Katz's Deli Reviews

One of the best pastrami sandwiches we've ever had. If you're there with 2 people you can definitely split a sandwich. Tip - stand in line for a Carver and get samples (be sure and tip them) and tell them what kind of cuts you like best.

Interesting experience visiting a NY landmark. Waitstaff was nice...historically a different story. Sandwiches were packed with meat and delicious. Bustling place with entertaining signs and pictures.

A Katz visit is a delicious experience you have to have. Seriously, the pastrami is SO, SO good. But, the whole ordering process is a little confusing and intimidating. I wish I had known what to expect a bit more so here goes: When you walk in they will hand you a ticket. You will take this ticket and line up at the counter (each 'cutter', aka person serving meat, has a line). The menu is hanging on the wall about the cutters so you can decide what you want while you wait in line. Once it's your turn in line you'll tell the cutter what you want. He will ask you whether it is for here or to go and also about toppings for the sandwich (ie Pastrami came with mustard). While he prepares your sandwich he will give you a couple slices of meat to taste. When your sandwiches are done he will take your ticket, write your order on it, and give it back. Each sandwich order comes with pickles. Tips are highly encouraged. You'll need to get in another line to get drinks and fries. Seats are first come first serve so if you have more than 1 person I recommend 1 person order and 1 find seats. When you're done you will take your tickets with you to the cashier and pay on the way out. I hope this is helpful because you need to come here! So good!!

Best corned beef sandwich i ve had. Very hectic in there, but oddly organized. Classic seat-order yourself restaurant, with the option of waiter service. Overall a must! (Not just because we have a name in common)

Delicious food. I do think it's a bit overpriced but the sandwich is big enough for almost 2ppl making it a bit more affordable. I do like the sit your self option.

Known for its pastrami sandwiches. I think this place is much better than Carnegie Delicatessen. Our server, David was excellent. Service was excellent. I feel that the pastrami meat here is softer and more tender than Carnegie. If you are really hungry, you can finish one order. But if you are not that hungry, it is better to share. I would definitely go back again.

FYI: DO NOT lose the purple ticket they give you when you walk in. It is how they keep track of how many customers came in that day.

Great food if a bit pricey. Big big ques going out the door but worth the wait. Delicious

It is very very delicious.The sandwiches are too big so share for the first time..

The best pastrami sandwich, HANDS DOWN! It is hectic getting your order in but they give you a sample of any meat while you are waiting. Be sure to ask for the sour pickles!

Extremely busy place, the line was out the door. The food was well worth the wait. My sandwich was stacked tall and everything was cut fresh in front of you. One of my favorites places I went to in NYC

Definitely overrated. The pastrami tasted just as good as anything other good deli in NY. Overpriced and even have to hold on to a ticket and if you loose it they charge you $50. Ridiculous

This place was awesome! We were seated quickly and our waiter was fantastic! The food was excellent and the sandwich was huge. I've always wanted to visit Katz's and I was not disappointed! Definitely met expectations.

The pastrami was excellent and did not disappoint in any way. The corned beef was less of a delight - I've had better in Chicago. If you haven't been - you should go. This place.is famous for a reason and the food is really very good.

I have been going to Kate's since the late 60's. The prices have changed but not the food or service. It's a classic icon.

Words cant express the feeling of nostalgia you receive when walking thru those front doors. harry met sally here And yes it still looks the same. Good ole Katz's deli. The sandwiches are made a big a skyscrapers. You better be hungry when you arrive! The crew is amazing and friendly and gives you a sample of the cut!!!!!, "yo chief! You want corn beef or pastrami?" Love it.

Come hungry or prepare to fail. The sandwiches are pulled so high that you wont need to eat for a day. Do yourself a favour and get a couple pickles. Cash only.

A little pricey but the best and freshest meats and food around! A New York City classic and historic establishment, it's still here from when my grandfather ate here.

Omg, the pastrami sandwich here is to die for! the hype is real!

Not what I was expecting. No happy with canned soup.

World famousn food definitely worth going off beaten track for and just short subway ride to Brooklyn

Worst sandwich ever. Fatty meat on soft rye, little mustard and that's it. Rye bread fell apart due to fat running off the pasyrami. Pickled cucumber on the side. 23$.... 22 too much. Arrogant staff, you queue up for food, then for beverage and then again to pay... Cash! If you want a soft drink you get it in a can. No glas, mug or ice. TOURIST TRAP. written all over it.

i was waiting server never don t do that
the dish was very very highly recommend
but just self order and sit
never request server s service
server s voice was too low also he looked like i don t wanna serve for you
he miss our american cheese
he was terrible and i was so angry
food was great but staff was terrible
i think they need education
i live in nyc also citizen now
he thought i was just traveler therefore he treated me just like that
i don t know why its most terrible nyc server

Went Yesterday, again, too many times to count. You don't need a review for this place, it is THE "Deli". Go, and live. Tip: Pastrami on rye, no cheese, nothing else on it. add (shoot a bit of) mustard as you bite, and get the Chopped liver on the side, knife a little on between bites as well. You're welcome.

Good pastrami sandwich, a little pricey but very good.

Over-hyped and underwhelming the pastrami is good but the Rye bread is not, even if you tip the slicers other deli"s portion better. The staff could be friendlier

Food was excellent and staff was great!!
#first-timer#Boston

The food was absolutely fantastic. The pastrami just melts in your mouth. It's not overly greasy. Its perfectly balanced. I had amazing time. The only draw back is that it is actually kind of pricey to eat here. However, the staff are very nice and helpful. It is a historic place to eat at, I will definitely be back.

Sorry I can t wait to eat and then take photo when I come here :)

No place else like it. It's famous for a reason (an not just because of the movie!). Classic NY Jewish deli with sandwiches as big as your head!

You simply can not go to New York and not go to this place ! It s amazing

We went on a rainy evening with no lines, but the place was still packed! I'm drooling just thinking of the pickles.

Great place to eat in NYC. I suggest the three meat platter.

I got a pastrami sandwich. it was pretty good, but it cost $22.00. Some dead animal inside some bread with a bit of mustard can not cost $22.00.
I'm not sure how anyone can justify charging $22.00 for any sandwich unless it has God's own flesh inside of it. Ludicrous.

Wow is this place awesome! Still reminds of of years ago.The place is still the same.Great food we usually pick up and bring home to enjoy! Love everything about this place! The tourist all hanging out taking pictures outside and inside. Theres usually a line but worth it!

This may not be the best place in the world, but this place is definitely the best in the area. I think that their turkey sandwiches are the greatest thing that I ever had.

Although already a landmark for being the iconic diner from When Harry met Sally the food is worth the trip alone. Thankfully I went with a Katz's veteran who helped guide me through the menu but the staff were friendly, and it was extremely busy which always bodes well. The food was delightful although I wouldn't recommend if you were hoping for some alone time as you are often asked to share tables, a fun and refreshing experience.

This is a quantity over quality type of place. Definitely overrated.

Had to visit this place when I was visiting. Went off hours- or so I thought, 2pm. 30 min wait for table service so I decided to wait in line and place my order. Very friendly cutter answered all of my questions. There is a separate place to order drinks and sides, so I made my way there. Found a table and had a great pastrami sandwich and bowl of soup. Paid with a credit card at the back then walked out showing my ticket at the door.

Five stars for the heavenly meaty sandwiches and talented carvers. Three stars for the unfortunate touristy nature of the place. Hands down though the best pastrami and Reuben sandwiches I ve ever eaten.

The food is delicious but a little pricey, it s a wonderful and unique experience and I would recommend the latkas ( potato pancakes ).

Old traditional deli with long history worth the visit

Classic old New York deli that lives up to it's reputation. Great sandwiches that have been unchanged for decades.

Lost its charm, food used to be better and its extremely overpriced. There are much better pastrami places for less money

The classic NYC Jewish deli w/amazing pastrami, corned beef, knishes, hot dogs, pickles, etc..... Lines can be crazy but always worth it!

Real fantastic! The atmosphere and the delicatessen are mind blowing. It deserves 6 stars!!

Perfectly cooked and cured. Portions are gigantic. Great experience.

Best hot dog of all time and best pastrami of all time in the universe.

Generous servings of food. Lines are constantly long but it goes by pretty fast

NYC Landmark, and in my humble opinion the best pastrami out there. Bring an appetite and your wallet, don't lose your ticket, and enjoy the meaty decadence that is a Katz Pastrami Sandwich. (tongue and Pastrami is also equally amazing option)

This was two of the best sandwiches I've ever eaten.

Horrible bathroom space. Not all of us are shaped like a toothpick. I had to leave the stall to button my pants. With what you charge for food would it kill you to invest in improvements? And why do I have to be charged if I lose my ticket? Am I really going to walk into a deli order a sandwich and not pay?

TOURIST TRAP! Went here with my boyfriend after reading great reviews and we were very underwhelmed. The ordering process was confusing since you can only order certain items from each station. Took about 10 minutes to figure out which person I could order a bagel from, partly because no one spoke English but mainly because the people of NYC suck. In the end we spent $41 for a sandwhich and bagel that wasn't all that special. Just eat somewhere else, like Subway.

The Reuben and the Pastrami are the sandwiches by which all other deli sandwiches are measured.

Delicious pastrami sandwich. Will be missing this place a lot. Lots of people, good vibes. 130 years and going!

The pastrami sandwich is amazing. Great atmosphere and experience.

This place was defo worth the que down the street Lived up to the expectations

Delish! If you're lucky enough to avoid the long wait, be sure to bring your appetite and prepare for leftovers. Cute t-shirts, lots of celebrity photos, and mail order salami. Fantastic!

Excellent! The wait is worth it if you're into the menu.

Interesting way to order and check out. The pastrami was really tasty. Can't wait to dig into the salami we brought home.

THE BEST FOOD! You have to go! Go with a plan if you have more than one person, though. Divide, and conquer! One to the line at the far right to get your knish. One or two to a cutter line to get your sandwiches. One to the line at the far left to get drinks. One to scout your table. You'll feel like a Katz pro, and enjoy your unbelievable food much more!

Katz Deli is awesome. Great experience and the pastrami is good to match. I've been here twice and I'll come here every time I'm in NYC.

The history first of all.The atmosphere is iconic and food is still good.

Pure mouth joy. I love this place! Sandwiches are a bit pricey, but worth every penny. Large portions and very, very delicious. You absolutely have to try it if you've never been. Many helpful reviews detailing the ins and outs of how to get food here, so I'll leave that out. I'll just say it looks harder than it is, and again, well worth it.

Just ordinary, not really worth the hype, even food wise (brisket, fries, hotdog and soups)and pretty ordinary delivery... the place just pumps people through with little regard for service... you'd be much better off spending time at any other diner/deli, I think the pop culture gimmick just keeps people coming and this place just caters to it.

Great food great sandwiches what more can you ask for.

Good food. Very overpriced. One sandwich and a beer 36$ ! It s busy with loads of people and tourist with line out the door on a rainy day. I understand you want to capitalize but wow. Not worth the repeat. #thisisAmerica.
Price tag ruined experience.
*Sandwich alone 23$

Don't lose your ticket. It's a simple system and works. It's the best deli in the world. My tip is to wait in line and watch the cutter make your sandwich, they will give you a little taste of whatever they are making you, give em a tip. Keep room for dessert. If you are on a tight budget or schedule just get a hotdog or burger.
The matzo ball soup is amazing. Just soak it in while you there. It's busy all the time, bit avoid the massive line out front by picking what time you go and seriously dont eat for a day before going. If you don't want a beer get a Dr Browns Black Cherry soda. Staff are putting on a good show. Remember dessert? Cheesecake and of them. You are gonna leave stuffed.

Nothing screams "a night out in NYC" than stumbling in to the blindingly bright lights of Katz's past 2am. You'll hate yourself for paying $20+ for a pastrami sandwich the next day, but in the moment, your day will be made.

The best pastrami you will ever find in NY. If I'm not wrong, it's also Kosher (?). You can find latkes there (some special type of fried potato's, really good).

It's an institution. Great sandwiches. Not cheap, but a must-visit, especially if you're not from here.

Food is great but you need to know the system if your going to order and seat yourself

Katz's was excellent there sandwiches are fantastic

Liked the Ruben sandwich for it's cheese and sweet sauce. Potato latkes seemed a little floury. A little overwhelming for first timers - basically listen to the greeter giving you instructions on where to line up for what food items, and get an order slip from him/her. You can find a place to sit, and then go line up at the various counters. When you're at your "cutter", tell him what you want and he'll slice some meat for you to taste while he's prepping your sandwich. They're usually friendly, so you can chat with them and tell them if you'd like the meat leaner or fattier. Give them your slip when your order is complete and they will mark down what you've ordered. Keep this slip and don't lose it.
When you're done eating, bring your slip to the cash register and make payment.

Decent sandwich. Pickles were pretty good. But everything is deleriously overpriced and not really worth the hype. Sandwich was $24. With fries it would have been like $35. My daughter's pancakes were mushy. Probably would not go back just for the "experience". Not worth it.

The pastrami sandwich was yummilicious. Service was quick. An interesting experience.

Best meat I've had in a deli in NYC, great service if u have a set of cojones or preferably are a considerate person! Nice banter between staff

Best pastrami ever! My perfect combo is half pastrami sandwich with matzo Ball soup

Came here as it's one the "places to visit" in New York. We got there early around midday and had to queue for about 20mins to wait for a waited table. We are able to have a beer while we waited and also a hotdog . The atmosphere was buzzing and we had fun while waiting for our table. The food was fantastic, left hardly being able to walk and also got to chat to the owner who was incredibly accomodating with his time and friendliness.

I love me some salted meats and the isomer kf the best!