15 Best Reuben Sandwiches Worth Seeking Out Across The US
The Reuben isn’t just a sandwich, it’s a commitment.
Warm corned beef piled high, sauerkraut with bite, melted Swiss, and rye bread grilled just right create a balance that leaves no room for shortcuts.
Across the country, certain delis, diners, and neighborhood institutions have turned this classic into something worth traveling for, perfecting every layer through years of loyalty and local pride.
Disclaimer: All selections and descriptions are based on taste, travel impressions, and general culinary opinion rather than any objective or absolute standard.
1. Zingerman’s Delicatessen – Ann Arbor
Food & Wine didn’t just stumble upon this Ann Arbor gem by accident.
House-made corned beef is the star attraction, paired with authentic Swiss Emmental that brings nutty complexity to every bite.
Grilled rye bread gets that perfect crispy exterior while staying pillowy soft inside.
The sauerkraut here strikes an ideal balance – tangy without overwhelming the other flavors.
Russian dressing ties everything together with creamy perfection.
Visit them at 422 Detroit St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104.
2. Shapiro’s Delicatessen – Indianapolis
Operating since 1905 means they’ve had over a century to perfect their craft.
Their house-made corned beef recipe has remained largely unchanged, and honestly, why mess with perfection?
Each sandwich gets built with care, layering Swiss cheese and sauerkraut with practiced precision.
The rye bread comes from a local bakery, ensuring freshness with every order.
This Indianapolis institution continues drawing crowds daily at 808 S Meridian St, Indianapolis, IN 46225.
3. Attman’s Delicatessen – Baltimore
Baltimore’s oldest deli knows a thing or two about Jewish corned beef.
Since 1915, they’ve been serving Reubens that honor traditional preparation methods passed through generations.
The corned beef here gets cured and cooked with techniques that create incredible tenderness and flavor depth.
Melted Swiss blankets the meat while Russian dressing adds that signature creamy tang.
Sauerkraut provides the perfect acidic counterpoint.
Find this Baltimore treasure at 1019 E Lombard St, Baltimore, MD 21202.
4. Katz’s Delicatessen – New York City
Since 1888, this legendary deli has been stacking corned beef so high it defies gravity.
Their Reuben is a true masterpiece, featuring hand-carved corned beef or pastrami that practically melts on your tongue.
The generous portions here aren’t just Instagram-worthy – they’re legitimately challenging to finish in one sitting.
Swiss cheese gets perfectly gooey under the heat, mingling with tangy sauerkraut and rich Russian dressing.
You’ll find this iconic spot at 205 E Houston St, New York, NY 10002.
5. Kenny & Zuke’s Delicatessen – Portland
Portland’s food scene demanded something special, and this spot delivered with house-smoked pastrami.
The smoking process here isn’t rushed – patience creates those incredible flavor layers you taste in every bite.
Swiss cheese melts beautifully over the warm pastrami, creating strings of gooey goodness.
Sauerkraut adds brightness while Russian dressing brings everything into harmony.
Artisanal touches elevate this Reuben beyond ordinary.
They’re located at 3808 N Williams Ave #125, Portland, OR 97227.
6. Langer’s Delicatessen-Restaurant – Los Angeles
Two James Beard Foundation awards don’t just appear on your wall by chance.
In-house smoked pastrami sets this LA institution apart from pretenders across the country.
The meat gets hand-cut thick enough to showcase its incredible texture and smoky depth.
Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing complete the picture on perfectly toasted rye.
Critics consistently rank this among America’s finest Reubens.
You’ll discover why at 704 S Alvarado St, Los Angeles, CA 90057.
7. Manny’s Cafeteria & Delicatessen – Chicago
Chicago knows sandwiches, and Manny’s has been proving it since 1942.
Their cafeteria-style service means you watch them build your Reuben right before your hungry eyes.
Corned beef gets piled impossibly high, challenging your jaw’s maximum opening capacity.
The grilled rye bread provides structural integrity while adding buttery crunch.
Swiss and sauerkraut play their supporting roles perfectly.
This Chicago staple serves happiness at 1141 S Jefferson St, Chicago, IL 60607.
8. Cecil’s Delicatessen – St. Paul
Minnesota nice extends to their sandwich-making philosophy at this St. Paul favorite.
House-cured corned beef demonstrates commitment to quality that shortcuts simply can’t match.
Marble rye adds visual appeal alongside its distinctive flavor profile.
The curing process here takes time, but that patience translates directly to superior taste and texture.
Swiss cheese and sauerkraut maintain traditional roles beautifully.
Find them serving perfection at 651 S Cleveland Ave, St. Paul, MN 55116.
9. Jason’s Deli – Multiple Locations
Sometimes you need a reliable Reuben without hunting down a historic deli.
This widespread chain delivers surprising quality and consistency across hundreds of locations nationwide.
Their Reuben features solid corned beef portions, melted Swiss, and tangy sauerkraut on rye.
Thousand Island dressing instead of Russian provides a slightly sweeter take on tradition.
Free ice cream at the end sweetens the deal further.
Check their website at jasondeli.com for your nearest location.
10. Schmaltz Appetizing – Nashville
Nashville’s hot chicken gets plenty of attention, but this Jewish deli deserves equal praise.
House-made sauerkraut brings authentic fermented funk that store-bought versions can’t replicate.
Thick-cut pastrami arrives juicy and peppery, with edges slightly crisped from the griddle.
Swiss cheese melts into every crevice while Russian dressing adds creamy richness.
Music City finally has the deli it always needed.
Visit them at 4001 Hillsboro Pike, Nashville, TN 37215.
11. Slyman’s Restaurant – Cleveland
Cleveland locals guard this secret jealously, but the word’s getting out anyway.
Corned beef portions here border on ridiculous – we’re talking nearly a pound per sandwich.
The meat gets steamed until fork-tender, then piled onto rye bread that somehow supports the weight.
Swiss cheese and sauerkraut do their best to keep up with the protein overload.
Bring your appetite and maybe a friend to share.
They’re serving giants at 3106 St Clair Ave NE, Cleveland, OH 44114.
12. TooJay’s Deli – Florida Locations
Florida transplants from the Northeast finally found their deli home at TooJay’s.
Multiple locations across the Sunshine State mean quality Reubens are never too far away.
Corned beef arrives tender and flavorful, griddled with Swiss until everything gets melty and wonderful.
Sauerkraut provides that essential tang while Russian dressing brings creaminess.
The portions satisfy without overwhelming, leaving room for their famous carrot cake.
Find your nearest location at toojays.com for addresses statewide.
13. Brent’s Delicatessen & Restaurant – Northridge
Northridge residents consider themselves lucky to have this exceptional deli nearby.
Thick-sliced pastrami gets piled high with the kind of generosity that makes your heart sing.
Marble rye adds beautiful swirls of color alongside its subtly sweet flavor.
The griddle work here deserves special mention – perfectly crispy exterior, warm soft interior.
Swiss melts into pools of gooey goodness throughout.
They’re making magic at 19565 Parthenia St, Northridge, CA 91324.
14. Eleven City Diner – Chicago
Retro vibes meet modern quality standards at this Chicago favorite.
The diner atmosphere transports you back decades while the Reuben keeps you firmly in the present moment.
Corned beef gets hand-carved and griddled until edges crisp up just right.
Swiss cheese melts beautifully while sauerkraut adds necessary acidity to cut through richness.
Russian dressing ties everything together in classic fashion.
Step back in time at 1112 S Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60605.
15. Primanti Bros. – Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh does sandwiches differently, and their Reuben reflects that maverick spirit.
French fries go inside the sandwich here – yes, you read that correctly.
Coleslaw often replaces traditional sauerkraut, adding a sweeter crunch to proceedings.
Corned beef and Swiss maintain their starring roles despite the unusual supporting cast.
Italian bread instead of rye marks another departure from tradition.
Experience Pittsburgh innovation at multiple locations, starting with 46 18th St, Pittsburgh, PA 15222.
