By the early 1900s, New York’s Lower East Side was overflowing with Jewish immigrants fleeing persecution in Eastern Europe. Many came from places like Russia, Germany, and Poland, bringing with them religion,language, and food shaped by centuries in their small, tight-knit shtetls. Meat was once a luxury, but in America, it became more accessible. That shift gave rise to the Jewish delicatessen: simple storefronts where immigrant families could serve hearty sandwiches, like pastrami and corned beef in a simple and affordable setting.

Among the most famous of these delis is Katz’s Delicatessen. First opened in 1888 as Iceland’s Delicatessen, the shop quickly gained popularity for its flavorful meats and welcoming atmosphere. In 1903, Willy Katz joined the business, and in 1910, his cousin bought out the original owners and renamed it Katz’s. Located on Ludlow Street, Katz’s grew alongside the Jewish community in the Lower East Side. Every Friday, families would gather there for franks and beans before sundown, creating traditions that turned a storefront into a communal hub.
Katz’s is known not only for its iconic pastrami on rye but also for its energy. The walls are covered in retro photos, the line of people holding tickets to order is long, and the countermen still hand-slice the meat while keeping everything moving. The store refuses to modernize, holding on to its neon signs, aging walls, and time-tested recipes. It has appeared in countless films and shows, most famously in When Harry Met Sally, which features the famous quote “I’ll have what she’s having”. While most delis have vanished from the city, Katz’s endures as a living monument to New York’s immigrant past and the enduring flavors of Jewish tradition.