Ranked by TableJourney editorial score.
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.
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.
3 editor picks for Reuben Sandwich in New York City, ranked by editorial score. All New York City signature dishes · Reuben Sandwich across every city.
Also in: Omaha.
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.
OrderHand-cut pastrami on rye, mustard, half-sour pickle.
TipTip 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.
OrderHand-cut pastrami on rye with mustard.
TipCounter 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.
OrderGarlic-rubbed skirt steak with seltzer-and-chocolate-syrup egg cream service.
TipTables are mixed at long shared boards; book the early seating by phone (646-410-2427) if you want any chance of hearing your tablemate.
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