Tucked away in Columbus’s charming German Village neighborhood, Katzinger’s Delicatessen has quietly built a reputation that stretches far beyond the city limits. People from all over Ohio are loading up their cars and making the drive just to get a taste of what this beloved deli has to offer.
With a 4.5-star rating from over 2,600 reviews, it is clear that something truly special is happening at 475 S 3rd St. Whether you are a first-timer or a regular, Katzinger’s has a way of turning every visit into a memory worth talking about.
The Legendary Reuben That Started It All
Some sandwiches are good. The Reuben at Katzinger’s is the kind that people drive hours for and talk about on the ride home.
Piled high with tender, flavorful corned beef on grilled rye bread, every bite delivers that classic deli experience most people only dream about finding.
Customers rave about the bread being buttered and crisped just right on the grill, giving each bite a satisfying crunch. The sauerkraut and Swiss cheese melt together beautifully, and the balance of flavors is spot-on every single time.
One reviewer called it “fresh, flavorful, and generously made,” and another said it was flat-out better than any other Reuben in Columbus. If you only order one thing on your first visit, make it this one.
The Reuben alone is worth the trip from anywhere in Ohio.
Free Pickle Barrels That Greet Every Guest
Walk into Katzinger’s and one of the first things you will notice is a pair of barrels filled with complimentary pickles, one garlic and one dill. It is a small touch that sets the tone for the whole experience.
You are not just grabbing lunch here; you are being welcomed like a regular.
Customers absolutely love this tradition. Reviews mention the pickles almost as often as the sandwiches themselves, with one guest describing them as “very soft and delicious.” Another reviewer mentioned that after a few bland visits, the pickles came back to their former excellent standard, proving how much people pay attention to the details.
Snacking on a pickle while you wait for your order is a ritual that makes the whole visit feel complete. It is a simple, old-school deli move that Katzinger’s has perfected over the years.
A Sandwich Menu Full of Creative, Numbered Classics
One of the most fun parts of visiting Katzinger’s is staring up at the menu and trying to figure out what to order. Each sandwich has a number and a quirky, creative name that makes choosing feel like an adventure.
From the Jack Does the Funky Chicken to Franklin’s Kibbetz, the menu has serious personality.
Regulars have their go-to orders, like the wildly popular Phil’s Katzinger’s Club, number 41, which features homemade chicken salad, bacon, and Honeycup mustard. Others make it a personal challenge to try a new number every single visit.
What makes this menu stand out is that it rewards exploration. Whether you prefer grilled meats, homemade salads, or vegetarian options with fresh mozzarella and pesto, there is something on here for every kind of sandwich lover.
The menu is basically a bucket list all by itself.
Homemade Sides That Steal the Show
At most sandwich shops, the sides are an afterthought. At Katzinger’s, they are practically a reason to visit on their own.
The macaroni salad, Greek salad, and pasta salad are all made in-house and carry the same care and quality as the main sandwiches.
One loyal customer put it perfectly: “The sides should not be ignored.” A reviewer who ordered the fresh fruit salad was blown away by how crisp and fresh everything was, noting tangerines, blueberries, strawberries, cantaloupe, and honeydew all in one bowl, none of it mushy or soggy.
The potato knish is another crowd-pleaser, especially for first-timers who have never tried one. It is warm, savory, and packed with caramelized onion and mashed potato goodness.
Pairing a hearty sandwich with one of these sides turns a quick lunch into a full, satisfying meal worth every penny.
The Warm, Old-School Deli Atmosphere
Step inside Katzinger’s and you will feel like you have been transported back to a classic New York deli from another era. The atmosphere is warm, lived-in, and full of character, with pickle-themed decor and a vibe that feels both nostalgic and genuinely welcoming.
One reviewer described it as having “old school deli vibes” and another called it “a really neat atmosphere.” There is even a sandwich on the menu named after Bill Clinton, who reportedly visited the deli at some point, adding a fun layer of local legend to the whole experience.
The casual, unpretentious setting makes it easy to relax and enjoy your meal without any fuss. Families, couples, and solo diners all seem equally at home here.
It is the kind of place that feels familiar even on your very first visit, and that comfort keeps people coming back again and again.
Friendly Staff That Go the Extra Mile
Good food can bring people in, but great service is what makes them loyal regulars. At Katzinger’s, the staff consistently earn high marks from customers who mention friendliness in review after review.
Whether it is a quick lunch stop or a special outing, the team makes everyone feel genuinely appreciated.
One reviewer shared that the kitchen went out of its way to prepare a gluten-free sandwich without cross-contamination for a celiac customer, which is a level of care that goes well beyond the average deli. Another noted that staff even brought food out to outdoor seating without being asked.
Perhaps the sweetest story comes from a couple who visited near closing time and were given free bagels by the staff as a parting gift. Little gestures like that turn a good meal into a story worth sharing with friends back home.
Gluten-Free Options for Every Kind of Eater
Finding a deli that takes dietary restrictions seriously can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. Katzinger’s makes it easier by offering gluten-free bread options and taking care to avoid cross-contamination in the kitchen, which is a huge relief for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities.
One reviewer shared an experience that says it all: they had low expectations going in but left completely blown away, calling the gluten-free sandwich a socks-off experience. That kind of reaction from someone who often has to settle for mediocre alternatives is a real testament to the kitchen’s skill and thoughtfulness.
Being inclusive does not mean cutting corners on flavor at this deli. The same quality and generous portions that regular menu items deliver are matched in the gluten-free offerings.
For travelers passing through Columbus who have dietary needs, Katzinger’s is a genuinely reliable stop worth planning around.
Matzo Ball Soup Straight From the Heart
There is something about a well-made matzo ball soup that feels like a hug in a bowl. Katzinger’s version is the kind of dish that draws in customers who grew up eating authentic Eastern European deli food and those discovering it for the very first time.
It is a menu staple that never goes out of style.
Multiple reviewers have mentioned ordering the matzo ball soup and walking away deeply satisfied. One couple visiting from out of town specifically called it out as a highlight of their meal, noting that the food matched what they would expect from an authentic Eastern delicatessen.
For anyone visiting on a cooler day or simply in the mood for something warm and comforting, this soup is a must-order. It is classic, hearty, and made with the kind of care that only a long-standing neighborhood deli can deliver consistently over time.
Smoked Fish and Deli Classics Beyond Sandwiches
Katzinger’s is not just a sandwich shop, even though the sandwiches get most of the glory. The menu stretches into classic deli territory with offerings like smoked fish, chopped liver, and kugel that speak to the restaurant’s deep roots in Eastern European deli tradition.
The chopped liver, in particular, earned a shout-out from one reviewer who visited German Village for the first time and called it packed with flavor. Kugel served hot, just as tradition demands, impressed another guest who specifically noted that detail as a sign of authenticity done right.
These are the kinds of dishes that remind you that a true deli is so much more than bread and meat. They carry history, culture, and a whole lot of love in every bite.
For food lovers who want to explore beyond the sandwich menu, Katzinger’s offers a rich and rewarding spread to work through.
New York-Style Cheesecake Worth Saving Room For
Saving room for dessert at Katzinger’s is a decision you will not regret. The New York cheesecake has become a fan favorite, with reviewers calling it “great” and making sure to mention it alongside their sandwich orders as a highlight of the meal.
It is the kind of cheesecake that earns its reputation through simplicity and quality rather than flashy toppings or gimmicks. Dense, creamy, and satisfying without being overly sweet, it is exactly what you want after a big, savory deli sandwich.
One reviewer also tried the Blondie brownie and reported that it hit the mark without crossing into sugar overload territory.
Dessert at a deli might not be the first thing you think of when planning your visit, but at Katzinger’s it is very much part of the full experience. Order a slice to share, or keep it all to yourself.
No judgment here.
Located in the Heart of German Village
Location matters, and Katzinger’s has one of the best in Columbus. Sitting at 475 S 3rd St in the historic German Village neighborhood, the deli is surrounded by cobblestone streets, brick buildings, and some of the most charming scenery the city has to offer.
Several reviewers mentioned that they stumbled upon Katzinger’s while exploring the neighborhood on foot, and every single one of them seemed thrilled by the discovery. German Village is already a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, which means a visit to the deli fits naturally into a broader afternoon of exploring Columbus.
The neighborhood setting adds to the overall charm of the experience, making it feel like more than just a lunch stop. Pair a great meal with a stroll through one of Ohio’s most picturesque historic districts and you have yourself a genuinely memorable afternoon in the city.
Generous Portions That Actually Fill You Up
One thing that comes up again and again in customer reviews is portion size. At Katzinger’s, a deli-size sandwich is genuinely large, the kind of large where splitting it with someone is a completely reasonable plan.
One couple visiting from out of town ordered a small size just to be safe and still had plenty to eat.
This generosity extends to the sides as well, with servings that complement rather than disappoint. For the price point, most customers feel like they are getting a solid deal, especially compared to other spots charging similar prices for much less food.
Of course, a few reviewers have mentioned visits where the meat felt lighter than expected, showing that consistency can vary. But the overwhelming majority of guests leave stuffed and satisfied, which is exactly what you want from a classic deli experience.
Come hungry and plan to leave very, very full.
A Deli Worth Planning Your Whole Day Around
Some restaurants are quick stops. Katzinger’s is the kind of place people plan their entire day around.
Open every day from 10 AM to 6 PM, it draws steady crowds, especially around lunch, which means arriving early or being ready to wait in line is part of the deal.
Reviewers consistently say the wait is worth it. Road-trippers have built Katzinger’s into their routes, families make it a monthly tradition, and out-of-towners put it at the top of their Columbus itinerary after hearing about it from friends.
That word-of-mouth pull is something no amount of advertising can manufacture.
With over 2,600 reviews and a 4.5-star rating, the reputation speaks for itself. Whether you are driving from Cleveland, Cincinnati, or anywhere in between, Katzinger’s offers the kind of satisfying, soulful meal that makes the trip feel completely worthwhile.
Plan the visit, make the drive, and enjoy every bite.
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