Verdict
Destinations

Is Katz's Delicatessen worth it in a day?

Worth itIn a day

Even on a tight schedule, Katz's Delicatessen earns the hours.

Allow 45 min–1 hour incl. queue.

A cavernous, ticket-in-hand, cash-grabbing institution where a guy behind the counter slices your pastrami and slips you a taste while you wait. Electric for first-timers and pilgrims; wrong for anyone wanting a quiet, leisurely sit-down meal.

Price
~$30 a sandwich; sides extra, cash-friendly
Time
45 min–1 hour incl. queue
Last verified
2026-06-17
Is Katz's Delicatessen worth it…
How we verified
  • NYC's oldest deli, operating since 1888; the famed pastrami is hand-carved to order. · katzsdelicatessen.com
  • The pastrami-on-rye sandwich now runs about $28-29, having risen through 2025 (about $27.45 in September 2025). · thelotimes.com
Independent verdict. How we grade →