"What is the oldest U.S. deli?"
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Katz's Delicatessen (1888) is the oldest continuously operating Jewish deli, but Fossati's Delicatessen (1882) holds the title of the oldest deli overall in the United States.
Quick Facts
- Katz's Delicatessen opened in 1888 on Manhattan’s Lower East Side.
- Fossati's Delicatessen opened in 1882 in Victoria, Texas.
- The “oldest” claim depends on whether you limit the definition to Jewish/kosher‑style delis or include all types.
AI Consensus
Models Agreed
- All models agree that Katz’s Delicatessen (1888) is the oldest continuously operating Jewish/kosher‑style deli in the United States.
- All models acknowledge that Fossati’s Delicatessen (1882) is older than Katz’s and is the oldest deli overall when ethnicity is not a factor.
Points of Debate
- Some models claim Katz’s is the outright “oldest U.S. deli” without qualification, while others point out Fossati’s holds that title, leading to disagreement over which establishment holds the primary “oldest deli” label.
The Story Behind The Oldest Deli In The US
The Oldest Deli in the United States
1. Katz’s Delicatessen – New York City
- Founded: 1888
- Location: 205 East Houston Street, Manhattan, NY
- Claim: Widely recognized as the oldest continuously operating Jewish/kosher‑style deli in the United States and the oldest deli in New York City.
- Sources: Official site confirms the 1888 opening and its status as “NYC’s oldest deli”1; Yahoo article describes it as “the oldest continuously operating deli in the entire United States”2; Wikipedia also lists this claim6.
2. Fossati’s Delicatessen – Victoria, Texas
- Founded: 1882
- Location: 306 E. Main St., Victoria, TX
- Claim: Holds the title of the oldest continuously operating deli overall in the United States, predating Katz’s by six years. It is a general (non‑Jewish) delicatessen serving Italian‑style sandwiches and other fare.
- Sources: The Daily Meal research identifies Fossati’s as the oldest operating deli in America8; multiple articles note its 1882 opening and distinction from Jewish delis.
3. Why the Confusion?
The debate hinges on how “oldest deli” is defined:
| Definition | Oldest Deli |
|---|---|
| Oldest continuously operating Jewish deli | Katz’s Delicatessen (1888) |
| Oldest continuously operating any deli | Fossati’s Delicatessen (1882) |
Most popular culture references (films, media) focus on Katz’s, which is why it is often cited as “America’s oldest deli” without qualification. However, when the scope includes all deli types, Fossati’s takes precedence.
4. Notable Trivia
- Katz’s is famous for its pastrami on rye and the iconic “You’ll eat your sandwich” scene from When Harry Met Sally13.
- Fossati’s remains a family‑run establishment and is celebrated locally for preserving a 19th‑century deli tradition.
Bottom Line
If you are looking for the oldest Jewish deli, Katz’s is the answer. If you consider any deli, regardless of cuisine, Fossati’s predates Katz’s and is the true oldest continuously operating deli in the U.S.
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