Another stellar review James. Your straightforward honesty is so refreshing. Being a local I have watched the prices steadily increase over the years, but in NYC, what hasn’t gone up? If you’re going to indulge, it should be from the best there is. Katz all the way.
@@JamesnuI appreciate your blunt honesty ( many others beat around the bush and never share their true feeling being honest is a rare quality nowadays )
In 1954, 55. With many deli’s too choose from Katz’s was absolutely the best of the best. Being in uniform at the time we were always treated to something a bit extra , lovely people serving wonderful food....Thank God for Katz’s.❤
I didn't really like the customer experience of Katz if I'm being honest. There were loads of lines without much explanation of what was going on. I think it's fine if you have been there before, but the first time going to Katz was a bit overwhelming. The staff made me feel like an idiot for not knowing the ordering process.
I know what you mean. I was intimated when I went there for the first time as well. I think it's important to know a little what to expect before going into the restaurant. The way how it operates is certainly unique.
The staff can be nice if it’s not busy. I once walked in drunk during a slow time and was complimenting one of the staff members about their great hotdogs and he admitted to me that he eats lots of them too
Lived in NYC for over 35 years and yes Katz's is full of tourists but it's one of the few NYC "Tourist traps" that actually live up to their hype and are still frequented by a lot of locals.
Dirty hole with disgusting, overpriced, greasy food. Dont start me on the filthy toilets and ignorant staff. I actually hit one the last time I was in. Peasant had the cheek to push me when I accidentally stood in his way. Needless to say I left without paying. My friend was a cop and he flashed the badge. Funny how half the staff fled. Probably illegal immigrants.
A superlative review, production and presentation. I live 20 blocks away from Katz's so I often takeout. I agree with your review. And I always avoid fries at restaurants. More often than not I'm disappointed. The price of pastrami is crazy. For comfort I like the 2nd Avenue Deli...and their pastrami is superb. Sarge's is also great, with some comfy booths. Pastrami Queen isn't very comfy, but great pastrami. You're so right about Hometown. Incredible food...but really expensive and a pain to get to. Their brisket is spectacular...and they have the best BBQ Sauce I've ever had. In the end, if you eat in, Katz's is the gold standard. And they give a lot of great pickles...no need for a side. Pastrami and pickles, nothing better. A final note on Katz's. Their seedless rye bread leaves a lot to be desired. Same as 2nd Avenue Deli. Hot pastrami needs to be inside caraway seed rye.
Thank you! Yeah, they're definitely a lot of other great spots in NYC for pastrami. I agree! I feel like for a lot of places the bread in a pastrami sandwich is such an afterthought. Of course, the meat is the most important part, but good bread can really make a difference.
I worked in lower Manhattan and used to come here occasionally for lunch. This was around 1960. Not so pricey then and they even had schmaltz (chicken fat) on the tables to replace butter if you were doing kosher. Still looks about the same inside.
Love it! I was there in Oct 2023, got there at 2:15p, barely a line. 2 pastramis on rye, motz, pickles, a couple beers. Was AMAZING. I've had a ton of pastrami and nothing like that! Yea it's like 27$ a sandwhich, but you literally could share one with someone since the two halves are like two whole sandwhiches. Especially if trying other items.
Excellent camera work, James, in what must have been a challenging environment to film in given how busy Katz is. Sandwich looked delicious - brill review pal.
We live on the West Coast, but every time we make a trip to NYC we go for a Katz's pastrami sandwich. It's the one and only...and man my mouth even started watering when I saw the pickles.
They use to have a small section of tables set aside for full table service with waiters taking your order if you didn’t want to stand in line. Great place! I always find it very friendly.
As allways loved the post,never been there but have gone to shparos in indenapolis,very similar format,excellant food,love to see a comparison from you,keep up the good reviews,have a very blessed Christmas.
I went to NYC with a friend back in July, first time going to Katz deli. The line to get in was long at about 2-2:30 on a weekday which was surprising to me. As we were waiting in line, one of the locals told us that if we tip them good, the person cutting up your food will give you more samples of the meats and that is true. Gave the guy a $10 tip and he gave me three slabs of pastrami. I normally don't waste food but the food was so good, I couldn't even finish my meal. Very much worth the trip to Katz deli!
But that's like buying some meat for an additional $10. Tipping at a self serve restaurant where the staff is rude, long lines and they ask for TIPS. that's just ridiculous, tipping culture is insane
When we worked in the meat market area, my friend, Cathy, and I would go there a couple of times a year for lunch, and (Yikes!) we shared one sandwich. So much meat! So mouth watering!
Thanks extremely cute boy! I lived right across the street from Katz's in the bad old good old days of the 80's. It was a great place to pop in for hardy faire or simply to run for protection. I enjoyed the walk down memory lane and so much enjoy watching the happiness on your face when you consume your meals. BTW, I LOVE overdone fries! It's a delicacy that you haven't acquired a taste for as of yet. Cheers!
When I was just a little girl, my Grandma Sadie, who lived on the Lower East Side, would buy me a huge garlic sour pickle for 10¢ from the brine-filled barrels at the sidewalk vendors. And jars of sour pickled green tomatoes. That was the candy of my childhood. They were so sour the memory of them still makes my mouth water. But they weren't crisp, like they are today. They were sink-your-teeth-in soft and luscious. Also when I was a kid, rye bread was a lot sturdier. It had a thin hard shiny crust. It was never seedless, it was chock-full of my belovèd caraway seeds. It never ever disintegrated while I was eating a sandwich, like bread does today. So several years back I continued my traditional no-turkey-for-Thanksgiving ritual by ordering online from Katz's Deli. I got pastrami, a half loaf of rye bread, bagels, bialys, kishke, sour garlic pickles and pickled green tomatoes, and their deli mustard. I made my own egg creams to go with. The rye bread was dry and fell apart; besides which, it was soft like Wonder Bread and didn't have that hard shiny crust. It barely had caraway seeds! The bagels were, weirdly, sweet and had a cakey texture. The pickles weren't sour, and they weren't soft. THEY WERE CRUNCHY!?!?! The pastrami tasted watered down, not as powerfully flavorful as it used to, but lots fattier. The kishke was okay, but it didn't have the finger-licking goodness of yesteryear. It was bland. Maybe it was inferior schmaltz or using beef casing instead of goose neck skin? Idk. The best of mail-order Katz's was the bialys. Of course, they couldn't match the floury-crust deliciousness of fresh-baked bialys right out of the oven - they were frozen. Once reheated, they were good but not great. The deli mustard was ... deli mustard. Thick and grainy and yummy. So my mail-order Katz's experience was basically feh. And I spent a whole lotta cash for that feh feast. You live and learn. One last thing that really drives me crazy - if you insist on putting the equivalent of a pound or more of fatty meat between two slices of what amounts to refined flour and cotton, whaddaya expect except bread that falls apart in your hands? But it's no big loss, 'cause that bread doesn't taste like much of anything anyway.
I like turkey, but a Katz's pastrami sandwich sounds like a much better meal to me. I'm always a bit leery when it comes to ordering food like that via mail order. I'm sorry to hear that it didn't live up to expectations. I know what you mean about the bread. Even having it fresh in the restaurant it falls apart. Still, I love the pastrami at Katz's.
For 25 years eating out has been a feh wallet draining disappointment. There was a Jewish deli in Miami that I was at in the 90s that was top-notch, since then : feh
Great review. I had a sandwich there in 2016 or 2017. Best pastrami ever. When I was in Vegas I had one that was good but it was because it was on marble rye that was made there along with bagels and the best cheese cake ever. The guy who made the sandwich was a veteran of the deli wars with over 30 years in the business and he took over the deli and people noticed right away
There are sadly fewer delis in the New York area than 20 years ago. But Katz's is still a great place to visit. It opens at 8:00 am, so get there before the rush. There are also many great delis (and cheaper) in the outer boroughs. Of course, fish delis and meat delis are two separate entities. I also like visiting food places in Ultra-Orthodox communities. They have amazing food at affordable prices.
I'm that guy who, when he sees a Reuben on the menu, stops right there and orders it! EVERYBODY tells me to: At least order "half & half"!! (with pastrami) One of these days I will.... But I always forget hahaha!!?? Cheers!
My friend brought me there, late 90's. The environment for takeout sucked, but food was amazing and I had enough to build a couple extra sandwiches out of the largess. (College days)
Gladly interrupted my "binge" watching of your past works to view & enjoy this new offering. As always, thank you for sharing this enjoyable review. (Also, you really should go to Montreal & try the "smoked meat".)
I have eaten there many times, usually around 6 or 7 pm never waited outside to get in. Always a great meal, coleslaw and a dr. browns cherry soda. may have to have them ship, I'm in hawaii go there if you like pastrami
Thanks James! We love killing our cravings with a Katz's! Wonderful review so true about the 🍟 fries , just one of those things. Most times we just skip em. So glad you took us along 🙋🥪🥒🗽
As a Foodie myself I really enjoy your videos. One word of advice: eat until your comfortable and then stop and if you really don’t like something, don’t eat it (i.e. the fries).
I know what you mean. I'm paying to enjoy my food and there comes a point with even good food that you just get tired of it. However, the habit of finishing everything is really ingrained in me. I've got to get better at that.
@@Jamesnu I still hear people use the phrase “clean my plate” or “waste not, want not” so I understand the mind set. Still, enjoy and push away when needed.
I ate there in 2007 and it was so crowded! I wanna say we got there around 2pm. It was rather confusing, stressful, and hectic trying to figure out what line I was supposed to be in. Of course the restaurant was much less crowded by the time we finished and were leaving. I would have much preferred if I had gotten a table with table service to avoid all the chaos, though maybe the chaos is just part of the overall experience.
Truly a great review. I like that you did comparisons and research on quality, quantity, price, and options. More RUclipsr's should watch this to learn how it is done. One thought on your steak fries. I'm not a fan of French fries but I have a friend who said to me as a teen. "ALWAYS eat the fries first. Have you ever waited until the end of meal to try and eat them?" The guy was religious about it. So maybe make a habit to try the fries first? Again, awesome job, good commentary, great editing - thank you for doing it right from start to finish! #Subscribed
Thank you so much! I really appreciate it! Yeah, I typically have my fries between bites of my sandwich. Although, with my editing, it does look like I waited to eat them at the end.
Wonderful review as always, James! Although I've been numerous times, it has been years since my last visit. You make me realize it's time for a visit! There's a Ben's Kosher Delicatessen by me in Bayside. While they are very good, it's just not the same. Thanks for another great video!
Thank you! Yeah, I think the long lines were one of the reasons why I've avoided Katz's for so long, but there are definitely times when it isn't so bad.
Thanks! Good review. I've never been there ,although I live in North Central CT. And used to visit NYC in my 20's. I don't like the prices but here our Jewish deli, is getting up there in prices .BTW ,you're a Handsome guy, who seems to know and love his food.
I enjoyed this video. If you go to Berlin then try Mogg and their Reuben pestrami sandwich. I say that’s the best thing I’ve ever tasted. They worked on the pestrami for 6 years they said. I’d love to see your views. I haven’t been to Katz’s yet. I’m sad I didn’t know about it when I came to NY in 2018. Next time…
Thanks for another great review James. Now.. can you tell us your real feelings about those fries? 😉 The pastrami did look amazing! You mentioned that the mustard was really good , and I see a lot of other comments about it - Do you know if they sell it ? Also do they have any good desserts at Katz's ? I appreciate you and your channel !
Thank you! Haha! Yeah, I was pretty subtle regarding my feelings with the fries. Haha! Yep, Katz's sells their mustard and they do have desserts, but they do seem pretty basic like black and white cookies and cheesecake.
I'm a huge fan of pastrami Ruben with melted Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing. Yum! Totally sublime and with Jewish deli-style garlic pickle spears. Too bad Stage Deli closed after starting in 1937. My dad would treat me there years ago and their prices were much better. I remember the first time I saw my pastrami sandwich piled thick! They served crazy good, giant onion rings with a thick, crispy batter!
Hi James,Katz's is another NYC treasure I never made it to. My partners in NYC were more of the Harry's at Hanover material. Our NYC HQ was just across the street from Harry's Hanover so we lived there in our free time. I know they're two entirely different animals, but what's Katz's like compared to Manny's here in Chicago? That's still my personal favorite deli in town. Cheers my friend. I'm really glad i found the channel. We need to get your subs way up. You do a really great job.
Thank you so much! Manny's is iconic and I loved my visits there. Their food is great, but when it comes to pastrami and corned beef, Katz's is on another level, but besides pastrami and sandwiches, Manny's has a much greater variety of food than Katz's.
I visited Katz's a few weeks ago again as well as Hometown BBQ, just a few days ago. I'm still working on the Hometown video. I was disappointed to learn that they only sell Pastrami at Hometown on weekends so I didn't have a chance to try it. Tourists or not, Katz's is great. I think locals don't like the fact that so many tourists venture there, but the quality of the food doesn't suffer for it. The Matzoh Ball soup is excellent, and they offer some really high quality Salmon lox, on par with Russ and Daughters. Their hotdogs are also really above average. My dad did indeed complain about the rye bread, for the same reason you did. I think you can choose rolls or Italian bread as substitutes. It looks like the rye bread looked a bit different in your older photos, and that it was seeded on the edges. Next time I visit I plan to ask the cutters why they discard so much of the Pastrami meat bark when cutting it.
Yeah, it's upsetting that Hometown limits their pastrami so much. I'm really intrigued about Katz's other food. Normally, one of their sandwiches is enough for me, but I've heard a lot of positive things about their hot dogs and I really want to try them now. I didn't even know they offered lox. It would be interesting to try the pastrami on various breads. I think my order of pastrami on rye is so ingrained in me that I would have to make a conscious effort to order something else.
My mom wants to fly in from LA just to go to Katz. I like Sarges combo better cos coleslaw on top. I have to get to red hook now just I live in Bronx. Went to Le petit Chef lots of fun got a reservation next month for noksu. This Sunday I'm going to Buvette. I haven't heard from you if you want to go to Raos next march I'll get a date in a couple of weeks.
I'm glad to hear Le petit Chef was satisfying! I've heard good things about Buvette. Yeah, I'm not sure about Raos. I'll probably be in Rome and Italy for most of March next year, but I'm not positive yet.
@@Jamesnu OK if not a lot of people want to go so it will be another year if u can't go. Let me know if you can then I'll ask someone else. I go in March cos I get my income tax check back by then and Raos is cash only
Im sure they would have given you a new order of fries to replace those if you asked, I know I sometimes don’t bother to ask either tho. I find their sides to be nothing special but if you are into soups I would def recommend the split pea or matzah ball, besides the pastrami I think those two are the only items at Katz that really stand out.
Yeah, I don't hear too much about the other food at Katz's besides the pastrami, but I'll definitely consider the split pea and matzah ball soup for my next visit. Thank you for the recommendations!
We used to have a Katz's here in Austin in the 90's. Their tagline was "Katz's never closes." We would party on 6th street, and then eat at K's. All of that is gone now.
Hi James, that's a lot of meat, enough for two people, so the price is quite reasonable. There's something about the look of their pastrami which makes it stand out from their competitors. Fries looked good. That's a lot of pickles ! Growing up in Australia, I first heard of Alka-Selzer which is a US product, and seeing all those pickles on your plate, I can understand why the US led the way with antacids for heartburn ! Very good episode, James, all the best !
I went close to 15 years ago while on vacation. It was pretty damn good to me though native New Yorkers say there are better places. I had to check it off my list though.
@@Jamesnu You're welcome ! I like the way that you appreciate good food and fine dining, but also recognize the importance of not wasting food. Best wishes to you !
That’s interesting. I’ve had curious fantasies of trying their oddball items like their cheesesteaks and other stuff out of curiosity. I have had their hotdogs and in my opinion it’s the best hotdog in New York because of that garlic flavor and exterior skin texture.
Yeah, something to dip the fries into probably would've helped. I agree! The staff really works hard especially considering the crowds it has to deal with everyday.
That sandwich looked incredible. What it like a pound of pastrami? I would have to toss some thousand island on it though despite that being sacrilegious. There is nothing like a Jewish deli for a good crunchy pickle. Thanks for the review !
I wish! I've tried for maybe 7 years now to get into that race through the lottery and still haven't gotten accepted yet, but I actually ran the Nashville Marathon the previous week.
I love your reviews - honest but balanced. I'm a native New Yorker. The first time I ate at Katz's was amazing. This was several years ago. I went again this year and the sandwich was sub par. They throw away all the fatty juicy pieces. Those are the best bits! Don't know why they do that...anyways Katz's is a place you have to visit at least once. It's an experience 😊
I'm from the UK, how I wish the UK had food like this!! 😢 The food here is just plain, plain and plain!! Makes me very jealous that you can enjoy such great food and food experiences!!! How I wish I could join you!?
Not sure why I get this urge to watch your videos when I’m hungry. Which is followed by the realization that I’m nowhere near NY to satisfy my hunger 😢
Another stellar review James. Your straightforward honesty is so refreshing.
Being a local I have watched the prices steadily increase over the years, but in NYC, what hasn’t gone up? If you’re going to indulge, it should be from the best there is. Katz all the way.
Thank you! Yeah, I agree! It's expensive, but one is paying for, what I think is one of the best sandwiches in NYC.
@@JamesnuI appreciate your blunt honesty
( many others beat around the bush and never share their true feeling
being honest is a rare quality nowadays )
@@txt4r Thank you so much!
In 1954, 55. With many deli’s too choose from Katz’s was absolutely the best of the best. Being in uniform at the time we were always treated to something a bit extra , lovely people serving wonderful food....Thank God for Katz’s.❤
Nice! It seems like Katz's was always a special place in their long history.
Katz's is on my bucket list to try their pastrami sandwiches. Thanks James
It's definitely worth a visit. Thanks for watching!
I didn't really like the customer experience of Katz if I'm being honest. There were loads of lines without much explanation of what was going on. I think it's fine if you have been there before, but the first time going to Katz was a bit overwhelming. The staff made me feel like an idiot for not knowing the ordering process.
This is why we watch RUclips :) New Yorkers can be rough especially when it's busy.
I know what you mean. I was intimated when I went there for the first time as well. I think it's important to know a little what to expect before going into the restaurant. The way how it operates is certainly unique.
The staff can be nice if it’s not busy. I once walked in drunk during a slow time and was complimenting one of the staff members about their great hotdogs and he admitted to me that he eats lots of them too
All of that is part of the deli experience. So when you go next time you feel like a boss because you know how things work. ❤
Maybe you need to be a hew 🤔
Enjoy your videos. Man you are living the best life. You can genuinely tell you take a special kind of pride in work.
Thank you! Yeah, food and going out to restaurants is my favorite thing!
@@Jamesnuah that is my hobbies too, but it hurt my wallet condition 😂
Lived in NYC for over 35 years and yes Katz's is full of tourists but it's one of the few NYC "Tourist traps" that actually live up to their hype and are still frequented by a lot of locals.
Definitely!
must visit
"Worth the ticket!" Must be awkward when you get the people doing the fake Os at 'I'll have what she had" table
every time im that area of the lower east side, i have o check it.
Dirty hole with disgusting, overpriced, greasy food. Dont start me on the filthy toilets and ignorant staff. I actually hit one the last time I was in. Peasant had the cheek to push me when I accidentally stood in his way. Needless to say I left without paying. My friend was a cop and he flashed the badge. Funny how half the staff fled. Probably illegal immigrants.
A superlative review, production and presentation. I live 20 blocks away from Katz's so I often takeout. I agree with your review. And I always avoid fries at restaurants. More often than not I'm disappointed.
The price of pastrami is crazy. For comfort I like the 2nd Avenue Deli...and their pastrami is superb. Sarge's is also great, with some comfy booths. Pastrami Queen isn't very comfy, but great pastrami.
You're so right about Hometown. Incredible food...but really expensive and a pain to get to. Their brisket is spectacular...and they have the best BBQ Sauce I've ever had.
In the end, if you eat in, Katz's is the gold standard. And they give a lot of great pickles...no need for a side. Pastrami and pickles, nothing better.
A final note on Katz's. Their seedless rye bread leaves a lot to be desired. Same as 2nd Avenue Deli. Hot pastrami needs to be inside caraway seed rye.
Thank you! Yeah, they're definitely a lot of other great spots in NYC for pastrami. I agree! I feel like for a lot of places the bread in a pastrami sandwich is such an afterthought. Of course, the meat is the most important part, but good bread can really make a difference.
@@Jamesnu Additionally, that's a beautiful Orient Bambino!
@@hoppysport2872 Good eye! Thank you! I love that watch!
It was obvious that he was BSing about the bread. It didn't even look good.
100% agree! Rye bread without seeds is not rye bread.
I worked in lower Manhattan and used to come here occasionally for lunch. This was around 1960. Not so pricey then and they even had schmaltz (chicken fat) on the tables to replace butter if you were doing kosher. Still looks about the same inside.
Nice! I'm happy that they've preserved the look of the restaurant.
Looked so good. Thank you for sharing. Stay blessed,
Thank you for watching!
Excellent video. Well-considered and thoughtful analysis.
Thank you so much!
Love it! I was there in Oct 2023, got there at 2:15p, barely a line. 2 pastramis on rye, motz, pickles, a couple beers. Was AMAZING. I've had a ton of pastrami and nothing like that! Yea it's like 27$ a sandwhich, but you literally could share one with someone since the two halves are like two whole sandwhiches. Especially if trying other items.
Nice! I'm glad that you had a good experience!
Excellent camera work, James, in what must have been a challenging environment to film in given how busy Katz is. Sandwich looked delicious - brill review pal.
Thank you! Yeah, it was pretty hectic inside, but I've been there when it was much worse.
Everything in this video,is so mouthwatering … thanks for posting
Thanks for watching!
@@Jamesnu another new happy subscriber 🎉😋!
@@renesagahon4477 Thank you so much! I really appreciate it!
First time I want was in the 90’s looks like it hasn’t changed a bit. You have to love places like this. A true gem. 🥪
Absolutely!
The iconic Katzs! Steak fries are one of my favorite cuts, sad to see they fell short this time, great video as always!
Thank you! Yeah, it just wasn't my day with the fries, but I've seen them looking better during past visits.
Agreed that everyone should try Katz's at least once in their lives. It's hard to beat!
It would be great to put Langers and Katz side by side and do a blind taste test!
Absolutely! It's an icon of NYC!
Indeed! That would be great!
amazing review. i appreciate that you include the price and the tip. can't wait to try Katz's.
Thank you! Yeah, I always include the price and a lot of other details so hopefully it can help others out who also want to go to the restaurant.
We live on the West Coast, but every time we make a trip to NYC we go for a Katz's pastrami sandwich. It's the one and only...and man my mouth even started watering when I saw the pickles.
I understand that. The sandwich is amazing!
Thank you for this review. Never been there but I crave a good pastrami sandwich everyday.
Thanks for watching!
They use to have a small section of tables set aside for full table service with waiters taking your order if you didn’t want to stand in line. Great place! I always find it very friendly.
They still have waiter service, but I've never tried it. It's nice that the option is there.
Look forward to all your reviews thank you I love Katz"s
Thank you so much! I love Katz's too!
Nice review James. Katz is indeed a landmark. As a lifetime NYer, glad to see it has survived through the ages.
Thank you! Indeed! Katz's is practically a symbol of NYC.
Looks delicious, thank you for sharing
It was really good! Thank you for watching!
As allways loved the post,never been there but have gone to shparos in indenapolis,very similar format,excellant food,love to see a comparison from you,keep up the good reviews,have a very blessed Christmas.
Thank you so much! I actually went to Shapiro's once a long time ago and I liked it!
We visited my son and family at Brooklyn in August of 2023. They order from Katz’s and had it delivered. The best corn beef and pastrami.
Nice!
I went to NYC with a friend back in July, first time going to Katz deli. The line to get in was long at about 2-2:30 on a weekday which was surprising to me. As we were waiting in line, one of the locals told us that if we tip them good, the person cutting up your food will give you more samples of the meats and that is true. Gave the guy a $10 tip and he gave me three slabs of pastrami. I normally don't waste food but the food was so good, I couldn't even finish my meal. Very much worth the trip to Katz deli!
Nice! Yeah, Katz's in the summer is the time when the lines are probably the longest, but you're right, it's worth it!
But that's like buying some meat for an additional $10. Tipping at a self serve restaurant where the staff is rude, long lines and they ask for TIPS. that's just ridiculous, tipping culture is insane
@@Mkayexplores staff at Katz were not rude with me and they didn’t ask for tips.
Man that does look good…glad you did this one and it’s def on the menu for when I ever make it that way…good job buddy
Thank you! Yeah, that sandwich was amazing!
Great review video! Good shots and precise descriptions... keep it up!
Thank you so much!
I don't know how I didn't realize that Katz's was part of When Harry Met Sally before this video. Great review and looks like an incredible sandwich!
Thank you! It's a great sandwich and that was a good movie!
When we worked in the meat market area, my friend, Cathy, and I would go there a couple of times a year for lunch, and (Yikes!) we shared one sandwich. So much meat! So mouth watering!
Nice! Yeah, it's a lot of food!
Thanks extremely cute boy! I lived right across the street from Katz's in the bad old good old days of the 80's. It was a great place to pop in for hardy faire or simply to run for protection. I enjoyed the walk down memory lane and so much enjoy watching the happiness on your face when you consume your meals. BTW, I LOVE overdone fries! It's a delicacy that you haven't acquired a taste for as of yet. Cheers!
Thank you! Yeah, I know some people really enjoy the taste, but it's just not how I prefer my fries.
Hi.Katz's food is very good & by skill.thanks
Thank you for watching!
Thank you for sharing a cool restaurant there in NY.😊
😂 Hahaha!! You made laugh!! For me ketchup is always a nice sauce to help eating 🍟 fries.😊😊
Thanks for watching!
Ketchup probably would've helped those fries a bit.
@@Jamesnu You are welcome. 😂 Hahaha!! Thanks, yes, some sort of sauce backup with great sandwiches!!
When I was just a little girl, my Grandma Sadie, who lived on the Lower East Side, would buy me a huge garlic sour pickle for 10¢ from the brine-filled barrels at the sidewalk vendors. And jars of sour pickled green tomatoes. That was the candy of my childhood. They were so sour the memory of them still makes my mouth water. But they weren't crisp, like they are today. They were sink-your-teeth-in soft and luscious.
Also when I was a kid, rye bread was a lot sturdier. It had a thin hard shiny crust. It was never seedless, it was chock-full of my belovèd caraway seeds. It never ever disintegrated while I was eating a sandwich, like bread does today.
So several years back I continued my traditional no-turkey-for-Thanksgiving ritual by ordering online from Katz's Deli. I got pastrami, a half loaf of rye bread, bagels, bialys, kishke, sour garlic pickles and pickled green tomatoes, and their deli mustard. I made my own egg creams to go with.
The rye bread was dry and fell apart; besides which, it was soft like Wonder Bread and didn't have that hard shiny crust. It barely had caraway seeds! The bagels were, weirdly, sweet and had a cakey texture.
The pickles weren't sour, and they weren't soft. THEY WERE CRUNCHY!?!?! The pastrami tasted watered down, not as powerfully flavorful as it used to, but lots fattier.
The kishke was okay, but it didn't have the finger-licking goodness of yesteryear. It was bland. Maybe it was inferior schmaltz or using beef casing instead of goose neck skin? Idk.
The best of mail-order Katz's was the bialys. Of course, they couldn't match the floury-crust deliciousness of fresh-baked bialys right out of the oven - they were frozen. Once reheated, they were good but not great. The deli mustard was ... deli mustard. Thick and grainy and yummy.
So my mail-order Katz's experience was basically feh. And I spent a whole lotta cash for that feh feast. You live and learn.
One last thing that really drives me crazy - if you insist on putting the equivalent of a pound or more of fatty meat between two slices of what amounts to refined flour and cotton, whaddaya expect except bread that falls apart in your hands? But it's no big loss, 'cause that bread doesn't taste like much of anything anyway.
I like turkey, but a Katz's pastrami sandwich sounds like a much better meal to me. I'm always a bit leery when it comes to ordering food like that via mail order. I'm sorry to hear that it didn't live up to expectations. I know what you mean about the bread. Even having it fresh in the restaurant it falls apart. Still, I love the pastrami at Katz's.
For 25 years eating out has been a feh wallet draining disappointment.
There was a Jewish deli in Miami that I was at in the 90s that was top-notch, since then : feh
A very very very good sandwich worth every trip; love coming here w/ family. Worth every cent.
Absolutely!
Great review. I had a sandwich there in 2016 or 2017. Best pastrami ever. When I was in Vegas I had one that was good but it was because it was on marble rye that was made there along with bagels and the best cheese cake ever. The guy who made the sandwich was a veteran of the deli wars with over 30 years in the business and he took over the deli and people noticed right away
Thank you! Yeah, having that sort of rich experience in the business can really help.
he brought recipes for chicken salad, and Matzo ball soup that he had seen perfected in NYc by others. @@Jamesnu
There are sadly fewer delis in the New York area than 20 years ago. But Katz's is still a great place to visit. It opens at 8:00 am, so get there before the rush. There are also many great delis (and cheaper) in the outer boroughs. Of course, fish delis and meat delis are two separate entities. I also like visiting food places in Ultra-Orthodox communities. They have amazing food at affordable prices.
Yeah, it's a shame that so many delis have disappeared, but at least places like Katz's are still going strong.
Bravo James, bravo!
Thank you!
great quality reviews! keep it up!
Thank you so much!
There’s a Katz location in Downtown Brooklyn. It’s part of a food court and seating is plentiful. Rarely has this location much in the way of lines.
Yeah I've seen it at the food hall, but I've never tried that location yet. It's nice to have that option in Brooklyn.
I'm that guy who, when he sees a Reuben on the menu, stops right there and orders it!
EVERYBODY tells me to: At least order "half & half"!! (with pastrami)
One of these days I will....
But I always forget hahaha!!??
Cheers!
Haha! Cheers!
I cannot wait to go back to NY one day! I will definitely be making it a point to stop at Katz’s!!! 😍 I love pastrami!
Katz's is a must visit!
My friend brought me there, late 90's. The environment for takeout sucked, but food was amazing and I had enough to build a couple extra sandwiches out of the largess. (College days)
Nice! Yeah, they definitely give you a lot of meat.
In London's East End, also try 'Maureen's' for pie and mash!
Indeed! Thanks for the recommendation!
Love Katz's Deli & Pastrami has much more flavor than Corned Beef so I will definitely be back, thanks James!
Thanks for watching!
Love your channel brother!
Thank you so much!
Gladly interrupted my "binge" watching of your past works to view & enjoy this new offering. As always, thank you for sharing this enjoyable review. (Also, you really should go to Montreal & try the "smoked meat".)
Thank you! Yeah, I definitely want to get up to Montreal soon.
Great review!
Thank you so much!
Katz restaurant is an Icon of restaurants!
Absolutely!
I have eaten there many times, usually around 6 or 7 pm never waited outside to get in. Always a great meal, coleslaw and a dr. browns cherry soda. may have to have them ship, I'm in hawaii go there if you like pastrami
Nice! Yeah, Katz's is unusually easier to get into during dinner.
Thanks James! We love killing our cravings with a Katz's! Wonderful review so true about the 🍟 fries , just one of those things. Most times we just skip em. So glad you took us along 🙋🥪🥒🗽
Thank you! Yeah, I at least had to try them, but like I said, I was pretty much only there for the pastrami.
I got the joy of going to Katz's Deli in Austin, Texas. It was an experience
As a Foodie myself I really enjoy your videos. One word of advice: eat until your comfortable and then stop and if you really don’t like something, don’t eat it (i.e. the fries).
I know what you mean. I'm paying to enjoy my food and there comes a point with even good food that you just get tired of it. However, the habit of finishing everything is really ingrained in me. I've got to get better at that.
@@Jamesnu I still hear people use the phrase “clean my plate” or “waste not, want not” so I understand the mind set. Still, enjoy and push away when needed.
I ate there in 2007 and it was so crowded! I wanna say we got there around 2pm. It was rather confusing, stressful, and hectic trying to figure out what line I was supposed to be in. Of course the restaurant was much less crowded by the time we finished and were leaving.
I would have much preferred if I had gotten a table with table service to avoid all the chaos, though maybe the chaos is just part of the overall experience.
Yeah, it can be intimidating for a first visit. I feel like it's better to go during an off-peak time since everyone is a bit more laid back.
Why you'll get a better sandwich from Sarge's which is more juicy and tasty
The only tourist trap I recommend to folks who visit the city. It's consistent, delicious, and portions are huge. Well worth the price.
Absolutely!
Still gotta check out Red Hook Tavern. I wasn't impressed. @@Jamesnu
@@Alex-ye1br I definitely plan to go there, but it's far. I'll dine there eventually.
He says “iconic” every episode but he said it six times here. He loves, loves that word.
It's a great word!
We do not have delis like that in Seattle. Does Katz's deliver in my zip code? Probably not. Love the pickles also.
They actually do nationwide shipping.
Another great video!
Thank you!
Truly a great review. I like that you did comparisons and research on quality, quantity, price, and options. More RUclipsr's should watch this to learn how it is done. One thought on your steak fries. I'm not a fan of French fries but I have a friend who said to me as a teen. "ALWAYS eat the fries first. Have you ever waited until the end of meal to try and eat them?" The guy was religious about it. So maybe make a habit to try the fries first? Again, awesome job, good commentary, great editing - thank you for doing it right from start to finish! #Subscribed
Thank you so much! I really appreciate it! Yeah, I typically have my fries between bites of my sandwich. Although, with my editing, it does look like I waited to eat them at the end.
The Katz review is spot on. Amazing pastrami. I strongly recommend their hot dogs!! Among the best in NYC.
Thanks for the recommendation! I definitely want to try their hot dogs in the future.
Great review James - it is still the best hands down and it’s worth the price!
Thank you! Absolutely! Katz's is amazing!
Wonderful review as always, James! Although I've been numerous times, it has been years since my last visit. You make me realize it's time for a visit! There's a Ben's Kosher Delicatessen by me in Bayside. While they are very good, it's just not the same. Thanks for another great video!
Thank you! Yeah, I think the long lines were one of the reasons why I've avoided Katz's for so long, but there are definitely times when it isn't so bad.
Awesome review!😊
Thank you!
Thanks! Good review. I've never been there ,although I live in North Central CT. And used to visit NYC in my 20's. I don't like the prices but here our Jewish deli, is getting up there in prices .BTW ,you're a Handsome guy, who seems to know and love his food.
Thank you! I appreciate it!
Kat’z deli was a must go to place when I was in NY from Australia in September of 2019. We enjoyed it but $60 Australia was over the top.
It's good, but definitely expensive.
I am craving a Pastrami on Rye and get there early and my wife and i always sit at the When Harry Met Sally Restaurant table
Nice! I still haven't had a chance to sit at that table yet.
How busy is it if you show up at 8a - is it one of those places where people are waiting in line when it opens?
At that time of the day, you can pretty much walk straight in and up to the counter. Lunch time is when the crowds are the largest.
I enjoyed this video. If you go to Berlin then try Mogg and their Reuben pestrami sandwich. I say that’s the best thing I’ve ever tasted. They worked on the pestrami for 6 years they said. I’d love to see your views. I haven’t been to Katz’s yet. I’m sad I didn’t know about it when I came to NY in 2018. Next time…
Thanks for the recommendation! I'll try to remember that if I'm in Berlin. I hope that you get to Katz's on your next NY visit.
Can you help us out when we visit in November. Can you do some fish and chips restaurant videos in Manhatten area. Please and thank you.
Yeah, I actually have a couple of places in mind. I just had fish and chips the other day too.
@@Jamesnuur a tour guide James. A tour guide!!!
Man I live in South Dakota and am so jealous that we don't have that deliciousness here!!
I know what you mean. It's a great restaurant.
Thanks for another great review James. Now.. can you tell us your real feelings about those fries? 😉 The pastrami did look amazing! You mentioned that the mustard was really good , and I see a lot of other comments about it - Do you know if they sell it ? Also do they have any good desserts at Katz's ? I appreciate you and your channel !
Thank you! Haha! Yeah, I was pretty subtle regarding my feelings with the fries. Haha! Yep, Katz's sells their mustard and they do have desserts, but they do seem pretty basic like black and white cookies and cheesecake.
If you ever travel to Montreal…in the suburbs there is Smoked Meat Pete…a true gem…all made in house and sooooo tasty
Thank you for the recommendation! I really appreciate it! I definitely hope to travel to Montreal sometime.
I'm a huge fan of pastrami Ruben with melted Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing. Yum! Totally sublime and with Jewish deli-style garlic pickle spears. Too bad Stage Deli closed after starting in 1937. My dad would treat me there years ago and their prices were much better. I remember the first time I saw my pastrami sandwich piled thick! They served crazy good, giant onion rings with a thick, crispy batter!
Nice! I would've loved to have tried Stage Deli! It seems like it was a special place!
Love the review brother. But the real question on everyone’s mind is: how does it compare to Arby’s Reuben sandwich?
Haha! Thank you! You know, I've never had Arby's Reuben, but I feel like Katz's might just be a bit better. Haha!
😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
I wish I went when I was in NY! The queue was so long...next time.
Yeah, it depends on the time of the day you go. The line definitely can get pretty long during the summer.
After trying Katz’s corned beef or pastrami, now try Schwartz’s Montreal smoked meat!
It’s better than Katz’s!
I definitely want to go there someday! I've always wanted to go to Montreal and I really should since it's a pretty quick flight from NYC.
Nope....ruclips.net/video/lDecDAdt-Co/видео.html
Smoked meat is worthy of our attention. Montreal is truly one of the best food cities in North America.
Way better. Melt in the mouth.
Hi James,Katz's is another NYC treasure I never made it to. My partners in NYC were more of the Harry's at Hanover material. Our NYC HQ was just across the street from Harry's Hanover so we lived there in our free time. I know they're two entirely different animals, but what's Katz's like compared to Manny's here in Chicago? That's still my personal favorite deli in town. Cheers my friend. I'm really glad i found the channel. We need to get your subs way up. You do a really great job.
Thank you so much! Manny's is iconic and I loved my visits there. Their food is great, but when it comes to pastrami and corned beef, Katz's is on another level, but besides pastrami and sandwiches, Manny's has a much greater variety of food than Katz's.
@@Jamesnu Thanks James. looking forward to getting through all you vids. Of course I'm also excited for future vids.
@@TheRange7 I hope that you enjoy them!
Wow that looked so delicious! Do they only use rye bread or can you get it with bread made from wheat?
It was really good! I'm not sure regarding the bread. I've never asked.
I Remember Pastrami Or Corned Beef On Rye Or Sub, $5.00 !!!!
Yeah, the prices have really gone up.
YUMMMMM ! Looks amazing !
It was so good!
I visited Katz's a few weeks ago again as well as Hometown BBQ, just a few days ago. I'm still working on the Hometown video. I was disappointed to learn that they only sell Pastrami at Hometown on weekends so I didn't have a chance to try it. Tourists or not, Katz's is great. I think locals don't like the fact that so many tourists venture there, but the quality of the food doesn't suffer for it. The Matzoh Ball soup is excellent, and they offer some really high quality Salmon lox, on par with Russ and Daughters. Their hotdogs are also really above average. My dad did indeed complain about the rye bread, for the same reason you did. I think you can choose rolls or Italian bread as substitutes. It looks like the rye bread looked a bit different in your older photos, and that it was seeded on the edges. Next time I visit I plan to ask the cutters why they discard so much of the Pastrami meat bark when cutting it.
Yeah, it's upsetting that Hometown limits their pastrami so much. I'm really intrigued about Katz's other food. Normally, one of their sandwiches is enough for me, but I've heard a lot of positive things about their hot dogs and I really want to try them now. I didn't even know they offered lox. It would be interesting to try the pastrami on various breads. I think my order of pastrami on rye is so ingrained in me that I would have to make a conscious effort to order something else.
The Pastrami sandwiches are big enough to feed a couple. The best I've ever eaten.
They're amazing! They may be costly, but you do get a ton of meat in the sandwich.
@@Jamesnu 30 years ago I'd finish a whole sandwich along with a potato knish, now I could use that sandwich for 2 meals
My mom wants to fly in from LA just to go to Katz. I like Sarges combo better cos coleslaw on top. I have to get to red hook now just I live in Bronx. Went to Le petit Chef lots of fun got a reservation next month for noksu. This Sunday I'm going to Buvette. I haven't heard from you if you want to go to Raos next march I'll get a date in a couple of weeks.
I'm glad to hear Le petit Chef was satisfying! I've heard good things about Buvette. Yeah, I'm not sure about Raos. I'll probably be in Rome and Italy for most of March next year, but I'm not positive yet.
@@Jamesnu OK if not a lot of people want to go so it will be another year if u can't go. Let me know if you can then I'll ask someone else. I go in March cos I get my income tax check back by then and Raos is cash only
Im sure they would have given you a new order of fries to replace those if you asked, I know I sometimes don’t bother to ask either tho. I find their sides to be nothing special but if you are into soups I would def recommend the split pea or matzah ball, besides the pastrami I think those two are the only items at Katz that really stand out.
Yeah, I don't hear too much about the other food at Katz's besides the pastrami, but I'll definitely consider the split pea and matzah ball soup for my next visit. Thank you for the recommendations!
try schwartz montreal
I definitely want to go there someday!
We used to have a Katz's here in Austin in the 90's. Their tagline was "Katz's never closes." We would party on 6th street, and then eat at K's. All of that is gone now.
Love your channel more power
Thanks so much!
Hi James, that's a lot of meat, enough for two people, so the price is quite reasonable. There's something about the look of their pastrami which makes it stand out from their competitors. Fries looked good. That's a lot of pickles ! Growing up in Australia, I first heard of Alka-Selzer which is a US product, and seeing all those pickles on your plate, I can understand why the US led the way with antacids for heartburn ! Very good episode, James, all the best !
Thank you so much! Yeah, they definitely give you a lot of food at Katz's. It would be difficult to leave the restaurant hungry.
No it's not lol the price is insane
I went close to 15 years ago while on vacation. It was pretty damn good to me though native New Yorkers say there are better places. I had to check it off my list though.
Nice! It's definitely a place that everyone needs to visit at some point.
(10:12) "I still ate all my fries. I despise wasting food". I'm the same way 😁. Nice review. Thanks.
Thank you! Yeah, I always try to push through when it comes to finishing my meal.
@@Jamesnu You're welcome ! I like the way that you appreciate good food and fine dining, but also recognize the importance of not wasting food. Best wishes to you !
James, nice upfront review but as the 1,345th vlogger to visit & review, what's new? Hometown BBQ pastrami ($28)has a lot going for it , as well!
I need to revist Hometown for that Pastrami!
Thank you! Yeah, I know, there's so many videos of Katz's, but I never made one and I had a taste for pastrami.
It's a must try!
I love the fresh roasted Turkey sandwich they have !
That’s interesting. I’ve had curious fantasies of trying their oddball items like their cheesesteaks and other stuff out of curiosity. I have had their hotdogs and in my opinion it’s the best hotdog in New York because of that garlic flavor and exterior skin texture.
That's something else that I've got to try!
@@ramencurry6672 Yeah, their hot dogs look really good!
@@Jamesnu I’m trying to upload photos I took at Katz’s of the Turkey sandwich but it won’t let me . 😆
@@cojaysea That's alright. I've seen pictures of it before and it looks really good!
Sandwiches are delicious! Great review! I would think their landlord would fix that disgusting ceiling with the money that they pay for rent.
Thank you! Yeah, that ceiling could use a bit of a refresh.
some beef jus or gravy might be able to save the fries. :) Katz never disappoints and the staff is always so hardworking.
Yeah, something to dip the fries into probably would've helped. I agree! The staff really works hard especially considering the crowds it has to deal with everyday.
What accent is that? Madison, Wisconsin? New York, some kind of New England?
I'm originally from Chicago.
@@Jamesnu Well, that just shows how little I can discern American accents from each other. Thanks for the reply.
You should have more subscribers....great food reviewer. ❤
Thank you! I really appreciate it!
That sandwich looked incredible. What it like a pound of pastrami? I would have to toss some thousand island on it though despite that being sacrilegious. There is nothing like a Jewish deli for a good crunchy pickle. Thanks for the review !
Thanks for watching! Yeah, it's a heavy sandwich! I think that it's three quarters of a pound of meat.
Did you run the nyc marathon?
I wish! I've tried for maybe 7 years now to get into that race through the lottery and still haven't gotten accepted yet, but I actually ran the Nashville Marathon the previous week.
I love your reviews - honest but balanced. I'm a native New Yorker. The first time I ate at Katz's was amazing. This was several years ago. I went again this year and the sandwich was sub par. They throw away all the fatty juicy pieces. Those are the best bits! Don't know why they do that...anyways Katz's is a place you have to visit at least once. It's an experience 😊
Definitely! It's a place that you go to for more than just the food, but I'm sorry to hear that your last sandwich was sub par.
I’m also a fatty cuts fan. If you live there maybe on a quieter time you can speak to one of the cutters and request some fatty cuts
@@ramencurry6672 definitely will!
Request it juicy. Problem solved.
I'm from the UK, how I wish the UK had food like this!! 😢
The food here is just plain, plain and plain!!
Makes me very jealous that you can enjoy such great food and food experiences!!!
How I wish I could join you!?
Not sure why I get this urge to watch your videos when I’m hungry. Which is followed by the realization that I’m nowhere near NY to satisfy my hunger 😢
I appreciate the views! I hope you get to NY sometime.