Katz's Delicatessen is a deli in New York, NY. Open: Mon–Thu 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM; Fri 8:00 AM – 11:30 PM; Sat Open 24 hours; Sun 12:00 AM – 11:00 PM. Phone: (212) 254-2246. Average rating is 4.5 stars from 52,698 reviews. Website: https://katzsdelicatessen.com/.
Katz's Delicatessen
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Interior view of Katz's Delicatessen with staff and seating area.
4.5 52,698 reviews Today 12:00 AM – 11:00 PM

Katz's Deli: NYC's Pastrami Legend Since 1888

Sink your teeth into hand-carved pastrami on rye at the Lower East Side's iconic deli, where New York history meets unbeatable flavor.

About Us

The exterior of Katz's Delicatessen showcasing its iconic signage.
The exterior of Katz's Delicatessen showcasing its iconic signage.

Step into Katz's Delicatessen at 205 E Houston Street, and you're not just entering a restaurant, you're walking into a century-old New York institution. Founded in 1888, this chaotic, ticket-wielding wonder has been slinging legendary pastrami sandwiches, towering corned beef piles, and kosher-style classics for over 135 years. The air hums with the sizzle of grills, the sharp tang of briny pickles, and the roar of hungry locals and tourists alike.

Famous from the steamy 'When Harry Met Sally' scene to endless foodie pilgrimages, Katz's embodies the gritty soul of the Lower East Side. No reservations, just pure, unfiltered deli energy: grab a ticket, join the line at your cutter's counter, and watch pros carve melt-in-your-mouth meat straight from the smoker. It's messy, it's loud, it's authentic, and it's why 52,000+ reviews crown it a 4.5-star must-visit. From knishes steaming hot to Dr. Brown's sodas fizzing cold, every bite screams tradition with a side of attitude. Katz's isn't dining; it's a rite of passage for anyone craving real NYC.

What We Offer

At Katz's, we hand-smoke our pastrami for 3 full days until it's juicy, peppery perfection, then pile it sky-high on seeded rye with mustard that cuts through the richness. Our corned beef is brined old-school, tender and savory, ready to demolish your hunger. Don't sleep on the brisket, hot dogs snapped fresh off the grill, or potato knishes with flaky, golden crusts hiding fluffy insides.

Sides steal the show: house-made pickles with perfect crunch, coleslaw creamy and tangy, and matzo ball soup that warms the soul. Pair it with a black-and-white cookie or rugelach for dessert. We ship nationwide too, bring Katz's magic to your door with pastrami kits, sandwich bundles, and gift boxes perfect for food lovers. Dine in amid the buzz, take out for the road, or let us cater your event with platters that wow. Open daily, lines move fast, come hungry, leave stuffed.

Menu

Menu items as of last fetch · prices subject to change

  • Katz's Deli Gift Card
    $100

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

⭐ Click to Rate & Review This Business ✍️
⭐⭐⭐
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 ticket system work at Katz's?

Grab a numbered ticket at the door, no ticket, no service! Present it at your chosen counter (like #7 for luck), order, pay when done, and tip your cutter. Lost ticket? It's full sandwich price!

What's the most popular order?

The pastrami on rye reigns supreme, smoked 3 days, hand-sliced thick. Add corned beef for the reuben or go simple with mustard. Hot dogs and knishes are crowd-pleasers too.

Are there lines, and how long is the wait?

Yes, expect a line, but it moves fast, usually 10-20 minutes even at peak. Weekdays are shorter; weekends buzz. Arrive early or mid-afternoon to beat crowds.

Do you ship nationwide?

Absolutely! Order pastrami by the pound, full sandwiches, knishes, pickles, and gift sets via our website. Ships fresh-packed overnight for authentic taste anywhere in the US.

Is Katz's kosher?

We're not strictly kosher but follow kosher-style traditions, no pork, hand-sliced meats. Perfect for Jewish deli lovers seeking classic flavors without certification.

What are your hours and payment options?

Open daily 8AM-10:45PM (weekends till midnight). Cash preferred but cards accepted. No reservations, first come, first served.

Can you cater events?

Yes! Custom platters of pastrami, corned beef, sides, and full sandwich trays for parties, weddings, or offices. Contact us for quotes and delivery in NYC.

Hours of Operation

Open Now · Closes at 11:00 PM
Monday 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Tuesday 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Wednesday 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 Today 12:00 AM – 11:00 PM

Get In Touch

Ready to get started? Contact us today!

Map showing Katz's Delicatessen Open in Maps
Open Now Closes at 11:00 PM
Call Us (212) 254-2246
Visit Website katzsdelicatessen.com
Get Directions 205 E Houston St, New York, NY 10002, USA
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