Katz's Delicatessen

The only restaurant where you have to BRIBE the staff to give you a decent bit of meat. Last time I was there, I guess the $2 I offered the meat guy was deemed insufficient, because with a sneer I was served a pile of dried-out brisket. That's what my food rating reflects. I'm sure if you throw piles of money at the slicer, the food will be great. Can't stand this place for this policy alone. You are already paying obscene prices; to have to throw on an extra $5 or whatever is obnoxious, unprofessional and yes, unethical. Strictly for sucker tourists.

I'm not sure what's so great about this deli, besides the fact that it's in When Harry Met Sally. I have a feeling it was much better at that time and has gone downhill since then. Our sandwiches were very bland. The meat had no flavor and the bread is nothing spectacular. The fries were also really greasy and generic. Too overpriced for what you get. I'm not big on sandwiches stuffed with piles of meat, so maybe it's a personal preference. I always walk by now with no desire to go back in.

It took me years of living in NYC to finally go to Katz's (prices always kept me away). I cannot believe what I've been missing. I thought I knew what good pastrami tasted like (I'm a culinary school grad & meat fanatic), but Katz's blew my mind. I've NEVER tasted anything like it. It was extremely moist, falling apart, with an amazingly well-seasoned crust. Expect it to be very rich, but delicious. Also had the matzo ball soup which was delish. The owners deserve every penny of what they charge. The food is obviously made with care & love. Only downside: I think now I'm addicted.

freshest meats ever and the fries kick ass

A few years ago we had visited the deli and found it delicious so we were excited to visit the deli again when my daughter moved to the neighborhood recently. We ordered the platter with corn beef, pastrami and brisket for the three of us and it took an egg cream and a large glass of water to get the brisket and corn beef down. Dry would be an understatement. The pastrami and knish were good and I might try those again, but there are so many excellent restaurants in that area that it won't be anytime soon.

The best corned beef & pastrami in the city. But keep in mind, though they list "delivery" it's only for catering - $80 minimum for delivery!!

If I were on Death Row, one of my final requests would be a pastrami on rye from Katz's. Ate there for the first time last month after wasting time and $ at uptown delis. Sure it's a bit pricey but you've got to pay for the best.