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Katz's Delicatessen
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Katz's Delicatessen
8.9
Since 1888, Katz's has defined the classic New York Jewish deli, stacking hand-carved pastrami and corned beef onto rye in a cacophonous, counter-service room. Locals and visitors come for huge, smoky sandwiches, reliable late-night hours, and an only-in-NYC atmosphere that feels unchanged for decades.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pastrami on rye, Reuben sandwich, Matzo ball soup
Scores:
Value: 7.5
Service: 7.2
Consistency: 9.2
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 9.5
What makes it special: Historic, hand-carved deli sandwiches served in a bustling, old-school room.
Who should go: Sandwich lovers seeking classic New York deli experience.
When to visit: Weekdays for shorter lines; late nights after neighborhood bar crawls.
What to order: Pastrami on rye, Reuben, matzo ball soup.
Insider tip: Skip the main counter lines by heading straight for table service and tipping your cutter well for thicker, juicier slices.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and competitive around Houston Street; expect meters or paid garages within a 3–5 minute walk.
Dress code: Completely casual — anything from jeans and hoodies to everyday streetwear fits the scene.
Noise level: High — the deli is loud, bustling, and energetic; not ideal for quiet conversation.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes depending on peak tourist traffic and late-night crowds.
Weekday lunch: 5–20 minutes; generally manageable except during noon rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited but available — egg salad, tuna salad, grilled cheese, and sides like potato latkes.
Vegan options: Very limited — most sandwiches contain meat or dairy; vegan-friendly options are minimal.
Gluten-free options: No gluten-free bread; safe options are mostly soups (check daily) and some sides.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date appreciates chaotic NYC classics — it’s fun, iconic, and memorable, but far too loud and crowded for an intimate first-date feel.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — Katz’s does not take reservations. All seating is first come, first served; be ready to wait and navigate the ticket system at the entrance.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for ages 6+ who can handle noise and crowds. High chairs are limited, but the menu has plenty of kid-appealing items like hot dogs and turkey sandwiches.
Best For
Better for: Massive, hand-carved pastrami and corned beef, unmatched deli history, late-night availability, and the quintessential NYC deli vibe.
Skip if: You want a quiet meal, gluten-free options, modern service, or a more refined dining experience — choose a sit-down deli or contemporary sandwich shop instead.
Katz's Delicatessen
8.9
Vibes:
Birthday & Celebration Central
Comfort Food Classics
Group Dining Gatherings
Late Night Legends
Open since 1888, Katz’s Delicatessen is the Lower East Side institution where hand-carved pastrami on rye, cavernous ceilings, and photo-lined walls turn even casual meals into events. Massive review volume and global press make it a bucket-list choice for out-of-town celebrations and late-night group visits.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pastrami on rye, Reuben sandwich, Matzo ball soup
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 9.3
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 9.5
What makes it special: An 1888-era deli whose pastrami and history make it one of the world’s most famous restaurants.
Who should go: Locals and visitors celebrating with overstuffed deli sandwiches.
When to visit: Weekdays or late nights to dodge the heaviest lines.
What to order: Pastrami on rye, Reuben, matzo ball soup.
Insider tip: Grab a ticket at the door, tip your carver, and share sandwiches to try more meats.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; expect limited availability on Houston Street, especially evenings and weekends. Paid garages within a 3–5 minute walk are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Completely casual. Anything from jeans and hoodies to tourist attire is normal—comfort is the priority.
Noise level: Loud. The room is bustling and echo-filled, so expect to raise your voice during peak hours.
Weekend wait: 45–90 minutes depending on tourist traffic; lines often extend outside.
Weekday lunch: 10–20 minutes, though it can spike around noon during peak travel seasons.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: A few options such as egg salad, cheese sandwiches, and sides, but the menu is overwhelmingly meat-focused.
Vegan options: Extremely limited—mostly pickles, fries, and a couple sides. Not ideal for a vegan meal.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free bread, but some meats and soups can be ordered without bread. Cross-contamination is likely.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if the vibe you want is loud, iconic, and chaotic. It’s legendary, but not intimate—better for fun, low-pressure dates rather than romantic ones.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—Katz’s does not take reservations. The ticket-at-the-door system keeps lines moving, but expect waits during peak hours. Go late night or weekday afternoons for the quickest turnaround.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes. The cafeteria-style setup, fast service, and big booths work well for families. Busy crowds may overwhelm very young children, but school-aged kids typically love it.
Best For
Better for: Iconic New York deli history, massive hand-carved sandwiches, and a one-of-a-kind atmosphere you can’t replicate elsewhere.
Skip if: You want a quiet meal, vegan options, gluten-free alternatives, or a refined dining experience—consider other spots for those needs.
Katz's Delicatessen
8.9
Katz's Delicatessen is an 1888-era Jewish deli on the Houston Street edge of the Lower East Side, famous for towering hand-carved pastrami and corned beef sandwiches served deep into the night. Lines of locals, tourists, and industry folks make it a classic late-night stop where the energy stays high even as most of the neighborhood winds down.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pastrami on Rye, Corned Beef Reuben, Matzo Ball Soup
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 9.3
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 9.5
What makes it special: An iconic New York deli serving hand-carved pastrami sandwiches since 1888.
Who should go: Anyone craving classic Jewish deli fare and NYC history
When to visit: Late evenings and weekends for full Lower East Side buzz
What to order: Pastrami on rye, corned beef Reuben, matzo ball soup
Insider tip: Split a sandwich and add extra pickles to keep both cost and appetite in check.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Houston is challenging most evenings; expect to circle or use nearby paid garages within a 3–5 minute walk.
Dress code: Totally casual — come as you are. Hoodies, tees, and late-night attire all fit in.
Noise level: High, especially late at night — lively counter action and constant foot traffic make conversations possible but not intimate.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes depending on the hour; lines move steadily but peak late-night rush can extend waits.
Weekday lunch: Usually 5–15 minutes; off-hours often have no line.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited but workable — egg salad, tuna salad, fries, and a few sides are solid options.
Vegan options: Very limited — most deli staples contain meat, eggs, or dairy; fries and some pickles are the only consistent vegan-friendly items.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free bread or prep area; soups and some sides may be gluten-free but cross-contact is likely.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date appreciates iconic NYC food culture and a chaotic, high-energy environment. It’s fun and memorable, but far from intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — Katz’s doesn’t take reservations. All seating is first-come, first-served. Grab a ticket at the door, follow the counter system, and scout for open tables once your food is ready.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who can handle crowds and loud rooms. Strollers can be tough to navigate during peak hours, and there’s no dedicated kids’ menu.
Best For
Better for: Unmatched late-night deli nostalgia, towering hand-carved pastrami, and pure New York energy. It excels when you want classic comfort food fast and loud.
Skip if: You want quiet dining, dietary accommodations, or lighter fare. Consider alternatives if you prefer reservations, modern menus, or gluten-free safety.