Iconic NYC Jewish deli, famous for its massive, flavorful pastrami sandwiches. A must-try classic, despite crowds and prices.
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 an iconic New York institution, revered for its massive and flavorful pastrami on rye sandwiches. While acknowledged as pricey and often having long lines, the experience is considered by many to be a quintessential NYC culinary adventure. The restaurant's history, the unique ticket system, and the efficient, albeit sometimes brusque, service all contribute to its legendary status.
Katz's is celebrated for its Jewish deli fare, with the pastrami on rye sandwich being its most famous dish, renowned for its generous portions and rich flavor. Other popular items include hot dogs, corned beef, matzo ball soup, and pickles. While generally praised, some find the pastrami too fatty or salty, the bread dry, or the overall experience overwhelming and expensive, suggesting alternatives like 2nd Ave Deli or Liebman's for better value or specific dishes.
"The pastrami on rye sandwich is the signature dish, widely praised for its generous portion and flavor. Other recommended items include the Reuben sandwich, hot dogs, matzo ball soup, and pickles."
Overall positive, with many highlighting the pastrami as exceptional and the experience as iconic. However, some find it overpriced and touristy, with occasional criticisms of sandwich quality and sanitation.
Important Note
The restaurant can be very crowded, especially during peak hours, and prices are considered high by some. Sanitation practices have also been questioned by a few patrons.
"This commenter made a lighthearted remark about the original poster's reaction and later added that while they understand the comparison to other restaurant experiences, uncovered sneezes are particularly bothersome."
Neutral"A commenter expressed that it's bothersome when food handlers touch various items with gloves and then touch food, especially money, as experienced in delis and bodegas. They believe it's a situation where one can only hope not to get sick."
Negative"This commenter agreed that the process of waiting in line to tip the counter person at Katz's is particularly unsanitary, alongside other issues that make the line a 'stupid tourist thing'."
Negative"This commenter pointed out that the practices described at Katz Deli, specifically the food handler's actions with tickets and gloves, violate NYC health code section 81.13, which requires hand washing or glove changes after handling contaminants."
Negative"A deleted comment that was replied to. The reply suggested that while germs might have been spread via the ticket, COVID-19 is airborne and not contagious through this specific hand-to-ticket-to-food transmission route, indicating the virus spread person-to-person in line."
Neutral"A commenter responded to the original poster's concerns about sanitation at Katz Deli. They stated that similar or worse unsanitary conditions are common in many restaurants and suggested that the risk of getting sick from this specific contact is low, comparing it to general risks of eating out or subway travel."
Neutral"The original poster found the food handling practices at Katz Deli unsanitary, specifically a food handler touching tickets and then preparing food without changing gloves after potential contamination from a customer sneeze. This was concerning due to the high potential for germ transmission."
Negative"A commenter stated that most restaurant environments are unsanitary and suggested the original poster should either stay home or accept the conditions."
Neutral"This commenter, who also has restaurant work experience, suggested that the described situation at Katz Deli was likely more sanitary than what they have witnessed in other kitchens."
Neutral"In response to the original post about sanitation at Katz Deli, this commenter shared their experience working in restaurants, stating that such issues are common and that the risk of illness from this specific food contact is probably low."
Neutral"This comment simply stated agreement that if the described actions are policy, then it's not good."
Negative"This comment contained only an emoji, offering no specific opinion on Katz Deli."
Neutral"The original poster is asking about the sanitary handling of food and tickets at Katz Deli, specifically noting a customer sneezing and then handling a ticket that was subsequently used by a food preparer without changing gloves. They question if this is normal and accepted practice."
Negative"This user finds Katz's hot dogs perfect and notes that there's no long wait for them, unlike other items."
Positive"This user mentioned that Katz's has a good hot dog that can be ordered while waiting for pastrami."
Positive"This user listed Katz's as a place to start for hot dogs."
Positive"Katz’s was listed as a restaurant that sells merchandise."
Neutral"Katz's is described as generally awful for food, popular only for its history, and not recommended for a first beef experience. A steakhouse is suggested instead."
Negative"Katz's is strongly advised against for a first beef experience, being called a tourist trap with poor food. A cheeseburger or fajita combo is suggested as a better alternative."
Negative"A user states that Katz's is a fabulous introduction to beef, implying it's a good choice for a first-time experience."
Positive
