Katz’s Delicatessen: The Best Pastrami Sandwich in New York

You have to go to Katz's Deli if you're after a classic New York pastrami, reuben or corned beef sandwich, made from the Jewish recipes that arrived in the Lower East Side along with hundreds of immigrants. Yes, you have to go to Katz's Delicatessen.

The best pastrami in New York

True, there are other places serving fantastic sandwiches, like Eisenberg's Sandwich (read about the best pastrami sandwiches in New York), but Katz's Deli has been running since 1888, surviving wars, depressions and recessions. Those recipes must have something special going on 😉

This restaurant is one of the few remaining traces of the original settlers of the Lower East Side, once known as Little Germany thanks to the huge number of immigrants who came from that country.

In fact, its managers are descendants of the first owners, a Jewish family originally from Russia.

These days, along with the neighbors, Katz's Deli draws both locals and tourists, so much so that long lines form at lunchtime just to get in.

I'd recommend showing up early in the morning or late at night to dodge the crowds and enjoy your sandwich in peace.

And don't stress about how to order your sandwich correctly in English (in New York that's practically a science), because pretty much all the staff are Puerto Rican.

When Harry Met Sally (at Katz's Deli)

Katz's is also famous for the photos of celebrities eating there that cover its walls.

Maybe the best known pop culture reference is the scene from the romantic comedy When Harry Met Sally (1989), in which Meg Ryan fakes an orgasm, scandalizing the other diners, prompting Estelle Reiner's famous line: «I'll have what she's having.»

As soon as you walk in you'll spot the clever sign marking where Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal sat. It reads: «Where Harry met Sally… hope you have what she had!«

Katz's Deli: Bourdain's favorite pastrami

If you trust the palate of the sadly departed Anthony Bourdain, Katz‘s was this chef-rock-star‘s favorite spot for a pastrami sandwich.

Bourdain recommended eating it on rye with mustard and pickles, the old fashioned way.

I hope you enjoy Katz's, where old world recipes live on in the 21st century. Places like this are why I love New York.

Address

205 East Houston Street, at Ludlow St

Getting there

Subway F. Second Avenue station
Subway F, M, J, Z. Delancey/Essex St station

Hours

Monday to Wednesday 8 am to 10:45 pm
Thursday 8 am to 2:45 am
Friday 8 am straight through to Sunday at 10:45 pm