I’ll Have What She’s Having: A Guide to Eating at Katz’s Deli

By Adam Guy

KATZ’S DELICATESSEN is THE quintessential deli in New York City. The thick and juicy pastrami and corned beef sandwiches are incredible. The sides are plentiful. The atmosphere is frenzied and colorful. Dining here is an experience unlike any other.

Some people think it’s gotten too touristy. Disregard those negative Nellies! Katz’s is a MUST for everyone. It’s a New York staple for locals (and has been for nearly 140 years) as well as a foodie destination for visitors.

But a visit to Katz’s can be intimidating. There’s often a long line out front. Once inside you are handed this mysterious ticket. Then you head to a row of “cutters” to place your order. It can seem loud and chaotic.

I’m here to give you the rundown of all things KATZ’S DELI – what to order, how to order, when to go – all the ins and outs to make the most of your visit to this iconic NYC eatery.

History

First a bit of history… Katz’s Deli was established in 1888 as Iceland Brothers, a small kosher deli on Ludlow Street owned by two brothers with the last name Iceland. Five years later, Willy Katz partnered up with the Iceland brothers. Soon after, Willy and his cousin Benny bought the eatery and renamed it Katz’s Delicatessen.

In those days, the Lower East Side was home to primarily to Yiddish speaking Jews.

Katz’s became a community meeting place for people to gossip, chat, and do business. Katz’s was originally at a location across the street but moved to its current location in 1931, thanks to construction of the subway line nearby.

According to Katz’s website, “the vacant lot on Houston Street was home to barrels of meat and pickles until the present storefront façade was added between 1946 and 1949.”

The family eventually began aging away and decided to sell the famed restaurant. Today, Katz Deli is owned and operated by Martin Dell, his son Alan Dell, and Martin’s son-in-law Fred Austin. They kept the iconic name and all that made Katz great.

About the Meat

Katz’s serves around 15,000 pounds of pastrami and 8,000 pounds of corned beef each week. They cure their pastrami and corned beef using a traditional, slow method—taking up to 30 DAYS—without artificial chemicals, water injection, or additives to accelerate the process. (The typical commercial process takes 36 hours.)

The meat is cured in a traditional saltwater brine rather than being pressure-injected or "pumped".  After curing, the meat is boiled, steamed, and sliced by hand. 

It’s the juiciest, most tender meat you will find anywhere!

When to Go

The good thing is that Katz ‘s is open from 8:00am to 11:00pm every day of the week, and occasionally even later on Friday and Saturday nights.  Of course, the likelihood of you craving a corned beef on rye at 9:00am is probably slim. Pastrami and eggs on the other hand, maybe. Fortunately, they serve that, along with other breakfast staples like pancakes and classic bagel breakfast.

If you are going for lunch, I generally recommend you arrive at Katz by 11:30am. By noon, the wait can be 30-60 minutes long. It does move fairly quickly, so don’t be intimidated. For dinner, I’d advise arriving by 5:30pm under the same logic. As you might imagine, weekends are busier than weekdays. Busier tourist times also elicit large crowds. That said, the line is unpredictable. I’ve been at 3:00pm and there’s been no line. I’ve also been at 3:00pm and had a 30 minute wait.

The Ticket System

Once inside the front door, a bouncer-type staff member will hand each person a ticket. He’ll tell you don’t lose it or you will be charged $50. This is real. Do not lose the ticket.

The “ticket system” has been in place for about 25 years. It used to be a way for the restaurant to keep track of cost of your ordered food items. Now it’s used mostly to tracking orders across different stations (e.g., drinks, sandwiches, deli counter) for those customers not using table service. It’s a bit archaic, and perhaps really exists to help Katz’s keep customers on their toes.

Again, don’t lose it. Everybody will need to show return their tickets on the way out to exit.

Cutters vs. Table Service

Once you have your ticket in hand, you will be asked if you want self-service or table service. If you want table service, where a server takes and brings you your order, you will be directed to the back of the restaurant where a small seating area exists. Eating this way works just like a regular restaurant.

Most people opt for self-service. Why? Because it’s part of the Katz’s experience. You’ll make your way into one of several disorganized and bunched up lines in front of the meat cutting counter. The “cutters,” as they are known, will be the staff members with whom you place your sandwich order. You tell them what you want, they will get the meat, carve it in front of you, give you a sample to try (OH, THE SAMPLE!), make your sandwich and give it to you on a tray. They will ask you if you’d like pickles with your order. They are included, so give them a try. You will receive both full and half-sour spears on your plate. And be sure to tip your cutters a few bucks.

Beverages, Sides and other Entrees

Beverages, including classic Dr. Brown’s sodas, and sides dishes such as knishes, French fries, Cole slaw, noodle kugel, soups, and salads are ordered from a different spot further down the counter. Water cups and water are free.

To the right of the cutters near the front window is the grill, where you can order delicious jumbo hot dogs and juicy hamburgers, pastrami and eggs, among other non-sandwich entrees. (Is a hot dog considered a sandwich? Hmmmm….?) This is a little awkward, because you must navigate back to the front of the restaurant to order separately. Again, have your ticket with you!

OK… once you have your trays of food and beverage, you’ll need to find a place to sit in the main dining area.

What to Order

Either the pastrami or corned beef sandwich has to be your first pick. You can order it with cheese or not. That’s up to you. It’s what they are known for. They are so good, I’m sure poetry has been written about their yumminess. If not, you may want to write the first.

I’ve also had the turkey, brisket, Reuben, chopped liver, chicken salad, and egg salad sandwiches and all hit the spot. Sandwiches are divided up into hot or cold options and listed on the menu boards above the cutters. You can order half sandwich and half soup or salad as an option.

The knishes are delicious. I recommend sampling one of those. What is a knish, you ask? A knish is a pocket of soft, pillowy dough that's usually stuffed with potatoes and onion, brought to NYC by Eastern European Jews in the neighborhood.

 You can’t go wrong with Matzo Ball soup as a side. The Cole slaw is homemade, and the fries are thick steak fries.

I have had the pastrami and egg omelet as well. Best omelet I’ve ever had! The hot dogs are scrumptious and filling. I've had those, too. Way better than the average street cart dog.

I didn’t mention desserts. They do have a few like cheesecake, babka, and black and white cookies. I’ve never had enough room at the end of my gluttony to try any.

Speaking of, arrive at Katz’s Deli hungry. You will be full by the end, guaranteed. This is not the place you come for a quick nosh. You go to Katz’s Delicatessen to indulge. The splendorous meal will be worth it. And you may not be hungry for the remainder of the day.

Getting a Table

If it is crowded, and you are with a few people, I suggest you send someone to scout for a table. You order for them at the counter and have them save seats. Otherwise, after you order, you just walk around until seats free up.

This is a very sharing atmosphere. So, if you are a party of two and two seats are available at a 4 or 6 top table, just ask the other patrons if you can join them. Assuming they are not expecting other guests, I am confident they will let you join. They are too immersed in gobbling down their sandwiches.

Seating will be tight, but you be so too busy too busying ‘oohing’ and ‘ahhhing’ over your meal to care.

Do you still have your ticket? Just checking!

When Harry Met Sally

Katz’s Deli may have received its greatest bit of publicity thanks to the most famous scene in the movie “When Harry Met Sally”. In the scene, Sally played by Meg Ryan and Harry played by Billy Crystal are having a meal and chatting at a table in the middle of Katz’s. Sally suggests that at some point in a relationship, women fake orgasms, leaving Harry in disbelief. So, she “proves it” right there in the restaurant. Sally finishes, looks at Harry and smiles. Harry looks back, looking a little uneasy. Then a woman at a nearby table says, “I'll have what she's having.”

Look for the hanging sign above the table where the scene was filmed. Faking an orgasm in the restaurant is entirely up to you.

What It’ll Cost and How to Pay

As of April 2026, the pastrami sandwich costs $28.95, and I dare say, it’s worth every penny. Corned beef, turkey, and brisket sandwiches are a dollar less at $27.95. The half sandwich, half soup or salad option runs at $24.95.

Matzo Ball soup is $9.95, a round knish is $8.54, a frankfurter is $5.95 and a Dr. Brown’s Cream, Soda is $3.95.

You can pay with either cash or credit card. To pay with a credit card, you will need to go to the cashier counter near where you ordered your drinks and sides. Bring all the tickets if paying as one check. Hang on to all the tickets and receipts. You will need them to exit.

To pay via cash, head to the front cashier. Bring all the tickets with you. 

Ordering Online

Katz’s Deli will ship their delicious food nationwide. Interestingly, shipping Katz’s products began during the World War II. Behind the slogan "Send A Salami To Your Boy In The Army", the Katz family would send cured meats to soldiers serving overseas, which included their two sons, to provide soldiers with real food instead of C-rations.

Today, all you need to do is place an order via their website. No wars… unless someone steals the delivered box from your front door.

Hours and Location

Katz’s Deli is located at 205 E. Houston Street (on the corner of Ludlow St) in the Lower East Side.  The closest subway station is the 2nd Ave stop on the F line.

Katz’s is open from 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM every day. Sometimes they stay open later Friday and Saturday nights.

Other Jewish Delis

While there are other delicious Jewish Delis like 2^nd Avenue Deli, Pastrami Queen, and Sarge’s Deli, none give such a unique dining experience like Katz’s Deli. Plus, Katz’s has been around way longer than the rest, Maybe when one of them turns 100 (20 years or so from now), I’ll write a blog about them.

Last Bit of Advice

When you go to Katz’s Deli:

• Be patient with the line and ordering process;

• Soak in the unique experience;

• Arrive hungry;

• And don’t lose that ticket!

Have a great sandwich!

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Do you ever stop at Katz’s Deli on your tours?  I sure do. I’ve taken many guests to Katz for lunch during full day tours. Or, if it’s a half day tour, I’ll either drop guests off there or at least make sure they know how to travel there via subway.

Tours?  Yes! I Know A Guy NYC Tours offers private, personal, and fun adventures around the city for small groups, including lots of families with kiddos. Sand sometimes I take my guests to yummy places like Katz Deli. Many have enjoyed an experience with me. See what they had to say!  

You can see for yourself what tours are like with me by following I Know A Guy NYC Tours Facebook or Instagram. You’ll completely get the vibe.

Book a Tour

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Thanks for reading this blog! If you would like to chat about your upcoming trip and possible tour ideas, please contact me at aguy@iknowaguy.nyc or 404-915-9901 I'm quite friendly!

© All photos by Adam Guy