Katz's Delicatessen
Deli · 205 E Houston St, New York, NY 10002, United States · United States
★ 4.5 on Google · 53,894 reviews · View on Google Maps
Manipulation score
CleanCompleted Jul 15, 2026 · 55 reviews flagged
How this score works
The score estimates how strongly this place's review record matches known manipulation patterns, from 0 (no signs) to 100. Verdicts: Clean below 40, Suspicious from 40, Likely Manipulated from 70; Review Drive when the flags are mostly staff asking customers for named reviews. It rises with the share of reviews flagged and how suspicious each one is.
- Burst
- — an abnormal spike of five-star reviews in a single day compared to the place's usual pace.
- Low activity account
- — the reviewer has almost no other reviews, photos, or Local Guide history; throwaway accounts look like this.
- Duplicate text
- — the wording is nearly identical to another review of the same place.
Verdicts are statistical estimates based on public review patterns, not accusations. Full methodology, signal definitions and known limits →
Case conclusion
What the numbers say
1,000 reviews examined
- Google rating
- 4.5★
- Not-flagged average
- 4.5★
- Flagged
- 6%
- Coverage
- 2%
All reviews shown by Google
945 examined reviews
55 of 1,000
1,000 of 53,894 Google reviews
“Not flagged” means no configured Revdict signal matched; it does not prove a review is genuine. Data fetched Jul 15, 2026.
Review brief
What reviews not flagged by Revdict say
Katz's Delicatessen is a legendary New York institution famous for its massive, hand-carved pastrami sandwiches and vibrant atmosphere. While many reviewers praise the tender meat and classic deli experience, others find the long lines, high prices, and chaotic crowds disappointing.
+ Repeated strengths
Pastrami sandwich quality
Reviewers frequently highlight the pastrami as tender, juicy, and packed with flavor.
3 supporting reviews
5★ · 2026-05-29
Super popular but not even a little overrated imo. Go pastrami over corned beef. Two people can easily split a sandwich if you’re not starving.
5★ · 2026-06-01
Completely worth the long wait! The pastrami sandwich is an absolute legend—hot, juicy, and packed with an unbelievable amount of hand-sliced meat. The atmosphere is bustling and nostalgic, and the friendly service adds to the charm of this...
5★ · 2026-06-02
Katz’s Delicatessen is a legendary New York City bucket-list experience that completely lives up to the hype, serving up massive, hand-carved pastrami sandwiches that are incredibly thick, perfectly spiced, and so tender they practically me...
Generous portions
Reviewers report that the sandwiches are enormous and easily shareable between two people.
1 supporting review
3★ · 2026-05-27
The portions is very generous, recommend two people for one unless you are a meat lover
Atmosphere
Reviewers enjoy the bustling, nostalgic, and authentic old-school New York ambiance.
3 supporting reviews
5★ · 2026-05-29
Tried reuben, pastrami and brisket. Each has its own taste. Worth trying each. Although there is a queue, they serve very fast. We were there around 6pm. Other times might be busier. Cutters are very friendly. Atmosphere is quite authentic,...
5★ · 2026-06-01
Top tier pastrami sandwiches!! I prefer to be assigned a sit down table in the back section with servers so I don’t have to fight for a table by the counter. Also love the pickles! Come here every time I visit NYC!
5★ · 2026-06-02
Katz’s Delicatessen is a legendary New York City bucket-list experience that completely lives up to the hype, serving up massive, hand-carved pastrami sandwiches that are incredibly thick, perfectly spiced, and so tender they practically me...
− Repeated complaints
Long lines
Reviewers report dealing with long wait times and massive queues both outside and inside.
2 supporting reviews
2★ · 2026-05-25
Simply overrated! Had the pastrami on rye. Big disappointment, lacked flavor and meat was gristly. All that after waiting for almost an hour.
4★ · 2026-06-03
LOOONG LINES.. LONG.
High prices
Reviewers frequently note that the food is very expensive, with sandwiches priced around $30.
3 supporting reviews
3★ · 2026-05-26
Food was great, service was fast, but staff were not the friendliest. You cannot order a half of a sandwich. You either have to pay 29 for a whole or pay 14 for a half and required to buy a soup. Can someone explain why a basic chicken nood...
2★ · 2026-05-30
A good sandwich but nothing great. Especially when you’re charging $30 for it. Honestly I can get so much more value and flavour at a better price point anywhere else. Tourist trap!
4★ · 2026-06-01
Really expensive end exaggerated big size sandwiches. It should be smaller and cheaper. Taste; delicious.
Staff and service issues
Reviewers report that some staff members can be rude, pushy, or disorganized.
2 supporting reviews
3★ · 2026-05-26
Food was great, service was fast, but staff were not the friendliest. You cannot order a half of a sandwich. You either have to pay 29 for a whole or pay 14 for a half and required to buy a soup. Can someone explain why a basic chicken nood...
1★ · 2026-05-30
Not worth the hype. Didn’t mind the wait but the staff is extremely rude. No need for that honestly. Just not worth it for price and service.
Good for
- Sharing large portions with a companion
- Experiencing a classic New York food landmark
- Visiting during off-peak hours to avoid the worst queues
Avoid if
- You are on a tight budget
- You dislike long lines and crowded spaces
- You are looking for quick, casual service with polite staff
Review anatomy
Reviews per month
| Month | Reviews | Flagged |
|---|---|---|
| May ’26 | 181 | 10 |
| Jun ’26 | 614 | 35 |
| Jul ’26 | 205 | 10 |
Rating distribution
Evidence
- low activity account 52 reviews flagged weight 0.8
- generic account 3 reviews flagged weight 1
Flagged reviews
Showing the 10 most suspicious of 55 flagged reviews.
Aliriza Karpuzcu
122 reviews · Local Guide
★★★★★
2026-05-28
Number one in its sector. The whole of Türkiye knows about it, everyone's here. In a metropolis like New York, with its endless culinary delights, it's an absolute must-visit.
Susan V
120 reviews · Local Guide
★★★★★
2026-06-20
Food is great! Nice folks. Reasonable prices. No place to sit, but short walk to the Arch, much cooler, tables and benches, photo ops. This is obviously a local favorite as well. Worth the trip.
Jack Murray
25 reviews · Local Guide
★★★★★
2026-06-24
It's a New York tradition and landmark that comes thru every time!
Thomas proctor
2 reviews
★★★★★
2026-05-26
Anthony Feccia
2 reviews
★★★★★
2026-05-26
gud.
Serap Avcı
2 reviews
★★★★★
2026-05-26
It was so much fun! 😋😋😋
ılgın ışılak
2 reviews
★☆☆☆☆
2026-05-26
Overrated, edgy pastrami. The waiters were also extremely tense.
Al Kay
2 reviews
★★★★★
2026-05-28
Oleksandr Tsvitkov
2 reviews
★☆☆☆☆
2026-05-29
Inedible. Very fat. Waste of money.
Vishvendra Singh
1 review
★☆☆☆☆
2026-05-31
Report generated Jul 15, 2026. Reviews change — you can request a fresh investigation.
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