The Reuben sandwich, a classic combination of corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Thousand Island dressing, grilled to perfection between slices of rye bread, has been a staple of delis and diners for decades. But who makes the best Reuben sandwich? Is it a traditional New York deli, a trendy gastropub, or a humble sandwich shop? In this article, we’ll explore the history of the Reuben, its key components, and the top contenders for the title of best Reuben sandwich.
A Brief History of the Reuben Sandwich
The origins of the Reuben sandwich are shrouded in mystery, but the most widely accepted story dates back to the 1920s in Omaha, Nebraska. According to legend, Arnold Reuben, a German-American restaurateur, created the sandwich as a specialty item for his restaurant, Reuben’s Delicatessen. The original Reuben consisted of corned beef, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese, grilled between slices of rye bread and served with a side of Thousand Island dressing.
Over time, the Reuben gained popularity and spread to delis and diners across the United States. Today, it’s a staple of American cuisine, with countless variations and interpretations.
The Key Components of a Great Reuben Sandwich
So, what makes a great Reuben sandwich? Here are the key components:
High-Quality Corned Beef
The corned beef is the star of the show in a Reuben sandwich. Look for thinly sliced, tender corned beef that’s been slow-cooked to perfection. The best corned beef is made from high-quality beef brisket or round, cured in a mixture of salt, sugar, and spices.
Tangy Sauerkraut
Sauerkraut adds a tangy, slightly sour flavor to the Reuben. Look for sauerkraut that’s been fermented in its own juices, with a slightly crunchy texture.
Melted Swiss Cheese
Swiss cheese is the perfect complement to the corned beef and sauerkraut. Look for a high-quality Swiss cheese that’s melted to perfection, adding a creamy texture to the sandwich.
Thousand Island Dressing
Thousand Island dressing is the glue that holds the Reuben together. Look for a high-quality dressing made with mayonnaise, ketchup, and relish, with a tangy, slightly sweet flavor.
Crusty Rye Bread
The rye bread is the foundation of the Reuben sandwich. Look for a crusty, dense bread that’s been grilled to perfection, with a slightly sweet flavor.
The Top Contenders for Best Reuben Sandwich
Now that we’ve explored the key components of a great Reuben sandwich, let’s take a look at the top contenders for the title of best Reuben sandwich.
Katz’s Delicatessen (New York, NY)
Katz’s Delicatessen is a New York institution, and their Reuben sandwich is a classic. Thinly sliced corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, and melted Swiss cheese are grilled to perfection between slices of crusty rye bread, served with a side of Thousand Island dressing.
Carnegie Deli (New York, NY)
Carnegie Deli is another New York institution, and their Reuben sandwich is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. Thick-cut corned beef, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese are piled high between slices of rye bread, grilled to perfection and served with a side of Thousand Island dressing.
The Berghoff (Chicago, IL)
The Berghoff is a Chicago institution, and their Reuben sandwich is a classic. Thinly sliced corned beef, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese are grilled to perfection between slices of crusty rye bread, served with a side of Thousand Island dressing.
The Reuben at Russ & Daughters Cafe (New York, NY)
Russ & Daughters Cafe is a trendy Jewish deli on the Lower East Side of Manhattan, and their Reuben sandwich is a game-changer. Thick-cut corned beef, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese are piled high between slices of rye bread, grilled to perfection and served with a side of Thousand Island dressing.
Other Notable Mentions
While these delis and diners are the top contenders for the title of best Reuben sandwich, there are many other notable mentions worth trying.
Ess-a-Bagel (New York, NY)
Ess-a-Bagel is a New York institution, and their Reuben sandwich is a favorite among locals. Thinly sliced corned beef, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese are grilled to perfection between slices of crusty rye bread, served with a side of Thousand Island dressing.
Steingold’s of Chicago (Chicago, IL)
Steingold’s of Chicago is a trendy Jewish deli in Chicago, and their Reuben sandwich is a game-changer. Thick-cut corned beef, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese are piled high between slices of rye bread, grilled to perfection and served with a side of Thousand Island dressing.
The Verdict
So, who makes the best Reuben sandwich? While it’s a tough call, we have to give the title to Katz’s Delicatessen in New York City. Their classic Reuben sandwich is a masterclass in texture and flavor, with thinly sliced corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, and melted Swiss cheese grilled to perfection between slices of crusty rye bread.
Of course, the best Reuben sandwich is always a matter of personal preference. Whether you like your corned beef thick-cut or thinly sliced, your sauerkraut tangy or slightly sweet, there’s a Reuben sandwich out there for everyone.
| Delicatessen | Location | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Katz’s Delicatessen | New York, NY | $22.95 |
| Carnegie Deli | New York, NY | $24.95 |
| The Berghoff | Chicago, IL | $19.95 |
| Russ & Daughters Cafe | New York, NY | $25.95 |
In conclusion, the Reuben sandwich is a classic American dish that’s been delighting diners for decades. Whether you’re a traditionalist who likes your Reuben made with thinly sliced corned beef and tangy sauerkraut, or a trendsetter who prefers your Reuben made with thick-cut corned beef and slightly sweet sauerkraut, there’s a Reuben sandwich out there for everyone. So next time you’re in the mood for a delicious sandwich, be sure to try one of these top contenders for the title of best Reuben sandwich.
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 for many people.
The origins of the Reuben sandwich are disputed, but it is often attributed to Arnold Reuben, a German-American restaurateur who allegedly created the sandwich in the early 20th century. Regardless of its origins, the Reuben sandwich has become a beloved classic in many parts of the world.
What makes a great Reuben sandwich?
A great Reuben sandwich requires a combination of high-quality ingredients and careful preparation. The corned beef should be tender and flavorful, the sauerkraut should be tangy and crunchy, and the Swiss cheese should be melted to perfection. The Thousand Island dressing adds a creamy and slightly sweet element to the sandwich.
In addition to the ingredients, the bread is also crucial to a great Reuben sandwich. The rye bread should be dense and chewy, with a slightly sweet flavor that complements the other ingredients. When all of these elements come together, a great Reuben sandwich is born.
How do you assemble a Reuben sandwich?
Assembling a Reuben sandwich is a relatively simple process. Start by buttering two slices of rye bread, then layer the corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Thousand Island dressing on one slice of bread. Place the second slice of bread on top of the filling, and grill the sandwich in a pan or skillet until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted.
It’s also important to cook the sandwich at the right temperature, so that the cheese is melted and the bread is toasted, but the filling is not overcooked. This can take a bit of practice, but with a little patience and experimentation, you can create a perfectly assembled Reuben sandwich.
Can you make a Reuben sandwich without Thousand Island dressing?
While Thousand Island dressing is a traditional ingredient in a Reuben sandwich, it is possible to make a variation of the sandwich without it. Some people prefer to use mayonnaise or mustard instead, while others may choose to omit the dressing altogether.
However, keep in mind that the Thousand Island dressing adds a unique flavor and texture to the sandwich, so omitting it may alter the overall character of the Reuben. If you do choose to make a Reuben without Thousand Island dressing, you may want to experiment with other ingredients to find a combination that works for you.
Can you use different types of cheese in a Reuben sandwich?
While Swiss cheese is the traditional choice for a Reuben sandwich, you can experiment with other types of cheese to create a unique variation. Some popular alternatives include cheddar, provolone, and even blue cheese.
However, keep in mind that the type of cheese you choose can affect the overall flavor and texture of the sandwich. For example, a stronger cheese like blue cheese may overpower the other ingredients, while a milder cheese like provolone may blend in more seamlessly.
Can you make a vegetarian Reuben sandwich?
While traditional Reuben sandwiches feature corned beef, it is possible to make a vegetarian version of the sandwich. Some popular alternatives to corned beef include tempeh, seitan, and even grilled portobello mushrooms.
When making a vegetarian Reuben, it’s also important to consider the other ingredients in the sandwich. For example, you may want to choose a vegetarian-friendly cheese, and be mindful of any animal-derived ingredients in the Thousand Island dressing.
How do you store leftover Reuben sandwiches?
If you have leftover Reuben sandwiches, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to a day or two. It’s best to wrap the sandwiches tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and keep them at a consistent refrigerator temperature.
When you’re ready to eat the leftover sandwich, you can reheat it in a pan or skillet until the cheese is melted and the bread is toasted. Alternatively, you can also reheat the sandwich in the microwave, although this may affect the texture of the bread.