Katz’s Delicatessen, also known as simply Katz’s Deli, is a Jewish kosher style delicatessen on the Lower East Side of New York City, located at 205 E. Houston Street, on the south-west corner of Houston and Ludlow Streets, in Manhattan.
Since its founding in 1888, it has become popular among locals and tourists alike for its over sized pastrami sandwiches and hot dogs, both of which are widely considered among New York’s best. Each week, Katz’s serves over 5,000 pounds of corned beef, 2,000 pounds of salami and 12,000 hot dogs. Portions are very generous.
During World War II, Katz’s encouraged parents to “send a salami to your boy in the army” which became one of the deli’s famous catch phrases,along with “Katz’s, that’s all!” which is still painted on the side of the building. The former phrase is referenced in the Tom Lehrer song “So Long Mom “, with the lyric “Remember Mommy, I’m off to get a commie, so send me a salami, and try to smile somehow”. Katz is also well known for its pro-Israel plaques and photos of famous people eating in Katz’s placed along its walls.
Katz’s continues its “Send a salami to your boy in the army” to this day. The deli has arranged special international shipping only for U.S. military addresses and has been a source of gift packages to the troops stationed in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Katz’s has been the site of many films but is most remembered for Meg Ryan’s and Estelle Reiner’s famous “I’ll have what she’s having” fake orgasm scene in the 1989 romantic comedy When Harry Met Sally.The table at which she sat with Billy Crystal, is marked with a sign that says “Where Harry met Sally…hope you have what she had!”. Katz was also the site of Johnny Depp’s character meeting with an FBI contact in Donnie Brasco.
