Ресторан · New York · ⭐ 9.1/10 · 53717 reviews · $$ · updated: 2026-06-30 19:08:16
Address: 205 E Houston St, New York, NY 10002, United States
Katz’s Delicatessen: New York’s Original Late-Night Counter
Long before speakeasies and natural-wine bars colonized the Lower East Side, this corner hall was already the neighborhood’s main event. Katz’s is where the night ends — or begins — with a hand-carved pastrami sandwich and a ticket you guard like a passport. It is loud, bright, gloriously unglamorous and absolutely irreplaceable.
History
Founded in 1888, when the Lower East Side was the most crowded immigrant quarter on earth, Katz’s has outlived every trend that ever swept the neighborhood. The WWII slogan “Send a salami to your boy in the Army” still hangs over the counter, and the photo-covered walls chart a century of politicians, boxers and rock stars who all queued like everyone else.
What to Order
Pastrami on rye is non-negotiable: the beef is cured for weeks, slow-smoked for days and carved only by hand into thick, glistening slices. Back it up with matzo ball soup, an all-beef hot dog or crisp latkes, and wash it down the old way — a chocolate egg cream or a Dr. Brown’s soda. The corned beef gives the pastrami a serious argument.
The Space
A cavernous, neon-lit cafeteria with salamis hanging behind the counter, formica tables and walls papered with famous faces. You take a ticket at the door, order straight from your cutter — who slides you a taste while carving — and pay on the way out. Lose the ticket and you will hear about it.
Who It’s For
Night owls, bar-crawlers refueling between Lower East Side stops, and anyone who wants New York at its most unfiltered. On weekends it runs around the clock, which makes it the city’s greatest last stop.
Good to Know
How does the ticket system work? Everyone gets a ticket at the door; each order is marked on it and you pay at the register when leaving. Keep it — a lost ticket means a flat fee.
Counter or table service? Both. Counter service is the classic move; a section with waiter service exists if you would rather sit and be served.
Do the cutters really give out samples? Yes — a slice of pastrami usually lands on your palm while they carve. A small tip in the cup is good form.
Is Katz’s kosher? It is kosher-style: traditional Jewish deli recipes, but the kitchen is not certified kosher.
When is it least crowded? Weekday mornings and mid-afternoons. Peak madness is weekend lunch; late night moves surprisingly fast.
Opening hours
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 08:00–23:00 |
| Tuesday | 08:00–23:00 |
| Wednesday | 08:00–23:00 |
| Thursday | 08:00–23:00 |
| Friday | 08:00–23:30 |
| Saturday | Відкрито 24 години |
| Sunday | 00:00–23:00 |
Photos
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Visitor reviews
Reviews last updated: 2026-06-30 19:08:16
Data is refreshed monthly. Sources: manhattan-trend.com and editorial picks based on reviews.
We loved everything — the sandwich, the pickles and the hustle of picking up your order! Even standing in line was fun! I recommend everyone visit Katz's diner at least once!
The sandwiches are simply super. The meat melts in your mouth. The atmosphere is that classic America from the movies. The line is very long but it's worth it. A must-visit!
We got lucky, we didn't even have to wait in line. A wonderful, atmospheric place with delicious food ❤️
This is out of this world! The pastrami is tender and delicious! The Reuben sandwich is incredible! The portion of meat in the sandwich exceeds any expectation.
Very tasty meat! I had the turkey, it was juicy and very tasty, my friends tried 2 more kinds of meat and they were thrilled, but the smell in the place is an acquired taste. The atmosphere is nice, it's crowded, but you…