Katz's is a Jewish deli on the Lower East Side that has been serving pastrami and corned beef since 1888

Katz's Delicatessen sits at 205 East Houston Street in Manhattan, a few blocks east of Ludlow Street. It is one of the oldest continuously operating delis in the United States. The restaurant is known for its hand-sliced pastrami and corned beef sandwiches, made from beef brisket that is brined, smoked, and steamed on-site.

The deli occupies a full city block underground and above ground. The space is divided into sections — some standing-room only, some with tables — and the counter where meat is sliced runs the length of the main floor. The restaurant does not take reservations and operates on a first-come, first-served basis.

Key Takeaways

  • Katz's has operated continuously since 1888 and is one of the oldest delis in America, located on the Lower East Side of Manhattan.
  • The restaurant is famous for hand-sliced pastrami and corned beef sandwiches made from beef brisket brined and smoked in-house.
  • Katz's does not take reservations; you order at the counter and find seating in the dining areas or standing sections.
  • The deli is open seven days a week and serves lunch and dinner, with hours that extend into the early morning on weekends.
  • Payment is cash or card, and the restaurant charges a small fee for sharing a sandwich between two people.

How to order and what the menu includes

When you enter, you receive a ticket from an employee near the door. You walk to the counter, tell the person behind it what you want, and they hand-slice the meat in front of you. The ticket is marked with your order, and you pay at the register on your way out.

The menu centers on sandwiches: pastrami, corned beef, roast beef, turkey, and brisket. You can order a sandwich on rye bread, and the standard size is thick enough that many people split one between two people. The deli also serves soups, sides like pickles and coleslaw, and drinks. Prices vary by meat and portion size; pastrami and corned beef are the most expensive items on the menu.

The deli also sells packaged meats to take home — vacuum-sealed pastrami and corned beef that you can reheat. These are available at the counter and at a retail section near the entrance.

Location, hours, and how to get there

Katz's is at 205 East Houston Street, between Ludlow and Orchard Streets on the Lower East Side. The nearest subway stations are the F train at Second Avenue or the J/M/Z trains at Essex Street, both about a five-minute walk away.

The deli is open seven days a week. Weekday hours are typically 8 a.m. to 10:45 p.m. Weekend hours extend later — the restaurant stays open until 2:45 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights. Hours can shift for holidays, so checking the restaurant's website or calling ahead is wise if you are planning a visit on a holiday or during a major event.

The restaurant is busiest during lunch and dinner hours, and on weekends. If you prefer a shorter wait, visiting in the mid-afternoon or late evening on a weekday tends to be less crowded.

Seating and the sharing policy

Katz's has three main areas: a standing-room section near the counter, a seated dining area with tables, and a back section. During busy times, tables fill quickly, and you may need to stand or wait for a seat to open. The deli does not hold tables, so you eat and leave to make room for the next customer.

The restaurant charges a small fee — historically around $1.50 per person — if two people share one sandwich. This policy exists because the sandwiches are large and the deli wants to may support fair payment for the meat. If you order two sandwiches, there is no sharing fee.

What makes Katz's different from other delis

Katz's is one of very few delis left in New York City that still brines, smokes, and steams its own meat on-site. Most other delis buy pre-made pastrami and corned beef from suppliers. At Katz's, the process takes days — the brisket is brined for a week, smoked for hours, and then steamed to order.

The deli's age and location also set it apart. It has been in the same building since 1888 and is a landmark on the Lower East Side, a neighborhood that was once the center of Jewish immigration to New York. The restaurant is a historical site as much as a restaurant, and many people visit for that reason alone.

The hand-slicing at the counter is also distinctive. You can watch the meat being sliced and see how thick it is before you pay. This transparency and the skill of the slicers — some have worked at Katz's for decades — are part of what draws customers back.

Payment, pricing, and what to expect on a busy day

Katz's accepts cash and card. There is no table service; you order at the counter, receive a ticket, and pay at the register when you leave. Tips are optional and can be added at the register or left on the table.

A pastrami or corned beef sandwich costs between $20 and $25, depending on the size and current prices. A full meal with a sandwich, drink, and a side typically runs $30 to $40 per person. The deli does not charge for seating or for standing room.

On busy days — weekends, lunch hours, and tourist season — expect to wait in line at the counter and possibly for a seat. The line moves steadily because orders are straightforward and the slicers work quickly. Even during peak times, the wait is usually 15 to 30 minutes from entry to having your food in hand.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation?

No. Katz's does not take reservations and operates on a first-come, first-served basis. You walk in, get a ticket, order at the counter, and find a seat or stand while you eat.

What is the most popular sandwich?

The pastrami sandwich is the most famous item. It is hand-sliced thick and served on rye bread. Many people split one sandwich between two people because of the size, though the deli charges a small sharing fee for this.

Is Katz's good for groups?

Katz's works for groups, but seating is limited and tables fill quickly during busy times. Groups may need to split up or stand. If your group is large, arriving during off-peak hours — mid-afternoon or late evening on a weekday — makes the experience easier.

Can I order online or by phone?

Katz's does not offer online ordering or delivery through third-party apps. You must visit in person to order. The deli does sell packaged meats at the counter that you can take home and reheat.

What should I know before my first visit?

Bring cash or a card, arrive hungry, and expect to stand in line. The sandwiches are large, and the deli is crowded most of the time. If you want a quieter experience, visit on a weekday afternoon. The sharing fee applies if two people order one sandwich.