Katzinger's Delicatesen

Katzinger's is an old-school deli on steroids. Many will say it doesn't compare favorably to New York favorites like Stage, Katz, or Carnegie. I agree - hard to replicate that whole thing in Columbus.

The gold standard for delis outside New York is Zingerman's in Ann Arbor, and there are number of similarities between K's and Z's. Katzinger's doesn't have the same range of fresh breads, the wackiness of Z's, the scale, or the destination status of Z's,but it it's definitely one of the, if not the, top delis in the city.

Katzingers sits in a corner location at the north of German Village, a place it has occupied for decades. There are a few outdoor tables, and a few inside, but most of the store is given over to food prep, selling meats and cheeses from a cold case, and a wide variety of packaged specialty foods.

The menu is extensive (and expensive), especially the sandwiches for which Katzinger's is so aptly famous. Their Reuben is outstanding, one of the best I've ever had, and their BLT must have a full pound of bacon delicousness packed into it. The corned beef is to die for, and the pastrami is very special also. All sndwiches are massive, packed with meats and cheeses, large and delicious but priced accordingly. Each is cleverly named (ok, most are corny).

The specialty food section is also notable, especially for their oils, vinegars, cheeses, and hard to find packaged foods from around the world.

In the end, Katzingers serves distinctive sandwiches in a neat little place adjacent to downtown. Parking can be difficult, and there may be a line when you get there, but the food is delicous and there is absolute no chance you will leave hungry.