Last Updated: 3 days ago
Phone: (212) 254-2246
Address: 205 EAST HOUSTON STREET 10002
Iconic Jewish deli famed for its massive, juicy pastrami on rye. A legendary NYC institution, it's a must-visit for a classic, albeit busy and pricey, deli experience.
Hannah Albertine reviews Katz's Deli, an iconic Jewish establishment on the Lower East Side, praising its enduring quality and classic dishes like the pastrami on rye and matzoh ball soup.
Katz's Delicatessen is a legendary New York City institution, celebrated for its authentic Jewish deli experience and its iconic pastrami on rye sandwich. Despite its reputation as a tourist hotspot, many patrons believe the food, particularly the tender and flavorful pastrami, lives up to the hype and is worth the price and potential wait. The bustling atmosphere, efficient service, and classic dishes like matzoh ball soup and frankfurters contribute to its enduring appeal as a must-visit for a true taste of New York.
Katz's Delicatessen is renowned for its classic Jewish deli fare, with the pastrami on rye sandwich being a standout favorite, often described as juicy, peppery, and generously portioned. Other highly recommended items include matzoh ball soup, frankfurters, and pickles. While some find the brisket less consistent or the overall experience a bit chaotic and pricey, the consensus points to the quality and iconic nature of the pastrami.
"The pastrami on rye sandwich is the undisputed star, with many also recommending the matzoh ball soup, frankfurters, pickles, and Dr. Brown's sodas."
Customers generally have a very positive view of Katz's, praising its iconic status and the quality of its pastrami and other deli staples. Some find it a bit pricey or chaotic, but most agree it lives up to the hype.
Important Note
Can be very busy with long lines, especially during peak hours. Some find the experience chaotic and the prices high, with occasional comments about inconsistency in meat quality or portioning.
"Despite being extremely touristy, this deli is considered the 'Pastrami Temple' and is popular for a reason."
Positive"This user's husband, who usually dislikes pastrami or corned beef, enjoyed Katz's turkey sandwich so much that the commenter almost regretted their own pastrami order."
Positive"This commenter plans to try Katz's turkey sandwich soon, feeling fortunate to have easy access to it before tourists do."
Positive"The ultimate winner for turkey sandwiches, according to this user, is Katz's Hot Turkey with light mayo and mustard on rye."
Positive"The user mentioned that Katz Deli had a fast-moving line, taking about 20 minutes to get through."
Positive"The commenter states that this establishment serves their second favorite cheesesteak."
Positive"The commenter believes people should not complain about the prices at this establishment, implying it offers good value."
Neutral"Katz deli is noted to be open 24 hours on weekends, which can be a way to avoid long lines."
Positive"This user mentioned buying half a pound of pastrami, tongue, or corned beef from Katz's to take home and make sandwiches with rye bread from Trader Joe's or Whole Foods, lasting them about a week."
Positive"This user humorously stated that a $30 sandwich at Katz's is equivalent to about $1 per pound."
Neutral"This user argued that Katz's sandwich prices are not objectively overpriced, citing the labor-intensive process of curing pastrami."
Positive"This commenter found Katz's sandwiches worth the $30 price because they are satisfying and bring joy, valuing the experience per meal."
Positive"This commenter mentioned Katz's as an example of an iconic NYC establishment where a $30 sandwich is justifiable due to the large portions of meat, which can make multiple meals."
Positive"This commenter mentioned Russ and Daughters as a final meal option, which implies a similar deli experience often associated with Katz's."
Positive"This commenter chose Katz's pastrami as their final meal."
Positive"This commenter simply stated Katz's as their choice for a final meal."
Positive"This commenter asked where one could get a pastrami sandwich as good as Katz's elsewhere, implying its unique quality."
Positive"This commenter defended Katz's as an NYC institution, questioning where else one could find a comparable pastrami sandwich."
Positive"Responding to a comment questioning Katz's origin, this commenter asserted that Katz's is an NYC institution and its pastrami is uniquely New York."
Positive"The commenter considered Katz's as a strong contender for their last meal in NYC, alongside Barney Greengrass."
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