Restaurant Review: Katz’s Delicatessen

Restaurant Review: Katz's Delicatessen
Katz's Delicatessen in New York City. Image courtesy Beleg Langbogen via Wikimedia Commons.

by Tiffany Lee

I’m by no means a “food snob,” but I like to think that I know good food when I have it. Fortunately, I’m currently living my life in the Lower East Side of Manhattan which gives plenty of opportunities to explore some of the wonderful restaurants that New York City has to offer. Because of this, I’ve been to a few five-star establishments and many more “hole in the wall” type places. This review focuses on a food joint that is basically directly in the middle of those two descriptions – Katz’s Deli.
 
Started in 1888 by a Russian immigrant, Katz’s Deli is one of the few true delicatessens still around today. That is, they continue the “Old World” tradition of meat preparation and preservation that predates the invention of the refrigerator. Let me put it this way – Kat’z famous sandwich, the pastrami on rye, is served only after the meat has been cured for a full 30 days. Thirty days, people! There is honestly no meat that is more delectable than that which is served at Katz’s Deli. It is this reason that it is simply one of the most recognizable restaurants in the city.

Over the years, Katz’s has become a cultural icon.  Katz’s was the backdrop for the famous scene between Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal in 1989’s When Harry Met Sally and has also appeared in movies like Donnie Brasco, Across the Universe and Enchanted.  Popular television shows such as “Man vs. Food” and “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives” have all dropped in to pay homage to the popular deli.
 
While Katz’s is known for its famous pastrami on rye, my vice is another option on the menu – the Katz’s Corned Beef sandwich. At a price tag of $15.25, you are receiving over a pound of meat that has been dry cured for over a month between two fresh slices of Katz’s equally famous bread. The menu emphatically states the secret to finishing this monstrosity is to “pace yourself.” Listen, I’m just over 5-foot-6 and I barely tip the scales at 100-pounds – and I absolutely house this sandwich. It is too fantastic to do anything otherwise. I may not eat for a day or two afterward, but that is fine – doing so would simply ruin the magical moment that was a trip to Katz’s Deli.
 
So, if you are ever in the neighborhood, stop by and try of of the world renown sandwiches at Katz’s Deli. Not only will you be incredibly satisfied with your meal, you will leave knowing that you have successfully scratched off an item that should be on everybody’s bucket list.