Katz's Deli Reviews

Little pricey but so worth it. I always go out my way while in NYC for a pastrami sandwich here.

Best pastrami in NYC. Shop has been around since 1988,packed with history. You should go hungry as portions are quite big. A pastrami sandwich and some fries should be good for two people. Whatever you do, do not loose the ticket you are given!!

More of a factory now than a restaurant. We did not actually eat in here due to the nature of the place and quickly moved on.

Food is great, prices a little high. Fast service and great staff

Wow. I just experienced Katz's Deli, and now fully believe you haven't lived until you eat a Pastrami on Rye at this place.

The only bad thing I can say is that this place will ruin every other sandwich that you've had or will ever have. Unless your coming back again enjoy it because you will never have one like it again, ever!

The only spot for amazing kosher deli. You can't order something bad. It's all amazing. From the meet cutters to the ambience.

Food was great. We shared a sandwich, but it was pricey. The experience was priceless and a great memory from a great trip.

Don't expect luxury, or unique interior. Honestly, the interior is quite irrelevant here. The sandwiches are still as great as they have always been. The portions of meat are ridiculous. I could not possibly handle all of the pastrami but for a meat lover sure paradise.

It's the best place to buy a nice juicy pastrami sandwich. The Best

No surprises here, the pastrami sandwich was super good. The only gripe I have is that everything is separated into different lines, so after you wait in line forever for a sandwich you have to go wait in a different line forever to get a side of fries or even cole slaw.

Overcrowded and no where to sit. Food was good, but the cattle prodding procedure make this nothing more than a tourist trap!

GREAT TASTING FOOD BUT THEY NEED TO SERVE A LITTLE MORE MEAT ON THEIR SANDWICHES NO NAMES LIKE ANOTHER PLACE ON FIRST AVENUE DOES.

Although it's famous, I went with the chili dog. The bun wasn't toasted and the chili was too salty for my liking. Still good though. They have this thing where when you enter they give you a ticket whether or not you are purchasing or not. It was standoffish in my opinion. What's the big whoop about... Luckily I'm a New Yorker and not fazed by that, but I can see as a tourist if you don't understand the custom as well as the ticket personnel were not that great, it can be ridiculous.

The pastrami and corned beef is to die for. Highly recommend eating at this place if visiting NYC.

Lives up to its hype!
Grungy! But in a good way. Exactly what you would expect and want., Any person whose every been to a Good Deli, will understand this and realize it's not an insult.
It doesn't mean it's Dirty!

A bit Pricey, but it's NYC.

The pastrami is among the top three I've ever eaten.

I was with a large group but food was delicious and delivered to table in a timely manner and the staff was great.

Been coming since I was a kid...one of the best places to get the best pastrami sandwich

The food was amazing. The place was super crowded and the atmosphere was chaotic.

Friend got harassed by one of the doormen because he thought she ignored him deliberately(so that warrants harassment to your own customers?) when we first walked in, but I guess he clearly didn't notice she was just over-excited looking around and talking about it to her brother as this was his first time here.
Mind you this happened when we were leaving and I guess this doorman was so "resentful" that he felt justified in making fun of my friend's voice and in (what I thought was appropriate) turn got flipped off by said friend.
AND it gets even better. As we walked out, not even 20 steps in, the doormen walked out and screamed profanities at us and of course got stares and more birds flipped towards him.
To the doorman; Sorry that you feel so "insulted" by my friend that you had to intimidate and harass us as a show of "dominance." Yeah show of "dominance" to a group of small Asian girls plus one dude that wouldn't even dream of hurting anyone. I understand greeting customers all day isn't the best job, but don't take it out on my friend, you prick.

Quite literally the best pastrami in the world. It takes 5 days to make...From raw brisket to dripping juicy pastrami.

Food is amazing as reported, service is hectic during peak times.

Super awkward people/service, I don't know why - they don't talk or explain things, on top of the fact that it's unclear how to order and pay. Pretty sure I got charged incorrectly too (more than it should've been).
Food: Decent, but very expensive - philly cheesesteak = $18
Atmosphere: Terrible, strange, run down, dirty

AWESOME!! Expensive, but SO worth it. Like nowhere else anywhere. Perfect NYC experience

Pretty good :) worth a try. Nice experience; food was great as well as service.

After hearing all amazing things about this place I finally got to try it and man was it the best I ever had The pastrami and corned beef are fresh out of cooking water and the sandwich must have been over a pound it was so much meat and I got it extra lean for 3$ more it was so worth it and then there pickles it was the BEST pickles I ever had I could eat them all and then the kanish was absolutely the BEST I ever had and everyone was so nice to us from out guy who cut our meat to the guy at the register I could just feel the history in there 131 years old you know it has to be good and it's not just good it's the best and I cant wait to go back!

Pastrami was amazing, can't visit NY without stopping here

The attitude of the workers is very entertaining and unique. The $21 price for the pastrami sandwich seems steep but if you think about it, you are getting basically an entire steak on bread. I could not even finish half because it's so much food and it tastes delicious

Cramped, loud, but iconic example of a big and busy city deli. Pastrami is excellent.

A must! Awesome Pastrami sandwich, but damn the price is high...!!

Fantastic food, great experience. Lots of people and be ready for shared seating. $$$$

A native took me here for the sandwiches and I was not disappointed at all. The pastrami was incredible and the sandwich was very filling. Not the cheapest sandwich I've ever had, but not outrageous relative to other New York eating establishments. Definitely worth making time during a visit to this incredible city.

I ate here in 2007. The bread was soggy and the pastrami was dry. I suggest Liebmans instead.

The pastrami is great! So juicy. Dont get the corned beef..a bit dry.

Visited New York from Toronto and I've heard so many good things about Katz's that it had to be one of my stops. I am happy that I got this one off my list. I've had great corned beef many places and Katz's is definitely one of the best. I will not give my opinion on where the best is because that's an impossible task and is unfair. Every place had something unique.

It's nothing fancy inside, just a big room with lots of tables and cool decorations/pictures. Ordering is a little different than I'm used to. You go to one part of the counter to order your sandwich and another for sides, they mark your ticket and you pay later. The staff were friendly and helpful. There were three of us and I tried to order three orders of fries and told that's not needed because one is enough. I was told a sandwich each and to split the fries and coleslaw would be more than enough. They were right we couldn't finish it all.

We each ordered a corned beef sandwich. Each one is massive! Just right for me because I always want more. Well at Katz's you don't leave feeling like you need more. The meat is so soft that you almost don't need to chew it, it falls apart in your mouth. It has a great beef flavour that you never get tired of. Each bite is as satisfying as the last. They also have is a big plate of different types of pickles and each was great. The style of fries they serve are my favorite. They're thick and crispy, I really wish more places made them like this. Coleslaw was pretty standard, it's good to get some greens it you with all that meat.

The cost was a little more than what I was expecting. We paid just over $90 for three sandwiches, the pops, an order of fries and an order of coleslaw, however we left feeling stuffed and satisfied. If you're visiting New York, Katz's should be on your list of places to visit. Next time I visit I'll be going back to Katz's to try their other sandwiches. If I lived in New York I would definitely be going here a few times a year.

This place lives up to it's reputation! The $20 pastrami sandwich is reminiscent of North Carolina BBQ. Going there at the end of the night helps you avoid the line and ends it right

Hot corned beef sandwiches are tall and tasty, and I'd go again. They were juicy and the bread dense and fresh. People are to the point, but friendly and relatively patient.

Get a yellow ticket at the door and head over to the long walk up counter that works a lot like the deli at a grocery store or getting a drink at a bar.

My advice...Read the menu and know what you want before you get up to the counter. When you hear "next" to the crowd of people amassing in front of the counter, that's what they mean, so step up when is your turn. There's no real line. Hand over your ticket to the cooks, who will write down the cost of your order on it and hand it back to you. Need to go to one station for the sandwich, a different one for your burgers/hot dogs/soups, a different one for the fries/soda, and a different one for sweets.

Or, just sit at a waited service table if the walk up counter with several stations is too confusing.

Portions are enough for two to share. The same cooks will wrap up your leftovers for you.

Take your yellow ticket to pay cash only up front, or head to the back to pay with a card. It was pricey... ran about $65, including tax, for two reubens with fries and sodas.

Went on a Sunday night, not to busy, but I can imagine that lunch time has got to be busy.

Very nice interior. Real oldschool diner.
Pastrami sandwich is expensive but very good with a lot of meat on it.

Food was great and so was the service. Had a great and friendly cutter!

Iconic place in New York City.Featured in endless magazines,TV and travel shows . Established in 1888 and still going strong.Meat lovers heaven.A plethora of options from pastrami,Philli cheese steak and so on.Well organized entrance where they give you a token.Then line up at one of the many cutters and order what you need from them . If you are lucky they will give you a sampler as well.Went in for the pastrami full sandwich.Insane amount of pastrami sandwiched between two slices of bread with Mustard.The Matzo Ball soup is light and refreshing.They have a variety of beers to go along and a waiter service section as well.

The only downside is the crowd.Although well managed,jostling and waiting to order and find a table takes a bit of fun off the whole thing.

Fun, great food... tip was well worth the mountain of pastrami!

FOOD 5 STARS BUT THE WAIT FOR THE TABLE 2 STARS [RICES NOT CHEAP.

I dont like rye bread, however God created rye bread just for Katz!!!! Seasoning was just perfect, not too salty or blend. The fresh cucumber on side makes it even better.
The pastrami was soooooo good.
I also tried Reuben and it was amazing!!!!
I ordered too much, I packed togo and I will eat it for breakfast tomorrow!!!!

A true gem within New York. It lives up to its star rating and with over 20,000 reviews it's hard to argue with how good this place is. Its the basics done right which offers a unique flavour profile in every sandwich.

I ordered the Reuben with pastrami and it was unlike any Reuben I've had before. The depth of flavour in the pastrami is a testament to how old this recipe dates back. They don't hold off on the amount of pastrami either. This combines with acidity from the kraut and the sweetness of the sauce makes for an excellent mouthful of goodness. The rye bread holds the moisture so well.

Don't be put off by the price. It's not only worth the price but offers a food experience hard to find elsewhere in New York.

If you're visiting make it your business to venture outside of the main part of the city to try this place. You won't regret it.

Great food, pricey but not unexpected. Smooth functioning of systems.

Unfortunately full of tourists, but if you want a hearty pastrami sandwich, this is the place

Stupid pay system and rude rude rude doesn't even begin to describe the behavior but the food is exceptional so if you can deal with belittling its yummy

My place growing up and still to this day!! Best sandwiches you can ever get

If you have seen this place in any TV show or movie, you get the exact same feeling while visiting along with the best deli food ever. Staff was great and you must try the chocolate egg cream soda. It is amazing how they get the pastrami to taste that good. Worth the 600 mile trip. Next time getting the hoodie to wear proudly.

Nothing new I can say, best pastrami I've ever had and the cheese blintzes were fantastic.

Fun NY deli. Prices high, but really tasty typical deli food.

The pastrami sandwich was excellent. So filling. The atmosphere is great too, check out all the pictures & memorabilia on the walls!

Cool spot to grab some local food. Be ready to spend some money it's not cheap at all.

Went there with my son this was my first time being there he has been there before. Upon seating us the waiter asked if I had been there before which I replied no but my son has. The food and service was ok nothing to come back to upon leaving and waiting to pay the waiter came up to us while on line asking for his tip that we can leave it on the table. This was unprofessional knowing that the tips are included in the meal. The fact that he knew that this was my first time he was trying to take advantage of this and double dip on the tips. So who knows how many times he has done this before!! I will never visit this place again nor will I recommend this to anyone knowing that your waiters are trying to rip off the customers, your place is not cheap and to have a waiter try and rip me off while I am there with my son!! Thank God he's been there before and was able to educate me who knows how many others have been ripped off!!
Enrique

Disappointing, I've had better matzah ball soup and the sandwich which was oversized was as good as my local deli

Waste of time
Too crowded, they are greedy
Overrated, back home pastrami much better
This place been much better, now it's all about the name, food is not good
Find other places in my like pastrami queen or just google pastrami.
Please don't waste your time!

Great Reuben, and huge. Crazy busy the entire time I was there but the line was fast.

Had high expectations on food, considering the long wait and being hurdled like cattle and was very disappointed. With the exaggerated prices for ho hum sandwich $23+ , I wanted to charge them for my time wasted. Coming from Virginia Beach and having experienced Route 58 (NY style Deli) I already knew great quality food and sorry to say Katz could not even compete, maybe with a supermarket or vending machine. I just couldn't understand why it had such a huge following? Have Bew Yorkers lost their flavor? I can say the pickles were the best I ever tasted.

This place is an iconic institution for a reason. The place is SO busy, but with determination you can get a seat very quickly. I went with a group of 10 and were all able to sit together (not at the same table, but together). The cutters at the counter are so amazing to watch work, even if the line is long it is worth the wait just to watch the cutters work. The food is an art form. I have tears in my eyes writing this just thinking about the quality of the food.

Everytime I go home to NYC, there are 5 places that I MUST eat:
1) Katz's Deli
2) Peter Luger's Steakhouse
3) Seashore Restaurant
4) Little Italy
5) Chinatown

I've lived many places in this country, (hubby is a Vet), but; NOWHERE in this country, (and I DO mean NOWHERE), will EVER match the goodness of food from my hometown. We NY'ers know good food. It's in our DNA! If you are lucky enough to visit my hometown, make sure you get a Pastrami on Rye from Katz's. You will be glad you did!

Totally recommend this place, but it is better to visit early to avoid spending a lot of time in lines

Definitely expensive but they give you your money's worth. The meat is stacked so high on the bread that its difficult to open your mouth to eat it lol. A must eat if you are hungry and in the area.

It's one of the most iconic dining establishments in the city, and it's not just for When Harry Met Sally. The pastrami and corned beef are unspeakably delicious.

This place is consistent with the way it was over 50 years ago . Why change? It's an institution.

Fantastic deli food and mass chaos. Be patient. It's worth it 100%

The food is delicious. One sandwhich equals two meals. Large portions are provided. Great place when your famished.

The people in the Deli is very nice, considering that I am new to the place, they gave me recommendations on what to try first and next if I do like it. Would recommend this place to anybody who travel to New York!

Hmm. I went there, because it's a famous place. I like the atmosphere, it's authentique, not chic, it's a trashy style. They have very different food from almost all over the world. The way the food looks like and is served reminds me more of a butcher shop. So, any one to his/her style. I probably wouldn't go there again. It's heavy, fat food.

Simply the best deli meat in the nation. Katz service is direct and to the point. The ticket system works. The servers are quite stoic, but I think they're only rude if you're rude. I've been in here on two occasions as a special treat, on account of the deserved high price the restaurant commands (~$20 for a sandwich). They'll readily give out samples sliced however thin or thick you want it, and the many choices of Dr. Brown's soda each serve as a great pairing. It's such a joy to eat here. Be advised, you will want to bring home the meat that you can't eat.

Go here. You can taste the different types of meat at a cutter, but get the pastrami. Give them your ticket so they xan write your order, tip your cutter for their service, sit down to eat and be amazed how awesome it is. Don't lose your ticket. And get the pastrami.

What's not to love, and 24 hours on the weekend! My only issue is that it can be very stressful trying to find a seat for any more than 2-3 people at busy times. But small price to pay for good deli!

Came here with my brother because we saw a cool doc on the place. The general atmosphere is great and definitely an experience. Portion size is huge and the price matches. You can buy a half sandwich but it s only a few dollars less and feels a pointless saving. The food is pretty tasty, don t get me wrong but it could be a bit smaller and a bit cheaper. It looks like there is so much wastage. Btw for wheat free rs the staff weren t able to confirm or deny if there is wheat flour in the rye bread, but I would assume there is. I d recommend everyone to check this place out nevertheless

You can drop $100 in there without trying. Only Deli I've ever seen with security. So bring money, a good attitude and grab the pastrami or cornbeef.

Awesome place fruit sandwiches. Pricey But worth the visit.

Definitely lives up to the reputation. Pastrami is a must. Corned beef was not very impressive in comparison. Queue looked crazy long but actually took much less time than expected (probably around 15 minutes)

Since this was my first time eating at Katz's I was shocked by the immense amount of people waiting in line. It was a bit confusing for a newbie like myself, however I was able to gather myself and order. Once I placed my order, the gentleman gave me a slice of pastrami to try while I waited. Wow, was it good! Once I got my order, I felt like a kid again on the first day of school walking into the lunchroom looking for a place to sit. I finally found a place to sit in the back. The atmosphere was a bit more calm in the back of the restaurant, photos and signs of yesteryear line up the walls. Salamis hang from the walls behind the counters! It is definitely a vast space with lots of history. Highly recommended!

Tasty Ruben, delicious pickles and be there before lunch time unless you want to wait an hour in the que

Amazing pastrami sandwich, juicy, fatty and flavourful meat. Don't come expecting quick service, the lines are long but the food is worth it.

WELL LETS SAY IT WAS A GREAT DAY I ALWAYS WANTES A CORN BEEF SANDWICH AND PICKLES .