The aroma of pastrami hangs heavy in the air. A symphony of sizzling meat and rye bread fills your senses. This is Katz’s Delicatessen. A New York institution.
Katz’s Delicatessen isn’t just a deli. It’s a living legend. Established in 1888 as Iceland Brothers it moved to its current location on East Houston Street. The building itself whispers stories of immigrants. Of a bustling Lower East Side. It’s seen waves of change yet endures. A testament to delicious food and enduring traditions.
The Iceland brothers started it all. Then Willy Katz arrived in 1903. The name changed to Iceland & Katz. His cousin Benny joined in 1910 buying out the Iceland brothers. Harry Tarowsky became a partner in 1917. Generations of families poured their hearts into this place.
The story of Katz’s is intertwined with the history of the Lower East Side. Millions of immigrant families once called this neighborhood home. Katz’s became their gathering place. On Fridays families enjoyed franks and beans. A long-standing tradition.
During World War II the owners’ sons served their country. Sending them care packages became a tradition. This led to the famous slogan “Send A Salami To Your Boy In The Army”. A catchy phrase still associated with Katz’s. Another catchy phrase is “Katz’s that’s all” born from a misunderstanding with a signmaker.
The deli has also been featured in many films. The iconic “I’ll have what she’s having” scene from When Harry Met Sally was filmed here. This scene immortalized Katz’s in cinematic history. Other movies too have showcased Katz’s. A testament to its unique atmosphere.
Today Katz’s serves thousands of pounds of pastrami corned beef and salami each week. Along with countless hot dogs. A testament to the enduring appeal of its food. Even the ticket system is unique. A numbered ticket marks each order. A lost ticket means a $50 surcharge. A clever deterrent against theft.
Katz’s Delicatessen isn’t just a place to eat. It’s a place to experience history. To taste tradition. To soak in the atmosphere of a truly iconic New York establishment. It’s a story you’ll savor long after you’ve finished your pastrami on rye.