Pastrami on rye is the reason people queue down the block, but the sides and desserts are part of the legend. If you are looking for the full **Katz’s Delicatessen Menu with Prices**, you have come to the right spot. This guide breaks down every cost so you can order like a local without checking your bank account mid-meal.
Katz’s is not a quiet place. It is loud, fast, and smells like smoked meat. You grab a ticket, you wait in line, and you point at what you want. Knowing the prices before you step up to the counter saves you from that awkward moment where you have to ask the slicer to repeat the cost.
Below is the current breakdown of the menu, portion sizes, and what you should actually pay. Prices change, but this reflects the standard rates as of this year. Always check the board when you arrive, but this gives you a solid ballpark figure.
Katz’s Delicatessen Menu With Prices
This is the main event. The menu is simple, but the combinations are endless. You have hot sandwiches, cold sandwiches, platters, and sides. The star of the show is the pastrami, but do not sleep on the brisket or the salami.
Hot Sandwiches And Platters
The hot sandwiches are served on fresh rye bread with a pickle spear on the side. You get mustard on the table, not on the meat. That is how they do it here.
- Pastrami Sandwich: This is the classic. A hand-carved pile of steaming meat between two slices of rye. It costs around $24.95. It is huge. You can easily split this with a friend.
- Brisket Sandwich: Similar size to the pastrami, but with a deeper, smokier flavor. The price is also $24.95. It is juicier than you expect, so have napkins ready.
- Pastrami And Brisket Combo: Can’t decide? Get both. The price is $26.95. They layer it high, so you get the best of both worlds.
- Salami Sandwich: This is the old-school option. The salami is spicy and hard. It costs $19.95. It is a drier meat, so ask for extra mustard.
- Corned Beef Sandwich: A classic deli staple. It is tender and salty. The price is $24.95. It is a great alternative if you want something less peppery than pastrami.
- Turkey Sandwich: For a lighter option, though still massive. It costs $19.95. It is roasted in-house and comes with cranberry sauce on the side if you ask.
- Chicken Soup With Matzo Ball: This is a meal in itself. The bowl is massive. It costs $13.95. The matzo ball is the size of a softball.
Cold Sandwiches And Salads
If you are visiting in the summer, a cold sandwich might hit the spot. They are still generous with the fillings, but the experience is different.
- Egg Salad Sandwich: Creamy and simple. It costs $14.95. It comes on your choice of bread.
- Tuna Salad Sandwich: A classic deli tuna. The price is $16.95. It is not fancy, but it is consistent.
- Chicken Salad Sandwich: Made with chunks of white meat. It costs $16.95. It is a good pick if you want something cold and filling.
- Nova Scotia Salmon Platter: This is not a sandwich. It comes with cream cheese, tomatoes, onions, and capers. The price is $22.95. It is served with a bagel or rye bread.
Sides And Extras
Do not fill up on just the sandwich. The sides are legendary. You need the fries, and you absolutely need the pickles.
- Hand-Cut French Fries: These are crispy and salty. They cost $6.95. Order them well-done if you like them extra crunchy.
- Potato Salad: A classic deli side. It costs $5.95. It is creamy and has a bit of celery for crunch.
- Coleslaw: Tangy and fresh. It costs $5.95. It helps cut through the fat of the meat.
- Pickles: You get one spear with your sandwich. If you want a whole sour pickle, it costs $2.50. They are worth every penny.
- Dr. Brown’s Soda: The official drink of Katz’s. A can costs $3.50. Try the Cel-Ray if you are feeling adventurous.
Desserts And Sweets
You might think you are too full. You are wrong. The desserts here are old-school and perfect for sharing.
- Cheesecake: This is a thick, dense New York style cheesecake. It costs $7.95. It comes with a strawberry topping if you want it.
- Chocolate Babka: A sweet, swirled bread. It costs $6.95 per slice. It is rich and slightly gooey.
- Rugelach: These are small, crescent-shaped cookies. You get three for $4.95. They have cinnamon and nuts inside.
Breakfast Items
Katz’s opens early. They serve breakfast until 11:00 AM on weekdays and a bit later on weekends. The prices are very reasonable for the neighborhood.
- Bagel With Lox And Cream Cheese: This is a full meal. It costs $18.95. It includes tomatoes, onions, and capers.
- Egg And Cheese On A Bagel: Simple and quick. It costs $8.95. You can add meat for an extra $4.00.
- Matzo Brei: This is a passover dish made from matzo and eggs. It costs $12.95. It is served with applesauce or sour cream.
How To Order Efficiently
Ordering at Katz’s can be stressful if you do not know the system. It is not like a normal restaurant. You do not sit down and wait for a server. You are in charge of your own food journey.
Here is the step-by-step process to get your food without losing your mind.
- Grab a ticket: When you walk in, they hand you a paper ticket. Do not lose it. You need it to pay at the end.
- Get in line: Look for the signs for “Hot Sandwiches” or “Cold Sandwiches”. The lines move fast, so do not stand there staring at the menu for ten minutes.
- Tell the slicer what you want: Point at the meat or say the name of the sandwich. They will ask you if you want it “fatty” or “lean”. If you want the best flavor, say “fatty”.
- Wait for the slicer to hand you a sample: They always give you a slice of meat to taste. Take it. It is part of the experience.
- Pay at the register: Take your food and your ticket to the cashier at the end of the line. They will punch in your order and give you a total.
- Find a seat: Seating is first-come, first-served. If it is busy, you might have to stand and eat at the counter. That is fine. It is part of the charm.
If you are ordering for a group, send one person to the hot line and another to the cold line. This saves time. You can also order online for pickup, but you miss out on the theater of watching them carve the meat.
Portion Sizes And Sharing Tips
The sandwiches at Katz’s are not normal. They are stacked high with meat. A single sandwich is usually enough for two people, especially if you order a side of fries.
Here are some tips for getting the most out of your money.
- Split a sandwich: If you are on a budget, order one pastrami sandwich and two sets of forks. The staff will bring you an extra plate if you ask.
- Ask for extra bread: If you split a sandwich, you can ask for an extra slice of rye bread. They usually give it to you for free. This turns one sandwich into two open-faced ones.
- Take the pickles: Do not leave the pickle on the plate. It is a palate cleanser. Eat it between bites.
- Do not over-order: The menu is tempting, but you can always order more. You cannot take back food you already paid for.
Tips For First Timers
Visiting Katz’s for the first time is a rite of passage. It is chaotic, but that is the fun. Here are some quick tips to make sure you enjoy it.
- Bring cash or a card: They accept both, but cash makes the line move faster. There is an ATM inside if you forget.
- Tip the slicer: If you tip the person slicing your meat, they will often give you a thicker cut or an extra slice. It is a smart investment.
- Watch your ticket: Do not crumple it up or put it in your pocket. You will need it to pay. Losing it means you have to go back and get a new one.
- Ignore the tourist traps: The menu is the same for everyone. There is no secret menu. Just order what sounds good.
- Go late at night: Katz’s is open until 10:00 PM or later on weekends. It is less crowded after 8:00 PM.
Is The Price Worth It?
People often complain about the price of a pastrami sandwich. Yes, $24.95 is a lot for a sandwich. But look at the portion size. You are getting almost a pound of meat. In a regular deli, you get three slices of meat for that price.
When you break it down, the price is fair for the quality and quantity. The meat is imported, cured in-house, and smoked for hours. You are paying for the history and the craft. Plus, you can easily feed two people with one sandwich, which brings the cost down to about $12.50 per person. That is very reasonable for a sit-down meal in Manhattan.
If you are really watching your wallet, skip the soda and the dessert. Stick to the sandwich and the free pickles. You will leave full and happy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the most common questions people have about the menu and pricing.
What Is The Most Popular Item On The Menu?
The pastrami sandwich is the undisputed king. It is what Katz’s is famous for. If you only try one thing, make it this.
Are There Vegetarian Options Available?
Yes, but they are limited. You can get a grilled cheese or a salad. The menu is heavily meat-focused, so vegetarians might struggle to find a filling meal.
Can I Buy Meat By The Pound To Take Home?
Yes. You can order sliced meat to go. The price is around $29.95 per pound for pastrami. They will vacuum-seal it for you to travel.
Do They Offer Gluten-Free Bread?
No, they do not. The sandwiches come on rye bread. You can ask for a lettuce wrap, but it is not the same experience.
Is There A Service Charge?
No, there is no mandatory service charge. However, tipping is expected. You should tip the slicer and the cashier if they provide good service.
Katz’s Delicatessen is a bucket list item for a reason. The food is consistent, the portions are generous, and the atmosphere is electric. Now that you know the menu and the prices, you can walk in with confidence. Order the pastrami, get a side of fries, and enjoy every bite. It is a meal you will remember for a long time.