Katz’s Delicatessen: Big Pastrami, Bigger Crowds

The public verdict

Katz’s Delicatessen carries a 4.5 Google rating from more than 54,000 reviews, a formidable consensus for one of New York’s most heavily visited restaurants. Public feedback consistently describes the deli as more than a lunch stop. For many diners, particularly first-timers, the appeal comes from seeing the cutters work, absorbing the commotion and receiving a sandwich that looks unlike a typical deli order.

The room reinforces that sense of occasion. Reviewers repeatedly note the old New York atmosphere, walls filled with celebrity photographs and a busy dining area where conversations, called orders and moving lines overlap. One review points to the deli’s 1888 opening, while others focus less on history and more on the feeling that the place still operates according to its own long-standing rhythm.

Pastrami is the main event

Across the supplied reviews, pastrami is the recurring order and clear signature. Diners describe thick, juicy portions, hand-carved meat and the classic combination of pastrami with mustard. One reviewer called the sandwich among the best they had eaten, while another emphasized the spectacle of watching a newcomer encounter the piled-high serving for the first time.

The enthusiasm is not universal. One review found the pastrami and brisket combo underwhelming despite the meat being relatively juicy. That dissent matters at a restaurant carrying this level of fame. Expectations can be enormous, and the experience may not land equally for diners who prioritize refinement, speed or value over atmosphere and portion size.

Other named orders include matzo ball soup, potato latkes and a black and white cookie, but the sample reviews give the pastrami sandwich the most consistent attention.

Expect an old-school system

The ordering process is part tradition, part obstacle course. Reviews describe receiving a paper ticket at the entrance and being warned not to lose it. Sandwiches, sides and drinks may involve separate counters, creating a setup that can feel chaotic by modern standards. Even when several lines are operating, service may move more slowly than the number of waiting customers suggests.

Crowding is another regular theme. The deli is frequently busy, seats can be difficult to secure and movement inside is constant. Some reviewers find that energy essential to the Katz’s experience. Others may see it as friction between arrival and sandwich.

Who should try it

Katz’s makes the strongest case for first-time visitors, pastrami enthusiasts and diners seeking a recognizable slice of old New York deli culture. The moderate price classification does not guarantee a casual-feeling visit, since the crowds and ordering routine demand some patience.

Based on the rating volume and review patterns, the pastrami sandwich remains the safest reason to go. The historic room and counter spectacle add value, but they are not incidental. They are a large part of why so many diners continue to treat Katz’s as an experience rather than merely a sandwich shop.