The New York Deli That’s Worth Crossing State Lines For

Coming from New Jersey, I'm used to crossing state lines to get to the newest great attraction or restaurant in New York. I'm fortunate enough to live on the cusp of one of the greatest cities in the world, and the region is incredibly accessible by public transit — it's easy to hop a train and get into the city center from New Jersey, Connecticut, or Pennsylvania within an hour; and Maryland, Delaware, and Massachusetts are within reach for a day trip. When I'm asked by my friends, who are visiting the city, where to head for the most quintessential New York experience possible, I don't go for any of the new, flashy, fancy places — I tell them to head directly to Katz's Delicatessen.

Located in lower Manhattan and holding court there since 1888, Katz's is the place that time forgot in the best way possible. They're still serving up the same hearty Jewish deli cuisine that New York made famous. A generation of moviegoers remembers the place from "When Harry Met Sally", and the food absolutely does live up to the hype. I recently made a trip across the Hudson River for another visit, and it didn't disappoint. Giant portions, competitive prices, and an atmosphere that's unlike anything else in New York. No matter how far away you're coming from, a visit to New York isn't quite complete without a visit to Katz's.

Why This Restaurant Is Worth Traveling For

If there is a platonic ideal of the New York deli, it would have to be Katz's. It's located on the Lower East Side, the historic hub of the community, in its original location. It still looks very much like it did when it opened — although the neon signs were definitely added over the years. Much like another one of my favorite New York dining spots, Keens Steakhouse, it's the perfect time capsule for introducing visitors to what makes New York so unique.

What It's Like to Experience It

The main thing I tell people about Katz's when I take them there is that it's a lot to experience on your first visit — but that's part of the charm! This is an old-school place in every way. You order at a crowded counter, are given a paper ticket with your meal details, and the counter staff can even give you meat samples so you can try some old-school specialties you might not be sure about! It's loud, chaotic, and exciting in the best way.

The Highlights You Cannot Miss

It's the little details that make Katz's Deli so special. You still get a free plate of pickles, featuring the classic sour pickles and the more cucumber-forward half-sours, with every sandwich order. I always begin every meal with the restaurant's famous matzo ball soup and a traditional kasha knish before moving on to the main attraction — the meats!

Katz's doesn't serve pork, but you won't miss it at all with these options! Every time I've come here with a friend, they always go straight for the pastrami, which is rightly known as some of New York's best. My favorite item, though, has to be the hot brisket sandwich. It's the same type of meat as the corned beef and pastrami, but slow-braised and served with gravy that soaks into the bread. It's the ultimate deli comfort food, and you'll only find it at a place that still serves the old-school specialties.

Have you crossed state lines to visit Katz's Delicatessen before? If not, find a friend who's coming to town and show them this article — there's always time to win another convert to this old-school deli gem! You can see the full menu with prices on the Katz's Delicatessen website. While you're in town, make sure to explore some brain food as well — with this New York City book crawl! If New York is just one stop on your trip across America, check out Only in Your State's list of the best restaurants in America for some other memorable dining stops!