What It's Like to Eat at the Famous Katz’s Delicatessen in New York City

If you're a foodie with a love for iconic dining experiences, a visit to Katz's Delicatessen in New York City is likely high on your list. Established in 1888, Katz's is not just a deli; it’s an institution that has been serving locals, tourists, celebrities, and just about anyone seeking a taste of authentic Jewish deli fare for over a century. Located on the Lower East Side, Katz’s is famous for its towering pastrami sandwiches, old-world ambiance, and a special role in New York’s culinary and cultural history. Here’s what it’s like to step through those iconic doors and experience one of the most legendary delis in the world.

First Impressions: Stepping Into History

As soon as you approach the storefront, you can tell Katz’s isn’t just another spot in the city. Its vintage neon signs flash proudly, with the tagline, “Send a salami to your boy in the army!” — a nod to Katz’s long-standing tradition of supporting troops during wartime by shipping salami to soldiers.

Once inside, the deli's hustle and bustle immediately hits you. It’s loud but in a lively, exciting way, filled with chatter, laughter, and the clanging of cutlery. The interior is a time capsule, with its no-frills décor: walls lined with faded photos of celebrities who've dined here, black-and-white checkerboard floors, and cafeteria-style seating. Katz’s is not about modern chic, but its charm lies in how little it’s changed over the years. You instantly feel connected to a piece of New York’s history.

The Legendary Ticket System

Upon entering, you're handed a small, yellow ticket—this is your meal ticket, both literally and figuratively. At Katz’s, you don’t just walk up to the counter and order. Instead, this ticket system has been in place since the early days to track what each guest orders. It’s essential not to lose it, as it will be tallied at the end of your meal for payment. There’s even a charge if you misplace it .

You move toward the deli counter, where the real magic happens. Here, you see Katz's expert cutters, known for their precision and speed, slicing meats fresh to order. They’re no-nonsense and efficient, yet friendly enough to engage you with a quick joke or smile. Once you give your order, the cutter may even give you a sample of the meat you’ve ordered—whether it's pastrami, corned beef, or brisket—to taste, so you know you’re about to indulge in something special.

The Food: A Feast Like No Other

Katz’s is most famous for its pastrami on rye, and rightly so. The sandwich comes stacked with nearly a pound of hand-carved, smoky, melt-in-your-mouth pastrami, layered between slices of soft rye bread slathered with mustard. The sheer size of it is overwhelming; this isn’t just a snack—it’s a meal (or two). The pastrami itself is unlike anything you’ve tasted before perfectly seasoned, with the right balance of fat and spice. It’s juicy, tender, and so flavorful that each bite leaves you craving more.

But Katz’s offers more than just pastrami. The corned beef sandwich is another staple, with its briny, savory flavor that complements the hearty rye bread perfectly. The brisket sandwich is equally succulent, with its rich, beefy taste that has been slow-cooked to perfection.

If you’re looking for something different, Katz’s has other deli classics like matzo ball soup, knishes, and latkes. The matzo ball soup is especially comforting, with a giant, fluffy matzo ball sitting in a bowl of hot chicken broth—simple but satisfying. Don’t skip the pickles either. Katz's is known for its sour and half-sour pickles, which come complimentary with every meal and provide the perfect tangy contrast to the richness of the meat.

Dining Ambiance: A Melting Pot of Cultures

One of the things that make Katz’s experience so unique is the cross-section of humanity that fills its tables. On any given day, you’ll see locals grabbing a quick lunch, tourists snapping photos of their towering sandwiches, groups of friends chatting over bowls of soup, and even celebrities who stop by to enjoy a taste of New York history.

The communal atmosphere fosters a sense of connection—whether it's the lively conversations around you or the shared experience of enjoying the deli’s famous food. The staff, while busy, still manage to make the experience personal, especially the cutters behind the counter, who take pride in their craft.

The Famous Scene from When Harry Met Sally

You can’t talk about Katz’s without mentioning the famous scene from When Harry Met Sally. In this 1989 romantic comedy, Meg Ryan's character Sally fakes a very convincing (and now legendary) orgasm while seated at Katz’s Delicatessen, to which another diner famously quips, “I’ll have what she’s having.” Katz commemorates the scene with a sign hanging above the exact table where the moment was filmed. Many visitors make it a point to sit at that table or at least take a photo under the sign.

While this bit of Hollywood history draws tourists in droves, it doesn’t detract from the authenticity of Katz’s experience. The deli remains the same no matter how much attention it receives, and that’s part of its lasting appeal.

What It Costs: Priceless Experience (With a Price Tag)

Eating at Katz’s is not cheap, but you're paying for more than just the food—you're paying for the history, the tradition, and the experience. A pastrami sandwich will set you back around $25, but considering the portion size and the quality of the meat, it’s worth every penny. You can easily split a sandwich with a friend and still feel satisfied.

The prices reflect the care and time that goes into the food. Katz’s uses time-honored methods to prepare its meats, which are cured and smoked in-house for weeks. This attention to detail results in some of the best pastrami and corned beef you’ll ever taste, and that’s the kind of quality that commands a higher price point.

The Verdict: A Must-Visit for Food Lovers

Katz’s Delicatessen is more than just a restaurant—it’s an experience that every food lover, New Yorker, or visitor to the city should have at least once. Whether you’re drawn by the allure of its history, the legendary pastrami sandwiches, or the cultural significance of its role in pop culture, a meal at Katz’s is unforgettable.

There’s something timeless about eating at a place that has been doing the same thing for over a century and doing it better than almost anyone else. Katz’s Delicatessen captures the essence of New York City’s food culture: bold, unpretentious, and steeped in tradition. It’s a reminder that in a city that’s constantly changing, some things remain deliciously the same.