My first trip to NY and to this famous institution. Katz's was crowded and loud with locals having a good time. It took me a while to figure out the the waiter vs. self-order system, but this was understandable. The tables and chairs are old and in need of repair, not nostalgic. Tables are very narrow forcing patrons to sit with their chairs away from the table into the back of the adjacent table forcing persons to always have to be moving. Not nice. My matzoh ball soup was very mediocre. The broth tasted more like carrots with no chicken taste and was room temp. The matzoh ball was average in taste and not warm inside the center. The egg creme (my first in NY) was served in a paper cup with a plastic lid (again, not the nostalgic soda glass with a frothy layer I was expecting). The taste was ordinary and I make better ones at home. Now for the corned beef sandwich. The rye bread had no caraway seeds, a soft crust like white bread and was machine sliced thin like diet slices. Lousy bread. The corned beef was again ordinary, not salty and not flavorful. In my opinion, if you are a visitor, look elsewhere for deli. If you are a local, then I say to New Yorkers: Wake Up! This deli is lousy. Demand more. Bread should have caraway seeds, be warm, hand sliced, a little thick with a crunchy crust. Corned beef should be moist and a little salty and flavorful. Matzoh ball soup should be piping hot, a great chicken broth and the matzoh ball should be flavorful and hot. An egg cream should be in a nice soda glass for over $4. Oh yes, clean this place up, it looks dirty and old.
Pros: Not really any. Pickles were okay
Cons: See the details
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