What Katz's Delicatessen is and where to find it

Katz's Delicatessen is a Jewish deli on the Lower East Side of Manhattan that has operated continuously since 1888. It occupies a corner storefront at 205 East Houston Street, between Ludlow and Orchard Streets, in a neighborhood where Eastern European Jewish immigrants settled in the late 1800s. The restaurant is still family-owned and operates under the same name it was given when it opened.

The deli is known for hand-sliced cured meats, particularly pastrami and corned beef, made using recipes and techniques that have remained largely unchanged for over a century. The space itself — long, narrow, with a counter running its length and a wall of hanging salamis — looks much as it did decades ago. Katz's does not take reservations and operates on a first-come, first-served basis.

Key Takeaways

  • Katz's has operated at the same Lower East Side location since 1888 and is still family-owned.
  • The menu centers on hand-sliced cured meats, with pastrami and corned beef as the signature items.
  • The deli does not take reservations, and waits can be long during peak hours and tourist season.
  • You order at the counter, receive a ticket, and pay when you leave — the same system used for decades.
  • Katz's became widely known to younger generations after appearing in the 1989 film "When Harry Met Sally."

The menu and what the signature items are

The core menu has not changed substantially since the early 1900s. Pastrami and corned beef sandwiches are the items most people order. Both are made from beef brisket that is cured in-house, then steamed and hand-sliced to order at the counter. The pastrami is seasoned with a spice rub; the corned beef is brined. A full sandwich comes on rye bread with mustard.

Beyond sandwiches, Katz's serves soups (including matzo ball soup), knishes, and sides like pickles and coleslaw. The menu also includes turkey, roast beef, and tongue sandwiches, though these are ordered less frequently. Prices are higher than they were historically but remain moderate for Manhattan; a pastrami sandwich costs roughly $20 to $25 depending on size and current pricing.

The deli also sells cured meats by the pound for takeout — whole salamis, sliced pastrami, and corned beef that customers can bring home. This retail side of the business has existed since the restaurant opened and remains active.

How to order and what the experience is like

Katz's operates differently from most restaurants. You enter, take a ticket from a dispenser near the door, and join a line at the counter. Workers behind the counter slice meat to order and build your sandwich in front of you. You tell them what you want, how much, and what bread. They hand you the sandwich wrapped in paper, and you keep your ticket.

You then find a seat — tables are communal and often shared with strangers — and eat. When you are finished, you bring your ticket to the cashier near the exit and pay. The cashier marks your ticket and you leave. This system has been in place for decades and moves people through efficiently even when the deli is crowded.

The atmosphere is intentionally casual and unpretentious. The walls are covered with photographs, signs, and memorabilia. The noise level is high, especially during lunch and dinner hours. Staff are efficient and matter-of-fact rather than formal. First-time visitors often find the experience disorienting but memorable.

Wait times and when to visit

Katz's is busiest during lunch (roughly 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.) and dinner (roughly 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.). During these windows, waits to order at the counter can exceed 30 minutes, particularly on weekends and during tourist season (spring through fall). The line moves steadily but does not move quickly.

Early morning (before 11 a.m.) and mid-afternoon (2 p.m. to 5 p.m.) are quieter. Weekday mornings typically have the shortest waits. If you want to minimize time spent waiting, visiting on a weekday morning or early afternoon is the most reliable approach.

The deli is open seven days a week. Hours are typically 8 a.m. to 10:45 p.m., though hours can vary seasonally and should be confirmed before visiting.

The cultural history and why it matters

Katz's opened in 1888 as a kosher butcher shop and delicatessen serving the Jewish immigrant community on the Lower East Side. At that time, the neighborhood was the center of Jewish life in New York City. The deli became a gathering place for workers, families, and later, artists and writers who moved to the neighborhood.

The restaurant survived the Great Depression, World War II, and the decline of the Lower East Side as a Jewish neighborhood. By the 1970s and 1980s, it was one of the few remaining delis from that era still operating. The 1989 film "When Harry Met Sally" featured a famous scene shot inside Katz's, which introduced the deli to a much wider audience and made it a tourist destination.

Today, Katz's is one of the last surviving Jewish delis in Manhattan. Most others have closed. The deli is considered a landmark of Lower East Side history and a living example of early 20th-century immigrant food culture in New York.

What to bring and practical details

Katz's accepts both cash and credit cards. There is no coat check, so plan accordingly if you are visiting in cold weather. The space is crowded and can feel cramped, especially during peak hours. Bathrooms are available but are small and often have lines.

The deli is accessible by subway: the F train stops at Second Avenue (one block away), and the J and Z trains stop at Essex Street (two blocks away). Street parking is difficult in the neighborhood; public parking garages are nearby but expensive. Many visitors use taxis or rideshare services.

Katz's is located in a neighborhood with many other restaurants, bars, and shops. The area around Houston and Ludlow Streets has become increasingly commercial and touristy over the past two decades, though the deli itself maintains its original character.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation?

No. Katz's does not take reservations. You arrive, take a ticket, and wait in line. For large groups, arriving during off-peak hours (mid-afternoon on a weekday) reduces wait time.

Is the pastrami actually better than other delis?

Katz's pastrami is made using a long-standing recipe and hand-sliced to order, which many people prefer. Whether it is "better" is subjective. Other delis in New York and elsewhere make pastrami using similar methods. Katz's reputation comes partly from its history and partly from the quality of the meat itself.

Can I order online or by phone?

Katz's does not offer online ordering or phone orders for in-restaurant dining. You must order in person at the counter. The deli does ship cured meats nationally through its website for those who cannot visit.

What if I have dietary restrictions?

The menu is meat-heavy and limited. Vegetarian options are minimal (pickles, coleslaw, bread). If you have allergies or other restrictions, speak directly with the counter staff, who can tell you what is available and how items are prepared.

Is it worth the wait?

That depends on your interest in the food and the history. If you are in the neighborhood and curious about a century-old deli, the experience is worth an hour of your time. If you are hungry and want a quick meal, there are faster options nearby.