Katz's is a Jewish deli on the Lower East Side that has been operating since 1888

Katz's Delicatessen sits at 205 East Houston Street in Manhattan, a few blocks east of Bowery. It is famous for pastrami and corned beef sandwiches, and for the scene from the 1989 film "When Harry Met Sally" filmed inside. The deli is open seven days a week and does not take reservations — you order at the counter, find a seat, and eat standing up or at shared tables.

The restaurant is family-owned and has operated continuously since 1888, making it one of the oldest continuously operating delis in New York. It is not a tourist trap masquerading as a historic place; it is genuinely old and genuinely busy. Lines form at lunch and dinner, especially on weekends. The space is loud, crowded, and deliberately unpretentious.

Katz's is cash-preferred but accepts credit cards. Prices are high by deli standards — a pastrami sandwich costs around $20 to $25 — but the portions are large enough that many people split one sandwich between two people.

Key Takeaways

  • Katz's does not take reservations and operates on a first-come, first-served basis; arrive before 11:30 a.m. or after 2 p.m. to avoid the longest waits.
  • You order at the counter from a server who hands you a ticket, then pay at the register when you leave; do not lose your ticket.
  • The pastrami and corned beef sandwiches are the main draw, and both are large enough to share or to eat as two meals.
  • The deli is cash-preferred and located on the Lower East Side, a neighborhood with limited parking; public transit or a taxi is the practical way to arrive.

How to order and pay at Katz's

When you enter, take a ticket from the dispenser near the door. Walk to the counter and stand in line. A server behind the counter will ask what you want. Tell them your order — they will slice the meat in front of you and build the sandwich. They will mark your ticket with the price and hand it back to you.

Find a seat anywhere in the restaurant. Eat your food. When you are done, take your ticket to the register near the exit and pay. Credit cards and cash are both accepted, though the deli prefers cash. Tipping is customary; the register will prompt you for a tip amount if you pay by card.

Do not lose your ticket. If you do, you will have to pay a flat fee to leave. The ticket system is how the deli tracks what you ordered and what you owe.

What to order: pastrami, corned beef, and the rest of the menu

The pastrami sandwich is the most famous item. It comes on rye bread with mustard, piled high with hand-sliced pastrami that is warm and fatty. The sandwich is large — most people cannot finish one alone. A common order is one pastrami sandwich and two plates to split it.

The corned beef sandwich is similar in size and preparation. Some regulars prefer it to pastrami; the difference is in the cut of meat and the spice profile. Both are worth trying if you visit more than once.

Katz's also serves brisket, tongue, roast beef, and turkey sandwiches. The menu includes soups, pickles, and sides like potato salad and coleslaw. Beverages are limited to soda, coffee, and egg cream (a New York drink made with milk, soda, and chocolate syrup). There is no alcohol.

First-time visitors should order pastrami. If you return, try corned beef or brisket. The sandwiches are the reason to come; the sides are secondary.

Wait times and the best times to visit

Katz's is busiest from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. During these windows, the line at the counter can stretch 20 to 30 people deep, and every table is full. Wait times to order can be 15 to 45 minutes depending on the day and time.

The shortest waits are before 11 a.m., between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m., and after 8 p.m. Weekday mornings are quieter than weekends. If you want to avoid a long wait, arrive early or in the mid-afternoon.

The deli is open from 8 a.m. to 10:45 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, 8 a.m. to 11:45 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, and 8 a.m. to 10:45 p.m. on Sunday. Hours can change for holidays, so check the website or call ahead if you are planning a visit around a major holiday.

Location, parking, and how to get there

Katz's is located at 205 East Houston Street, between Ludlow and Orchard Streets on the Lower East Side. The neighborhood is dense and parking is scarce. Street parking exists but is metered and often full during the day.

Public transit is the easiest option. The F and M trains stop at the Delancey Street–Essex Street station, a five-minute walk away. The J and Z trains stop at Essex Street, also nearby. Buses on Houston Street and Delancey Street also serve the area.

If you drive, use a parking app like SpotHero or ParkWhiz to reserve a spot in advance, or plan to use a paid lot. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft operate in the area but can be slow during peak hours.

What the experience is really like

Katz's is intentionally old-fashioned. The space is fluorescent-lit, the tables are shared, and the servers move fast. There is no ambiance in the modern sense — no soft lighting, no quiet, no attempt to make you feel special. The appeal is the food, the history, and the authenticity of the place.

The servers are efficient and direct. They will not chat with you or make recommendations beyond asking if you want mustard. This is not rudeness; it is the pace of the restaurant. Hundreds of people come through every day, and the operation runs on speed.

The deli attracts tourists, locals, and people who have been coming for decades. You will see families, business people on lunch breaks, and groups of friends. The crowd is mixed and the atmosphere is casual.

If you are looking for a quiet, leisurely meal, Katz's is not the place. If you want to eat a famous sandwich in a real New York deli that has been doing the same thing for over 130 years, it is worth the wait and the noise.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation?

No. Katz's does not take reservations. You arrive, take a ticket, order at the counter, and find a seat. Large groups should arrive during off-peak hours to improve the chance of finding enough seating together.

Can I order online or by phone?

Katz's does not offer online ordering or phone orders for pickup. You must order in person at the counter. Some delivery services list Katz's, but the deli does not partner with them directly, so quality and accuracy are not may provide.

Is the pastrami sandwich really that good?

It is well-made and generous, with high-quality meat and proper seasoning. Whether it is worth the price and the wait depends on your expectations. It is a famous sandwich in a historic place, not a revelation. Many people find it worth trying once.

What if I do not eat meat?

Katz's is a meat deli. The menu includes egg salad and cheese sandwiches, but these are not the focus. Vegetarian options are limited. If you do not eat meat, there are many other restaurants in the neighborhood that may suit you better.

Can I bring my own food or eat outside?

You can take food to go and eat it outside or elsewhere. Many people buy a sandwich and eat it in a nearby park or on the street. The deli does not have outdoor seating of its own.