If you crave sandwiches stacked sky high, Katzinger’s Delicatessen in Columbus belongs on your must-try list. Locals swear you need two hands and a plan before unwrapping these giants, and they are absolutely right. From corned beef legends to matzo ball magic, every bite proves why this landmark has earned thousands of glowing reviews. Come hungry, leave planning your next visit.
The Towering Reuben Ritual
Walk into Katzinger’s and the Reuben practically calls your name. Think mounds of corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Russian dressing on griddled rye that crackles lightly. You will need two hands to steady the layers, and probably a couple napkins for good measure.
The trick is pacing. Take a corner first, let the juices find their balance, and breathe in that signature deli aroma. Each bite swings from buttery rye to briny kraut and warm, savory beef, creating a rhythm that keeps you reaching back.
It feels classic, comforting, and a little daring. When the plate is clean, you will swear the Reuben somehow got taller mid-bite.
Corned Beef That Means Business
The corned beef at Katzinger’s is the kind you dream about after a long week. Sliced thick yet tender, it folds into soft, salty ribbons that drape over the bread like a warm blanket. A hint of peppery crust keeps each bite lively without overpowering the beefy depth.
Order it classic with mustard or go big with Swiss and pickles. Either way, the texture holds up to sauce and heat, staying juicy without falling apart. It is serious comfort made to satisfy real appetites.
Ask for extra napkins and lean in. When you finish, you will wonder how they pack so much flavor into slices so seemingly simple.
Matzo Ball Soup For The Soul
There are days when soup heals faster than any pep talk. Katzinger’s matzo ball soup delivers that kind of comfort with a golden broth that smells like home. The matzo ball is tender and buoyant, soaking up chicken richness without dissolving into mush.
Float it beside carrot coins and celery, then taste the gentle pepper and dill. It is soothing, savory, and quietly satisfying, perfect before a giant sandwich or as the main event. The portion is generous without being overwhelming.
One spoonful and shoulders relax. By the last sip, you will plot a return visit for another bowl, especially on rainy Columbus afternoons.
Smoked Fish, Big City Vibes
Craving a taste of old-school deli tradition, Ohio style. Katzinger’s delivers smoked fish platters that feel straight from a bustling market. Expect silky lox, briny capers, crisp red onion, and tomato slices arranged with proud precision.
Layer it on a bagel with a generous swipe of cream cheese or keep it minimalist and savor the smoke. The salmon’s texture is luxurious, landing between buttery and firm. Each bite is brightened by lemon, cutting through richness like a friendly nudge.
You will sit taller at the counter, pretending to be a regular. By the time the platter is clean, that little fantasy feels totally believable.
Bread That Earns Its Crust
Great sandwiches start with great bread, and Katzinger’s does not cut corners. Rye arrives with a confident crust and a tender crumb that stands up to juicy fillings. When toasted, it snaps just enough to underline the sandwich’s personality without stealing the show.
Seeded or unseeded, each slice brings that classic deli aroma. You can taste the patience in the bake and the careful handling. It is sturdy, flavorful, and dependable, the kind of bread that turns good into memorable.
Add mustard, stack your choice of meat, and listen for the soft crunch. That sound says you chose wisely, and your sandwich is ready for prime time.
Pickle Heaven By The Barrel
The pickle bar at Katzinger’s is a playground for tang lovers. Crisp spears, half-sours, and garlicky dills chill in brine that snaps with personality. Grab tongs, sample a few, and find your preferred level of pucker.
These pickles are not side notes. They cut through stacked meats and creamy spreads, refreshing your palate like a reset button. Each crunchy bite keeps sandwiches lively right down to the last crumbs.
You will probably return for seconds. No judgment here, just a sign you are doing Katzinger’s correctly and honoring the house tradition of pickle joy.
The Two Hands Strategy
Here is how to survive a Katzinger’s classic. Set your stance, elbows in, grip the sandwich with two hands, and commit. Take a decisive first bite so layers settle into place, then rotate to keep the stack even.
Use napkins proactively rather than reactively. Pause to appreciate the interplay of meat, bread, and crunch, then continue before heat escapes. The method sounds funny, but it genuinely improves the experience and saves your shirt.
By the last third, you will be in the groove. That final bite is your victory lap, proof you handled a Columbus heavyweight with grace.
Local Love, Real Reviews
With a 4.5 star rating and thousands of reviews, Katzinger’s has earned its stripes. Locals mention generous portions, friendly staff, and a deli vibe that feels timeless. Visitors call it a must-stop when exploring German Village and downtown.
Scan the wall and you will spot happy faces and stacked plates. The energy is welcoming without being chaotic, like a neighborhood kitchen running at pro speed. Even on busy days, the line moves with confidence and clarity.
That consistency keeps people coming back. Reviews read like love letters to corned beef, Reubens, and soups, sealed with enthusiastic photos.
Bagels And Breakfast Mood
Show up at opening and you will catch the bagel rhythm. Fresh rounds, cream cheese options, and smoked fish make mornings feel indulgent yet unfussy. Pair with coffee, grab a table, and watch the deli wake up.
Bagels carry a chewy bite that resists politely before yielding. Plain, everything, sesame, it is hard to choose wrong. Add tomatoes and onion to brighten, or keep it pure with scallion spread.
Mornings at Katzinger’s are calm and capable. You will leave energized and a little spoiled, which is exactly how breakfast should feel.
The Art Of Slicing Meat
Watch the slicer and you will see craft in action. Each pass through the blade yields ribbons calibrated for tenderness and juiciness. Too thick and the bite gets clumsy, too thin and it disappears under dressing.
Katzinger’s finds the sweet spot. Pastrami and corned beef drape just right, pulling into perfect bites without tearing the bread. That balance keeps sandwiches satisfying from first clamp to final crumb.
It is quiet mastery behind the counter. You will taste the difference before you notice it, and then you will not forget it.
Mustard Matters More Than You Think
Mustard choices at Katzinger’s can steer your whole meal. A sharp deli mustard snaps against rich meats, while a milder style lets rye and cheese lead. Either way, that tangy line is the bridge between savory stacks and bright finish.
Ask for recommendations based on your order. Staff will steer you toward balance, not burn. A careful smear on both slices of bread prevents slippery layers and keeps every bite consistent.
You will never overlook condiments again. One sandwich later, mustard becomes a main player rather than a supporting actor.
Vegetarian Victory: Piled High
Not a meat eater. No problem. Katzinger’s stacks vegetables with the same ambition given to corned beef. Think roasted peppers, crisp cucumbers, tomatoes, lettuce, pickles, cheese, and a lively spread layered on sturdy bread.
It is colorful, crunchy, and generously portioned. The flavors pop without feeling heavy, and the textures play well together. Add a side pickle and chips to complete the experience.
Vegetarians leave with that satisfied, full feeling usually reserved for carnivores. You will not miss a thing, except maybe a nap after lunch.
Portions That Respect Your Hunger
Everything at Katzinger’s is sized with appetite in mind. Sandwich halves look like wholes, and whole sandwiches feel like celebrations. Sides are generous enough to share, though you might not want to.
Bring a friend or plan for leftovers. The deli packs travel well, keeping bread firm and fillings fresh. That makes a second meal later just as satisfying.
It is value you can taste, not just see. You will leave full, happy, and convinced that this is how deli portions should be done.
Friendly Faces, Efficient Flow
The team at Katzinger’s keeps lines moving with calm confidence. Orders are clarified, suggestions offered, and smiles come standard. It feels like hospitality with a professional edge, the kind that respects your time and hunger.
Even during lunch rush, there is rhythm. You watch sandwiches assembled like choreography, each step intentional. Seating turns over naturally without feeling rushed.
Service helps the food shine brighter. You will notice how easy everything feels from ordering to that last pickle crunch.
German Village Stroll And Snack
Katzinger’s sits in the heart of a walkable neighborhood that invites lingering. Grab your sandwich, then explore brick-lined streets and cozy shops nearby. It is an easy way to turn lunch into a mini adventure.
When the weather is kind, outdoor bites taste even better. The deli’s location makes quick returns simple if cravings strike twice in a day. Parking is manageable, and the vibe is welcoming.
You will feel like a local by dessert. That combination of food and neighborhood charm is hard to beat.
Timing Your Visit Like A Pro
Hours run 10 AM to 6 PM daily, so plan accordingly. Early lunch means easier seating, while late afternoon slows to a comfortable hum. If you are grabbing takeout, call ahead and shave minutes off your wait.
Weekends draw bigger crowds, but the line moves with purpose. Have your order in mind when you step up to the counter. A quick decision gets you to that first bite faster.
Check the website for updates before you head out. Your future self will thank you when hunger hits right on schedule.
Prices That Feel Fair
Katzinger’s sits at a comfortable $$ price point. For the portion sizes and quality, the value adds up quickly. You get premium meats, careful prep, and a level of hospitality that is part of the meal.
Share a side to stretch your dollar further. Or split a sandwich and still leave satisfied. There is no skimping on the details that matter most.
You will remember flavor long after the receipt fades. That is the kind of math every hungry person can appreciate.
Call, Click, Or Walk Right In
Ready to order. You can call +1 614-228-3354, check katzingers.com, or stroll to 475 S 3rd St. The location is easy to find, and staff will guide you through the menu if you are undecided.
Online browsing helps pre-plan your feast. By the time you arrive, choices feel effortless. Takeout is packed neatly, keeping textures where they belong.
Whether it is your first visit or your fiftieth, the welcome feels genuine. You will walk out balancing a bag that smells like victory.