The Very Best Reuben Sandwiches Across The US

Chasing the perfect Reuben feels like a delicious cross country treasure hunt. Crisp rye, melty Swiss, tangy sauerkraut, and deeply savory corned beef can reveal a city’s character in one messy, glorious bite.

This guide maps out the sandwiches that make people reroute trips and defend favorites like hometown heroes. Get hungry, because the next great Reuben might be closer than you think.

1. Katz’s Delicatessen – New York, NY

You bite into Katz’s and instantly get why people travel for this. The corned beef is hand sliced, thick, and steaming, with just the right peppery snap.

Rye is sturdy and lightly toasted, holding pools of melted Swiss and tangy sauerkraut. Russian dressing adds a creamy, sweet kick.

Everything drips in the best way, so grab extra napkins. The counter show builds anticipation while meat gets carved.

You taste history, city grit, and comfort in one sandwich, made the old school way.

2. Zingerman’s Delicatessen – Ann Arbor, MI

Zingerman’s layers flavor like a love letter to tradition. The rye is aromatic, seeded, and cut thick enough to stand up to juicy corned beef.

Swiss melts into every corner, pulling strings with each bite. Sauerkraut is bright and clean, not overly salty, so you taste balance instead of chaos.

The dressing is zippy, with a pepper bite that lingers. Portions are generous, but the sandwich never feels heavy.

You leave satisfied, a little messy, and plotting your next excuse to return.

3. Langer’s Delicatessen – Los Angeles, CA

Langer’s double baked rye changes the game before your first bite. It crackles on the outside and stays soft inside, hugging juicy corned beef.

Swiss spreads creamy richness across the grain. Sauerkraut lands clean and bright, cutting through the beefy depth like a perfect cymbal crash.

The dressing drizzles sweetness and pepper without drowning anything. Each layer stays distinct yet harmonious.

You walk out understanding why locals treat this as a rite of passage and why tourists become instant loyalists.

4. Kenny & Ziggy’s – Houston, TX

Everything in Texas feels bigger, and Kenny & Ziggy’s Reuben plays along without losing finesse. The corned beef is tender, sliced thick, and stacked tall.

Swiss drapes over the edges, getting that glossy pull. Sauerkraut brings crunch and acidity that keeps each bite lively.

Rye is griddled until it sings, never greasy, just crisp. The dressing offers sweet heat and garlicky depth.

You finish happily full, with half a sandwich boxed for later, still dreaming about the steam and spice.

5. Shapiro’s Delicatessen – Indianapolis, IN

Shapiro’s delivers a no nonsense Reuben with deeply seasoned corned beef that means business. The slices are juicy and thick, showing off a rosy center.

Rye arrives warm and sturdy, catching melted Swiss in its pockets. Sauerkraut is lightly tart, brightening each mouthful without overpowering.

The dressing tastes homemade, creamy and peppery, tying everything together. Portions please a lunchtime appetite and a road trip detour equally.

You sit among locals and feel like you belong, one bite at a time.

6. Primanti Bros. – Pittsburgh, PA

Primanti Bros. gives the Reuben a steel town swagger. The corned beef brings smoky, savory depth with a tender chew.

Rye is thick and toasted, holding up to the mess without surrender. Swiss melts into the meat, threading creamy pockets through each bite.

Sauerkraut adds twang and crunch, while dressing brings a mellow sweetness. The sandwich feels rugged yet thoughtfully assembled.

You take a big bite and taste game day energy, late nights, and Pittsburgh pride.

7. Manny’s Cafeteria & Delicatessen – Chicago, IL

Manny’s keeps it classic with a cafeteria line that builds anticipation. The corned beef is piled high, juicy, and neatly trimmed, showing expert hands.

Rye is toasted to a gentle crunch, keeping everything intact. Swiss oozes in all the right places.

Sauerkraut stays crisp and lively, not soggy. Dressing leans tangy, balancing the richness.

You sit with a tray, look around at regulars, and realize this is everyday greatness, served without fuss and bursting with Chicago warmth.

8. Katzinger’s Delicatessen – Columbus, OH

Katzinger’s understands balance. The corned beef is tender and flavorful without being heavy.

Rye arrives seeded and fragrant, griddled to a perfect edge. Swiss melts gently, lending creamy richness that never overshadows the meat.

Sauerkraut pops bright and clean, a refreshing counterpoint. Dressing is zesty with a faint sweetness that keeps you chasing the next bite.

You finish the last corner of rye and immediately start planning the next visit, because this feels like a friendly ritual worth repeating.

9. Canter’s Deli – Los Angeles, CA

Canter’s brings late night magic to the Reuben. The corned beef is juicy, sliced just thick enough to show off its marbling.

Rye holds a gentle toast and that classic deli aroma. Swiss melts into luscious strands that cling to every bite.

Sauerkraut stays snappy and bright, never soggy. Dressing rides the line between creamy and tangy, pulling the sandwich together.

You sit under neon, people watching, and realize this is comfort food with Hollywood charisma.

10. Slyman’s Restaurant – Cleveland, OH

Slyman’s is about volume and vibe, but the flavor holds its own. Corned beef comes in a sky high stack, tender and boldly seasoned.

Rye is broad shouldered and toasted just right, keeping your hands clean enough to keep going. Swiss puddles into the folds.

Sauerkraut delivers tang and crunch that cuts the heft. Dressing is straightforward and satisfying.

You leave full, happy, and slightly stunned at the mountain you just conquered, promising yourself you will do it again.

11. Attman’s Delicatessen – Baltimore, MD

Attman’s tastes like tradition on a busy Baltimore block. The corned beef has a peppery bark and tender interior that feels lovingly tended.

Rye is sturdy, lightly toasted, and fragrant. Swiss melts evenly, tying into the meat’s savory depth.

Sauerkraut is bright and tidy, not sloppy. Dressing adds a sweet tang, the friendly handshake of flavors.

You sit among generations of fans and feel the comfort of a well kept ritual that still thrills with every messy bite.

12. Brent’s Deli – Northridge, CA

Brent’s serves a polished Reuben that still feels generous. Corned beef arrives juicy and warm, sliced with care.

Rye is thick and griddled to a crisp, framing the sandwich with satisfying crunch. Swiss turns silky, threading through the meat.

Sauerkraut brings acidity that keeps everything bright. Dressing leans creamy with a pepper finish.

You leave with a smile and leftovers, already texting friends that the drive was absolutely worth it and the crunch still rings in your ears.

13. Carnegie Deli Pop Up Memories – New York, NY

Even in memory, the Carnegie style Reuben sets a high bar. Think towering corned beef, juicy and rosy, with that unmistakable deli perfume.

Rye with backbone, toasted and butter brushed. Swiss melted everywhere, stretching into long, indulgent strands.

Sauerkraut brings necessary bite and brightness. Dressing is sweet tang with a peppery wink.

If you find a pop up or tribute, grab it. You taste New York nostalgia and big city swagger in a sandwich that still echoes through time.

14. The Bagel Deli & Restaurant – Denver, CO

Denver’s Bagel Deli builds a Reuben with mile high heart. Corned beef is juicy, lightly spiced, and layered thick.

Rye gets a controlled toast, never crumbly, so bites stay neat. Swiss melts into silky sheets.

Sauerkraut adds a sharp, refreshing lift that keeps you going. Dressing is creamy with a gentle sweetness.

You feel neighborhood comfort and road trip worthy flavor, the kind of sandwich that makes you linger an extra minute before heading back to the mountains.

15. Russ & Daughters Cafe – New York, NY

Russ & Daughters brings deli finesse with a modern touch. The corned beef is tender and carefully sliced.

Rye leans artisanal, toasted to a fragrant crisp. Swiss settles into the folds like velvet.

Sauerkraut is clean and bright, never overwhelming. Dressing shines with balanced sweetness and spice.

You sit beneath gleaming tiles, sip something fizzy, and savor a Reuben that respects history while looking sharp in the present tense.

16. Kenny & Zuke’s – Portland, OR

Kenny & Zuke’s delivers a PNW take grounded in craft. House corned beef carries a deep, cinnamon pepper warmth.

Rye is seeded, aromatic, and toasted just enough. Swiss drapes luxuriously across the grain.

Sauerkraut tastes fresh, a lively counterpoint. Dressing leans tangy with a little garlic, so every bite pops.

You watch rain bead on the window and think this sandwich makes gray days glow, one crunchy corner at a time.

17. Brennan & Carr – Brooklyn, NY

Brennan & Carr is famous for roast beef, but their Reuben surprises with soulful depth. Corned beef is tender and well seasoned.

Rye is toasted to a perfect rustle. Swiss melts generously and mingles with the meat’s juices.

Sauerkraut adds zest and lift. Dressing slides in with creamy sweetness and pepper.

You dunk a bite for fun, grin, and realize this is Brooklyn comfort at its most honest and satisfying.

18. 2nd Ave Deli – New York, NY

2nd Ave Deli keeps standards sky high. Corned beef is rosy, tender, and deeply seasoned.

Rye holds a confident toast, never too oily. Swiss melts elegantly into every crevice.

Sauerkraut tastes crisp, bringing acidity that resets your palate. Dressing threads sweetness and spice with restraint.

You taste a city’s legacy in a sandwich that feels both familiar and special, the kind that makes you slow down between bites.

19. Steingold’s of Chicago – Chicago, IL

Steingold’s balances tradition and innovation. The corned beef is luscious and aromatic, with pepper and clove whispers.

Rye is thick, seeded, and crisply griddled. Swiss melts into an indulgent blanket.

Sauerkraut brings clean brightness and crunch. Dressing is dialed with a little heat, so bites never blur.

You feel the city’s creative energy in a Reuben that respects roots while flexing modern confidence on the plate.

20. Katz’s of Houston – Houston, TX

Katz’s of Houston spins a late night friendly Reuben that hits every craving. Corned beef is moist and generously cut.

Rye arrives buttery crisp, giving a satisfying crunch. Swiss melts glossy and rich.

Sauerkraut punches through with brightness. Dressing leans sweet and peppery, coating each bite without overpowering.

You taste comfort, crave another bite, and consider ordering an extra to go because tomorrow will want one too.

21. Schwartz’s Deli Inspired Pop Ups – Various US Cities

These pop ups channel old school deli spirit with serious craft. Corned beef gets careful spice and a gentle cure, landing tender.

Rye is thoughtfully sourced and toasted to a light crunch. Swiss clings and melts into the meat’s warmth.

Sauerkraut keeps things lively and tart. Dressing brings creamy tang that rounds out every bite.

You catch one of these events and feel lucky, like finding a secret show where the headliner is a perfect Reuben.

22. The General Muir – Atlanta, GA

The General Muir turns the Reuben into a refined comfort. Corned beef is tender with deep spice notes.

Rye is artisanal and crisp edged. Swiss melts luxuriantly, wrapping the meat in creamy warmth.

Sauerkraut is fresh and bright, never muddy. Dressing carries balanced sweetness and pepper.

You sit beneath soft lighting, take a deep breath, and realize this is the kind of sandwich that calms a busy day with every bite.

23. Kramarczuk’s – Minneapolis, MN

Kramarczuk’s brings heritage comfort to the Reuben. The corned beef shows careful curing and a tender slice.

Rye arrives sturdy and toasted, catching all the juicy runoff. Swiss melts into creamy ribbons.

Sauerkraut hits bright and crunchy. Dressing is tangy with a hint of sweetness, smoothing the edges.

You feel Northern warmth and a friendly bustle, the kind of place where the sandwich tastes like a family tradition made fresh every day.

24. Caplansky’s Style Pop Ups – US and Canada

When Caplansky’s style lands at a festival, that Reuben energy draws a crowd. Corned beef is bold, peppery, and tender.

Rye is toasted with care for clean, crisp edges. Swiss melts into gleaming layers.

Sauerkraut adds sparkle and bite. Dressing brings creamy tang that ties it all together.

You stand, napkin in hand, and realize street food can taste like a full on deli dream when the balance lands just right.

25. Harold’s New York Deli – Edison, NJ

Harold’s serves a spectacle that still eats like a classic. Corned beef is tender and plentiful.

Rye barely contains the mountain, toasted to a supportive crunch. Swiss drapes over edges like lava.

Sauerkraut refreshes the palate with bright acidity. Dressing is generous but balanced, keeping bites coherent.

You split it with a friend, still leave full, and swear you tasted the best kind of excess lined with impeccable deli craft.