Katz’s Delicatessen.

Established in 1888, Katz’s Delicatessen is the 10th-oldest restaurant in New York City, and (officially) the oldest delicatessen in the country.

The deli was opened in the Lower East Side by two brothers, Morris and Hyman Iceland, who catered to the growing Jewish population in the area. It was initially named Iceland Brothers, but when the brothers introduced a new business partner named Willy Katz, the named changed to Iceland & Katz.

So how’d we get from Iceland & Katz to Katz, you might be asking. Well, when Willy’s cousin joined the team in 1910, the duo bought out the Iceland brothers and settled one final name change, Katz’s Deli.

Renowned for traditional Jewish fare, this kosher-style deli is best known for world-famous mile-high pastrami sandwiches. The sandwiches are so popular, in fact, that Katz’s sells more than 15,000 pound of pastrami per week!

205 East Houston Street, Lower East Side. Open since 1888. You’ve seen it in “When Harry Met Sally.” You’ve seen it on every food show ever filmed. And yes, the pastrami sandwich ($28) is worth the hype. It’s hand-carved, piled absurdly high on rye bread with spicy brown mustard, and it’s one of the most famous foods in America.

Here’s what you need to know before you go. When you walk in, they hand you a ticket. Do not lose this ticket. I’m serious. If you lose it, there’s a $50 charge. Take the ticket, get in the carving line (not the table-service side unless you want to pay more and wait longer), and order at the counter.

The cutter will give you a sample slice while they make your sandwich. This is when you tip. A dollar or two on the counter. The sample is partially a taste test and partially a social contract. Tip the cutter and you’ll notice your sandwich gets a little more generous. That’s just how Katz’s works.

Is $28 a lot for a sandwich? Yes. Is the sandwich big enough for two people to split? Also yes. Should you go at least once? Absolutely. Should you go every time you’re on the Lower East Side? That depends on how you feel about spending $28 on a sandwich, but I’m not going to judge you either way.

There’s a reason Katz’s Delicatessen shows up on every list of iconic movie locations in NYC. It’s not just the pastrami — it’s the scene. That unforgettable moment in When Harry Met Sally made cinematic history right here, at a corner booth on Houston Street. And yes, the sign above it still says, “Where Harry met Sally… hope you have what she had!”

I’ve come to Katz’s for everything from late-night sandwiches to weekday lunches, and it never loses its energy. You can practically feel the film history in the air, mixed with the scent of freshly sliced corned beef. It’s loud, it’s packed, it’s unapologetically old-school. But that’s what makes it such a perfect New York filming location — it hasn’t changed much since 1989, and that consistency is part of the magic. Whether you’re a movie buff, a sandwich lover, or both, Katz’s is worth the stop. Grab a ticket, take your time, and soak in a setting that’s fed locals and legends alike. It’s not just a deli — it’s a piece of film history you can bite into.

Movies Filmed at Katz’s Delicatessen.

• When Harry Met Sally… (1989)
• Donnie Brasco (1997)
• Looking for Kitty (2004)
• We Own the Night (2007)
• Enchanted (2007)

Katz’s Delicatessen is an old-school Jewish Deli, and even kids who are picky eaters will be intrigued by the bustling vibe, the piled-high sandwiches, and the trays of pickles.

The pastrami is legendary, no doubt—but the experience is what makes it unforgettable. Show them how to hold a ticket, order at the counter, and find a table amid the chaos. It’s a lesson in city life (and patience).

No list of historic Jewish institutions in NYC would be complete without a stop at Katz’s Delicatessen. Established in 1888 on the Lower East Side, Katz’s has become a legendary landmark, famed for its mile-high pastrami sandwiches and old-school counter service.

Katz embodies the Jewish community’s deep connection to food and tradition. Inside, the walls are decorated with framed photographs of celebrities tackling the iconic sandwiches. The deli is so popular, it dishes out approximately 15,000 pounds of pastrami weekly. Locals love it as much as tourists, you’d be remiss to bill this as a tourist trap.

Serving New Yorkers since 1888, Katz is officially the oldest deli in NYC serving the best pastrami sandwiches in New York. Fighting words, I know. But I stand by them.

The generously seasoned melt-in-your-mouth pastrami dons charred outer layers, an irresistible food masterpiece well worth the wait. But heads up, the thick-cut pastrami sandwiches are huge, I suggest splitting one between two people (plus, it makes the $30 price tag easier to stomach, some pun intended).

Don’t make the mistake of billing this a tourist trap. Katz is one of the most iconic restaurants in New York City with standards as high as their pastrami on rye. Don’t just take my word for it, the deli dishes out 15,000 pounds of pastrami a week and locals love it as much as tourists.

Established in 1888, Katz’s Delicatessen is an iconic NYC restaurant known for its iconic mile-high pastrami sandwiches. The walls are adorned with photos of celebrities who’ve visited the Jewish deli, and there are constant lines of locals and tourists alike (Katz’s offers no reservations).

The one thing to note is that Katz Deli has a unique ordering system. Upon entry, everyone receives a ticket where the staff will write down everything you’ve ordered. When it’s time to go, take your party’s tickets to the cashier and settle up. Anyone who loses their ticket is subject to a $50 flat fee. 

Upon entering Katz, you’ll receive a ticket which you should keep handy. Join the ordering line and when it’s your turn, tell the counter staff your order and hand them your ticket.

Once your NYC hotdog is ready, you have two options: either find a table or head to the left counter to order drinks and sides like fries. You’ll need to settle your bill at the cashier counter by the door, where you’ll present your ticket for payment.

Then, simply hand your paid ticket to the staff at the front as you leave. It’s important to note, that if you lose your ticket you will be charged $50!

How to order a (life-changing) pastrami sandwich at Katz Deli.

Upon entering Katz, you’ll receive a ticket; keep it safe and proceed to the ordering line. A counter attendant will take your order and record it on your ticket. Once your sandwich masterpiece is ready, choose between finding a table or ordering drinks/sides from the left counter, where they’ll also ask for your ticket. After dining, settle your bill at the cashier counter by the door, using your ticket. Finally, hand over your paid ticket. Sounds complicated, but there are folks all around who can help, so don’t sweat it!

Omitting Katz Deli from a list of the most iconic restaurants in New York City is an inexcusable offense. Serving New Yorkers since 1888, Katz is officially the oldest deli in NYC. Not hard to see why, they make the best pastrami sandwich in New York. Fighting words, I know. But I stand by them.

Charred outer layers, generous seasonings and a texture that melts in your mouth, this stuff is irresistible and well worth the wait. But fair warning, the mile-high pastrami sandwiches are huge! I suggest splitting between two people. And at $25-30 per sandwich, splitting makes the steep prices easier to stomach (some pun intended).

Local’s Tip. Upon entering Katz, you’ll be handed a ticket. Don’t lose it! You’ll use this ticket to order your sandwich and when it’s time to leave, you’ll need to hand the ticket to the cashier to pay. However, if you lose the ticket you’ll be charged $50!

Omitting Katz Deli from a list of the best restaurants in the Lower East Side is an inexcusable offense. This cafeteria-style deli has been serving New Yorkers since 1888 and is one of the most iconic restaurants in NYC.

The interior walls are adorned with photos of celebrities that can’t resist the mile high thick-cut pastrami sandwiched between rye. The exterior walls are adorned with long lines of locals and tourists, eager to try one of the most popular restaurants in the Lower East Side.

Katz’s Delicatessen is one of the most iconic restaurants in New York City, and it boasts wraparound lines daily. The crowds can’t resist the $28 world-famous pastrami sandwich.

Touristy? No doubt. Overpriced? Some would call it highway robbery. Worth it? Absolutely.