As Marc Katz has just announced he is running for Lieutenant Governor, it’s probably a good time to revisit a long-time 6th Street favorite: Katz’s Deli. Borrowing against the success of Katz’s Delicatessen in New York (no relation, I’m told), in 1979 Marc opened Katz’s Deli – says so right on the iconic car parked out front of the deli. The “Katz’s Never Kloses” 24/7 service arrived in 1983. The Deli franchise went through a little family drama in the early 2000’s (most of the conflict centered on the Houston location), but the brand remained strong through the strife. For some reason, as a downtown Austin resident with many dining options, I always forget about the place. But I had lunch there the other day, and I thought it was pretty nice. And I love the fact that it’s one of Austin’s only true 24-hour restaurant establishments. Right here in the heart of downtown Austin.
So I thought I’d write about it and remind those of us folks who have forgotten what’s in plain sight.
You walk in and see this immediately on your right:
A glorious view of “deli”cious canned drinks. Yum. I must say, the vegetarian in me was delighted that this innocuous display of sodas was on display rather than smoked meats and hog’s heads.
Promptly upon our arrival, we were seated in the dining area, which had a nice view of pedestrian traffic on Sixth Street. The menu is reasonably priced and pretty extensive, and they offer breakfast items all day. I had the “Build Your Own” omelet, which ended up being the McMansion of omelets, if I do say so myself.
The food was fine. Not amazing, but good. The place was clean, the service was friendly and prompt. And they’re open 24-hours a day (Never Kloses!). You just can’t beat that, in my opinion.
-AG
I love Katz’s as well. I think I have taken every out-of-town guest that has ever come to visit me to breakfast there.
I have very fond memories of eating at Katz’s on Christmas Eves in the early 80’s (they used to be the only place that was open).
I voted for Marc for Mayor- but God bless him if he thinks he has a prayer at winning the Lt. Governorship. He LITERALLY could not have picked a worse race to enter. Running against the “C.I.A. Station Chief” for Texas is not a winnable race.
I hope someone will give him some advice on this matter.
I miss their $2 martinis served in beer mugs with all the free appetizers you could eat from 5-7.
“Deli”ghtful article.