Established in 1888 it is safe to say that Katz’s Delicatessen is a corner stone in New York dining culture. It was made very clear to me upon arriving in NY that I had to go to Katz’s. Both of my good friends, who I dub true New Yorkers, told me stories about going to Katz’s deli with their fathers. The nostalgia was in the air.
As I approached Katz’s, on the corner of Ludlow and East Houston, I started to get the feeling that I was about to experience a part of New York history. Bring cash or travelers checks, plastic don’t work at Katz’s. I am assuming that is Katz’s standing in the photo.

The menu is gigantic but when you go to Kat’z you are only supposed to get one of two things. A pastrami or corned beef sandwich.

I think they left the original water fountain from 1888. Works for me. I love water.

While inline I got hungry and scarfed down a hot dog to calm my hunger.

There are 6 guys behind the counter all cutting meat for sandwiches. Each cutter has their own line and each line is long.

Corned Beef

Pastrami

To get the full Katz’s Delicatessen experience I had to get both corned beef and pastrami sandwiche.

Drum Roll Please… Out of the two sandwiches there was a clear winner in my eyes. I am sorry corned beef but you will live to fight another day. The pastrami sandwhich was out of this world. The most amazing pastrami I have ever had. I watched it come out of the oven smoking with juices dripping. By the time this peace of godly meat got me my mouth it was perfection in every bite. I can’t say enough good things about the pastrami at Katz’s Delicatessen.

Katz’s is going to be on of my first stops when I get back to the City.

Special thanks to Josh Fishel, fellow glutton, and Jeremy for taking me here. It was a religious experience.

Katz’s Delicatessen
205 E Houston St
New York, NY 10002-1098
(212) 254-2246
Website‎