Where can I find the best reuben in America?

I love reubens. It is one of the only things I really can make. And if I get the ingredients to make them, I'll usually eat them two meals a day for four days straight. Obsessed.

When I was in DC, the place the interns went everyday had the greatest reubens ever. I like mine very cheesy, a small amount of thinly sliced corn beef (moist not dry), lots of 1000 Island, and a medium amount of sauerkraut. Everyone gave me such crap, claiming it was such a midwestern sandwich.

When I came home though so many people told me it's so Jewish. There are many stories about how is was created but it is clear it is a Jewish sandwich.

PS. In Green Bay, Don and I went to this new restaurant where they had reuben dip! Very good.


Here are a list of some of the best places: (You don't have to read. These places are now on my bucket list of places to visit...many are in NYC...)

Fresh by Lisa Hemenway: The creme-de-la Reuben, this slightly off-kilter version uses grilled seeded sourdough, caramelized onions, organic sauerkraut and Swiss served with roasted baby reds, $12. 5755 Mountain Hawk, Santa Rosa, 595-1048.

Jackson’s Bar and Oven: Exec Chef Josh Silvers knows from deli. His dressed-up version: Corned beef, Swiss, house-baked Rye and Sauerkraut with house-made chips. $10.95. And of course, the pickles.135 4th Street, Santa Rosa, 545-6900.

Della Fattoria: Another unusual, but delicious take on the traditional, Petaluma’s Della Fattoria piles high Niman Ranch pastrami, Thousand Island Dressing, hearty fresh-baked bread and Alexander Valley sauerkraut. 141 Petaluma Boulevard North, Petaluma, 763-0161.

From the Deli: Traditionalists Mac’s Deli: Long my go-to standard, Mac’s Reuben is simple and classic. Served with fries and a pickle, it’s a little slice of NYC in Santa Rosa. 630 4th Street, Santa Rosa, 545-3785.

Aoili Deli: Tucked away in Forestville, this outstanding little deli continues to impress. Slow braised corned beef, house made Thousand Island aioli and bread from nearby Nightingale breads.

Ulia’s Deli: Locals love this westside deli, and credit for inspiring a lengthy discussion about the merits of Sonoma county’s Reuben’s started with a rave about Ulia’s top-notch Reuben.130 Stony Point Rd # F, Santa Rosa, 525-8542.

Arrigoni’s Deli: Downtown Santa Rosa is fortunate to have several solid delicatessens, and Arrigoni’s extensive sandwich selection makes it a top pick. Classic Reuben on rye. 701 4th St., Santa Rosa, 545-1297.