I stopped at Katzingers for a Pastrami sandwich, expecting a decent pastrami on rye that you'd find at a typical Jewish deli. This place is NOT a Jewish deli. Lowest quality of pastrami i've ever seen, extremely fatty and too thinly sliced. There was hardly any pastrami on the sandwich anyway. Unlike the pastrami, the matzo ball soup was actually edible. Edible doesn't mean good though, still the worst matzo ball i've ever been served at a restaurant. Not only was the pastrami terrible, they served it on SOURDOUGH!! You heard that right, Pastrami on sourdough... smh. The only "rye" they have is marbled hard rye, not soft rye bread which you would expect pastrami served on. I attached two pictures, one of their unedible "pastrami"... and one of a real pastrami on rye which i took at 2nd ave deli. You can unironically get a better pastrami sandwich in the food court of penn station at pastrami queen. lol.
Pros: The reuben: Thinly-cut, slightly salty meat and the crunchy, grilled bread were delicious. The matzoh balls were light and a great compliment to my sandwich. Cons: Came in at 11am on a Wednesday. Ordered potato latke.....was told they were out. Ordered a side of whitefish salad...out as well. They have a "free pickle bar". The barrels of garlic and dill pickles are by the food line (do an about-face from where you order your food) are located by the open kitchen I knew about the free pickles from other yelpers. It would have been beneficial for the order-taker to advise me where they are and (for a first-timer) that they are offered. Sat at a table by the window.....table sticky along with crusty salt and pepper shakers with schmutz (like it has not been cleaned in days!). I attached a pic of my napkin stuck to the table!
I was hankering for a sandwich and got recommended this place. On first impression, you walk into an area that looks like a regular deli counter. Then you look up at the menu and there are so many options, it’s almost overwhelming. They are all organized by which meat is running the show on the sandwich, which I liked. Along with sandwiches, you can order sliced meat as well as traditional Jewish food. One thing I couldn’t find on the menu was the difference between their sizes. I asked and one is a quarter pound and the other half pound of meat. The sandwiches are pretty expensive at $18 per sandwich with no sides. Once you order, you head back to the dining area and the area where they make the real sandwiches. In front are two barrels will self-serve pickles. I have mixed feelings about it because I like unlimited pickles but also it is an open container sitting out all day, which is a little unsanitary. The area was clean but at least half of the tables were out of napkins and I had to jump from table to table looking for some. The employees were nice but some were standing around and could’ve replenished the napkins. I ordered the upper Ruben that was featured on Food Network and it was pretty fantastic. I really enjoy their sandwiches but the prices keep me from frequenting here more.
Marissa and Keith treated me just like family as soon as I walked in!!! I was greeted immediately!!! I was having an awful day and they made it so much better!!!!
Corned beef was good but we've had better. Expected more for the deli price. Nice thick rye bread is good hot. Potato latke was meh. Had to eat all of the applesauce they give you to choke down the last bite. As others have mentioned they bring your drink and food but it's expected that you clean up. I don't mind but don't ask for a 20% tip. Manager was nice. Dill pickles were soft and I prefer half done.
