line they will send you all the way back to the front of the store to get it and then you have to go back to the back and pay- if your using credit. The front of the store register is cash. The pickles are great, the meat is bland and the bread is ok. Wont go back. I can get a juicy, flavorful pastrami sandwich on rye hands down 10 times better at broadway diner in Bayonne.

It was good but way way to greasy and oily.... and the meat had little flavor

Great people working there and sandwiches are the truth....

I didn t like it!!! The pastrami was all fat and barely meat to taste! so disgusting, also super raw and pickles were also not good! The kitchen is also dirty, no hygiene! It so expensive 27$ for a sandwich! i regret eating there. The ticket system and menu is also confusing, they really need to upgrade.

Love this place. The sandwiches are pricey over $20+ but it's good quality and substantial. The pastrami is the best!

Every time I travel to New York City I always go to Katz's. The pastrami is always the best. However today the extra lean corned beef flavor was a bit off in fact I didn't eat it and it was a bit dry but again the pastrami was absolutely fabulous and I enjoyed it tremendously.

THE BEST BEST FOOD AND SERVICE!!! The original location in Manhattan...NOT Brooklyn!!!

Wonderful food and they give samples before they make your sandwich. Everything is their own brand made in their warehouse in Jersey! Wonderful, friendly service. And the place is frequented by all kinds of people. Great atmosphere, photos of famous visitors everywhere. The place has been there since 1888, before the Empire State Building. They accept cards and cash, but DO NOT lose the ticket they give you, or you'll have to pay $50. And the food is not expensive at all, my bf paid $20 for him, my sister, and I last night. Love love loved it! Can't wait to go again!

Shared a rueben sandwich, was the best I've had ever.

Wait times are crazy long. However this is a top spot something you have try. Food is amazing. Dont lose the ticket they give you at the door or you will pay a high cover fee.

Organized chaos. It is what it is. Good enough food, and the portions are more than adequate LOL.

A little intimidating going in for the first time, but the food was good and the service was great! Got the Reuben, Split Pea Soup and Latkes, YUM!

Quintessential New York Sunday lunch. Bought cole slaw to go, only I bought way to little and have to come back soon for more. Doesn't get better than here.

A tourist must when visiting NYC. Huge portions and the wait times are not too bad given the demand.

An American classic. Worth the wait. Sandwiches are huge. You are best to get the half sandwich and mozza ball soup combo. The soup is better than my mother in law's and God I hope she doesn't see this.

Wowow! Was worth the Lyft ride from hotel and the wait outside of the deli. The place was jamming busy (always a good sign). The pastrami met our expectations and we met a lot of friendly people, including out "slicer" or "cutter". I guess that's what they are called. Only docked it a star because of the high prices. $22.90 for a sandwich. But we got what we came for, so it's like going to Disney world. We enjoyed the experience and the food so it was worth it. Highly recommend! Oh, don't forget to return whatever tickets they give you when you walk in. You have to return them when you walk out or the will be problems. And it's cash or debit only.

Best pastrami hands down! Great pickles and tasty matzo ball soup. You can sit at the Harry Met Sally table!!

Worth at least a visit! We got a Reuben sandwich (suggested by a local guy queing with us) and was out of this world!

They're only getting one star because they delivered. I called to place an order over the phone for a small function we were having at work.The staff is incredible rude. ZERO phone etiquette, zero customer service, zero, none, nothing, nada (cant think of a way to say zero). The girl i spoke to (Lisa i think was her name) was just so rude like she needed a laxative,incredibly rude.First and last time im ever going to use them.Was led on by the hype.Its not worth it trust me. Not worth it at all.

I could have made a better sandwhich with my kid's lunchables meat and some wonder bread. $24 for a corned beef sandwich? Need I say more!

There really should be a 6th star option. Best Jewish deli I've ever been to. Very expensive though. But it's a requirement for me every time I visit the city. I always get the pastrami.

The beans tasted like it had a bag of sugar in it and the broccoli knish was dry and microwaved. Both were not edible. My friend said the pastrami was pretty good. But the rest is garbage.

Got classic pastrami on rye. It was enough for two hearty meals, and I 100% enjoyed both meals.

Amazing sandwiches and staff. Be prepared it s a little pricy around 20 a sandwich but as a tourist well worth the price

Went here for my birthday because I loved it the last few times I have gone over the years but.... Our sandwiches was all cold with hard cold cheese on top. It was just horrible that day. Service sucked and we had to ask for pickles . Plastic cup had a hair in it so we sent it back. The waiter came and bought us back another dirty plastic cup. Not sure if we will ever come back.

Come during weekday lunch and it'll be full and crowded but no wait. Super delicious pastrami sandwich and egg cream, fun and lively environment.

If you finish a corned beef sandwich, lmk how cos I couldn't do it.

No trip down to the Lower East side of Manhattan is complete without lunch at the landmark of Jewish deli...Katz's. Crowded and pricey (of course), but worth it. They do deli like true Nu Yawkahs!

I went to Katz Delhi with daughter first time. I bought two pastrami and it was so good I ll go there again

Landmark - must visit, awesome pastrami on rye, really high prices

The best deli if you want an awesome Pastrami on Rye. The meat is so tender and juicy. They also give you 3 different pickles with your sandwich. I also love their homemade lemonade. I think Sally was having a... personal moment because of the Katz Pastrami. Just my opinion.

Staff wasnt nice, food is dry and not as I expected

The place has definitely changed since I ve been here. Which was about 20 years ago.
I miss the yelling behind the counters. The little guy with the Yiddish accent. The fresh smell of pastrami lingering as you open the door to get of bite of that smell. There was an event about .02 miles from Katz, so I decided to get a taste of the great sammich. All I can say is, I know it would have tasted much better hot. Room temperature was good, but hot would be better.
Thank you for all you do.

Super tasty and like nothing I ve had anywhere else, ordered juicy . Way too much food! Should have only ordered a half pastrami after eating a hot dog (yes, also great here!). Watch out, your bill adds up faster than you would think!

Extremely delicious pastrami and matzo ball soup. If you've never been and go when it's busy you will likely end up pretty confused amidst the mayhem; take your ticket to a counter, order your food, and pay everything when you leave.

Amazing late night food. The pastrami was delightful.

If you want a perfect example of the best of NYC deli food then there is no better choice than Katz's!! Service was great and friendlier than expected for the Big Apple, and the prices and food were amazing!!

Waited 40+ years to eat here. Worth every minute. Had the Half and Half (pastrami and corned beef). BEST SANDWICH EVER... EVER.

I know everyone goes for the pastrami( which is great) but, I Love the brisket in a kaiser Roll.!
And not complete unless you get a side of gravy (free;) . It Might be a little messy and lots of people watching you swallow it - but it's the bomb!!
Of course - a matzah ball soup and order of fries doesn't hurt. Def. a must visit in NYC..

Yes, it's touristic, yes, it's expensive, but you have to go there once! The beef pastrami was sooooooo good!

One of the last places to get an authentic sandwich now that the Carnegie is closed. Would always go back when I am in town.

5 stars for the food and staff but it could do with a refurbishment.

Cool place but they robbed me on the coffee. 13 bucks for a double espresso and a cappuccino. So much for the season of goodwill. Mugged on Christmas Day.

Don't be fooled by imitations, when you want a real meal. Find out why it's legendary your self.. worth it every time.

It's good, but I'm not sure Katz's lives up to the hype. It kind of feels like a tourist trap.

The pastrami is sliced thick, and it IS very good, but the brisket came out a little dry. Our chicken noodle soup felt very pedestrian. I feel that I got much better value from 2nd Ave. Deli.

It is cool to be in the middle of a lot of history though. With photos of celebrities ringing the dining room, salamis hanging from the walls, and an old-timey water fountain in the back, you get a great atmosphere and tradition. That, and this place's legend, will keep packing 'em in.

You don't need me to writer a review because it writes itself, maybe google Anthony Bourdain Katz's , this place is an institution on NYC's gastronomical history.

Incredible salami and pastrami sandwiches. On the expensive side for sandwiches, but definitely worth it. It's obvious that it's been around for years and all the food they make looks amazing.

Best Pastrami sandwich ever, will definitely return to try other sandwiches.

Heard from friends and on YouTube. Good but not great. Kinda expensive.

Epic sandwiches. Yes almost perfect. Why are they not. Because my grandma didnt make them.

Nice thick cut pastrami sandwich. Super inefficient and expensive. Definitely a tourist trap. Food is good, but overrated.

This place was a disappointment. Food was on the lower end of average. Service was chaotic. Restaurant was dirty. Cafeteria seating difficult. Wouldn't recommend.

Katz's delicatessen is an institution and I would recommend anyone going there and the surrounding area. That having said, I also believe that their famous Pastrami sandwich is a little overpriced and with a little too much meat for my tasting (don't flock me) My advice go there, enjoy the atmosphere and share a Pastrami sandwich or Reubens with a friend or a stranger. And if you grave for more check out another Deli for pastrami and Form your own opinion.

I worth the experience, if you love pastrami this is the place.

The best DELI! World Wide. No one can come close to Katz Deli. The best Pastrami or LOKS. Their loks are amazing. Who doesn't like Smoked Salmon w/Cream Cheese, freshly made, on a freshly made bagel? Service is excellent and the price is on point especially for the amount of meat you get! Always a great spot to check out when you're in the city.

The pastrami sandwich is amazing. Actually not too overpriced (considering the quantity) or touristy as was my concern. The ordering experience can be stressful, but it's worth at least one visit here.

One of the very best in NYC. We tried the Pastrami Sandwich and it was great.

No frill deli/restaurant with a great tasting, loaded pastrami sandwich. Definitely worth the price. We opted to be seated and there was friendly-service. Weird ticket system to be honest but they explained it s because they get really busy.

The most sumptuous sandwich I've ever had. Beef pastrami on rye with mustard. $25 after tax. A bit steep but worth every penny. Service was quick and the cutter gave a generous taste of the pastrami when I ordered. Pickles that came with the sandwich totally complemented the rich taste of the pastrami. Went later at night after 8 and avoided the crowd.

Wow what buzz this place has... once you order up one of those gigantic sandwiches they are famous for you can see why so many people make a trip into the bowery for an authentic Jewish deli sandwich served with a side of pickles. You may even bump into a celebrity as this place seems to a must visit for them too when in town.

Some places are tourist-traps to avoid. Others are tourist destinations for a reason. Katz's is a New York institution that never disappoints even if you have to wait in line to get that pastrami sandwich. The place is amazing. It's what NYC dreams taste like.

Meat. Piles of meat. Delicious fresh meat. Still an occasional battle to get some but the goddamn meat is goddamn delicious. With fries and pickles and their own rather tasty ale. Great cheeky service, despite the most uncanadian Canadians we were stuck with.

Always a great place to eat a Reuben; take an appetite.

The owner came to my table and personally spoke with me about my food. He then gave me a sample of pastrami as I had ordered the corned beef. Giant Sandwiches. Wish I could get 1/2 Corned Beed 1/2 Pastrami to try them both...

The Reuben is perfectly prepared. The meat dissolves in your mouth and the coleslaw cuts the fat.
The capuchino and cheesecake were disappointing.

We don't have a true deli at home. This place is very different from Mill Basin deli, which I loved, in Brooklyn which was my first experience the day before. Being my first time here it was a little confusing placing an order. I had to go back to the door man to get direction again. He was pleasant but you could tell he just wanted to keep the line moving. The entire experience was enjoyable. From the confusing start, watching them prepare your food, the crowd, and noise. Although I thought it was a bit pricey I would do it again. The pastrami and pickles were delicious.

This place is crazy famous enough for one of the cutes movies from the 90' and I think that is not famous just for that reason. Crazy crowded in the evening and open 24/7. Immediately the price for a sandwich seems high but I can promise that's not. During the long wait, while preparing your sandwich the chefs give you tastes of their amazing soft meat. I ordered the sandwich with pastrami and Katz's mustard. It's huge and delicious, you can easily share it because it's a lot of food, but you can also bring the leftovers home with you. The interiors is cool, you can breath the 80's/90's and I loved it! A must try if you are in NYC!

The best place I've ever went to for lunch. Wow amazing

The sandwich was good. Just not worth $25 (including tax).

I'm not a big pastrami fan, but I am definitely a Katz fan! The experience is fun, even thought the wait times are normally long. I would say we waited for around 25 minutes until receiving our orders.

You walk in and receive a ticket-DO NOT LOSE THIS TICKET- and then either ask to be seated and order from a waiter, or wait in line and skip the service charge. There are a good number of cutter stations, so the line can keep moving. You order what you want when it's your turn, and you get taste samples of the pastrami! The orders come with pickles, and you can ask them to put mustard in the sandwich. The mustard goes great with the pastrami, and the pickles compliment the savory sandwich perfectly. You give them your ticket and they write down what you ordered on it. There's a tip jar so make sure to tip, it's always busy in Katz, and the employees deserve appreciation.

We got a seat and enjoyed our meal, definitely worth the wait! You pay after you're done, and then give back the ticket as you leave the place!

Very busy place and not that cheap but it was probably the best sandwich i remeber having!!

It s expensive and chaotic, but it s good. We always get pastrami or corned beef, but I hear it s worth showing up for the hot dogs too.