Katz's Delicatessen

Katz's Delicatessen, at 205 East Houston Street on the Lower East Side of Manhattan, has been feeding New York since 1888, making it one of the oldest continuously operating delis in the United States. Founded by the Iceland family and later passed through several owners before being acquired by the family that still operates it today, Katz's occupies a sprawling, high-ceilinged dining hall that feels entirely preserved from another era — fluorescent lights, Formica tables, framed newspaper clippings plastered across every wall, and the low roar of hundreds of simultaneous conversations. The pastrami — hand-carved in slabs from whole briskets slow-cured and steamd in-house — is the flagship preparation and arguably the most famous deli meat sandwich in America. The rye bread is fresh and sturdy; the mustard is yellow and applied generously; the portions are enormous. Corned beef and brisket are prepared by the same method and are nearly as revered. Matzo ball soup, knishes, latkes, and a full menu of deli staples complete the offering. The entry ritual is deliberately old-fashioned: guests receive a paper ticket at the door and are responsible for having it stamped for every item ordered; losing the ticket incurs a stiff penalty. Counter service at the carving station allows diners to watch the meat being sliced and often results in a sample. Table service is an alternative. The 'I'll Have What She's Having' table from the 1989 film When Harry Met Sally is marked by a sign on the wall, drawing a steady stream of visitors who photograph it before ordering.