Unearth The Voyage
Katz’s Delicatessen is a New York rite of passage that blends history, flavor, and a little bit of beautiful chaos. I went to the legendary Houston Street counter and learned the small details that make or break your visit. From how to work the ticket system to what to order first, these tips will save you time and elevate the experience. If you want the best shot at a perfect sandwich and a smooth visit, read on.
1. Master the Ticket System at the Door
The yellow ticket you receive at the entrance is everything at Katz’s Delicatessen. Every order gets marked on it, and you must present it to pay before exiting. Lose it and you face a hassle and a fee, so tuck it safely in a pocket or wallet the moment you get it. Each person needs their own ticket, even if not ordering. When you approach a cutter, hand them your ticket and let them mark your items. Drinks and sides stations will mark it too. Keep both hands free while moving through lines. At the end, cashiers are split between cash and card, so look for the correct checkout. Hold onto the ticket until you leave the building.
2. Where and How to Order Without Stress
Katz’s is organized into multiple carving stations, each with a line that moves briskly. Do not wait for someone to direct you. Pick any line, make eye contact with a cutter, and step up when invited. Ordering is fast, so know what you want. Ask for a taste if you are deciding between pastrami and corned beef, which is a classic Katz’s courtesy. After meat, head to sides and drinks for pickles, fries, and sodas. If you want waiter service, walk to the back room and request it, which can be calmer but may have different timing. Otherwise, grab a seat in general dining and be ready to share a table. The flow rewards confidence and patience.
3. What to Order First: Pastrami on Rye with Mustard
The signature move at Katz’s is the pastrami on rye with mustard. Thick hand-sliced meat arrives juicy, smoky, and peppery with a tender bite. Rye bread and sharp mustard keep it balanced instead of heavy. This is the sandwich that made the deli an icon, and it is generous enough for two but hard to share once you start. Corned beef is a great alternative if you prefer milder spice. Ask your cutter for fatty cuts for extra succulence. Add a side of half-sour pickles for crunch and acidity. If you are hungry, consider splitting fries or a matzo ball soup to round out the meal. Keep napkins close, because the juices are part of the joy.
4. Timing Your Visit and Understanding Lines
Lines at Katz’s are part of the experience, but smart timing helps. Weekdays around late morning or mid-afternoon are calmer than prime lunch and dinner hours. Saturday can stretch wait times significantly, though the line moves quickly thanks to efficient cutters. Expect 20 to 45 minutes during busy periods. Inside, each station functions independently, so distribute yourself among shorter lines. If you want less chaos, the back seating area offers waiter service with its own rhythm. Late nights can be surprisingly lively, and Saturday is open 24 hours. No matter the time, bring patience, follow the flow, and enjoy the show of knives flashing and steam rolling off fresh cuts.
5. Price, Portions, and Value
Expect to spend around 20 to 30 dollars per sandwich, with pastrami near the top. Portions are huge, often enough for two people or one very hungry diner. Quality hand-sliced meat and heritage methods justify the premium, especially for first-time visitors seeking the classic New York deli experience. Remember each station can receive a tip, so budget accordingly. Pickles are included with sandwiches at the counter and help balance richness. If you split a sandwich, consider adding coleslaw or fries to fill out the meal. Water is available, and soda refills are not the focus here. The value is not just volume. It is the craft of slicing, the atmosphere, and a taste that ties directly to New York history.
6. Menu Essentials Beyond the Pastrami
While pastrami leads, do not overlook corned beef, brisket, and the Reuben variations. Corned beef is tender and less spiced, great for those who want a smoother profile. Brisket can be hearty, especially with gravy, though it varies by cut. The Reuben brings Swiss, dressing, and kraut together for a rich, tangy stack. Starters like matzo ball soup and split pea hit cozy notes, and coleslaw offers fresh crunch. Fries are crowd-pleasing and shareable. Assorted pickles are a must for contrast. If you want to taste around, split two sandwiches with a friend to compare. Ask your cutter for a sample to decide, which is part of the fun and the tradition.
7. Seating Options, Sharing Tables, and Clean-Up
General seating at Katz’s is first come, first served. After ordering, scan for open spots and do not be shy about sharing a table with strangers, which is common and part of the communal vibe. The back section offers waiter service if you want a more guided experience. Staff focuses on keeping the line moving, so bussing can lag when crowds surge. Clear your tray to help the next person land a seat quickly. If you are in a group, designate one person to scout seats while others handle ordering. Keep your ticket secure until checkout. The room can be loud, but it is joyful noise full of clinks, laughter, and the rhythm of slicing.
8. Essential Logistics: Hours, Payment, and Location
Katz’s Delicatessen sits at 205 E Houston St in the Lower East Side, easy to reach by subway and foot. Hours run late most days, with Saturday open 24 hours, and typical closures around 11 PM otherwise. Expect card and cash lanes at checkout, with clear signs indicating which is which. Keep your ticket until you pay, and present it at the exit. The website lists current hours and any changes, so check before you go. Phone support is available, but the site is faster for basics. Plan for crowds and give yourself time to soak up the atmosphere, grab photos, and savor every bite. You are not just eating. You are visiting a living New York institution.
