Katz's Delicatessen is a Kosher-style deli known for huge pastrami sandwiches and as a New York City institution. It's also often cited as the location of Meg Ryan's famous fake orgasm scene in When Harry Met Sally.

This may have been the most heavily tourist-frequented stop along our trip. We waited outside in a huge line for what seemed like forever. Once we finally got to the door, we received a ticket. This, they said, is very important and to hold onto it for dear life. Got it.

Then, we were sort of funneled into makeshift lines at the counter. There weren't single-file lines because it was just an ocean of people struggling to make their way to the front. We sort of aligned ourself to one line and waited our turn.

I put in my order for half a pastrami sandwich and a bowl of matzoh ball soup. The man behind the counter chopped off a hunk of pastrami, plated it and set it atop the counter so I could have a bite. Is this to just get a taste of what you ordered? It was the little bits, so maybe they just don't want to use those on a sandwich. I dunno. But I had a bite or two and braced myself for how much more was to come.

You go down to the other end of the counter for any sides or drinks. It was so packed in here, we had a hard time finding three seats together. Finally, as some people were standing up, we snuck in and had a place to eat.

These sandwiches are massive. Even just the half sandwich has nine or so slices of pastrami. It's a lot of meat. I was very generous with the mustard to help cut through all that meat. And yes, it is very good. It's moist and flavorful. It's just a lot.

I mixed bites of my sandwich with bites of my matzoh ball soup, which is delicious. I love matzoh ball soup.

Oh, and the pickles! Very good. And a nice, cold, refreshing bite after all that heavy food.

For just a half sandwich, a matzoh ball soup and a water, it was $20. I was pretty surprised at how expensive sandwiches were. A full sandwich is around $20 alone. But, as you can see, you do get a ton of food. Prepare your stomach and your patience.


Grade: A