10 Best Chain Restaurant Reubens, According To Customer Reviews

How do you know if a deli is good? Check out its Reuben. The quintessential New York deli sandwich was created in 1914 (or the late 1920s, depending on which origin story you ascribe to) and is now one of the most popular and recognizable sandwiches in America. The true Reuben sandwich recipe features a mound of corned beef (or, just as often, pastrami), topped with melted Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing (or, occasionally, its less-spicy cousin, Thousand Island), all sandwiched between two slices of buttered-and-grilled rye bread. The nutty cheese, which becomes creamy when melted, perfectly complements the salty, juicy meat and tangy kraut. The ingredients have to strike the right balance, which is why many judge a good deli by how it does its Reubens. Any deli worth its salt should be able make a decent one. But what about chain restaurants? Fortunately, there are several out there whose Reubens get great reviews from fans.

When you're a jack of all trades but master of none, like many chain restaurants out there, it's hard to rise above the competition with any one dish. But these 10 chain restaurants — some fast food, some fast casual — consistently earn high marks for their Reubens. Though some of them add their own spins by switching out meats, substituting sauerkraut with slaw, etc., these are the chain restaurant Reubens worth sinking your teeth into.

This classic fast-food restaurant founded in the Midwest is primarily known for its roast beef (the company even turned its name into the acronym for "America's Roast Beef, Yes Sir" in an advertising campaign). But what may be lesser known — but has gained popularity among its customers — is Arby's Corned Beef Reuben. The sandwich sticks mostly to the traditional New York-style recipe, though it uses Thousand Island dressing instead of Russian.

Reviewers online consistently comment that it offers a good value for the price (which varies by location but is generally around $10), adding that the restaurant provides hearty portions of meat and sauerkraut. Interestingly, you can also add toppings like bacon, tomato, and different types of cheese, and you can substitute wheat bread for the rye. Some reviewers even like to replace the Thousand Island with Horsey Sauce. Other reviewers add that though they aren't fans of sauerkraut, this sandwich still won them over, and the sauerkraut actually added a crunch that they enjoyed. One commenter on Reddit even said, "The Reuben is the only thing I get at Arby's. It is a pleasant surprise. Absolutely delicious." Though many reviewers are quick to point out that it's not a sandwich that will transport you to New York, it nicely satisfies the Reuben craving when you just simply have to have one.

Founded in 1971, this sandwich chain uses the motto "true to the sandwich," and when it comes to TOGO'S Pastrami Reuben — menu item #10 and one of its three signature hot pastrami sandwiches — that slogan proves true. The restaurant definitely stays true to the original Reuben recipe, though it also uses the more common Thousand Island instead of Russian dressing. While corned beef was the meat used in the first Reubens dating back to the early 1900s, pastrami quickly became a substitute because of its preparation. While corned beef is made with brisket that is brined to preserve it and tenderize it, then boiled or baked, pastrami is made of several other cuts of meat that are often easier and cheaper to find (and are more tender than brisket, which can be tough and takes a long time to cook down). It's also cured and smoked, so it can be preserved for a longer period of time.

Customers at TOGO's love its pastrami, even going so far as to call it a "must try," and even the best hot pastrami they've ever had. One Redditor even said, "If I found out that their pastrami was made from humans, I would still eat it. So good!" One thing to note, however, is that the menu groups the Reuben into its expanded Hot Pastrami (#9) sandwich category, and in some restaurants, only the basic Hot Pastrami may be available or the only option shown on the menu. Some customers have noted that even when the Reuben wasn't on the displayed menu, they were able to get it by simply asking the employee.

Firehouse Subs, the firefighter-founded submarine-sandwich chain founded about three decades ago, is popular for many of its sandwiches — it has some of the most popular meatball subs from chain restaurants, in particular. But what may be less well-known (and just as beloved) is its Pastrami Reuben. But you might call this one a somewhat controversial pick.

First, I should note that Firehouse Subs only offers its Pastrami Reuben at limited times; it's not a regular menu feature. You can find ads and reviews for the sandwich dating back to 2018, and some from 2021, but it comes and goes on the menu. And it might be considered controversial because it's not technically a Reuben; it's what we call a Rachel. What separates a Reuben from a Rachel? A Rachel not only replaces corned beef with another type of meat — sometimes pastrami or even turkey — but it also skips the sauerkraut in favor of coleslaw. For those turned off by the distinctive tang of sauerkraut (which can be a divisive ingredient), a Rachel provides the cabbage but with a cool, creamy, crunchy texture and none of the vinegary sourness they might dislike. It also comes on either a whole wheat or white roll, which is decidedly nontraditional.

Controversial or not, Firehouse Subs' Reuben is a winner with customers, who say it's absolutely packed with pastrami, which is steamed and moist. They like the complement of the warm, soft meat with the cool, crunchy slaw, and they say the roll is soft and delicious. One reviewer on YouTube even said it was the best Reuben they've ever had (we won't correct them on that name).

You might be wondering whatever happened to Schlotzky's. The Texas-based sandwich chain was founded in 1971 (apparently a big year for delis) and made a name for itself by selling a unique style of sandwich — served on distinctively flattened, round, 8-inch muffaletta-style rolls and toasted. The restaurant took off in the 1990s, and many of us frequently saw them on street corners around our neighborhoods. But changes in ownership and trends caused it to nearly shutter completely; today, there are only about 300 Schlotzky's locations, and most of them are in Texas. So if you're looking for its popular Reuben, you might be out of luck where you live.

But for those lucky enough to have one nearby that offers the 3-Course Sammie menu, which pairs a sandwich with a salad and soup of your choice, the Pastrami Reuben is one of the sandwiches available. It contains pastrami, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Thousand Island on one of Schlotzky's famous rolls. In the past, the sandwich has come on pumpernickel, though some reviewers have pointed to sourdough as the current default.

Customers have commented on the sandwich being a priced well for the amount of food you get (it will typically run you somewhere around $11). One commented that it was generous with the cheese, including it above and below the mild and juicy meat, and they like that the toasted bread prevents the juices of the fillings from making it soggy. In fact, Schlotzky's gets a lot of rave reviews for its soft bread, regardless of the sandwich. Other reviewers have said it's the best nontraditional deli Reuben out there.

Mr. Pickle's Sandwich Shop, a West Coast chain whose only locations are in California and Arizona, offers a classic pastrami Reuben with Thousand Island (which you can have on the side) on toasted marble rye, though ultra purists who argue that marble rye isn't classic can also pick their own breads at this true, made-to-order-sandwich joint. The Reuben is a beloved favorite and one of many reasons that reviewers resoundingly say Mr. Pickle's is the best sandwich place in their towns.

Other qualities fans adore include the fact that the pastrami is freshly sliced and plentiful, and although corned beef is not offered as a substitution, guests can try different meats (a Rachel with turkey, anyone?) or even cheeses, like Provolone. Reviewers have called it "the bomb," "beyond delicious," "amazing," and even "best sandwich I've had in years." Plus, it doesn't hurt that customers are delighted to find bonus free cookies in their bags when they're done; the restaurant gives one complimentary cookie out for each customer.

This Wisconsin-based burger spot is a favorite for its unique ButterBurgers, as well as its cheese curds and cheese sauce, which is delicious when smothered on numerous Culver's menu items. But what may be less well known is its Grilled Reuben Melt, made with lean corned beef, melted Wisconsin Swiss, sauerkraut, and Thousand Island on lightly buttered, toasted rye bread. Fans sing its praises, calling it "fire," "amazing," and "one of the "best I've had." Though some comment on it being quite salty, that's often considered one of its selling points.

Customers report that it's actually one of the restaurant's best sandwiches, saying that it's full of meat. Though it's delicious as is, you can also try the sandwich ButterBurger style (on a lightly toasted, buttered bun) rather than with the standard bread and Thousand Island. Reviewers like the balance of fillings — tons of perfectly melted Swiss, sweet sauerkraut, and lean, hand-trimmed meat. Overall, many are surprised by its quality for being fast-food sandwich.

Interestingly, as I was compiling this list, I found that reviews for other sandwiches were frequently sprinkled with comparisons to the Reuben The Great served at Jason's Deli. This sandwich shop is often noted as having the best chain restaurant chicken pot pies, best loaded baked potatoes, and best salads according to customers. You might want to add best chain-restaurant Reuben to that list.

In general, customers say it's packed with freshly sliced meat (corned beef) and Swiss, reporting that it's "humongous." The meat is noted as extremely tender, and many appreciate the ratio of meat to toppings, with plenty of sauerkraut to add tang and crunch. Reviewers consistently say it exceeds their expectations for a chain-restaurant sandwich, suggest it's one of the best they've had, and they appreciate that Jason's hasn't diminished in quality since it was founded in 1976 in Texas. The restaurant is known for its quality ingredients; Jason's Deli menu items feature zero trans fats, high-fructose corn syrup, MSG, or artificial colors and flavors. And based on reviews, people can definitely taste the difference in its Reuben.

McAlister's Deli was founded by a dentist in a small Mississippi town in the late 1980s; it's now known for having one of the best French dip sandwiches available from a chain restaurant, offering both a Reuben and a Rachel on its menu, and for its popular Southern-style sweet tea. The Reuben is made with corned beef and is served with Thousand Island on marble rye, while the Rachel uses smoked turkey (but keeps the kraut).

Though reviews of the Rachel are mixed — some love it, and some really don't — the Reuben enjoys an excellent reputation among customers. Fans say it's exceptional, with lots of meat and sauerkraut (which makes it messy, though tasty) and is plenty for two people to share. Because it's large, it tends to be crispy and toasted on the outside yet soft inside, so be prepared for a bit of a slippery mess. Others have praised the thick layer of melted Swiss that creates a satisfying pull. A quick search online finds repeated positive reviews claiming that it's "awesome," and "out of this world," which certainly makes this a Reuben option worth checking out.

As much as I love a Reuben — I tend to order one at any deli I visit — I am thrilled when I find a delicious Rachel. Sauerkraut makes a Reuben, but a Rachel with a good, crunchy, tangy coleslaw sometimes hits just right. And it's not just me saying that — many people prefer a good slaw to a warm kraut. Fans eagerly seek out Capriotti's riff on a Reuben: the Capastrami. It's filled with hot pastrami, melted Swiss, coleslaw, and a Russian dressing that brings some spice, all packed into an Italian roll (no rye — sorry to the purists).

Reviewers comment on the softness of the roll, which is chewy and complements the textures of the meat and slaw, while also providing a crust that keeps it from getting soggy. Still, it's a messy sandwich; the sandwich frequently is jam-packed with slaw and dressing, so grab plenty of napkins. This fan favorite has been called "ridiculously good" as well as "the king of the Rachels," which may be due to its colossal size; even a small is 8 inches, with a medium at 12 inches, and the large reaching to 18 inches. Oh, and for folks who are all about the fillings and not the roll, give the Capastrami fries a try; it's a mound of meat, cheese, and slaw atop French fries.

Maybe it's not fair to include Reubens on this list that aren't listed on their restaurants' regular menus. But the Pastrami Reuben at Jersey Mike's gets so much love from fans when it pops up occasionally for a limited time — being frequently mentioned on "best of" lists — that it only seems right to include it. Former employees call it a "secret menu" item that they're trained to make, though it's not on the regular menu because it's not among the chain's most popular subs. There's speculation that it's one of the restaurant's officially discontinued Jersey Mike's sandwiches that may never return, although fans are eagerly cheering for it to come back. Its loss was a big disappointment for many, considering they were often surprised to see the beloved sandwich — an obvious offering for a sandwich shop — missing from their local restaurant's menu. In 2024, fans were teased with a limited release of the Grilled Pastrami Sub, which switched up sauerkraut for grilled onions and just wasn't the same.

The Reuben sandwich (sometimes simply called the #20), which fans praised as their go-to sandwich order, was cited as one of the best available at any chain restaurant. They claim that the pastrami quality was delicious, nice and lean — fattiness is repeatedly called out as a no-no for a big Reuben sandwich. Another reviewer even called the Jersey Mike's version "the best Reuben ever, sorry Mom." One employee's suggestion was that if you can get one, ask that a little roast beef be added to the grill with the pastrami and mixed in before piling the meat on the bread. Bottom line? It might be worth asking the person behind the counter if they can throw together a #20 for you.

I'm a huge fan of Reuben sandwiches, and I might even call myself a Reuben snob. So when I set out to write this story, I'll admit, I was skeptical that a chain-restaurant Reuben could reach sufficient heights. I scoured the Internet — Reddit and other review sites, YouTube video taste tests, Facebook posts, and blogs — to find the chain-restaurant Reubens most frequently ordered and praised. The 10 sandwiches listed here repeatedly appeared on lists of best Reubens. Even though some of them aren't even regularly featured on their respective menus, these 10 were frequently cited as favorites. Some reviewers even said they had gone in with low expectations but were pleasantly surprised.