Katz's Delicatessen

Katz's is still the best deli in NYC when it comes to atmosphere, albeit with 90% of the people eating there from anywhere else but NYC. Best things about Katz's- 1) the french fries, 2) their homemade Russian dressing, 3) their one-of-a-kind knockwurst sandwich (which is kind of expensive, 4) the smell of the place. As far as their sandwiches, they are VERY expensive. The brisket is excellent and the pastrami might be the leanest, and thus less flavorful, than any other deli. On my latest visit, I had a frank with sauerkraut, knockwurst, french fries, and the ultimate deli libation; a can of Dr. Brown's Cel-Ray (a must for anyone who hasn't tasted this NY soda.) My bill- $15.95 (and they only take cash!) I also like the fact that Katz's hasn't ruined the deli experience by offering cheese on their sandwiches; cheese is for fondue, not NYC deli! I only wish they would machine slice their sandwich meats. Hand-slicing is overrated and too thick!

We went to Katz's a little over a week ago and had some of the tastiest sandwiches we can remember. Thanks to the staff for a great experience!

Katz's is the best In NYC. I no longer have family there but if in NY a trip is a must. I can recall old Mr. Katz who was giving tickets out when I was a boy. If u cant afford a sandwich I sorry, and for u of the out of town group also I am sorry. You most likely will never know a good meal if it was for free. Thanks Katz's for being there and I try all the time to cook for my family like Katz;s.

stop moaning about the prices your getting a sandwich that is twice the size of any other you would get anywhere else. melt in your mouth pastrami flavorful brisket and hot dogs with a snap. for those who don't like katzs thank you that means more pastrami for us

I have been going to Katz's for about 6 years, (sorry i am only 24) but the pastrami is ridiculously good. Get it with mustard on a roll (they put more meat on it) and sour pickles and tomatoes on the side. And remember that you should be tipping the cutter, most of them are really nice and once you take care of them, they take care of you. I was there a few nights ago with 2 of my buddies, we got 3 pastramis on rolls and the cutter (whom remembered me from prior visits) gave us the whole slab of pastrami on the 3 sandwiches. And the tasting plate had 2 layers of pastrami. They're pastrami is so good you don't need anything else on it, except mustard. If you can't spend the $20 that it's gonna cost....STAY AWAY...

Read through these reviews and you'll get the story. The earliest are from 2004 and overwhelmingly positive; the more recent ones are overwhelmingly negative. The new owners should be ashamed of themselves for ruining a once-great deli for the sake of penny pinching.

Our family of five went to Katz's for lunch midweek in June. There was a crowd, but we had no trouble getting in and getting a table. The carver was fun and made superb sandwiches --- corned beef and pastrami. The meat was superb, and there was a ridiculously large amount of it. I find it hard to imagine how the sandwiches could ever have been bigger. The sandwiches are expensive ($16, $17) but you are going for the experience, and trust me --- two people can share one of these monsters and go away happy (we poled down one each --- and enjoyed doing it). We were a little dubious about going. I worried that it would be too touristy and not very good. It was a load of fun and the food was great. The cole slaw was a little sweet for my taste, but the rest was great. I'm going back the next time I am in New York. The ticket system they use is very efficient. When you walk in, each adult is given a ticket, which you have to give to the cashier when you leave. You get your food at different stations, and the servers put your running total on your ticket. They put all our food on my ticket, but my wife still had to turn hers in blank. This system keeps everything moving smoothly --- just don't lose your ticket! Don't miss it. Don't believe the critics here. It's a load of fun.