Katz’s Delicatessen: An Iconic New York Culinary Landmark
Discover the legacy, culture, and flavors of Katz’s Delicatessen—New York’s legendary temple of pastrami and tradition.
Katz’s Delicatessen stands as a living monument to the rich food traditions, immigrant heritage, and communal spirit of New York City’s Lower East Side. Founded in 1888, this famed eatery is synonymous with towering pastrami sandwiches, bustling crowds, and a lasting sense of belonging for locals and tourists alike. Packed with history, culture, and mouthwatering classics, Katz’s remains a cherished destination where every meal tells a story.
Table of Contents
- Roots of a New York Landmark
- Evolution Through the Decades
- Community & The Lower East Side
- Traditions and Taglines
- Signature Dishes & Menu Highlights
- Experiencing Katz’s: What to Expect
- Beyond the Counter: Shipping and Sharing
- Frequently Asked Questions
Roots of a New York Landmark
Katz’s Delicatessen began as Iceland Brothers in 1888, a humble kosher deli created by two brothers on Ludlow Street in Manhattan’s Lower East Side. The arrival of Willy Katz in 1903 ushered a new era, with the business eventually rechristened as Katz’s Delicatessen in 1910 after Benny Katz joined and took ownership. By 1917, Harry Tarowsky had joined the partnership, solidifying the foundations for one of the city’s most enduring food institutions.
The continuous shifts in ownership and location throughout the early 20th century—in part due to developments like the construction of the Houston Street subway line—were instrumental in shaping Katz’s identity. The current location at the southwest corner of Houston and Ludlow Streets has been home to the delicatessen since the mid-20th century, with its recognizable facade—the same space where barrels of meat and pickles once stood—added between 1946 and 1949.
Evolution Through the Decades
As wave after wave of immigrants transformed the Lower East Side into a diverse urban community, Katz’s Delicatessen grew alongside its neighbors. The early 1900s saw the area bustling with recently arrived families; limited public and private transportation forged a close-knit neighborhood, with Katz’s at its heart.
- 1903: Willy Katz joins, store renamed Iceland & Katz.
- 1910: Benny Katz joins, Iceland brothers bought out, Katz’s established.
- 1917: Ownership expands to include Harry Tarowsky.
- 1930s–1940s: Relocation due to subway construction; current storefront established.
Through war, depression, and cultural transformation, Katz’s continued serving up classic Jewish deli fare while adapting to the changing face of New York City.
Community & The Lower East Side
In its early decades, the deli was more than just a place to eat. It became a vital gathering point for working-class immigrants and their families. Every Friday night, franks and beans drew crowds, connecting neighbors over simple, hearty fare. This tradition cemented Katz’s as a fixture in the social, cultural, and culinary fabric of the Lower East Side.
Today, Katz’s remains a beacon of casual comfort and authenticity, bustling with old-time regulars, first-time visitors, and celebrities in pursuit of a true slice of New York food history.
| Community Role | Era |
|---|---|
| Neighborhood Focal Point | 1900s–Present |
| Friday Franks & Beans Tradition | Early 20th Century |
| Popular Tourist Attraction | Late 20th Century–Present |
Traditions and Taglines
Few establishments are as synonymous with distinct New York traditions as Katz’s. Over the decades, the deli cultivated a number of memorable taglines and customs, including the famed slogan:
- “Send a Salami to Your Boy in the Army” – A rallying call launched during World War II, encouraging families to send hearty deli meats to soldiers stationed overseas.
Even as diets and tastes evolved, Katz’s maintained its commitment to tried-and-true recipes, hand-carved delicacies, and unwavering hospitality.
Signature Dishes & Menu Highlights
At its heart, Katz’s is a temple to pastrami, but the menu is a veritable archive of Jewish deli classics and hearty comfort food. Every year, tens of thousands make pilgrimages simply to experience the towering sandwiches and signature flavors that have shaped New York’s culinary landscape.
Most Beloved Classics
- Pastrami on Rye: The undisputed star—hand-carved, juicy pastrami piled high between slices of rye with a swipe of deli mustard. Katz’s serves over 15,000 pounds weekly.
- Corned Beef Sandwich: Slow-brined and delicately carved, another cornerstone of the menu.
- Reuben: Stacked with corned beef or pastrami, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and the deli’s signature Reuben dressing.
- Brisket Sandwich: Melt-in-your-mouth brisket enriched with “Grandma’s gravy.”
Soups, Sides & Old-World Comforts
- Matzoh Ball Soup: A comforting classic, often claimed to be second only to your own grandmother’s.
- Potato Latkes: Crispy, golden treats served with applesauce and sour cream.
- Knishes (Square & Round): Flaky pastries filled with seasoned potato.
- Frankfurters: Legendary all-beef hot dogs, a fixture since Katz’s earliest days.
Platters and Packages
- Katz’s Sandwich Packages: Designed for groups, these packages offer combinations of famous sandwiches, deli meats, pickles, and classic sides—perfect for families or gatherings.
- Taste of New York Package: A take-home compilation of Katz’s essentials: pastrami, corned beef, salami, rye bread, pickles, frankfurters, buns, mustard, sauerkraut, and bagels.
Desserts & More
- NY Cheesecake: Creamy, indulgent, and the quintessential New York finale to any meal.
- Pickles: Full-sour or half-sour, tart, and satisfying—available by the quart.
Sample Menu Table
| Signature Dish | Description | Price (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Pastrami Sandwich | Hand-carved, juicy pastrami on rye | $28.95 |
| Corned Beef Sandwich | Slow-brined, hand-carved beef | $27.95 |
| Reuben | Swiss, kraut, Reuben dressing on rye | $29.95 |
| Brisket Sandwich | Brisket with homemade gravy | $27.95 |
| Matzoh Ball Soup | Traditional Jewish comfort soup | $9.95 |
| Potato Latkes | With applesauce & sour cream | $16.95 |
Experiencing Katz’s: What to Expect
Visiting Katz’s Delicatessen is an immersive experience—one that can seem both daunting and exhilarating for newcomers. Upon entering, guests receive a ticket at the door, which tracks orders and payment. The spectacle of hand-carving meat behind the counter, the impatient buzz of hungry patrons, and the welcome-to-New-York banter from longtime staff all contribute to the unique vibe.
- Atmosphere: No-frills, bustling, and steeped in authenticity.
- Service Style: Counter and table service co-exist. If you want authentic interaction, order sandwiches directly from the carvers for samples and banter.
- Portions: Generous—sandwiches are famously large and can be shared.
The front walls are adorned with decades of photos—a visual archive of celebrities and everyday New Yorkers enjoying the same timeless fare. The air is rich with the scent of brine, smoke, and spice, and every meal can feel like participating in a cherished local ritual.
Beyond the Counter: Shipping and Sharing Katz’s
Katz’s Delicatessen has become more than just a restaurant; it is a brand with global reach. For those unable to visit the iconic location in person, nationwide shipping brings a “Taste of New York” anywhere in the country. Carefully packed packages of pastrami, corned beef, bagels, and condiments mean the legacy—and the flavors—of Katz’s can be enjoyed far beyond city limits.
- Gift Packages: The perfect choice for food lovers or former New Yorkers longing for a taste of home.
- Large Orders and Catering: Platters and sandwiches are available for events and large gatherings, extending Katz’s traditions to parties and holidays.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is Katz’s Delicatessen kosher?
A: Katz’s is a kosher-style delicatessen, inspired by Jewish culinary traditions, but it is not strictly kosher. Pork is not served, but the establishment is not under kosher certification.
Q: What makes Katz’s pastrami famous?
A: The pastrami is hand-carved, slow-cured, and deeply spiced, resulting in unrivaled flavor, texture, and juiciness. The sandwich is generously piled and always freshly made.
Q: Can I send Katz’s products to friends outside New York?
A: Yes, Katz’s offers nationwide shipping of deli meats, kits, and gift packages, allowing anyone across the U.S. to enjoy their signature foods.
Q: What should I try on my first visit?
A: The pastrami on rye is a must, but other essentials include the corned beef sandwich, matzoh ball soup, latkes, and a classic frankfurter.
Q: What is the story behind the famous slogan, “Send a salami to your boy in the Army”?
A: During World War II, Katz’s encouraged families to support their loved ones serving overseas by sending salami and deli products—a tradition remembered in its iconic tagline.
Q: Is there a best time to visit Katz’s?
A: Weekdays and off-peak hours generally offer a shorter wait. However, the bustling energy at prime times is also part of the experience.
Katz’s Delicatessen: A Tradition That Endures
With over 130 years of history, Katz’s Delicatessen has become more than a place to eat—it’s a destination where memories are made, traditions are cherished, and the best of New York’s culinary legacy is preserved for generations to come. Whether savoring pastrami in the bustling dining room or sending a “Taste of New York” across the country, Katz’s serves as a perennial reminder of the city’s immigrant spirit and its enduring love for good food shared in great company.
