Katz's Delicatessen
8.9Friend Score / 10#1 of 20 Restaurants in New York City
Known forpastrami on ryecorned beef sandwichbrisket sandwichReuben
NYC's oldest deli (1888) and the pastrami sandwich against which all others are measured — hand-carved, piled absurdly high, $28.95 and worth splitting. Yes, it's the 'When Harry Met Sally' place; yes, it's mobbed; yes, you should still go. Guard your ticket: losing it costs you a $50 fee.
Key facts
| Hours | Mon–Thu 08:00–23:00 Fri–Fri 08:00–23:59 Sat–Sat 00:00–23:59 Sun–Sun 00:00–23:00 |
|---|---|
| Price | $$$ |
| Phone | (212) 254-2246 |
| Website | katzsdelicatessen.com |
| Nearest transit | 2nd Av (F), about a 3-minute walk; Delancey St–Essex St (F/J/M/Z) about 8 minutes |
| Time needed | 45 minutes to 1.5 hours |
| Best time to go | Weekday mid-afternoon (2-5pm); it's open 24 hours from Friday morning through Sunday night, so very late/early weekend visits beat the crowds |
| Last verified | July 12, 2026 |
Friend Score
8.9/10- Value6.5
- iconic8.5
- Freshness9.1
- Crowd level3.5
- Authenticity9.0
- Accessibility8.5
Frequently asked questions
- What should I order besides pastrami?
- Honestly, pastrami on rye with mustard is 90% of the reason to go; the corned beef is the respectable second. Add a full sour pickle, a matzo ball soup if it's cold out, and a Dr. Brown's Cel-Ray if you're committing to the bit.
- Is Katz's the When Harry Met Sally deli?
- Yes — the famous scene was shot at a table under a hanging sign that says 'Where Harry met Sally... hope you have what she had.' People still pose there daily.
- What are Katz's hours?
- Monday to Thursday 8am to 11pm, then open continuously 24 hours from Friday 8am through Sunday 11pm. A 3am Saturday pastrami is a genuine New York rite of passage.
- Should I tip the cutter at Katz's?
- Yes — a dollar or two at the counter when they carve your sandwich is the custom, and it often earns you a more generous sample and cut. Cash in hand at the cutter's station is the local move.
- How much is a pastrami sandwich at Katz's?
- $28.95, and it's enormous — easily splittable between two people with a plate of pickles. Painful sticker price, yes, but it's half a pound-plus of hand-carved pastrami, not a normal sandwich.
- Does Katz's take reservations or cards?
- No reservations — it's walk-in, and there's usually a line out the door at lunch that moves faster than it looks. They take cards as well as cash, but keep small bills for tipping your cutter.
- Is Katz's worth the price and the crowds?
- For a first visit, yes without hesitation — the pastrami really is that much better than anywhere else, and the chaotic ticket-and-cutter system is living history. Just split a sandwich and go off-peak.
- How does ordering at Katz's work?
- You get a ticket at the door — do not lose it, there's a $50 lost-ticket fee. Line up at a counter cutter's station, order your pastrami on rye, and they'll hand you a sample slice while carving; the cutter marks your ticket and you pay on the way out.
Nearby in Ask New York City
- Russ & DaughtersRestaurant0.09 km · 1 min walk
- Essex MarketMarket0.43 km · 5 min walk
- Amor y AmargoBar0.46 km · 6 min walk
- AttaboyBar0.51 km · 6 min walk
- AbraçoCafé0.58 km · 7 min walk
Where to stay near Katz's Delicatessen
Compare hotels & stays on Booking.com · doesn’t affect the Friend Score