Katz's Deli Reviews

Sooooooo worth the 6 month wait to go here, sometimes places are overhyped but Katz's definitely isn't, my whole family loved it...!!

Excellent old school style deli! Fresh cut Pastrami, Corned Beef, Roast Beef are the headliners, but they have chopped liver, knockwurst and beef hot dogs. Then all the potato latkes or fries you could want! Also offer hamburgers, grilled cheese or some other more mundane items. LOVE their Pastrami on Rye THE BEST EVER! Dr B's soda or a Brooklyn Brewsky and you are all set to go! Bring your friends and family and plan to share - portions are so generous we order at least two for one and split / share the goodness! If you like old school Egg Creme - they have you covered too! You will be FULL when you leave and turn in your ticket.

It's a famous Deli that's for sure. Always busy. Best place for pastrami. It's really tasty but also expensive. Good service.

The food is overwhelmingly good! On a bit of the pricey side but wow what a Reuben!

The food here is awesome. The Brisket sandwich is the best

Katz's has the best pastrami sandwich you'll ever eat.

Good sandwich. Very busy. Glad I tried it, but wouldn't eat it again considering the prices. My husband and I split a sandwich and soda and it was $26.

Bit touristy at 3am but still greatest late because night eat

Line was long, but moves quickly. The sandwich is not my cup of tea, but it s totally worth the experience

While visiting NY it was a must for me to come and try the Hot pastrami sandwich so dragged the wife across town to try it.

Upon arriving we were given two tickets with no explanation as to there purpose, then proceeded to order our food, presented both tickets the cutter serving us, got the price of food written on one ticket handed back. Thought no more of it and had our food which was good.

Trouble came when it was time to leave, apparently everyone much keep their tickets so you can leave or pay if you don't have a ticket for everyone you can be fined 50 dollars for losing it.

Then had to explain that all our food was on the one ticket which was clearly evident by our plates.

Eventually was told that I could leave then the guy says the cameras never lie and therefore implying that I had lied about the cutter having both tickets and only giving one back.

I have no idea what happen to the ticket behind the counter but I can wholeheartedly tell you I had no reason to lie about it and I am insulted to be spoken too like that.

That left a sour taste after looking forward to dining there and travelling out of our way to do it, I won't be back and I won't ever recommend others too after that.

The best pastrami sandwich I ever had. Meat was juicy and flavored!

Traditional jew-style meat sandwich is the most perfect breakfast in NYC!!

Great pastrami sandwich, it's the real deal and I would recommend to everyone.

Katz's is a great place that exists since 1888, they serve awesome sandwiches with beef and turkey.
I recommend this place to everyone

This is a hidden gem! Great food, nice view on the waterfront! We had dinner here celebrating New Year's Eve. Their crab Louis salad was huge. My mom ordered the sea bass fish & I liked the linguine clam dish. Loved everything

The best deli in the us loved the Corned Beef & Pastrami Sandwich

Incredible huge amount of beef.
For normal person, I think it s enough to order one sandwich for two people

22 bucks for a Pastrami on Rye taste the same same amount of meat but delicious as always.

Katz is so popular that at noon time it was super packed and busy. Tables were full!

Here are my tips:
1. Ask for waiter service. You can sit down in reserved tables, have a waiter take your order and maybe pay a bit more but you are secure a spot.
2. If you go straight to their own self service counter, have another person save you seats in the middle or get ready to be frustrated fighting your way for a seat!

3. Definitely order the pastrami sandwich and fries. Their hotdogs are pretty good too!

4. Dont lose your ticket because you pay for your bill with that ticket as you leave.

The 4th generation owner goes around and checks on everyone. He said they make everything fresh everyday. Enjoy but be smart about your visit.

Wayyyy to many people, lines are insane, sandwich was amazing

It's been about 40 years since I last ate there. They STILL give you good portions of food! This is definitely a winner when it comes to Deli sandwiches!

The prices may look daunting but the food will be sure to fill you up. Half a chopped liver sandwich and matzo ball soup did the trick for me.

Excellent pastrami sandwich. The waiting for the cutters can be long.

Katz really lives up to its fame! The sandwich is delicious you cant miss this place if you visit New York

Well worth the travel from west coast for that sandwich

This place is really fabulous and worthy of the hype. Don't go in with expectations - because the service "procedure" here is a bit different if you're not used to it regarding tickets vs. service. I recommend the pastrami, and split pea soup.

Not the best service, but it's really all about great Jewish deli meats here. It cannot be beat.

Amazing pastrami sandwich!!! long queue but you should wait

Best pastrami sandwich I've ever had in my life. I've ate at a lot of places, but I couldn't believe how incredible the meat was. Whenever I go to NY, this will always be a must.

Katz's is Katz's. Only ding is we went early but the ($7!) fries were cardboard. Could have switched I guess but we were in a hurry. Pastrami and salami were five-star.

It's a hot mess with the crowd but it is worth every penny. Best pastrami anywhere. Have what she had...

Try to go at off times to avoid the long lines. The sandwiches are really expensive ($20+) but huge and really good. You can easily share with someone. I think the club bread is worth the extra charge. You can also sample the meat at the counter where they carve it off fresh per order. There is a sign hanging over the table where they shot the "I'll have want she's having"scene in the movie "When Harry Met Sally."

A NYC legend! It's still as it has been when Harry and Sally left. Great Delicatessen. Try the roastbeef sandwich!

This place is even better than advertised. Super nice people. Awesome food. I would move in if they let me. Is a must go place if your in nyc.

Sometimes very long waits. But their corned beef is outstanding, truly like no other.

I decided to give the venerated Katz's a try, since I had a fair amount of time to kill. I was expecting a long wait to be seated, but I was able to get in there fairly quickly and of course ordered a hot corned beef, being a big fan of corned beef myself. I had to wait a bit to get the sandwich, but not so long that I was annoyed or discouraged, and when it came out, it was everything I had wanted. It was delicious. The corned beef was tender, it had all the classic ingredients one would expect on a sandwich like this, but everything from the bread to the meat was of the highest quality, and that was reflected in the flavor. I took my sweet time savoring the meal and was not bothered by staff or urged to get the check, which is a pet peeve of mine. Overall, very pleased, will certainly try Katz's again in the future.

A NYC staple. This place is typically busy and there may be a line but don't let that keep you from stopping by, the food is quality. The sandwiches look good and taste even better. I highly recommend tourists go to the website beforehand to get an understanding of the menu and the Katz experience as there is no crash course once you're there. The staff has as more patience than most especially given the high volume of customers but with so many people, it's highly unlikely you'd get undivided attention here. I've visited Katz several times, it can get very busy and for some, uncomfortably stuffy at the cutters counter but always a great experience. The sandwich is awesome, the pickles are awesome and as far as condiments, Katz mustard is THE BOSS. Mayo?! Don't even think about it. Katz also delivers limited local and ships out of state online. Enjoy!

Very impressed. Even after being hyped up. Way too expensive but it's a tourist spot in New York so it's expected. Very good food. Pastrami is absolutely incredible.

Hasn't changed a bit in 30 plus years that I have been coming here. This lower east side deli is great,to bad Gertials Bakery and Ratner's are gone as are most of the mom and pop clothing stores on Orchard st.

I pass very good time the sandwitch was so good The place is perfect to stay with family

Sally wasn't faking it, she was reacting to their pastrami/corned beef sammy.

Just a regular deli that got famous from a movie. Place is packed with people with a line on the sidewalk to get in. You can order and seat yourself or wait and be formally seated and waited on. We chose to be formally seated. Only waited about 10 minutes for a table. Service was just ok. Waiter was nice but so busy he forgot our drinks even after the food came. He really needs help. Otherwise place is just a regular overly expensive deli. Half of us got the hot pastrami and half the reuben sandwich. Pastrami meat was very good; bread only so so. Rueben sandwich was also about the same with the bread not really working. My wife said that the rueben at cracker barrel is much better and only about $8 compared to about $20. Prices way too high. They also have this silly ticket thing going where they give you a ticket coming in and you have to present it going out. Whatever. Would I go back? Probably not. Once is fine for me and my family.

Pastrami. Don't stray from the classic. Get pastrami, some fries and a couple pickles. Then bask in the glory of a New York institution.

Good: excellent food

Bad: staff are VERY rude, get treated like a prisoner, or like more like common scum. I felt like I was an inconvenience to them that they didn't need, better sit down, eat my food and get out. Don't ask any questions, they will make you feel like an idiot. They do take card, you have to go to the drinks counter, then the security guard stares at you accusingly when you try and leave.

(Lone business traveller, UK)

The place is legendary. The pastrami tastes like it too. Also some of the best rugelah and cheesecake I've ever had. Get the potato salad too, hell I didn't get a single thing I didn't think was worth it.

Big fan of the pastrami sandwich! This is definitely a signature NYC spot but is definitely pricey for the actual food. The tourist experience is definitely baked into the price.

Tried to order online through website for 2hrs now...... nothing.....is the website shut down after hours??? Really don't mind placing order for 'future' delivery as I live outside of NY and its expected. Help me help you!!

The atmosphere isnt chaotic if people know what they want & pay attention to the signs where the lines start. You will be in & out in no time.

The pastrami is flavorful. It melts in your mouth.

The brisket not so much. It is pretty thick. If you're not going to eat the brisket right then and there, it will definitely dry out.

Expect to pay about $20 for a sandwich. The amount of meat is well worth it.

Haven't been back in years, but the pastrami sandwich was fantastic. The vanilla egg cream heavenly. What's the story with the $50 charge if you lose your ticket ?

Came here for a good bye dinner with some friends. Tiny little spot hidden away in North Beach. Very friendly staff, ordered the steak with noodles. Thoroughly enjoyed our meal.

Nice to try their sandwiches especially the infamous pastrami (beef). However pricing can be tricky here. A plain pastrami sandwich costs you around $23. Plus the cutters are not really good with english so be clear about what you want. You can only try 2 items before buying. Overall it is okay. Not that impressive.

There s a reason everyone comes here! I read some tips beforehand and I can vouch for tipping your cutter before they start cutting (we had a ton of meat on our sandwich) and for seating yourself in the back. There were a ton of tables available when we went (maybe around 5:30?). Get the pastrami sandwich, it s delicious, and definitely enough for two people with all the meat!

The best smoked meat ever... Better than Montreal's

Food wasn t as good as I anticipated and the sandwiches were dry

It s shocking how efficient this place is. Hundreds of people per hour and it s still running like clock work. The sandwiches are amazing and loaded. 100% worth the visit.

Everyone already knows that this place is amazing. Yes sandwiches are $20+, but they are huge ! Totally worth it.

It is definitely a must to go place if you like pop culture.
But would I go there frequently? No, I don t think I m extra enough to pay that much for a sandwich.
The service is very old schooled and I m not quite sure about the efficiency

I came here a few years ago and a got a pastrami and soda. The sandwich was small and overly salty. My bill came out to $20. It wasn't worth it and I'm not going back

Jewish deli classics, step in and enjoy the best pastrami in NYC.

A little pricier than expected, but quality is good and portions are huge...definitely shareable. System is a little confusing for a first timer...just pick any deli line, give your ticket to the cutter when you order, and wait! Drinks and other sides are ordered at a different station at the end of the deli section, ticket must be provided for that as well. Pay before you leave and be sure not to lose your ticket...all members of your party need one to leave the restaurant.

Absolutely amazing sandwiches but incredibly expensive. The food is 5.0 but have to take the price into consideration. Note that a sandwich is plenty for two to share, but even then it s a bit expensive.

This place is a landmark for a reason. Don't go if you get claustrophobic though.

Easily one of the best pastrami sandwiches I ve ever had. definitely make this a stop when you re in town
Seems pricey at first ($22) but it s enough meat to feed 2 people so it s well worth it.
The lines can take a while as each sandwich is made to order. I stood in line for 15-20 minutes before I was able to order. Even with multiple lines this can take a while.
I really like how they give you a sample of the meat before they make your sandwich. The pastrami is cut to order and they slab some mustard on the bread and there you go.
I don t think it s possible to eat the sandwich without half of the meat falling out but it s fun to try.
It s a lively interior with a lot of people. I didn t have too much trouble finding a seat for 1, but seating was scarce.

Still the best pastrami in NYC. The grade of fatness is the key and here it is perfect. Yet it is quite expensive and busy, but it is worthwhile if you are going to have the NYC pastrami tour.

I don't understand the hype. The place is a dump, the food is nothing special and the prices are ridiculous.

Best pastrami on rye, hands down. A little expensive but worth every penny. Do not recommend the cheesecake.

The best pastrami on Rye you will ever taste. Truly a New York classic.

The best thing about this place is it hasnt really changed in 30 years. The sandwiches are very filling. Expect to wait for a seat and know what you want when you get to the counter. I recommend the turkey and the pastrami sandwiches.

We had the pastrami and it was amazing we also got to see a celebrity.

Was told this is one of the best places to eat in New York so I came with some high expectations. The sandwiches were not flavourful, the quantity was a good amount but the price was way more than any other Deli in New York. The line was massive - wasn't worth the wait.

I don't wanna be a hater but i thought I'd die after eating half the pastrami sandwich. Tastes good but scary to think about what it will do to your stomach . Fun experience though.

Quite an experience of a meal. We were firstly forgotten despite being added to the wait list. After 30mins waiting I asked and we d been skipped by accident. Once seated the service was okay but definitely a unique experience. Food was delicious. We shared a pastrami sandwich and fries between two which was plenty for us. It s quite pricy and the portions are large.

The whole experience and atmosphere is a unique experience which I enjoyed. I d definitely recommend going straight to the cutters and ordering there rather than waiting for a table.

Expect to wait for about 20-30 minutes. You'll have two options when you get inside. 1. Wait to be seated for table service 2. Go to the counter and watch the meat cutter prepare a sandwich for you.

Expect to spend $20 for their pastrami sandwich with 1.5 pounds of meat.

Huge sandwiches, very expensive, they should make smaller cheaper sandwiches

The food was absolutely delicious. I loved every bite of the pastrami. The fries stayed warm for the entire meal, the mac salad tasted perfect, and the pickles were awesome!! I'd go back tomorrow if I wasn't just visiting for a short time frame!

One of the best restaurants I have ever been. Fresh and tasty food! We just need to know what exactly we want to order, since it is always a busy place and full of customers.

Let me begin by saying the line is worth the wait! They have it streamlined so that you are given a ticket when you make it through their doors, move towards one of the ordering stations and place the order there, paying with card is at the far end of the establishment. While at the ordering station, the gentleman cutting the meat will hand you samples on a plate to try while you wait. Get the hot pastrami sandwich on a cold winter day, it's amazing. It's also a very big sandwich, it can easily be split between two people (they already have the sandwich cut in half) and the price runs at about $24 - they don't skimp out on the quality meat!

Long lines to order food but quick service. Great food and lot of sandwich choices. Lox omelette was delicious. Plenty of place to sit and enjoy the food.

BELIEVE THE HYPE!!! The portions are meant to be shared, so we got a Reuben sandwich with extra pastrami for a dollar, and it came up to $25, along with 2 pickles. The service was professional, the food was exceptional, and we will definitely be back again

Small plate was delicious. Great atmosphere. A fresh and high quality food.