Katz’s Delicatessen: New York’s best deli

katz's delicatessen new york

An original and fun way to eat in one of Manhattan’s most famous delicatessens!

New York City is renowned for offering some of the best delicatessen, and Katz’s is among the best of the best. Established in 1888, it’s New York’s oldest delicatessen. Eating a sandwich stuffed to the max with corned beef or pastrami at Katz ‘s will be one of the best memories of your trip to New York. After lunch or dinner here, you’ll understand why it was in this restaurant that the orgasm scene in the film  » When Harry Met Sally  » was filmed.
katz's delicatessen new york

Flickr – Scott Beale

An established reputation

Katz’s is also the only place in town that still cuts all its pastrami and corned beef by hand, and that makes a huge difference. It’s safe to say that these products are the best available, as are the frankfurters, knockwurst, knishes and other typical Jewish charcuterie products. The ritual of ordering directly from the waiter/butcher is one of the other great experiences at Katz’s, and indeed at all other delicatessens. Be prepared!
katz's delicatessen new york

Flickr – utopiandreaming

Every week, thousands of visitors from all over the world flock to Katz’s Delicatessen to dine in this legendary deli, feasting on the most delicious sandwiches, dishes and meats. But it’s really New Yorkers who have made Katz’s Delicatessen what it is, an integral part of New York’s culture and history. So, while their reputation has been built by their customers, it’s the quality of the products that brings them here in the first place. The meat is prepared for 30 days to get the best taste, whereas other restaurants use products to do it in 36 hours… So there’s no contest.
katz's delicatessen new york

Flickr – dsearls

A legendary restaurant

As we said, it’s the oldest delis in New York. It’s also the best. And it’s also the most famous. So take the time, after you’ve eaten one (or more) of the delicious dishes on the menu, to look at the photos on the walls: you’ll see that not only the stars but also the world’s greatest leaders have eaten here!

What’s on the menu and how much does it cost?

Two (hot) sandwiches are really worth it and are the best in the place:

Katz’s Pastrami, $25.95, smoked or juicy to perfection and hand-cut to your specifications

Katz’s Corned Beef, $24.95, cured for an entire month, you can finish it at your own pace

But you’ll find a whole host of other dishes, from cold sandwiches, salads and soups to other specialties. You can even come for breakfast. Check out the menu on the Katz’s website. Prices are pretty high for a delicatessen, but we understand: you’ll find the best quality here, in a legendary location. Even give the waiters a few bucks in tips.

katz's delicatessen new york

Flickr – xave

Address ? How to get there? Opening hours ?

Katz’s Delicatessen is located on the Lower East Side at this address:

205 East Houston Street (corner of Ludlow Street)

New York City, 10002

Opening hours:

Monday – Wednesday: 8:00 – 22:45

Tuesday: 8:00 – 14:45

Friday : 8:00 – Open all night !

Saturday: Open non-stop

Sunday : Open until 22:45

Nearby Metro stations:

F line to Second Avenue Station

F, M, J or Z line for Delancey/Essex St Station

Read also: What’s the right travel budget for New York?

Have you been to Katz’s? What did you like best about the food, the atmosphere, or both?