26-06-2025
Katz's Deli's world-famous pastrami is coming to Chicago for one day only
You already know that Chicago loves its signature beefy sandwiches, those juicy umami bombs of piquant giardiniera, savory jus, squishy sub and tender ribbons of slow-roasted beef. But next month, you can taste one of the star sandwiches of another great city: the classic pastrami from New York icon Katz's Deli.
Yes, the famed Lower East Side restaurant—a meaty NYC mainstay since 1888, which has been immortalized in everything from When Harry Met Sally to Law & Order to Across the Universe —is bringing its primo pastrami to Chicagoland via this year's Windy City Smokeout, the country music and BBQ festival coming to Chicago's United Center from July 10 to 13.
As part of the wider festival, a Katz's Deli pop-up will be hosted at Bub City (435 N. Clark Street) in River North on Wednesday, July 9. Tickets start at $45 per person (with tax, though gratuity is not included) and include the one menu item on offer: that iconic Katz's pastrami sandwich ("The brisket sings with horseradish, and the thick-cut pastrami stacked high between slices of rye is the stuff of dreams," says our pals over at Time Out New York) as well as pickles, steak fries and your choice of Dr. Brown's Soda (Root beer, Black Cherry, Cream Soda or Cel Ray Soda).
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You can sink your fangs into that beefy bit of food history all while tapping a toe to live country music. (That should certainly help with the meat sweats.) The ticketed event will run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on July 9, with limited quantities available—guests must select a timeslot when purchasing tickets.
One of Chicago's most popular summer events, the Windy City Smokeout brings together some of the most powerhouse pitmasters from all across the country, including homegrown 'cue experts from Chicago itself. This year's festivities will feature more than 20 musical performers, including Baily Zimmerman, Old Dominion, Kane Brown and Megan Moroney.
