INSIDERINSIDER
I ate NYC's most famous sandwich at Katz's Delicatessen, and I thought it was worth the hype
  • The oldest deli in New York is known for its deli classics.

  • The most famous sandwich in NYC is the pastrami on rye bread.

  • I was surprised that the sandwich cost $25, I thought it was delicious.

After a quick subway ride from my apartment in Brooklyn, I arrived at a deli in Manhattan.

katz's deli
The outside of Katz's Delicatessen.Erin McDowell/Insider

Despite living in New York City for almost three years, I have never been to the deli. The oldest deli in New York and the most famous deli in the country opened in the year 1888.

The restaurant has been frequented by scores of celebrities and politicians over the years and was even featured in the classic 1989 romantic comedy When Harry Met Sally.

I was going to try the deli for the first time today, and it was a go-to spot for tourists visiting New York City.

The deli was packed when I arrived at lunchtime.

katz's deli
Customers inside Katz's Delicatessen.Erin McDowell/Insider

The restaurant was crowded with people waiting in line to eat. I was a bit overwhelmed as a first-timer. I was worried about being in a busy place while the COVID-19 epidemic was still going on.

I assumed that I was as protected as I possibly could be because of the fact that I have a booster shot and the fact that cases in New York City are declining. I decided to stick it out and sit inside the restaurant, though this was a personal choice and everyone should decide what they feel most comfortable doing.

I waited in line for my turn to order.

katz's deli
The ordering station at Katz's Delicatessen.Erin McDowell/Insider

The most famous sandwich at the deli is pastrami on rye bread. It cost $24.95 without tax and tip.

I was given a ticket to take to the cashier at the end of my meal, instead of paying after I ordered.

katz's deli
My order ticket.Erin McDowell/Insider

I ordered a drink at a different counter. The price of my meal was $27.90 without tax and a tip after this was added to my ticket.

I was given a sandwich and a side of food.

katz's deli
The pastrami on rye bread sandwich from Katz's Delicatessen.Erin McDowell/Insider

I was alone so I didn't have anyone to save me a seat at the table, and the restaurant was so busy that I was a bit nervous about getting my meal.

After walking into the dining room, a kind couple told me they were going to leave and I could have their table. It was one over from the table where Harry met Sally.

when harry met sally sign at Katz's Deli
The "When Harry Met Sally..." sign at Katz's Delicatessen.Erin McDowell/Insider

Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal's characters ate at a table in the movie. Hope you have what Sally had! Enjoy!

I was excited by the idea of other fans sitting at their table, and I think they would do the same.

I know from watching the movie that Harry and Sally didn't actually meet there. Sally offered Harry a ride into New York after he graduated from college. I assumed they meant it was where the pair met for lunch.

The sandwich was large.

katz's deli
The pastrami on rye bread sandwich from Katz's Delicatessen.Erin McDowell/Insider

Right away, I could see why patrons flock to the restaurant for its mile-high sandwiches.

Each piece of bread had deli mustard on it. The pastrami was tender and juicy.

katz's deli
The pastrami on rye bread sandwich from Katz's Delicatessen.Erin McDowell/Insider

I really liked the pastrami. The outer layer of the meat was very good, similar to the brisket I have had in the past.

The pastrami was complemented by the bread. It was soft and held the sandwich together well.

I was very hungry when I walked in the door, but I was able to finish half of the sandwich.

katz's deli
The pastrami on rye bread sandwich from Katz's Delicatessen.Erin McDowell/Insider

I thought the sandwich could have been split between two people. I saw that most of the customers ordered their own sandwich and didn't split it with anyone.

I thought it was interesting that the sandwich was so expensive. I expected it to be more expensive than a typical sandwich, but I never thought I would pay over twenty dollars for a sandwich.

The high price is likely due to the cost of making pastrami and is less related to the restaurant's fame, as I initially thought. To make pastrami, the meat is brined in a way similar to how corned beef is made, seasoned, dried, and smoked. According to CNBC, a recent report by the Bureau of Labor Statistics stated that the price of beef and veal increased between October 2020 and October 2021.

I got a generous portion of pastrami. The price was probably reasonable and close to the industry standard. The hot pastrami sandwich at the New York City deli, Sarge's delicatessen and diner, is $21.95) and the sandwiches look to be about the same size.

Even with all of that information in mind, I wouldn't treat myself to a sandwich that costs more than $20 It may be a reasonable price for some people, but I wouldn't spend a lot on lunch.

Insider reached out to the deli to find out the cost of the sandwich.

I tried the full sour and half sour pickles.

katz's deli
Pickle from Katz's Delicatessen.Erin McDowell/Insider

I preferred the full sour pickles because they had a distinct crunch. I thought the half sour pickles were a bit too similar to regular cucumber spears.

I was happy I finally got to eat at the deli.

katz's deli
The author outside Katz's Delicatessen.Erin McDowell/Insider

If you are visiting New York or just want to eat at one of the most famous delis in the country, it is definitely worth taking a trip to Katz's Delicatessen.

I am not sure if I would eat at the restaurant outside of a special occasion.

I think I would not pay $25 for a sandwich on any given day, even though the sandwich I tried was delicious. The sandwich was worth the hype and the price was justified. It was out of my budget for a quick bite to eat.

The original article can be found on Insider.

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