Hot grilled rye sandwich layered with thinly sliced corned beef or pastrami, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese and Russian dressing, pressed in a buttered cast-iron pan until the bread crisps and the cheese melts.
Where to eat it: 5 restaurants across 2 cities.
The Reuben's origin is disputed between New York and Omaha. The New York claim credits Arnold Reuben at Reuben's Restaurant in Midtown Manhattan, who created a 'Reuben Special' around 1914, though his original used ham, turkey and coleslaw rather than the now-canonical corned beef and sauerkraut. The Omaha claim credits Reuben Kulakofsky and chef Schimmel at the Blackstone Hotel around 1925; the Blackstone version went national after winning a 1956 sandwich contest. The Midtown deli version is what survives in New York today; Katz's, Pastrami Queen and 2nd Avenue Deli all run defensible versions.
Common allergens: Gluten, Dairy, Egg
Tip from the editors. Squeeze the sauerkraut bone-dry; this single step separates a great Reuben from a soggy one. Heat the pastrami gently so it stays tender.
Katz's on East Houston has cured, smoked and hand-sliced pastrami in New York City since 1888. The corner-of-the-counter sandwich is the deli's whole point.
Signature: Pastrami on rye, Matzo ball soup
Order: Hand-cut pastrami on rye, mustard, half-sour pickle.
Tip: Tip the slicer a dollar when you get your ticket; a thick fatty slice samples your way and the sandwich comes built right.
Pastrami Queen on Lexington serves kosher pastrami sandwiches on the Upper East Side of New York City. Modest counter, oversized sandwiches since 1956.
Signature: Pastrami on rye, Potato knish
Order: Hand-cut pastrami on rye with mustard.
Tip: Counter is tiny and seats fewer than a dozen; the takeaway line moves faster than the dine-in queue.
Sammy's Roumanian reopened on Stanton Street in 2024 after the Chrystie basement closed in 2021. Romanian-Jewish steakhouse, schmaltz on every table.
Signature: Skirt steak, Chopped liver, Karnatzlach
Order: Garlic-rubbed skirt steak with seltzer-and-chocolate-syrup egg cream service.
Tip: Tables are mixed at long shared boards; book the early seating by phone (646-410-2427) if you want any chance of hearing your tablemate.
The 2026 James Beard America's Classics winner, Johnny's Cafe has served hand-cut steaks in the same building beside the former Union Stockyards since 1922.
Crescent Moon Ale House on Farnam stocks over 300 craft beers and hosts the November Reubenfest, marking Blackstone's claim as the Reuben sandwich birthplace.
Signature drink: 300+ rotating craft beer selection
Food: American pub food including the Blackstone Reuben
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