Few sandwiches stir up as much devotion—and debate—as the classic Reuben. With its bold combination of tender corned beef, melted Swiss cheese, tangy sauerkraut, and creamy Russian dressing all tucked between slices of grilled rye bread, the Reuben is a masterpiece of contrasting flavors and textures. It’s a sandwich that manages to be both rich and balanced, hearty yet refined. But achieving that perfect harmony isn’t as easy as it sounds. Too often, diners are served limp bread, bland meat, or a soggy middle that falls apart halfway through the meal. Getting a Reuben right takes care, quality ingredients, and just the right grill technique.
While this deli staple has long been the domain of independent sandwich shops and Jewish delis, some chain restaurants have managed to get it just right—and they’ve earned loyal followings because of it. In a world where chain food can sometimes feel impersonal or cookie-cutter, discovering a genuinely great Reuben on a franchise menu is like striking gold. Whether you’re craving nostalgia, comfort, or just a fantastic sandwich, these fourteen chain establishments have risen above the rest by delivering Reubens that do the classic proud. Prepare your appetite—this is one list worth biting into.
1. Arby’s Classic Reuben
America’s roast beef giant surprised everyone when they perfected their take on this deli classic. Their version features tender, slow-roasted corned beef piled high on marble rye bread with melted Swiss cheese.
What sets Arby’s apart is their commitment to using quality ingredients without cutting corners. The sauerkraut provides just the right amount of tangy crunch, while their Thousand Island dressing adds creamy richness.
Available nationwide, this sandwich proves that fast food chains can deliver authentic flavors when they focus on traditional recipes and quality preparation methods.
2. Panera Bread Reuben
Bakery-fresh bread makes all the difference, and Panera understands this better than most chains. Their artisan rye provides the perfect foundation for layers of premium corned beef and aged Swiss cheese.
Each sandwich is grilled to golden perfection, creating that essential crispy exterior while keeping the interior warm and melty. The house-made Thousand Island dressing adds a gourmet touch that elevates this classic.
Their commitment to clean ingredients means no artificial preservatives or flavors, just honest flavors that remind you why this sandwich became an American favorite in the first place.
3. Firehouse Subs Pastrami Reuben
Heroes know good food, and Firehouse Subs delivers with their pastrami twist on the traditional recipe. Instead of corned beef, they use thick-cut pastrami that’s steamed to perfection and piled generously on their signature sub roll.
The combination of melted provolone cheese, tangy sauerkraut, and creamy Russian dressing creates a flavor explosion worthy of their firefighter theme. Each bite delivers smoky, savory satisfaction.
Their commitment to supporting first responders extends to their food quality, ensuring every sandwich meets the high standards of those who serve our communities daily.
4. Jason’s Deli Reuben the Great
Size matters when hunger strikes, and Jason’s Deli lives up to their “Great” naming with portions that satisfy even the heartiest appetites. Their hand-sliced corned beef is piled impossibly high between slices of fresh rye bread.
What makes this version special is their attention to balance – despite the generous meat portions, the Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and dressing ratios remain perfect. Every bite delivers the ideal combination of flavors and textures.
Their salad bar heritage shows in the freshness of their ingredients, ensuring crisp sauerkraut and perfectly melted cheese in every sandwich they serve.
5. Schlotzsky’s Original Reuben
Sourdough bread transforms everything it touches, and Schlotzsky’s proves this with their unique take on the classic Reuben. Their signature bun provides a tangy foundation that complements the traditional fillings beautifully.
Lean corned beef, melted Swiss cheese, and crisp sauerkraut create familiar flavors with an unexpected twist. The toasted sourdough adds a chewy texture that holds up perfectly to the generous fillings.
This Austin-born chain has been perfecting their sandwich craft for decades, and their Reuben showcases why their loyal customers keep coming back for more innovative takes on beloved classics.
6. McAlister’s Deli Reuben
Southern hospitality meets New York deli tradition at McAlister’s, where their Reuben receives the same careful attention as their famous sweet tea. Thinly sliced corned beef is layered with precision on marble rye bread.
Their version strikes the perfect balance between traditional preparation and Southern comfort. The Swiss cheese melts beautifully, while the sauerkraut adds just enough tang without overwhelming the other flavors.
What sets McAlister’s apart is their commitment to made-to-order preparation, ensuring each sandwich arrives hot, fresh, and built exactly to your preferences every single time you visit.
7. Potbelly Sandwich Shop Reuben
Neighborhood charm meets big flavor at Potbelly, where their Reuben gets the full toasted treatment in their signature ovens. The result is a perfectly crispy exterior that gives way to warm, melty goodness inside.
Their house-made Russian dressing adds a tangy kick that perfectly complements the savory corned beef and sharp Swiss cheese. The sauerkraut provides that essential crunch and acidity that makes each bite memorable.
Originally a Chicago antique shop, Potbelly’s history of attention to detail shows in every sandwich they craft, making their Reuben a standout choice for discerning sandwich lovers everywhere.
8. Quiznos Classic Reuben
Toasted perfection defines every Quiznos creation, and their Reuben showcases exactly why their signature heating method makes such a difference. The rye bread develops a golden crust while keeping the interior soft and warm.
Premium corned beef pairs beautifully with aged Swiss cheese that melts to creamy perfection under their specialized ovens. The sauerkraut stays crisp while the Thousand Island dressing becomes warm and inviting.
Their pioneering approach to toasted subs revolutionized fast-casual dining, and their Reuben demonstrates how proper heating techniques can elevate even the most traditional sandwich recipes to new heights.
9. Which Wich Superior Sandwiches Reuben
Customization reaches new levels at Which Wich, where their Reuben becomes exactly what you want it to be. Their unique ordering system lets you modify every component to create your perfect version of this classic.
Quality corned beef serves as the foundation, but you control everything else from cheese type to dressing amount. Their fresh rye bread provides the ideal canvas for your personalized masterpiece.
What started as a single Dallas location has grown into a customization empire, proving that giving customers control over their food creates loyalty and satisfaction that keeps them coming back repeatedly.
10. Jimmy John’s Club Lulu Reuben Style
Speed meets flavor at Jimmy John’s, where their Club Lulu can be transformed into a Reuben-inspired creation that satisfies cravings in record time. Fresh turkey replaces traditional corned beef while maintaining the essential flavor profile.
Their signature French bread provides a different but equally delicious foundation for Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing. The combination creates a lighter take on the classic that doesn’t sacrifice taste.
Known for “freaky fast” delivery, Jimmy John’s proves that quick service doesn’t mean compromising on quality ingredients or attention to detail in sandwich construction and flavor development.
11. Subway Reuben
Global reach meets local taste at Subway, where their Reuben adaptation makes this classic accessible worldwide. While they use turkey or ham instead of traditional corned beef, the essential flavors remain intact and satisfying.
Their variety of bread options lets you customize the base, though Italian herbs and cheese provides an excellent foundation. Fresh sauerkraut and Swiss cheese complete the familiar flavor profile.
With locations in over 100 countries, Subway’s version introduces the Reuben concept to international audiences while maintaining the core elements that make this sandwich a beloved American classic.
12. Corner Bakery Cafe Reuben
Bakery-fresh ingredients elevate every aspect of Corner Bakery’s Reuben, starting with their house-made rye bread that provides the perfect foundation for premium fillings. Their artisan approach shows in every detail.
Slow-cooked corned beef is sliced fresh daily and paired with aged Swiss cheese that melts beautifully. The sauerkraut maintains its crunch while the Thousand Island dressing adds creamy richness.
Their cafe atmosphere encourages lingering over great food, and their Reuben provides the perfect excuse to savor each bite while enjoying the warm, welcoming environment they’ve created.
13. Newk’s Eatery Reuben
Fresh, fast, and flavorful defines Newk’s approach to their Reuben, where quality ingredients meet efficient preparation without sacrificing taste. Their marble rye bread provides a beautiful foundation for generous corned beef portions.
Swiss cheese melts perfectly while sauerkraut adds the essential tangy crunch that balances the rich flavors. Their house-made Thousand Island dressing ties everything together with creamy, zesty goodness.
Born in Mississippi and spreading across the South, Newk’s combines fast-casual convenience with the kind of quality you’d expect from a neighborhood deli, making their Reuben a standout choice.
14. Great Harvest Bread Company Reuben
Freshly milled flour makes all the difference, and Great Harvest proves this daily with their incredible rye bread that serves as the foundation for their exceptional Reuben. Their commitment to fresh ingredients shows immediately.
Premium corned beef is layered generously with aged Swiss cheese and crisp sauerkraut. Their house-made Russian dressing provides the perfect creamy, tangy finish that brings all the flavors together harmoniously.
Each location mills wheat fresh daily, ensuring that every sandwich starts with bread that’s as fresh as possible, creating a Reuben experience that truly showcases the difference quality ingredients make.
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