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- This Famous New York Restaurant Is More Than Meets The Eye
Summary
- Katz's Delicatessen is a legendary New York restaurant, famous for its pastrami sandwiches and iconic status.
- The pastrami sandwich is so good that people line up around the corner, and it often sells out by noon.
- While the pastrami sandwich is their most popular dish, Katz's Delicatessen also offers other classic New York deli fare, but it is considered moderately expensive.
Nothing is better than biting into a thick pastrami sandwich that juices down onto the plate below. With each bite, a new flavor arises, whether it’s the fresh rye bread or deli-style mustard, or the saltiness of pickled pickle. Katz’s Delicatessen has become one of the most famous and longest-standing restaurants in New York. Locals gather around the table for brunch, lunch, dinner, or even just for a quick midnight snack. Every famous restaurant has a popular dish, and Katz’s Delicatessen is no different.
In fact, Katz’s Delicatessen has been featured as the backdrop of many current television shows and was the center for Meg Ryan’s most famous sandwich and Big O scene in “When Harry Met Sally.”
However, even though the restaurant has been featured in many sitcoms and movies, locals and tourists from all over the world endure waiting through long lines simply because of the incredible taste. Even if you only have 48-hours to eat through New York's best foods, Katz's Delicatessen should be at the top of the list.
UPDATE: 2023/11/08 19:19 EST BY LUANA FERREIRA
This Famous New York Restaurant Is More Than Meets The Eye
Year after year, Katz’s Delicatessen remains one of New York's most iconic restaurants. The menu remained almost the same through the years, and the clients still lined up in front of the restaurant. This list has been updated to include more details about the experience, such as prices and menu items.
Katz's Delicatessen Is One Of The Best Restaurants In NYC (And Most Iconic)
Not only is Katz’s Delicatessen one of New York City's longest-standing restaurants. Back in the day, large numbers of Eastern European Jews immigrated to New York’s Lower East Side in search of a better life. Jewish delis became a dime a dozen, and cultural cuisines began to blend with New American dishes. But with time, these delis slowly phased out due to gentrification and evolving food trends. The only remaining Jewish deli from the late 1900s is Katz's Delicatessen.
Katz’s Delicatessen became a beloved iconic structure in New York City after Meg Ryan’s famous scene in When Harry Met Sally aired. Some clients say it ranks among the restaurants that are worth every dime. Additionally, the interior decoration was kept decorated to give a nostalgic vibe. But, most importantly, the food is just THAT good.
While their menu lists many loved food items, what locals and tourists flock to the most is their famous pastrami sandwich. For those who want to avoid the crowds, there are other restaurants serving delicious pastrami sandwiches.
Favorites Can Run Out By Noon With A Line Up Around The Corner
How can a sandwich be so good that the line just to order one can wrap around the corner and often sells out? The pastrami is cooked for 24 hours and is cooked so beautifully that the chefs must hand carve each slice; otherwise, the slicer machine would crumble each piece. Because each slice is carved by hand, this also allows for each sandwich to be made to everyone’s taste, whether they prefer their slices thick or thin. Additionally, when entering Katz’s Delicatessen, there are multiple lineups at the counter, with up to eight carvers to accommodate each order.
The moment guests walk in, they will be greeted with a ticket. The lineups are so long that foodies are expected to know what they want to order the moment they get to the counter. Otherwise, they may even get yelled at. However, most guests come for three main dishes: pastrami on rye, pickles and pickled sides, and Matzo ball soup.
The Tongue Omelets And Stellar Cheese Blintzes Are A Breakfast Must-Have
Fernando Mafra from São Paulo, Brasil, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
New York has excellent spots for having breakfast, and one could add Katz’s to their list. Aside from pastrami sandwiches on rye bread and delicious soul-warming Matzo ball soup, some local favorites are also their tongue omelet. The tongue meat can also be sliced by the pound and turned into a sandwich. However, many locals and tourists tend to try the omelet version on the breakfast menu. It may not be for everyone, but this light pink meat is extremely tender as it comes from veal and boiled just right before being sliced and chopped into a three-egg omelet.
For a sweeter option, Katz’s Delicatessen also offers cheese blintzes that are simply mouth-wateringly delicious. These God-sent cheese-filled crepes can also be garnished with a fresh strawberry compote and sour cream.
Foodies Can Order Katz's Delicatessen Online
Even though their interior may be decorated with nostalgic photographs and history from their ancestors, Katz’s Delicatessen is keeping up with the times by offering worldwide online ordering and delivery. You may not be able to travel to New York City for the next little while. However, you will be able to taste and enjoy the same dishes that everyone is talking about.
At the moment, Katz’s is offering a “Father’s Day Classic” combo that can be shipped worldwide and comes fully equipped with a full pound of each of their famous meats like the house-cured corned beef, their iconic pastrami, and slow-cooked brisket. They also include rye bread, deli-made mustard, and two quarts of their housemade pickles to pair with these meets. Their Father’s Day Classic promo is so famous that they’ve asked their loyal customers to order at least a month in advance.
Additionally, Katz’s Delicatessen also offers local pickup and delivery, catering, and to host private events.
Beyond The Famous Pastrami Sandwich
ajay_suresh, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Most people indeed order their iconic pastrami sandwich, but they have a vat menu. Among the options, they also serve a towering corned beef sandwich featuring hand-carved, melt-in-your-mouth meat on rye bread. Guests should remember that sandwiches are massive and can be easily shared with another person.
They also offer classics like the Reuben sandwich and matzo ball soup. Portion sizes are famously generous, making sharing an option. Don't forget to grab a side of pickles, a true staple. And, of course, hold onto the ticket—it's essential for checkout.
- Other sandwiches: Brisket Sandwich, Turkey Sandwich, Reuben
It Isn't Exactly Budget Friendly
Ernesto Andrade, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Katz's Delicatessen is considered moderately expensive. While it's not a budget-friendly eatery, the prices reflect the quality and portion sizes. The sandwiches and other menu items are known for their generous servings, making them suitable for sharing or even taking home leftovers.
The prices for the sandwiches start at $26.45, which is pricey. One should remember that the experience and the iconic status of Katz's are part of what they're paying for. It's a worthwhile splurge for those looking to savor classic New York deli fare in an atmosphere steeped in history and tradition.
- The iconic pastrami sandwich costs $27.45
They Sell A Famous Sandwich Package For Two
City Foodsters, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The Katz's Sandwich Package for two is actually big enough for four people. It is a generous selection of their most popular items: two hand-carved pastrami sandwiches, full sour pickle spears, steak fries, cole slaw, and two beverages.
It can only be ordered online, so it's the perfect chance to experience the iconic flavors of Katz's Delicatessen in the comfort of their own home. This package is a convenient way to enjoy the legendary flavors of Katz's without visiting the deli in person.
Price: $75
Owners Used To Send Salami To Their Sons In The Army, And Now Are Sending Salami To Front Line Workers
John, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
During the Second World War, the owners’ three sons were sent to serve their country and fight in the war, specifically the Armed Forces. Mr. and Mrs. Katz decided to make the restaurant’s slogan “Send A Salami To Your Boy in The Army,” where they would offer to send pastrami to men abroad on behalf of their families.
Fast forward to 2020, Katz’s Delicatessen now offers free pastrami sandwiches to all nurses and doctors on the front lines of the COVID-19 crisis in New York City, the country’s epicenter.
On top of sending sandwiches of gratitude, Katz’s also started a fundraiser where $20 can get more healthcare workers a beloved pastrami sandwich or a turkey sandwich with a side of coleslaw, potato salad, and homemade pickles, along with the distribution to specific hospitals targeted by the crisis.