Katz's Delicatessen
No-frills deli with theatrically cranky service serving mile-high sandwiches since 1888.
Katz's Delicatessen is rated 4.5 / 5 from 54,597 Google reviews and sits about 3.0 km (37 min walk) from Bowling Green station.
General overview
About Katz's Delicatessen
Katz's Delicatessen is a landmark Jewish-style deli on Manhattanโs Lower East Side, operating since 1888 and especially famous for hand-carved pastrami and corned-beef sandwiches. It is also known for its bustling counter-service atmosphere and its association with the film โWhen Harry Met Sally.โ No admission ticket is needed; visitors pay for what they order.
- Hand-carved pastrami on rye, traditionally served with mustard
- Historic New York deli atmosphere dating to 1888
- The table associated with the famous โWhen Harry Met Sallyโ scene
- Traditional Jewish-deli foods including corned beef, matzo ball soup, knishes, latkes, pickles and cheesecake
- Counter-service ritual in which customers take an order ticket and have it marked by each server
Things to do here
Classic pastrami sandwich
Order the signature hand-carved pastrami on rye, usually with mustard and pickles. A sandwich has recently been roughly US$27โ$30 before tax, tip and extras, but current pricing must be checked.
Counter-service deli experience
Take a paper ticket upon entry, queue at a cutterโs station and keep the marked ticket until checkout. A small sample of meat may be offered while the sandwich is carved.
Table service
Visitors may sometimes choose waiter-served seating instead of ordering from multiple counter stations. Availability and procedures can vary with crowd levels.
When Harry Met Sally table
Look for the marked table associated with the filmโs famous deli scene. It is an ordinary dining area rather than a separate paid attraction.
Historic interior and memorabilia
Photographs, signs and celebrity memorabilia contribute to the traditional New York atmosphere.
Expect queues at popular times. Take the paper order ticket handed to you at the entrance, keep it throughout the meal and present it at checkout; losing it may result in a substantial charge. Decide whether you want counter service or available table service before ordering.
Reservations are generally not needed or offered for ordinary walk-in dining. Contact Katzโs in advance for large groups, catering or private events.
This overview is general knowledge, not confirmed against an official source โ verify hours, prices and entry rules before you go.
Photo gallery
See it before you go
Watch first
Video
How Katz's Deli Serves 70,000 Pounds Of Meat A Week | Full Service ยท Insider Food (YouTube)
Most asked
How to reach
Katz's Delicatessen is about 3.0 km (~37 min walk) from Bowling Green station on the New York City Subway.
Before you go
Good to know
Verify tickets, seasonal hours, entry rules, and special events on the official website before visiting.
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Frequently asked questions
How do I get to Katz's Delicatessen from Bowling Green station?
Katz's Delicatessen is about 2965 m (roughly 37 min walk) from Bowling Green station on the New York City Subway. Use the directions link on this page for turn-by-turn walking directions.
What is Katz's Delicatessen rated?
Katz's Delicatessen has a Google rating of 4.5 out of 5 from 54,597 reviews.
What's near Katz's Delicatessen?
Also within a short walk of the same station: The Battery, 9/11 Memorial & Museum, One World Observatory.
Is Katz's Delicatessen wheelchair accessible?
Yes โ Google lists the following accessibility features for Katz's Delicatessen: wheelchair-accessible entrance, wheelchair-accessible restroom, wheelchair-accessible seating.
Is there parking near Katz's Delicatessen?
Google lists these parking options near Katz's Delicatessen: paid parking lot, paid street parking.
Is Katz's Delicatessen good for children?
Yes โ Google lists Katz's Delicatessen as good for children.
Are dogs allowed at Katz's Delicatessen?
Google does not list Katz's Delicatessen as allowing dogs.
Does Katz's Delicatessen have outdoor seating?
Yes โ Google lists Katz's Delicatessen as having outdoor seating.
Is Katzโs Delicatessen free to enter?
Yes. It is a restaurant rather than a ticketed attraction; you pay only for food, drinks or merchandise.
What should a first-time visitor order?
The classic choice is a hand-carved pastrami sandwich on rye with mustard. Corned beef, matzo ball soup, a knish and pickles are other traditional options.
How does the paper-ticket system work?
Take the ticket issued at the entrance and give it to each counter server who fills part of your order. Each item is marked on it, and you present the ticket at checkout. Keep it even if you order nothing, since lost tickets may incur a sizable fee.
Is there table service?
Katzโs is best known for counter service, but waiter-served seating has also been offered in designated areas. Ask staff on arrival because the arrangement can vary.
Are reservations required?
Usually not for ordinary dining. Katzโs is primarily a walk-in establishment, though large groups and private functions should contact the restaurant beforehand.
When is it least crowded?
Weekday mornings and the mid-afternoon period between lunch and dinner are often less congested. Weekends and normal lunch and dinner hours can have long lines.
Can one sandwich be shared?
Yes. The meat sandwiches are famously large, and many visitors share one along with soup, a side or pickles.
Where is the When Harry Met Sally table?
It is inside the main dining room and is identified by a sign. It remains part of the working restaurant, so it may be occupied.
What is the nearest public transportation?
The Delancey StreetโEssex Street subway complex, served by the F, M, J and Z lines as applicable, is a common option. The 2nd Avenue F station is also nearby. Service patterns can change.
Does Katzโs accept credit cards?
Credit and debit cards have generally been accepted in recent years, along with cash, but confirm current payment practices if this is important to your visit.
Is Katzโs kosher?
Katzโs is a Jewish-style deli but is generally not considered kosher-certified. Visitors requiring kosher food should verify directly before ordering.
Data and photos from Google Places, generated August 11, 2026. Ratings, hours and prices can change โ confirm anything time-sensitive before you go.