Pastrami and Chopped Liver at Katz’s Deli – NYC
 |
 |
 |
 |
Some people have been dogging Katz’s these days. I’m not sure why. I love Katz’s. They say the sandwiches have gone downhill. Maybe the sandwiches were better in 1888 (the year Katz’s was founded), but as far as I know, Katz’s has been going strong since the last decade.
When I go to Katz’s, I always order Katz’s Pastrami ($14.95) on rye with mustard. It’s a no-brainer. The hot hand-carved slices are thick, incredibly juicy, and have a great peppery bite from the spice rub. I’m not exaggerating when I say it’s one of the best sandwiches in New York. I’ve heard people complain the sandwiches are too small for the price, but god damn it people, if you want a “Five Dollar Foot-long,” this isn’t the place for you.
Last time I went to Katz’s with David’s cousin Alvin, he suggested we also get a Chopped Liver Sandwich ($10.60) to share. It was genius. The chopped liver was really tasty; rich yet still light in texture. And it was nice to go back and forth between the pastrami and the chopped liver sandwich. Even for a liver lover like myself, it’s hard not to get bored of a chopped liver sandwich.
If you’ve noticed, I order all my sandwiches sans vegetables. No need to dilute deliciousness with iceberg lettuce and generic tasteless tomatoes. However, when at Katz’s you must indulge in the pickles they give you on the side; an assortment of full-sours, half-sours, and pickled green tomatoes. The green tomatoes are nice and crisp, but I’m partial to the garlicky half-sours. They’re the perfect foil to Katz’s gut-busting sandwiches.
So naysayers, say what you will. Until a time machine is invented and I taste proof, I won’t believe you. The sandwiches at Katz’s are still hella good.
Katz’s Delicatessen
205 East Houston Street (at Ludlow St; map)
New York, NY 10002
212-254-2246
OMG, drooling at those pics. Must go back to Katz, STAT
When I go to NY one day, Katz is first on my to-do list! That pastrami sandwich looks amazing and I’ve heard from many people that theirs is the best in the business.
looks so good, i’ve heard about this place for the longest time, but i’ve never been there. I guess i need to pay a visit to katz soon. thanks!
Can’t get over how the liver sandwich looks like PB gone wrong, but the pastrami is sinfully good.
The pastrami sandwich has gotten smaller the last time I went there (one year ago). I know because I ate the whole sandwich by myself!
Yes, top notch pastrami!
btw, don’t like the tickets they hand out. It is just silly.
great pics!
check out Sarges on 3rd Avenue too. Classic Jewish deli food, without the hype and price.
I love half-sours! The best pickle.
who’s dissing Katz? I think the one thing that they can change is portion size… but really, they already pile on more meat than you could possible get in with one bite. I gotta eat ’em like an open face sandwich!
@Chris H – Better to go on a weekday. Weekend lines are ridiculous.
@Marisa – You must!
@Miguel – Yeah definitely. They’re open late on the weekends til 2:45am.
@Nicholas – Chopped liver is never pretty, but it’s delicious.
@someguy – The sandwiches are still huge. Lots o’ meat.
@TT – Haven’t been to Sarges. I’ll check them out. Thx.
@Danny – Lots of people who want Carnegie Deli size sandwiches. I rather have quality than quantity.
Wow, you NYers are really spoiled if you think Katz’s pastrami is too small!!! The things I would for a sandwich half that size… Or half that good…
@Alvin – That’s one reason why the food is good here. NYers like to bitch and moan.
My son and I went to Katz’s 3 days ago. It had been many years since I’ve been there. I don’t know how there could be a better pastrami on the planet. Simply the best.
I know that there are Katz’s haters in this world, but I have yet to meet one in person 🙂 Total agreement!
@RD – Mmm, agree, simply the best.
@James – Katz’s lovers unite!
If you go by yourself and want both sandwiches, just get the pastrami chopped liver sandwich!!!!! They are amazing in one sandwich 😀
@serena – Hrm, never tried that, I think I will one day!
OMG, Katz is d’best! The most delicious sandwich, but I loooove the chopped liver-I eat it by the spoonfull! I am still trying to get the recipe right! Long Live Katz Deli!!!