There’s something undeniably satisfying about a perfectly made Reuben sandwich—the warm corned beef (or pastrami), tangy sauerkraut, melty Swiss, and creamy Thousand Island dressing all tucked between slices of hearty rye. Whether you’re a purist or a fan of bold variations, some sandwich chains across the U.S. are turning out Reubens that rival the best delis. From fast-casual favorites to regional gems with cult followings, this list rounds up 10 must-try spots serving up the Reuben in all its savory, toasted glory. Ready to meet your next sandwich obsession?
1. Jason’s Deli – Reuben THE Great
Reuben fans rejoice! Jason’s Deli doesn’t mess around with their signature sandwich. The half-pound stack of hot corned beef (or pastrami if you prefer) creates a towering masterpiece that requires both hands and plenty of napkins. The Swiss cheese melts perfectly into the meat while the sauerkraut provides that essential tangy crunch. Their Thousand Island dressing adds just the right amount of creamy sweetness to balance the robust flavors. The toasted marbled rye holds everything together despite the generous portions, making this a consistent crowd-pleaser that regulars travel miles to enjoy. It’s a hearty meal that might just require a to-go box for the second half!
2. Culver’s – Grilled Reuben Melt
Midwest sandwich magic happens at Culver’s, where their Grilled Reuben Melt has developed a loyal following. The restaurant takes pride in using lean, hand-trimmed corned beef that’s never stringy or tough.
What really makes this Reuben shine is the authentic Wisconsin Swiss cheese—creamy and rich from America’s Dairyland itself. The balance of sauerkraut to meat is spot-on, providing tanginess without overwhelming the other flavors. Each sandwich gets a perfect toast, creating a crispy exterior while keeping the center warm and melty. For a fast-casual restaurant, Culver’s delivers a surprisingly authentic deli experience that keeps Reuben lovers coming back.
3. Penn Station East Coast Subs – The Reuben
Sandwich perfectionists flock to Penn Station for their remarkable Reuben. The magic starts when they grill the sandwich to order, creating a perfect crisp on the rye bread while the Swiss cheese melts into creamy goodness. Unlike some chain restaurants, Penn Station doesn’t skimp on the corned beef, offering hearty portions that satisfy even the hungriest customers.
The sauerkraut provides a satisfying crunch and that signature fermented tang that cuts through the richness. Regulars rave about the zesty bite that comes from their well-balanced Thousand Island dressing. The bold flavors combined with the attentive preparation make this a standout option for Reuben enthusiasts who appreciate quality ingredients and proper technique.
4. Mr. Pickle’s Sandwich Shop – California Reuben
California sandwich culture gets a delicious twist at Mr. Pickle’s, where their Reuben has developed quite the West Coast following. Unlike traditional versions, they opt for tender pastrami instead of corned beef, creating a slightly different but equally delicious flavor profile. The marble rye bread gets a perfect toast, creating a sturdy foundation for the generous fillings.
Their Swiss cheese melts beautifully, while the sauerkraut brings that essential tangy crunch to every bite. What truly sets this sandwich apart is their house-made Thousand Island dressing, which adds a creamy, slightly sweet kick that ties everything together. The California influence shows in the freshness and quality of ingredients, making this a standout option for Reuben aficionados.
5. Togo’s – #10 Pastrami Reuben
Sandwich history runs deep at Togo’s, where the #10 Pastrami Reuben has been satisfying West Coast cravings for decades. Their approach focuses on abundance—expect a hefty portion of pastrami that makes this sandwich a genuine two-handed affair. The Swiss cheese melts perfectly into the warm pastrami, creating pockets of creamy goodness throughout. Their sauerkraut strikes the perfect balance—enough to provide that essential tangy crunch without overwhelming the other flavors. What regulars appreciate most is how the Thousand Island dressing is applied with a careful hand, adding creaminess without making the sandwich soggy. For hungry Reuben lovers seeking serious satisfaction, Togo’s delivers a memorable experience that justifies its cult following among sandwich enthusiasts.
6. Snarf’s Sandwiches – Toasted Reuben Classic
Heat and crunch create sandwich magic at Snarf’s, where their Reuben has earned a devoted following. The artisanal touch is immediately apparent—each sandwich gets a slow toast that creates the perfect textural contrast between crispy exterior and warm, melty interior. The corned beef is sliced thin but piled high, creating tender, flavorful bites throughout.
Their Swiss cheese melts completely, forming pockets of creamy goodness that complement the tangy sauerkraut. What truly distinguishes this Reuben is the attention to temperature and texture. The warm sandwich with its contrasting elements creates a multi-sensory experience that elevates it beyond typical deli fare. For those who appreciate the technical aspects of a great sandwich, Snarf’s delivers a textbook-perfect Reuben worth seeking out.
7. The Sandwich Spot – West Coast Reuben
Sandwich rebels will appreciate The Sandwich Spot’s bold take on the classic Reuben. Their West Coast interpretation features pastrami that’s sliced thick and seasoned with a proprietary spice blend that adds unexpected depth to each bite. Don’t come here expecting skimpy portions—their philosophy is clearly “more is more” when it comes to both meat and toppings. The sauerkraut is piled high, creating a satisfying tang and crunch that cuts through the richness of the meat and cheese. The marble rye bread stands up admirably to the mountain of fillings, staying crisp even with the generous application of their house-made Thousand Island dressing. For Reuben enthusiasts who believe bigger is better, this regional chain delivers a memorable sandwich experience worth the inevitable food coma afterward.
8. Publix Deli – Corned Beef Reuben Sub
Grocery store greatness happens at Publix, where their deli counter Reuben has developed a cult following throughout the South. Their unique twist replaces traditional rye with a fresh sub roll, creating a hybrid that somehow works beautifully. The corned beef remains the star—juicy, tender, and sliced fresh to order. The Swiss cheese gets perfectly melted during preparation, creating that essential gooey texture that Reuben lovers crave.
Southern sandwich fans appreciate how the sauerkraut is applied with a careful hand—enough to provide tang without overwhelming the other flavors. The Thousand Island dressing adds creamy sweetness that ties everything together. For a supermarket sandwich, it consistently surprises first-timers with its quality and execution, earning its place among more traditional delis.
9. Which Wich – Build-Your-Own Reuben
Sandwich customization reaches new heights at Which Wich, where Reuben lovers can fine-tune their perfect creation. Starting with the traditional foundation of corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut and Thousand Island on rye, customers can adjust every element to their exact preferences.
Want double meat? Extra cheese? More or less sauerkraut? All options are available with their innovative ordering system. The toasting process creates the perfect melt and crunch that Reuben enthusiasts expect. What makes this experience special is the consistency across locations—the build-your-own approach ensures you get exactly what you want every time. For Reuben purists who have strong opinions about the perfect ratio of ingredients, Which Wich offers a level of control that traditional delis can’t match while still delivering authentic flavors.
10. Arby’s – Fast Food Reuben
Fast food redemption comes in the form of Arby’s surprisingly authentic Reuben. While purists might scoff at a drive-thru deli sandwich, this chain has managed to create a consistent, satisfying version that holds its own against many sit-down competitors. The marbled rye bread gets a proper toast, while the corned beef maintains good texture and flavor despite the fast-food setting. Their Swiss cheese melts beautifully, creating that essential gooey element that makes a Reuben so craveable. What impresses most Reuben enthusiasts is how well-balanced the sandwich remains—the sauerkraut provides genuine tang without overwhelming, while the Thousand Island dressing adds the right amount of creamy sweetness. For those Reuben cravings that hit when you’re on the road or short on time, Arby’s delivers a surprisingly worthy option.
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