The New York Deli That’s Been Serving Giant Sandwiches Since 1888

Nestled on the corner of Houston and Ludlow Streets in Manhattan’s Lower East Side stands Katz’s Delicatessen, a true New York landmark.

Since 1888, this iconic eatery has been piling sky-high stacks of meat between slices of rye bread, creating sandwiches so massive they’ve become legendary. Katz’s isn’t just a restaurant, it’s a slice of New York history that continues to draw crowds from around the world.

1. A Slice Of New York History

Originally called Iceland Brothers, this culinary institution has witnessed over a century of New York’s evolution. During World War II, the owners’ sons serving overseas inspired their famous slogan: “Send a salami to your boy in the Army.”

The deli survived the Great Depression, two World Wars, and countless city changes while maintaining its original recipes and methods. Walking through its doors feels like stepping into a living museum of New York food culture.

2. The Legendary Pastrami Sandwich

Hand-carved before your eyes, Katz’s pastrami undergoes a meticulous 30-day curing process followed by hours of smoking. Each sandwich contains a staggering pound of meat, stacked so high you’ll need both hands just to pick it up.

The perfect combination of peppery crust and tender, juicy meat has made food critics swoon and celebrities line up alongside tourists. Many have tried to replicate it, but the original remains unmatched.

3. The Ticket System Tradition

“Hold onto your ticket!” These words greet every customer entering Katz’s doors. The deli’s unique system, giving each patron a small paper ticket that gets marked with your order, has remained unchanged for generations.

Lose that small slip of paper and you’ll face a $50 fine. This seemingly old-fashioned approach keeps the bustling deli organized amid the chaos of serving thousands of hungry customers daily while preserving a charming bit of old New York.

4. Hollywood’s Favorite Sandwich Shop

“I’ll have what she’s having”, perhaps the most famous line ever uttered in a deli. Katz’s achieved silver screen immortality when Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal filmed the iconic fake orgasm scene from ‘When Harry Met Sally’ at table 4.

The table now bears a small sign commemorating the scene. Beyond this famous moment, Katz’s has appeared in countless films and TV shows, cementing its status as both a culinary destination and a pop culture landmark.

5. Feeding the Masses, One Giant Sandwich At A Time

On a busy Saturday, Katz’s serves upwards of 4,000 customers. The skilled meat cutters; some who’ve worked there for decades; slice up to 15,000 pounds of pastrami weekly, offering samples to waiting customers with a friendly wink.

Despite its fame, Katz’s maintains its no-frills approach: cafeteria-style service, shared tables, and walls covered with celebrity photos. The prices may have risen over the years, but the massive portions ensure nobody leaves hungry.