VIBE

A landmark on the Lower East Side, nay New York. For over a century, this bustling deli has been serving up traditional meats and other deli classics to loyal locals. The place is constantly packed with diners feasting on pastrami and hotdogs (both considered some of the best in New York) and scoping the walls decked with photographs, testimonials, and family business history. Empty seats are a rarity, and the lines can get long, but it’s worth it for the eats.

CROWD

Eager tourists and loyal locals

WHAT WE WOULD WEAR

Very casual; a cute t-shirt, a skirt or shorts, and sandals.

GO HERE WITH

Groups, friends, family, yourself

WHY WE LIKE IT

Classic New York experience, from the service to the food. Plus, they’ve got the best pastrami in the world (in our opinion, anyway).

WHAT WE WOULD CHANGE

Because the place is always so packed, the counter staff can be pretty gruff. We feel like it’s all part of the experience, but some prefer their service to be a bit more charming.

GOOD TO KNOW

Known for its place in American movie history (it’s appeared in Donnie Brasco, Across the Universe, and, of course, Meg Ryan’s famous scene in When Harry Met Sally), Katz’s is also a prime spot for celeb spotting. Famous customers include Rudy Giuliani, Sarah Jessica Parker, Bill Clinton, Danny DeVito, Spike Lee, and a long list of other world leaders, movie stars, and sports players. Back during WWII, Katz’s prompted the “Send a Salami to Your Boy in the Army” movement, which continues today–you can still send salamis to postmarked military addresses overseas via their website. Many of the menu items are listed in Yiddish; bone up before you go by checking out the Yiddish dictionary on their website.

CLOSEST COMPS

Canter’s Deli (Los Angeles)