The Reuben sandwich, that perfect stack of corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese and Russian dressing on rye bread, has become a deli staple across America.
Not all Reubens are created equal, especially when chain restaurants try their hand at this classic.
Some nail the perfect balance of tangy, savory, and toasty, while others serve up disasters that would make sandwich lovers weep.
1. Arby’s: Fast Food Reuben That Actually Delivers
Who knew a drive-thru could produce a respectable Reuben? Arby’s version features surprisingly tender corned beef that doesn’t taste processed.
The sauerkraut brings that essential tang without drowning the sandwich, and their marble rye holds up to the fillings without disintegrating. A worthy option when the craving hits!
2. Jason’s Deli: The Mountain of Meat Worth Climbing
First bite into Jason’s Reuben THE Great reveals why they’re confident enough to put ‘great’ in the name. Generously stacked with quality corned beef and perfectly melted Swiss cheese.
Despite the substantial filling, the marble rye retains its structural integrity. Extra points for the free ice cream that soothes your taste buds after this blast of flavors!
3. Schlotzsky’s: Bold Sourdough Twist That Works
Sandwich purists might raise eyebrows at Schlotzsky’s sourdough substitution for traditional rye. Yet somehow, this rebellious choice creates magic with the tangy corned beef.
Their zesty Russian dressing ties everything together with just the right kick. The toasting process creates that perfect crunch-to-softness ratio that makes you forget about sandwich orthodoxy altogether.
4. Firehouse Subs: Hook & Ladder Reuben Worth Rescuing
Though only available periodically, Firehouse’s limited-time Hook & Ladder Reuben deserves permanent menu status. Their steam-heating method ensures the cheese melts perfectly into every crevice.
The slight smokiness added to their corned beef elevates this sandwich beyond basic. When it returns to the menu, don’t walk—run to your nearest location!
5. Katz’s Delicatessen: Airport Locations Still Deliver NYC Magic
Famous for a reason, Katz’s has expanded beyond their iconic NYC location. Even at their airport outposts, the hand-carved corned beef maintains its legendary status.
As it should, there is a significant meat-to-bread ratio! The acidic excellence of their Russian dressing recipe, which is still a carefully guarded secret, speaks for itself.
6. TooJay’s Deli: Florida’s Gift to Reuben Lovers
This Florida-based chain understands what makes a Reuben shine. Their house-made Russian dressing adds a unique zing you won’t find elsewhere.
Many people are unable to strike the delicate balance of keeping the corned meat moist without soggy bread. A sandwich experience worthy of a vacation is produced by TooJay’s using quality rye bread that is flavorful and substantial.
7. Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop: Pastrami Twist That Works
Breaking tradition by using pastrami instead of corned beef, Cap’s Reuben earns its spot through sheer flavor excellence. The meat receives a perfect grill that enhances its smokiness.
Their sauerkraut ratio hits the sweet spot—present without overwhelming. While purists might object to the substitution, one bite of this sandwich will silence most critics.
8. Zingerman’s Roadhouse: Artisanal Approach Worth Every Penny
This Ann Arbor mini-chain treats the Reuben with reverence it deserves. Their house-baked rye bread alone would make this list, but paired with premium corned beef, it becomes transcendent.
There’s just enough spice in the homemade Russian dressing to keep things interesting. Although it costs more than other items on this list, the workmanship makes up for the difference.
9. McAlister’s Deli: Balanced Execution Without Excess
McAlister’s understands restraint—their Reuben doesn’t try to impress with size alone. The corned beef quantity feels just right, allowing other ingredients to shine equally.
They use a toasting process that produces the ideal textural contrast between the warm interior and the crisp outside. The fast-casual restaurant has perfected the art of maintaining a high standard of quality throughout all of its sites.
10. Carnegie Deli: Resurrected Reuben Worth Hunting Down
Though the original location closed, Carnegie Deli lives on through licensed counters in select venues. Their Reuben remains gloriously excessive—a towering monument to New York sandwich culture.
The corned beef practically melts in your mouth despite the impressive thickness. Finding one requires effort, but the nostalgic flavor explosion makes the search worthwhile.
11. Denny’s: The Late-Night Reuben Letdown
Available 24/7 doesn’t mean worth ordering at any hour. Denny’s Reuben suffers from bread that starts soggy and somehow gets worse with each bite.
More than deli food, the texture of corned beef is similar to mystery meat. Any chance this sandwich had of being saved is ruined by the watery mess their sauerkraut creates due to improper drainage.
12. IHOP: Pancake House, Reuben Disaster
Stick to what you know, IHOP. Their Reuben features corned beef so thin you’ll question if it’s actually there.
The cheese rarely melts completely, leaving cold spots throughout. Meanwhile, the Russian dressing tastes suspiciously like Thousand Island straight from a bottle. A half-hearted attempt that proves some chains should leave sandwiches to the experts.
13. Subway: Automated Disappointment Assembly Line
Subway’s Reuben experiment tastes like someone described the sandwich to an AI that’s never eaten food. Their corned beef resembles thin lunch meat rather than proper deli cuts.
Without even trying to be rye, the bread receives a hasty toast that adds little texture. This invention is inherently defective and cannot be saved by even their most passionate sandwich artisans.
14. Applebee’s: The Forgettable Grease Bomb
Applebee’s Reuben makes occasional menu appearances, though perhaps it shouldn’t. The sandwich arrives suspiciously fast, suggesting microwave involvement rather than proper grilling.
Excessive grease soaks through the bread before you take your first bite. The corned beef quality varies wildly between locations, making this a gamble rarely worth taking.
15. Panera Bread: Artisan Ambitions, Sandwich Sadness
For a chain priding itself on bread, Panera’s rye disappoints with its lack of structure and flavor. Their Russian dressing contains an inexplicable sweetness that clashes with the sauerkraut.
It comes with corned beef that is too thinly sliced and underseasoned. This sandwich provides economy-class results despite its premium price range, leaving Reuben fans feeling deceived.