Despite the European sounding origins of ingredients like rye bread, corned beef, sauerkraut and Russian dressing, the humble Reuben sandwich apparently got its start right here in the good ol’ U.S. of A.
Omaha, Nebraska claims to be the original home of the Reuben, after a man at a local poker match asked for a sandwich with corned beef and sauerkraut, and the cook added Swiss cheese and some Thousand Island Dressing to the concoction.
(Thousand Island dressing, which is sweeter, and Russian dressing, which is spicier, are both used in Reuben sandwiches.)
Now, the sandwich is ubiquitous on menus across America, including here in Northern Virgina. We picked out five local Reubens that seem to get a lot of rave reviews from diners.
==========
Chutzpah
12214 Fairfax Town Center, Fairfax
The Chutzpah deli has a mammoth Reuben that one online reviewer named Shelby called “the father of all sandwiches” and her “absolute favorite.” After more than 20 years in business, Chutzpah is the real deal.
==========
Quatro Goombas
22860 James Monroe Highway, Aldie
Quattro Goombas is a winery and brewery best known for its beverages (including its popular wine slushies), but it’s also got an extensive food menu. The pizzas are the big draw, but the QG team says their Reuben could “probably win ‘American Idol,'” it’s so good.
==========
Clydes
Multiple locations
“The Reuben is the bomb,” said Joanne L., an online reviewer said about the Reuben at Clyde’s Willow Creek Farm in Ashburn. Made on a toasted seeded rye bread, the beloved sandwich shows up on the menus at all six Clyde’s locations across the region.
==========
Celebrity Delly
7263-A Arlington Boulevard, Falls Church
In business for roughly five decades, the Celebrity Delly is an iconic staple of the Northern Virginia dining scene — and much of the credit goes to the mammoth Reuben on the menu. “This Reuben sandwich was the best I’ve ever had,” said Isaac M. in an online posting.
==========
Rai’s Rendezvous
44042 Pipeline Plaza, Ashburn
Rai’s is relatively new to the dining scene — just opening in 2023. But already, it’s Reuben is getting rave reviews. “The best Reuben in Ashburn,” said local influencer Renee V. on social media.
(Image at top: A Reuben sandwich from Clyde’s.)