MomSkoop
New York City knows sandwiches, and nobody does the classic Reuben better than the Big Apple’s legendary delis. From towering stacks of corned beef to perfectly melted Swiss cheese, these iconic spots have been perfecting their craft for decades. Each deli brings its own special touch to this beloved combination of rye bread, Russian dressing, and sauerkraut. Get ready to discover where locals go for the most incredible Reuben experiences in the city.
1. PJ Bernstein
Upper East Side locals have been flocking to this neighborhood gem since 1976 for good reason. PJ Bernstein crafts their Reuben with house-cured pastrami that melts in your mouth, creating layers of smoky flavor.
Their secret lies in the perfect balance of ingredients. The rye bread gets toasted to golden perfection while maintaining a soft interior that holds everything together beautifully.
What sets this spot apart is their homemade Russian dressing, which adds just the right amount of tangy sweetness. The sauerkraut provides that essential crunch without overwhelming the delicate flavors of the premium Swiss cheese.
2. Katz’s Delicatessen
Since 1888, this Lower East Side institution has been serving sandwiches that define New York deli culture. Walking through those famous doors feels like stepping back in time to when delis ruled the neighborhood.
Their Reuben features hand-sliced corned beef piled impossibly high between slices of fresh rye. The meat practically spills over the edges, requiring both hands and serious commitment to tackle properly.
Every bite delivers that perfect combination of salty, savory, and slightly sour flavors. The Swiss cheese melts beautifully over the warm meat, while their tangy sauerkraut adds the ideal textural contrast that makes each mouthful memorable.
3. Junior’s Restaurant & Bakery
Brooklyn’s crown jewel has been family-owned since 1950, earning its reputation far beyond just cheesecake. Their Reuben represents old-school New York craftsmanship at its finest, made with recipes passed down through generations.
Premium corned beef gets piled high on fresh marble rye, creating a sandwich that’s both generous and refined. The Swiss cheese melts to creamy perfection, binding all the flavors together harmoniously.
Each component shines individually while working together as a cohesive whole. The Russian dressing adds subtle sweetness that complements the tangy sauerkraut, creating a flavor profile that keeps customers coming back for decades.
4. Stage Door Delicatessen
Theater District energy meets authentic deli tradition at this Broadway-adjacent favorite. Stage Door has been fueling hungry theatergoers and locals since opening, creating sandwiches worthy of standing ovations.
Their Reuben showcases perfectly seasoned pastrami that’s been slow-cooked to tender perfection. Each slice practically falls apart at first bite, releasing incredible smoky flavors that fill your entire palate.
The magic happens when everything comes together between slices of genuine New York rye bread. Swiss cheese melts beautifully over the warm meat, while crisp sauerkraut and creamy Russian dressing complete this theatrical masterpiece that deserves center stage.
5. 2nd Ave Deli
Kosher tradition meets modern excellence at this East Village landmark that relocated but never lost its soul. 2nd Ave Deli brings generations of Jewish deli expertise to every sandwich they create.
Their Reuben features house-made pastrami that’s been cured and smoked using time-honored techniques. The meat develops incredible depth of flavor through this careful process, creating layers of taste that unfold with each bite.
Authentic marble rye provides the perfect foundation for this towering creation. The Swiss cheese melts into creamy pools while tangy sauerkraut adds that essential acidic brightness that cuts through the rich, smoky meat beautifully.
6. Sarge’s Delicatessen & Diner
Murray Hill’s 24-hour deli champion never sleeps, serving perfect Reubens around the clock since 1964. Whether you’re craving lunch at noon or a late-night sandwich at 3 AM, Sarge’s delivers consistent quality.
Their corned beef gets hand-carved to order, ensuring every slice maintains optimal tenderness and flavor. The meat stays incredibly juicy, creating that perfect texture contrast against the crispy rye bread exterior.
What makes Sarge’s special is their attention to proportion and timing. Every element arrives at your table at the ideal temperature, with melted Swiss cheese still bubbling and sauerkraut providing that essential crunch factor.
7. S&P Lunch
Midtown’s hidden treasure operates like a well-oiled machine, turning out exceptional Reubens for the business lunch crowd. This no-frills spot focuses purely on quality ingredients and expert sandwich construction.
Their approach emphasizes simplicity and perfection in every layer. Fresh rye bread gets grilled to exactly the right shade of golden brown, creating optimal texture without becoming too crispy or tough.
Premium pastrami takes center stage, complemented by perfectly melted Swiss that doesn’t overpower the meat’s natural flavors. The sauerkraut provides just enough tang and crunch, while their house-made Russian dressing ties everything together with creamy, slightly sweet notes.
8. Sunny & Annie’s Deli
Greenwich Village charm meets serious sandwich craftsmanship at this beloved neighborhood spot. Sunny & Annie’s treats every Reuben like a work of art, carefully layering each ingredient for maximum impact.
Their corned beef gets sliced thick enough to showcase the meat’s incredible marbling and flavor development. Each piece maintains perfect tenderness while providing substantial, satisfying bites that meat lovers absolutely crave.
The magic lies in their house-made Russian dressing recipe that’s been perfected over years of customer feedback. Combined with crispy sauerkraut and perfectly melted Swiss cheese, every element works in harmony to create sandwich perfection.
9. Eisenberg’s Sandwich Shop
Flatiron District history lives on at this 1929 institution where time seems frozen in the best possible way. Eisenberg’s maintains old-school deli traditions while serving some of Manhattan’s most authentic Reubens.
Their sandwich construction follows classic techniques passed down through decades of sandwich makers. Fresh marble rye provides the ideal foundation for generous portions of hand-sliced pastrami that’s been perfectly seasoned and cooked.
Every bite transports you back to New York’s golden deli era. The Swiss cheese melts beautifully over warm meat, while tangy sauerkraut and creamy Russian dressing complete this timeless combination that has satisfied customers for nearly a century.
10. Premier Deli
Multiple locations across Manhattan prove that consistency and quality can coexist beautifully. Premier Deli has mastered the art of delivering exceptional Reubens whether you visit their Midtown, Upper East Side, or Financial District spots.
Their systematic approach ensures every sandwich meets exacting standards. Premium corned beef gets sliced to optimal thickness, creating perfect texture while maintaining the meat’s natural juiciness and robust flavor profile.
What sets Premier apart is their commitment to using only the finest ingredients across all locations. Fresh rye bread, authentic Swiss cheese, crisp sauerkraut, and their signature Russian dressing combine to create consistently outstanding results every single time.