Katz's Delicatessen Inc
(212) 254-2246
205 E Houston St
New York,
NY
10002
40.7223
-73.9873
Neighborhoods: Downtown, Lower East Side
What People Are Saying About Katz's Delicatessen Inc
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
Katz's Deli is frequented by regulars who've been coming for decades, as well as tourists and neighborhood newbies; occasionally, you might catch a glimpse of a celebrity. Since its establishment in the 1880s, the deli has changed very little in appearance, retaining a grungy sheen. Grab a ticket on the way in for counter service, or seat yourself at a table to be waited on. Katz's still makes about 5,000 pounds of corned beef, 2,000 pounds of salami and 12,000 hot dogs a week--the old-fashioned way, on the premises--and it shows in the massive portions the deli serves. Excellent pastrami is a big draw, as is the deli's Reuben sandwich.
User Reviews
senso5
May 27, 2009
Basically, they have no waiter service...you get your food to sit down and eat...you are shuffled around by hang dog bus people who apologize profusely about the rude management who close down sections you are eating in and make you move...the soup is COLD and disgusting...and then, when it is fifteen minutes before closing...they try and take your food AWAY FROM YOU...and if you refuse, they hover nearby until they can grab your plate. This was once a fun place full of character, now it is a disgusting dirty get them in get them out factory with rude help and the worst food in the city. DON'T GO! Go to Carnegie Deli where the aggravation is at least worth it. I will never step foot in the horrible place again.
read full review
roaddog1
May 27, 2009
Yes, it has an authentic Old Manhattan atmosphere, which is harder and harder to find these days, and it serves a decent corned beef sandwich. But on a recent visit, the manager barked at my friend and me to move to another table (we were in the middle of our meal) so they could "shut the section down" and ten minutes later the busboy literally tried to take my plate—along with the dinner I'd just paid $25 for—right out from under my nose, explaining "we're closing." When I asked him to give me a couple of minutes to finish my sandwich, he stood right at my shoulder, watching me eat. It was 9:50 on a Tuesday night. If they shut down at 10 o'clock and pull your plate away at ten minutes before closing, they ought to tell you when you come in at 9:30. The soup was lukewarm and the matzoh ball was like wet cement. From now on, I'll get my corned beef fix uptown at Carnegie Deli. It's also loaded with tourists, but the sandwiches are twice as large, the matzohballs are fluffy and light and you feel like they appreciate your business.
read full review
glandpuck
May 21, 2009
My first trip to NY and to this famous institution. Katz's was crowded and loud with locals having a good time. It took me a while to figure out the the waiter vs. self-order system, but this was understandable. The tables and chairs are old and in need of repair, not nostalgic. Tables are very narrow forcing patrons to sit with their chairs away from the table into the back of the adjacent table forcing persons to always have to be moving. Not nice. My matzoh ball soup was very mediocre. The broth tasted more like carrots with no chicken taste and was room temp. The matzoh ball was average in taste and not warm inside the center. The egg creme (my first in NY) was served in a paper cup with a plastic lid (again, not the nostalgic soda glass with a frothy layer I was expecting). The taste was ordinary and I make better ones at home. Now for the corned beef sandwich. The rye bread had no caraway seeds, a soft crust like white bread and was machine sliced thin like diet slices. Lousy bread. The corned beef was again ordinary, not salty and not flavorful. In my opinion, if you are a visitor, look elsewhere for deli. If you are a local, then I say to New Yorkers: Wake Up! This deli is lousy. Demand more. Bread should have caraway seeds, be warm, hand sliced, a little thick with a crunchy crust. Corned beef should be moist and a little salty and flavorful. Matzoh ball soup should be piping hot, a great chicken broth and the matzoh ball should be flavorful and hot. An egg cream should be in a nice soda glass for over $4. Oh yes, clean this place up, it looks dirty and old.
read full reviewThe Details on Katz's Delicatessen Inc
Where to Sit:
The sign hanging above the table made famous in the movie "When Harry Met Sally" should help you find the spot.
Category:
Delicatessens, Restaurants, Catering
Payment Methods:
American Express, Visa, Discover, MasterCard
Catering Services:
Restaurant Special Features:
Local Favorite, Family-Friendly Dining, Late Night Dining, Private Rooms, People Watching, Lunch Spot, Food Delivery, Cheap Eats
