A long-hidden room at Katz's is now open to the public again

Photos by Stacie Joy 

Those rumors about a new dining room at Katz's turned out to be true. 

The deli on the corner of Houston and Ludlow has unveiled "The Ludlow Room," a restored 68-seat dining room with waiter service that had been closed off since 1949, when the space was converted into a walk-in refrigerator during the postwar boom years for pastrami, corned beef and brisket. 

According to Katz's, several original details remain intact, including the tiled floors, foil ceilings and a freight scale that has weighed every pound of meat served there since 1949 (and apparently too heavy to move). 

The space will also be used for private events. 

Here's a look from yesterday afternoon, featuring archival photos of the deli and some history of the business, which first opened in 1888 across the street from its current home ...

... the scale...

... and fifth-generation owner Jake Dell...

Here's a look at the main dining room...