Restaurant Review: Katz's Deli, New York City

Located on a gritty block on the Lower East Side of Manhattan, Katz's Deli is quite possibly the only deli in New York City that appears untouched by tourism. Katz's has been a fixture on Houston Street since 1888, serving delicious, artery-clogging, authentic Jewish deli cuisine at reasonable prices.

As soon as you walk into Katz's, you can't help but notice that it's nothing like any other deli in New York. You receive a ticket at the entrance, which is basically a queue line leading to the slicing counter. You may sit down and have a waitress take your order, but those in the know proceed directly to the slicing counter at Katz's, where anywhere from 8-12 sandwich makers are hard at work, slicing pastrami, corned beef, salami and brisket to order. Your slicer will give you samples of whatever you'd like (stuffing a dollar or two in his tip jar doesn't hurt), but it is an extremely good idea to know exactly what you want when you get to the counter - these guys don't like to waste time! Once your sandwich is ready, you proceed through the rest of the line to get drinks and such, pay for your food and then seat yourself. Katz's "dining room" is nothing more than picnic tables set up in a big open area. Just avoid the area near the bathrooms (which are basically like outhouses built onto one side of the dining room) - too much foot traffic. Hang onto your ticket - they'll take it from you when you leave.

Obviously, with a setup like this, Katz's is a sandwich place, and there's not much else on their menu. Breakfast is bagels, pancakes, French toast or omelets filled with deli meats. For lunch and dinner, Katz's offers the usual matzo ball soup, knishes and kugel that you find at every deli, but sandwiches are the main event. Pastrami, brisket, tongue, knobelwurst, turkey, corned beef, chopped liver - you name it, they make a sandwich out of it. All of their meats are made/cured in house, lending their sandwiches a distinctive flavor that is only found at Katz's. Their salami in particular is world-famous, and with good reason - it is truly delectable!

So, what to order? Well, I love Katz's perfectly seasoned pastrami - it's the best in New York City, in my opinion. Just don't order it extra-lean (the counter guys will laugh at you). Katz's brisket is also excellent, juicy and succulent. As I mentioned before, their salami is world-class, and even their corned beef, of which I am normally not a fan, is great. Their sandwiches are huge, so sharing is a good idea, especially if you want to sample a side dish or dessert. Katz's has awesome French fries, hot dogs, and knoblewurst - these make great add-ons to a split pastrami sandwich. Add a Dr. Brown's Cream Soda (the only type of soda to drink at a deli) and you're set!

Katz's Deli is a must for everyone who loves delicatessen cuisine, especially those who think that all New York City delis are tourist traps. While Katz's has gained fame and recognition (and therefore tourist traffic) over the years, they have maintained a decidedly non-touristy atmosphere and menu. The pastrami alone is well worth the long trip on the F train, so go to Katz's and discover what real delicatessen food is all about!

Address: 205 E. Houston St. btw 1^st and 2^nd Ave.
Website: www.katzdeli.com
Phone: 212-254-2246
Hours: Sun-Thurs 8am-10pm; Fri-Sat 8am-2:45am
Price Range: Sandwiches $10-15