The Reuben sandwich, a classic combination of corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Thousand Island dressing, grilled to perfection between slices of rye bread, is a beloved favorite among sandwich enthusiasts. If you’re craving this delicious treat, you’re probably wondering who makes Reuben sandwiches near you. In this article, we’ll explore the best places to find a mouth-watering Reuben sandwich in your area.
What Makes a Great Reuben Sandwich?
Before we dive into the best places to find a Reuben sandwich near you, let’s talk about what makes a great Reuben. A good Reuben sandwich should have the following key components:
- High-quality corned beef: Thinly sliced, tender, and flavorful corned beef is the foundation of a great Reuben.
- Crispy sauerkraut: Sauerkraut adds a tangy, slightly sour flavor to the sandwich. It should be crispy and well-drained to avoid making the sandwich soggy.
- Melted Swiss cheese: Swiss cheese adds a creamy, nutty flavor to the sandwich. It should be melted to perfection to bind the ingredients together.
- Thousand Island dressing: A tangy and creamy Thousand Island dressing adds a rich flavor to the sandwich.
- Grilled rye bread: The bread should be grilled to perfection, with a crispy crust and a soft interior.
Where to Find the Best Reuben Sandwiches Near You
Now that we’ve established what makes a great Reuben sandwich, let’s talk about where to find the best ones near you. Here are a few options to consider:
Local Delis
Local delis are often the best places to find authentic, delicious Reuben sandwiches. These family-owned businesses typically use high-quality ingredients and traditional recipes to create mouth-watering sandwiches. To find a local deli near you, try searching online for “delis near me” or “Reuben sandwiches near me.”
Specialty Sandwich Shops
Specialty sandwich shops are another great option for finding a great Reuben sandwich. These shops often specialize in creative, gourmet sandwiches made with high-quality ingredients. To find a specialty sandwich shop near you, try searching online for “gourmet sandwiches near me” or “Reuben sandwiches near me.”
Restaurants with a Jewish or Eastern European Influence
Restaurants with a Jewish or Eastern European influence often serve traditional Reuben sandwiches. These restaurants typically use authentic ingredients and recipes to create delicious, culturally-inspired dishes. To find a restaurant with a Jewish or Eastern European influence near you, try searching online for “Jewish restaurants near me” or “Eastern European restaurants near me.”
Popular Chain Restaurants that Serve Reuben Sandwiches
If you’re looking for a convenient, familiar option, several popular chain restaurants serve Reuben sandwiches. Here are a few options to consider:
- Jason’s Deli: Jason’s Deli is a popular chain restaurant that serves a classic Reuben sandwich made with corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Thousand Island dressing.
- Erbert & Gerbert’s: Erbert & Gerbert’s is a sandwich chain that serves a unique Reuben sandwich made with corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and a tangy sauce.
How to Make a Reuben Sandwich at Home
If you’re unable to find a great Reuben sandwich near you, or if you prefer to cook at home, making a Reuben sandwich is easier than you think. Here’s a simple recipe to get you started:
Ingredients:
- 4 slices of rye bread
- 8 oz corned beef
- 1 cup sauerkraut
- 2 slices of Swiss cheese
- 2 tbsp Thousand Island dressing
- 2 tbsp butter
Instructions:
- Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
- Butter one side of each slice of rye bread.
- Place one slice of bread, butter-side down, on the grill.
- Top with a slice of corned beef, a spoonful of sauerkraut, a slice of Swiss cheese, and a dollop of Thousand Island dressing.
- Top with another slice of bread, butter-side up.
- Grill for 2-3 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- Flip and grill for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the other side is also golden brown.
Conclusion
Finding a great Reuben sandwich near you is easier than you think. Whether you prefer to visit a local deli, specialty sandwich shop, or chain restaurant, or make one at home, there are plenty of options to satisfy your cravings. By following the tips and recipe outlined in this article, you’ll be enjoying a delicious Reuben sandwich in no time.
Additional Tips for Finding the Best Reuben Sandwiches
- Check online reviews: Before visiting a restaurant or deli, check online reviews to see what other customers have to say about their Reuben sandwiches.
- Ask for recommendations: Ask friends, family, or coworkers for recommendations on the best Reuben sandwiches in your area.
- Be adventurous: Don’t be afraid to try new restaurants or delis, even if they’re not well-known for their Reuben sandwiches. You might be surprised at the hidden gems you discover.
By following these tips and doing a little research, you’ll be well on your way to finding the best Reuben sandwiches near you. Happy eating!
What is a Reuben sandwich?
A Reuben sandwich is a type of sandwich that typically consists of corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Thousand Island dressing, grilled between slices of rye bread. The combination of flavors and textures in a Reuben sandwich makes it a popular choice among sandwich enthusiasts.
The origins of the Reuben sandwich are often attributed to Arnold Reuben, a German-American restaurateur who allegedly created the dish in the early 20th century. However, there are also claims that the sandwich was invented by Reuben Kulakofsky, a Lithuanian-American grocer who served a similar sandwich at his deli in Omaha, Nebraska.
What are the key ingredients of a Reuben sandwich?
The key ingredients of a Reuben sandwich are corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Thousand Island dressing, all of which are typically grilled between slices of rye bread. The corned beef provides a rich, meaty flavor, while the sauerkraut adds a tangy, slightly sour taste. The Swiss cheese adds creaminess, and the Thousand Island dressing provides a sweet and tangy element to the sandwich.
The quality of the ingredients can make a big difference in the overall taste and quality of the Reuben sandwich. Look for thinly sliced corned beef, fresh sauerkraut, and high-quality Swiss cheese to ensure that your Reuben sandwich is the best it can be.
How do I find the best Reuben sandwiches near me?
To find the best Reuben sandwiches near you, try searching online for “best Reuben sandwiches near me” or “Reuben sandwiches near my location.” You can also check review websites such as Yelp or TripAdvisor to see what other diners have to say about the Reuben sandwiches at local restaurants.
Another way to find great Reuben sandwiches is to ask friends, family, or coworkers for recommendations. They may have discovered a hidden gem that serves an amazing Reuben sandwich. You can also check social media platforms like Instagram or Facebook to see what local restaurants are serving up.
What are some variations of the Reuben sandwich?
While the classic Reuben sandwich is a timeless favorite, there are many variations that can add a new twist to this beloved dish. Some popular variations include using pastrami instead of corned beef, adding sliced turkey or roast beef, or using different types of cheese such as cheddar or provolone.
Other variations may include adding some caramelized onions or bell peppers to the sandwich, or using a different type of bread such as sourdough or ciabatta. Some restaurants may also offer a vegetarian version of the Reuben sandwich, using grilled portobello mushrooms or eggplant instead of corned beef.
Can I make a Reuben sandwich at home?
Yes, you can make a Reuben sandwich at home using just a few simple ingredients. Start by grilling some slices of rye bread, then layer on some corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Thousand Island dressing. Place the other slice of bread on top and grill until the cheese is melted and the bread is toasted.
To make a great Reuben sandwich at home, it’s all about using high-quality ingredients and paying attention to the details. Use thinly sliced corned beef and fresh sauerkraut, and don’t be stingy with the cheese and dressing. You can also add some sliced onions or bell peppers to the sandwich for extra flavor.
How do I store leftover Reuben sandwiches?
If you have leftover Reuben sandwiches, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to a day or two. Simply wrap the sandwich tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat it, simply grill the sandwich again until the cheese is melted and the bread is toasted.
You can also freeze leftover Reuben sandwiches for up to a month. Simply wrap the sandwich tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to eat it, simply thaw the sandwich overnight in the fridge and grill it again until the cheese is melted and the bread is toasted.
Are Reuben sandwiches healthy?
While Reuben sandwiches can be a tasty and satisfying meal, they are not typically considered a healthy option. The corned beef and cheese are high in fat and calories, and the sauerkraut is high in sodium. However, there are some ways to make a Reuben sandwich healthier, such as using leaner corned beef or reducing the amount of cheese and dressing.
You can also try using whole-grain rye bread instead of white bread, and adding some sliced vegetables such as onions or bell peppers to the sandwich. Additionally, look for low-sodium sauerkraut and Thousand Island dressing to reduce the overall sodium content of the sandwich.