Katz's Delicatessen

About Us

On the corner of Houston and Ludlow, Katz's Delicatessen has been slicing, curing, and feeding New York City since 1888. That's over 135 years of the same sawdust-on-the-floor chaos, the same counter tickets, and the same cutters who know exactly how thick a pastrami should be. With more than 52,000 reviews averaging 4.5 stars, this is not nostalgia for nostalgia's sake. People come back because the food earns it.

The room itself tells the story. Neon signs, old photographs, and a ticket system that hasn't changed in decades greet every visitor. Lines form outside on weekends, but they move. Regulars head straight to their favorite cutter. First-timers stand wide-eyed, absorbing the organized mayhem that only New York can produce. The Lower East Side has changed around it, but Katz's has stayed exactly itself.

This is the deli that appeared in When Harry Met Sally, the one that ships nationwide to homesick New Yorkers, and the one that soldiers overseas have been receiving care packages from since World War II. There is a sign on the wall marking where those packages went. That sign is still there.

What We Offer

The menu at Katz's is built around the craft of the cured meat counter. Pastrami is the flagship, hand-rubbed, smoked, and steamed in-house, piled high on rye with mustard. Corned beef runs a close second, brisket-tender and deeply seasoned. Both come in sandwiches that require two hands and a commitment. The cutters will offer you a sample before you order. Take it.

Beyond the signature sandwiches, the menu covers every classic deli staple: hot dogs snapped from the grill, matzo ball soup, knishes, latkes, and pickles pulled straight from the barrel. Egg creams and Dr. Brown's sodas round out the experience. Everything is made to the same standard it has always been.

Katz's also ships nationwide through its online store, so the full deli experience, whole pastrami, corned beef, salami, and pickles, can arrive at your door anywhere in the country. Gift packages are available year-round, making it the only food gift that genuinely needs no explanation.

Gallery

Take a look at our space and what we have to offer

What Our Customers Say

Don't just take our word for it - hear from our satisfied customers

⭐⭐⭐

2 months ago

"I tried the pastrami and corned beef sandwiches, and honestly, I think this is why I don’t usually get excited about viral food spots. The sandwiches were pretty mediocre. The meat didn’t have much flavor, the sandwich was served super cold, and the texture was too tough to really enjoy. The bread, though, was excellent, probably the best part of the whole thing. The russian sauce is sweet relish nothing special. I felt that the restaurant was overrated and that’s why I didn’t enjoy that much. It’s not something I’d go back for, and if you haven’t tried it yet, you’re not really missing much. That said, the historical vibe of the restaurant was cool. But it has a crazy line to wait to go in and then wait for available cutter. I wouldn’t personally recommend it, but if you’re curious about viral places, it might still be worth checking out just for the experience."

— Matt Moeini

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

2 months ago

"Just left Katz’s Delicatessen and it absolutely lived up to the hype. There was a huge lineup when we got there, but it moved fast. We were inside in about 10 minutes. We lined up at cutter #7 and that took another 15 minutes or so. Even with the crowd, they were running a super smooth operation. You can tell they’ve been doing this for a long time. We ordered the pastrami on club with cheese, corned beef on rye, a potato latke, and fries. The sandwiches came with pickles, both half sour and full sour, which were great. The pastrami was out of this world. Easily the best I’ve had. Tender, juicy, packed with flavor. The latke was also excellent, crispy on the outside and soft inside. The corned beef just wasn’t for me, but that’s personal preference. I do wish I had tried the brisket instead. Overall, a classic NYC experience and definitely worth the visit."

— Bob Great

⭐⭐⭐⭐

3 months ago

"Katz’s Delicatessen is definitely an NYC classic and a must-visit at least once. The atmosphere is super authentic and chaotic in a fun way — it really feels like a piece of New York history. The food is very good, especially the pastrami sandwich. The meat is tender, flavorful, and the portions are huge (easily enough to share). You can tell the quality is there and that they know what they’re doing. That said, it’s extremely crowded and the system can feel a bit stressful and confusing, especially if it’s your first time. Sometimes it’s not very clear where you’re supposed to pay or if you can add more items to your order, which makes the experience a little overwhelming. Prices are also quite high for what you get, even though it’s iconic. Overall, it’s a great experience and worth trying for the vibe and the food, but probably not a place I’d go to regularly. Still, a solid 4 stars for the quality and the legendary NYC feel."

— Camila Aldana Crudo

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

3 months ago

"The food was fine and about what you would expect from a decent delicatessen. They're fairly consistent with their level of quality and portion sizes as well. If your goal was to get a great pastrami sandwich, you're probably better off just going somewhere else (and it would be a lot cheaper, too). But this is a NY staple and is a great place to visit once (and I mean just once). Their prices reflect their mainstream popularity so just keep that in mind. Their portion sizes are also huge so that offsets it somewhat. Just something to keep in mind. Lines can get long but you can avoid that by going earlier or later. You could also order pickup if you don't want to stand inside for long. I mentioned earlier that if your goal was to get a great pastrami sandwich, you could go elsewhere. I'm not going to list any places since that would be inappropriate on someone else's business page, but you could find them through google. Alternatively, if your goal was just to go to any random delicatessen, you could walk down the street."

— Ken F

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

2 months ago

"Katz’s Delicatessen is not just a restaurant — it’s a piece of New York history. From the moment you walk in, you feel the authentic, old-school atmosphere that has made this place legendary for over a century. The pastrami sandwich is simply iconic. The meat is hand-carved right in front of you, incredibly tender, juicy, and packed with flavor. Served on fresh rye bread with just the right amount of mustard, it’s easily one of the best sandwiches you’ll ever taste. The portions are generous — you definitely won’t leave hungry. The atmosphere is lively, energetic, and uniquely New York. The walls are covered with photos and memories from decades past, adding to the charm and authenticity of the experience. It’s busy, it’s loud, and that’s exactly what makes it special. The staff is efficient and experienced, keeping things moving even when the place is packed. Despite the crowds, the service remains organized and professional. If you want to experience real, classic New York deli culture, Katz’s Delicatessen is an absolute must. Legendary food, historic atmosphere, and unforgettable flavors. Highly recommended"

— Alexandre delhay

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the ordering system work at Katz's?

When you enter, you receive a ticket. Hold onto it. You order at the counter from a cutter, who prepares your food in front of you. Your items are marked on the ticket, and you pay when you leave. Losing the ticket results in a fee, so keep it in your hand the whole time.

What should I order on my first visit?

The pastrami sandwich on rye is the essential first order. Corned beef is the close second. Your cutter will offer you a sample slice before you commit. Ask for it fatty for the richest flavor, or lean if you prefer a firmer texture.

How long is the wait, and is it worth it?

Weekend waits outside can run 10 to 20 minutes, but the line inside moves steadily. Weekday visits are noticeably faster. The wait is part of the experience, and the overwhelming consensus from tens of thousands of reviewers is that it is absolutely worth it.

Can I order Katz's food if I'm not in New York?

Yes. Katz's ships nationwide through its website at katzsdelicatessen.com. You can order whole pastrami, corned beef, salami, pickles, and gift packages for delivery anywhere in the United States.

Where exactly is Katz's located?

Katz's Delicatessen is at 205 E Houston Street at the corner of Ludlow Street on Manhattan's Lower East Side. The nearest subway stops are the F and M trains at Second Avenue, and the J and Z trains at Essex Street.

Is Katz's kid-friendly?

Absolutely. The hot dogs, knishes, and matzo ball soup are crowd-pleasers for younger visitors. The counter system and the energy of the room tend to fascinate kids rather than overwhelm them.

Does Katz's take reservations?

Katz's does not take reservations for regular deli service. It operates on a walk-in basis. Private events and large group bookings may be arranged separately through the restaurant directly.

Hours of Operation

Monday 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM

Tuesday 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM

Wednesday Today 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM

Thursday 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM

Friday 8:00 AM – 11:30 PM

Saturday Open 24 hours

Sunday 12:00 AM – 11:00 PM

New York's Most Legendary Deli Since 1888

About Us

What We Offer

Menu

Gallery

What Our Customers Say

Frequently Asked Questions

Hours of Operation

Get In Touch

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New York's Most Legendary Deli Since 1888

About Us

What We Offer

Menu

Gallery

What Our Customers Say

Frequently Asked Questions

Hours of Operation

Get In Touch

Follow Us

More from the neighborhood

The Mercury Lounge

Berlin

Bowery Palace

Botanica Bar

Bleecker Street Bar

More places nearby