Katz's Deli New York
Legendary Jewish deli
Nick from New York
You'll find Katz's Delicatessen in every guidebook. It's famous, and there's no denying it. But as a fourth-generation New Yorker, I'm hard-pressed to think of a spot that feels more like Old New York (the term locals use to describe pre-gentrification New York in the 20th century).
Most people know Katz's as a filming location in the 1989 film When Harry Met Sally. There's even a sign indicating the table where Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan sat. (I won't lie, I always try to sit there.) Fewer people know it was around for 100 years before that. The deli opened in its current spot in the Lower East Side in 1888, making it as old as the world delicatessen itself.
As much as I love the giant pastrami sandwich (it's the best in New York), I love the tiny, squat brick building even more. Outside, the entire world has changed. The block used to be one of the most dangerous in New York; now there's a Whole Foods and luxury apartments. But when you go inside Katz's, time fades away. It could be the 1880s or the 1980s or any decade between them. Katz's has lived through them all, and it only gets better.
You can try almost any deli staple imaginable, but you should order like a New Yorker. Always get the pastrami (corned beef is an acceptable alternative) and Dr. Brown's soda.
New York Spotter Nick
About this spot
Our New York City Guide
Find your way with 308 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Loved it? Join us!
Loved this Spot?Join your international community. Share your favs and become part of our international community!
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in New York
Silvana
Live music, café, boutique
"Silvana" is a large cafe, boutique, shawarma and falafel bar in NYC that also offers live music performances on their downstairs stage. Great acts!
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Mo's Famous Burgers
Hamburger Food Truck
The menu is simple: hamburgers, French fries & toppings. No over-the-top ingredients, no superfluous adjectives, and high-value food at rock-bottom prices.
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Elizabeth Street Garden
Sculpture garden NoLita
"Elizabeth Street Garden" New York: formerly the site of a large, important school house, it was reclaimed in the '90s and turned into a sculpture garden.
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
UWS Phone Booth
Last payphone booth
One block away from a 21st century LinkNYC WiFi tower on Broadway sits one of three West End Avenue working telephone 'booths', the last in NYC...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Anthony & Son
Old-school sandwich shop
After, "Anthony & Son" Panini Shoppe's Italian-style super-sandwiches, no regular New York sandwich will ever taste as good again...
by
Nick
Papa
Dutch Kills
Upholding cocktail culture in Queens
"Dutch Kills" in New York isn't hiding it's one of the best bars in the city, but it isn't publicizing the fact, either. No password to enter, however!
by
Nick
Papa
Montero's
Quirky Brooklyn dive bar
"Montero's" (est. 1939) in New York is one of the weirdest bars I've ever visited, in the best way possible; it takes you back to working-class Brooklyn...
by
Nick
Papa
Bund on Broadway
Soup dumplings
"Bund on Broadway" is one of the most popular restaurants on Astoria's restaurant row in New York. I always go straight fo the famous pork soup dumplings.
by
Paula
Ryszkiewicz
Conference House
Pre-Revolutionary history
The "Conference House" in New York is a perfect place to escape modern life if you're interested in what life was like in the 1600s...
by
Paula
Ryszkiewicz
Vite Vinosteria
My special occasion spot
"Vite Vinosteria" in New York is the Italian restaurant where, ever since I moved to Astoria, I've celebreated nearly every birthday & anniversary...
by
Paula
Ryszkiewicz
Hunter's Point Library
Waterfront reading room
"Hunter's Point Library" in New York, on Long Island City's waterfront, is definitely for you if you're a fan of books, architecture and skyline views!
by
Paula
Ryszkiewicz
House of Yes
Uninhibited fun
"House of Yes" is a colorful, eclectic space in New York that houses everything from roller skating to trapeze artists. Free entry on Fridays before 11pm!
by
Victoria
Yang
Heading to New York?
308 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
Heading to New York?
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 308 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite New York
Our team loves New York
Get to know our other Spotters from New York
As featured on:
