Your Free Guide to Katz's Delicatessen New York

A Brief History of Katz's Delicatessen

Katz's Delicatessen stands as one of New York City's most iconic food establishments, with roots stretching back to 1888. The restaurant began as a small meat shop on the Lower East Side of Manhattan, in a neighborhood that was then home to waves of Jewish immigrants from Eastern Europe. These immigrants brought with them centuries-old traditions of kosher food preparation and delicatessen culture, transforming the Lower East Side into the heart of Jewish-American food culture.

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The delicatessen's name comes from the Yiddish word "delicatessen," which referred to a shop selling prepared meats and fine foods. Katz's grew from a simple butcher shop into a full-service restaurant that served the local community. Over the decades, the restaurant became known for its traditional curing and smoking methods, which gave its meats their distinctive flavor and texture. The business remained family-owned and operated through multiple generations, with family members working directly in the shop and kitchen.

In 1988, Katz's celebrated its 100th anniversary, marking a full century of operation in New York City. The restaurant has continued to operate in its original location at 205 East Houston Street, making it one of the oldest continuously operating delicatessens in the United States. This longevity is remarkable given that many restaurants close within their first five years of operation. Katz's survived the Great Depression, World Wars, changing neighborhoods, and evolving food trends.

The restaurant became a cultural landmark beyond just food. It appeared in the famous 1989 film "When Harry Met Sally," where one of the most memorable scenes in cinema history was filmed. That scene brought national attention to Katz's and introduced it to millions of people who had never visited New York City. Since then, the delicatessen has become a destination for tourists and locals alike, representing a direct connection to New York's immigrant past and food history.

Understanding Katz's history helps visitors appreciate what they're experiencing when they visit. The restaurant is not simply a place to eat; it's a living museum of New York food culture and immigrant achievement. The establishment has maintained many of its original practices and recipes while adapting to modern times. Family members continue to be involved in operations, preserving the values and quality standards that made Katz's famous in the first place.

Practical Takeaway: Before visiting, knowing that Katz's has operated since 1888 in the same location provides context for understanding the restaurant's role in New York City's cultural heritage. This background enhances appreciation for the craftsmanship and traditional methods still used in food preparation today.

Understanding Katz's Menu and Signature Items

Katz's menu centers on traditional Jewish delicatessen food, with an emphasis on cured and smoked meats prepared using methods that have changed little in over a century. The most famous item on the menu is the pastrami sandwich, which has become synonymous with New York-style delicatessen food. Pastrami is beef brisket that has been cured, seasoned with spices like pepper and coriander, and then smoked over a low heat for hours. The result is meat that is tender, flavorful, and has a distinctive red exterior from the smoking process.

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The corned beef sandwich ranks alongside pastrami as a Katz's signature item. Like pastrami, corned beef is made from brisket, but it is cured using a different process that includes pickling spices and salt. The name "corned" comes from the large grains of salt used in the curing process, which were historically called "corns" of salt. Katz's corned beef is sliced fresh to order, typically hand-carved to the customer's preference for thickness. Many visitors come to Katz's specifically to try these two sandwiches and compare them.

Beyond sandwiches, Katz's offers other traditional delicatessen items. Hot dogs, made from kosher beef, are available in several styles. Knishes—potato or meat-filled pastries that are a traditional Jewish food—are prepared in-house. The restaurant serves matzo ball soup, a classic Jewish dish featuring light, fluffy dumplings in chicken broth. Brisket plates allow customers to experience the meat without the bread, often served with sides like mustard and pickles. Tongue and other organ meats appear on the menu, reflecting the nose-to-tail butchery traditions that Jewish delicatessens practiced.

The menu also includes items for those who may not want meat-heavy options. Cheese blintzes, which are thin pancakes filled with cheese, represent Jewish-Eastern European cuisine. Various salads appear on the menu, as do sides like french fries and coleslaw. Beverages include traditional egg cream drinks, a New York classic made with milk, chocolate syrup, and carbonated water. Beverages range from soft drinks to beer and wine selections.

Portions at Katz's are notably large. A single sandwich typically weighs between one-half pound and three-quarters of a pound of meat. This portion size reflects the delicatessen tradition of providing substantial, filling meals to working people. Many visitors find that one sandwich can serve two people, or that they cannot finish a complete sandwich in one sitting. The menu pricing reflects both the portion size and the quality of ingredients used.

Practical Takeaway: When planning your visit, decide in advance whether you want to sample multiple items (which may require sharing with others) or focus on trying one signature sandwich thoroughly. Knowing that portions are large helps you decide whether to order sides or save room for additional items.

Location, Hours, and Practical Visiting Information

Katz's Delicatessen is located at 205 East Houston Street in Manhattan's Lower East Side neighborhood. This address has been the restaurant's home since its founding in 1888. The neighborhood itself is accessible by multiple subway lines, including the F and M trains at the Second Avenue station, and the J and Z trains at the Bowery station. For those using other transit options, buses that serve the Lower East Side include the M15 bus line. Street parking in the neighborhood can be challenging, particularly during peak tourist and dining hours, so public transportation may be preferable.

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The restaurant operates with extended hours to serve both the local community and tourists. Katz's is typically open from 8 AM in the morning, allowing early arrivals for breakfast items. The kitchen remains open until 10:45 PM most nights, with slight variations on different days of the week. The restaurant operates seven days a week, remaining open on major holidays with rare exceptions. These extended hours mean that visitors have considerable flexibility in planning their visit. Those who prefer smaller crowds may want to visit during off-peak times, such as mid-afternoon or weekday mornings.

The physical space at Katz's is a long, narrow delicatessen with a traditional layout. The restaurant features both counter service and table seating. At the counter, customers can order and pick up their food, watching as staff prepare sandwiches and other items. Table seating is arranged throughout the interior, providing a setting where customers can sit and eat. The décor retains much of its original character, with vintage signage, hanging meats, and an atmosphere that feels authentic to earlier decades. During peak times, all seating may be occupied, and customers may need to wait for a table to become available.

The ordering process at Katz's differs from typical restaurants. Upon entering, customers receive a ticket card. As they order items from various stations in the deli—the sandwich counter, the soup station, the register—each station marks items on the ticket. After eating, customers take their completed ticket to the register to pay. This system has been in place for decades and represents a traditional delicatessen operation method. First-time visitors should be prepared for this process and understand that they will receive guidance from staff on where to go and what to do.

Payment options at Katz's have evolved over time. The restaurant accepts cash, credit cards, and debit cards. Digital payment systems may also be available, though cash remains widely accepted. During busy times, payment processing may take additional time, particularly if many customers are paying simultaneously. Visitors should plan their visit accordingly and bring sufficient payment methods.

Practical Takeaway: Plan to arrive during off-peak hours (mid-afternoon on weekdays) to avoid long waits, allow yourself 30-45 minutes from entering to leaving during moderate crowds, understand the ticketing system before ordering, and use public transportation given parking challenges in the Lower