Katz's Deli Reviews

We arrived at Katz's at noon on a Saturday and I was tempted to walk away when I saw the huge line. My friends assured me that it was worth the wait, and I'm glad I trusted them. You have the option to be seated and served or order from the counter and find your own seat. Because there was a long wait to be seated, we decided to find our own table. It was kind of difficult "fighting" for a table, and once we did find a table, we were practically dining with the party next to us. Once I tasted the pastrami on rye, I didn't care if the person next to me was sitting in my lap. It was the best sandwich I have ever eaten. This is a definite must try when in NYC!

This place was good. I ordered the sandwich and it was delicious. I went there second time and i had a great time. Staff were nice and provided the great services.

Going to this place I had really high hopes due to its infamy in the manhattan area but I was slightly disappointed. When we got there it was a little chaotic but naturally that is expected for such a famous place. It was a really odd ordering style and when I went they didn t really give us a run down or give any hints on how we would go about ordering food. Because of that we opted to be with a server were they would bring us our food. Now the food was the part that was the most unexpected. I really wanted to love it so that fact could have clouded my judgement. We got a pastrami sandwich and a sausage sandwich. They were fairly pricey so I still had extremely high hopes and when we got the sandwiches they were very heavy and with a group of four we could finish the two sandwiches as much as we really tried due to the hype. Overall I would still recommend going here to experience this famous restaurant but it just wasn t for us.

At a New York City Deli, people expect a huge menu with page after page of choices. You don't get that at Katz's. You have to stand on line and yell at people to get served. But you get huge delicious sandwiches made the same way for over a hundred years and, in my opinion, the best egg creams in New York

The best place to eat. The biggest and best sandwich I've ever eaten!! Highly recommend

Classic sandwich place! Love their variety of sandwiches and their open late night so after a couple drinks you can definitely expect them to be open

A fixture on the New York scene for many years..but now to many tourists and crowds, its impossible to keep the quality of the food while serving so many...still the the place but it has lost its charm and character

As a visitor to this fine city, I asked my friends for a list of places where I should eat. They all recommended Katz's Deli for a quick afternoon lunch. I walked into the establishment and it was organized efficiently like our government (sic). I received a ticket and was shuffled to another line to order. I had actually wanted to sit down at a table and receive service. As I was visiting I wanted to relax and enjoy the experience.

I spoke to a host at front , I believe his name was Darrin or Frank. I couldn't really hear over the din of the crowd.

I was seated at a nice table in the corner right next to "Where Harry Met Sally" . Unbelievable my luck changed because I was also sitting under the picture of Bill Clinton. Can you believe Bill Clinton visited Katz's Deli.

Anyway I ordered a traditional Corn Beef on Club with Cole Slaw. Just like a native New Yorker.

It was the most delicious sandwhich I ever ate. I recommend that for a taste of history. One must visit Katz's Deli located right across from the building with Lenin on the roof.

MAIL ORDER:
Having lived in NYC, and been to Katz's several times (last time, oh 10 years ago) it was good to very good. Now living in Oregon, I decided to try a mail order pastrami (plus knishes and pickles). Pickles and knishes were fine. The pastrami, forget-about-it. 80% fat and grizzle. I sliced it thin, steamed to warm it, 80% fat. After trimming the obvious fat, the meat was so tough, barely edible. Ended up throwing out 90% of the purchase.

Maybe I had bad luck, but....at those prices, no need to do that again.

Always a treat going there. Best pastrami & corned beef In the City.

As expected- great. We arrived before noon so we didn't have to wait more than 5 minutes.

12/15/14:

I heard their pastrami was superb, but it's a different story when you get the chance to sit down and try it. I ordered the Hot Pastrami on Rye and it truly delicious. The sandwich is hearty and undoubtedly fresh. May be the best pastrami I've had.

The food is yummy! winner~ winner corned beef dinner

Food was excellent, very crowded and a bit unorganized.

It was absolutely delicious. I got the plane and went straight there. 45 minute cab ride, fought through the crowded line. Paid double the price of a regular sandwich but worth it all

This place is amazing. My family and I visited new York and my husband made sure I had Katz deli for lunch

Best sandwich shop on the East Coast!
Kinda pricey but well worth it. I try to get to Katz everytime I visit New York.

You will not be disappointed!

Fabulous sandwich, knockwurst with sauerkraut on rye with mustard and of course their dill pickle.

Extremely disappointed, the place looks great but their ticket payment system is so weird and out of time.
Food : I just don't see why this is so famous.
20$ a sandwich which is super expensive for nothing outstanding.
Not recommended and will never go back!

Not what I expected. I'm a NYC girl, travel often and I know food. Drove 2hrs for this and I am disappointed. Bread is dry, meat dry with no flavor. Fries are horrible. Does not include cole slaw or toppings. $60 for this? And what's with the 2 rude guards at the door? I'm the one who was robbed . Dont waste your money here..trust me

The classic Jewish deli. Rivals the best in Montreal. The pastrami is what you should order, and the pickles are a nice touch. Loved it.

The place has a reputation, it is an icon. But I must be honest in my review, and say that the sandwich I had here was good, but I can t say that I have never had better. I ordered pastrami sandwich, and it was HUGE. And full of pastrami. But each of the ingredients did not complete each other. Each one was fresh by itself, but not as a whole. I told what I always order: Pastrami, Mayo, lettuce tomato and mustard. It was good, worth another visit.

Overpriced with no service. It's good, but not that good.

Completely touristic place, sandwiches are just above average and are pricey. Wait time could be really long.

Ordering procedure can be a bit confusing. Take a ticket when entering, then line up at one of the order lines and order directly. I found prices to be extremely high ($19.50 for a pastrami sandwich on rye) even though they do load up on the meat. I found my experience at Schwartz Deli (in Montreal, Canada) to be much better as they had similar sized sandwiches, but for less than half the price. Nevertheless, still a very good sandwich.

Lives up to the hype!! Never had a better sandwich and their matzo ball soup was amazing - tasted like mom's homemade soup. Also, doesn't hurt that there are about 10 good-looking and super friendly men behind the counter. I'll miss you!!

Must visit deli. Their matzo ball soup is amazing. Listen carefully to the directions they provide and don't lose your ticket!

Best sandwiches and they have had lots of celebrities eat there

I ordered a Passover dinner for my ex wife and family. The Gefilte fish when they went to serve it was like mush, wet, loose and falling apart. I complained on Facebook, on their messenger on Facebook, on their site and e mail. I paid $175.00 to for the meal to ship it to Florida. I never received any response from Katz, or from a representative. I guess they dont give a damn about their customers. This is not the restaurant I recall as a kid in NYC that took pride in their food and satisfied their customers. This will be my last purchase from them.

Taste is subjective.. I felt the whole experience was not worth the fuss.. too crowdwd.. not clean. Weird billing system..expensive sandwiches ($33).. was just okay.. as I said. Not worth the fuss..

okay so of course I had to come to a Jewish deli when I was in New York. first it's not Canter's in Los Angeles for sure. I actually anticipated the food would be better but I prefer Canter's even though this was delicious. I love the atmosphere and the system was interesting. when you come in and first let me tell you there's a line...you have a choice to sit at a table there very few of the tables at actually have waitresses or to get a ticket when you order your food. use in order what you want go grab a table similar to a food court but you can go back and get more and more and then you pay at the end before you leave. we had matzo ball soup which was very good. we had potato latkes that were great. we had a potato knish it was square but it was delicious. and we had matzo brei that was fair. pickles are a dollar apiece so we had three pickles two of them were so dill and the bright green one was what I'm used to in a Jewish deli. all this said of course I would come back and would bring my friends. I learned while I was there that this is where the infamous scene with Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal happened where they were at the deli and she faked her orgasm that was very funny and there's a picture of it on the outside of the restaurant. food is expensive it's a New York deli but by the lines and the tourist tours that we're going on I think it's a must if you're traveling to New York.

Set in the Lower East Side, a part of town you won't want to miss if you are a first-time visitor, this has been a Manhattan mainstay since 1888. This kosher-style deli has been delighting generations of the cold, tired and corned beef-ready from its brightly lit corner on the Lower East Side. Once an immigrant neighborhood, the area is now populated by twenty-somethings. Yet Katz's well-stocked meat counter and legendary gruff-but-kind service somehow feels timeless. The freshly carved corned beef and pastrami sandwiches are worth the hype, and large enough to last at least two more footwear trends. Order a combination soup and half sandwich or if you want to go healthy ask for a half sandwich with house salad for $17. Make sure someone at your table orders an all-beef frankfurter, served on a soft roll with tangy mustard, and don't overlook the knockwurst with beans. Best of all, if you want to take a taste of East Houston home with you, Katz's ships nationwide.

Sorry just horrible Taste not worth 2$ it ja just overhyped a deli the Sandwich tastes Like sh..
We through away after eating the half of it.

Dust and dirt in every corner.

Oh my God this is Katzs?!

great food great atmosphere but a smaller pastrami sandwich for $ 22.00 ? come on,! I was very disappointed and so was my wallet!!

Extra crowded on the weekends. They shrunk their portions and raised the prices. This is a truly over rated place. Carnegie deli was better. They are super rude, even for New Yorkers. Come to this place for the hype but go somewhere else for value and flavor. Harolds in NJ is the best place for your pastrami sandwich. I wish this place was more like Harolds. They could use an update on their ancient restrooms too.

Good sandwiches, nice atmosphere but very chaotic. Would only do once just to say you've done it and never go again. But the sandwiches are delicious.

Amazing
The best Pastrami I ever had

A-MA-ZING
MUST
GO
100%
ALL THE WAY

Best sandwich of my life. Full stop. I ordered the pastrami on rye

I am not a fan of New York but I would move there just to eat at KATZ DELI!!!!!OMG!!the pastrami sandwich is hands down best I've ever had. I couldn't even finish it!!AMAZING!!! OPEN A KATZ IN LA!!!!

I left there full and hunger free. Staff was engaging, and high energy. Customers were entertaining in a good way. The environment was rich and pastive, with a historic touch

Classic New York service..with a smile..

Delicious sandwiches (have the Reuben with pastrami). Yummy big fries... great beverage selection.

Don't get fooled by the crowd. There is ALWAYS ample seating.

I LOVE LOVE LOVE Katz Deli.

Best pastrami sandwich! That's all you need to know. Cash only. This will not help your figure by the way.

A must if you're visiting New York!! Great deli food - the biggest pastrami sandwich I've ever seen!!

Crazy crowded but some people are very friendly. Huge tourist attraction. Worth it for sure when you taste everything is perfect. The best super soft pastrami on rye. Warm soups. Best matzo ball soup in city.

Great food! Too expensive. Do it once in your life but share a sandwich because they are big and expensive!

Wow - what an experience! It's such a busy place but you get your food right away. It is so much fun to just sit there and watch everything happen.

The potato pancakes are exceptional. They are soft and crispy and taste delightful. I could have them every day - they were that good. Absolutely lovely place and I recommend it to everyone.

Legendary spot. I like the soft salami over the pastrami

The Pastrami sandwich is my favorite here. The Prices are reasonable and environment is very decent. Best place to bring your family here. The staff behaved well and communicate awesome.

Substantial portions and decent pastrami cuts (thick, lean, juicy). However, the sandwich had no balance. Decor was very kitschy and a bit annoying. Friendly and cool staff, they give you fresh slices to sample the meat.

Excellent pastrami. Long queue but worth the wait. There are two different seatings. Regular table ( sit at any open table ) and the waiter served table (need to wait list).

Katz's Deli is 100% New York City.

First, know the rules. They don't mess around with their ordering process and don't lose your ticket! The people are direct but I've had some of the neatest interactions with them.

Second, get the pastrami Reuben. Throw a little mustard on it and experience heaven. The pickles/cucumbers offer a good balance to the rich meat. I recommend sharing one - the sandwiches are huge.

This place is almost always packed so enjoy the experience. It is absolutely worth it!

This place is a must do experience. It is highly impressive, the portions of the meat are enormous but that's about it. Taste is good, but i've had better pastrami sandwich in chelsea market. The Reuben is a must try here, oh and it is extremely expensive. 20 USD minimum for a sandwich. There is always a queue here, but it moves pretty quickly thanks to the great service at this place.

The food is awesome. HOWEVER THE LINES NEED TO BE ORGANIZED BETTER OVERALL IT WAS WORTH THE WAIT

Amazing sandwiches and you can feel the history in this place. Prices are steep ($20+ for a sandwich), but all the food is authentic and delicious.

Wow!! Simply amazing!! Delicious!! Believe It!! I had thought I did not like pastrami!! Boy how wrong I was!! Katz's pastrami is SO good!! Yosh!!

We arrived and there was already a queue outside. But within 15 minutes we were seated. The place was buzzing with hungry patrons. The food did not disappoint. And we were lucky enough to be seated next to another couple from Brooklyn, and thanks to them we tried food we would never normally order.

Sone of the best deli food you will ever find. Great friendly staff. Thanks dad for the suggeation.

Quite simply the best pastrami sandwich hands down.

Now detailed review... The brisket was better than ok, but not the reason you go here.

Our party ordered fries, never got them, had to have server takes it off the ticket. It's a mad house in there. Lone always or the front door.

If you've never had, or of your in the area and have free time it's a worthy stop. Sandwich was about 23$ first time I seen a receipt for 3 sandwiches and better over 100$. Hahahha whatever, best pastrami by a long shot.

One of a kind. Never had anything like it and most probably never will. Don't miss.

Portions are huge and good. It's usually full of both tourists and locals, clerks are fun people

The highlights of my new York trip I'm a man v food fanatic and simply had to come here I had the corned beef and pastrami sandwich it looked like a mountain but simply had to eat the whole sandwich and has Adam richman used to say that's was awesome amazing service even those he was a spurs fan lol some good banter a must do if you love big sandwiches

Just incredible. Great visit with new yorker. Insane grub.

Katz a delicious NYC institution. A real deli experience in the same location for every 100 years! Think juicy piled on high sandwiches. The lines are long,but very well worth the price and wait.

What can anyone say. Its freaking Katz! So cool we loved it.

Honestly, it was disappointing. The prices have sky rocketed since our last visit and the food was underwhelming. Don't get me wrong, it's good and if there was not an insane line i would probably go there again but it's not worth the hectic line and outrageous prices. It's an experience first, restaurant second.

The Good - Food is delicious. So far I have tried; chilli dogs and the reuban sandwich w/ pastrami. The macaroni salad was tasty but I do not think they make it there. It tasted like the Sally Sherman macaroni salad that is commonly sold in supermarkets.

The Bad - Usually very busy. You can sit down and have waiter service or you can wait for your food at deli counter and then bring it to your seat. We usually get waiter service and haven't had an issue getting a table quickly. If you wait for your food the line is usually long and you have to go to different stations to get the various things you want.

Complaint - Apparently waiter service ends at 10:00pm on some nights. We sat down at 9:40pm. The waiters would not even look in our direction. We are pretty sure that they did it on purpose so that they wouldn't get stuck serving us until closing.

At first we figured it was just busy. However, after 25 minutes of having the waiters fly by us it was evident that we were being ignored and we went up and ordered our food. Very annoying!! The waiters could have just informed us that they were no longer taking orders at the table instead of letting us sit there.

TIP: Hold on to your ticket. They write down how much you owe and you pay on your way out. If you lose the ticket, they will make you pay $50. They also have bouncers to enforce this rule.

Decor: This place is very old school. On the walls there are tons of pictures of celebrities who have visited. If you sit at tables with waiter service then the tables are private. If you sit in the self-serve area then anyone can sit next to you.

Classic (the best) NY deli style sandwiches. Long lines at lunch hour. Lines go fast as there is plenty on seating inside. For best results eat it at the restaurant.

Iconic deli and very good, albeit kinda pricy. It's the kind of place you go to once and then brag you went.

A must for the experience. The food is ok. Waited in line for about 30 minutes. Overall it was a good experience!

Best pastrami of my life! Two months later still wake up at night in a cold sweat craving this silky smooth pastrami. Wash it down with a generous serve of pickles.

Open face roast beef sandwich was dry and tough the free pickles were great

If you go, make sure each person gets a ticket from the men on the door. If you do not, when you go to pay at the end, they will give you a $50 fine per ticket on top of the food. They will look out for tourists who don t know about the ticket system so will fine you - it s a scam to get money out of tourists and the doormen are big and scary and you won t want to argue with them. It s such a shame as the place has such a legacy.

Pretty good sandwiches, distinguished by its humongous portion... and the environment is very friendly even though its joined by people from all over the world...
To me the price is a bit much for this sandwich, and it doesnt look very hygienic on the other side of the counter... the unwanted parts of meat were just dumped on the floor, knowing how dirty and infested NYC is, this could be very very disgusting even if they clean it every day...

This is a must-do experience when you visit NYC. The pastrami sandwich really is that good.

Was very disappointed with the restaurant. Grew up in the deli business as a child. Food was just ok and the service was poor. You wait like cows in a corral waiting to be seated. Had to have two strangers be at our table so that we could get a table.

Pastrami was delicious, not a fan of the corned beef