Where Did The Reuben Sandwich Originated From

There’s something beautifully simple about a Reuben sandwich: salty corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, melted Swiss cheese, and Russian dressing, all pressed between slices of rye bread until crisp. It’s a comfort food icon, the kind of thing you order at a deli when you want to feel like you’ve made a solid life choice. But where did this masterpiece of indulgence actually come from? Spoiler alert: the answer is messier than a leaky Reuben on a paper plate.

The Great Reuben Debate: Omaha vs. New York

The Reuben’s origin story is a classic American fistfight between two cities, each claiming to have birthed the sandwich. The most famous tale places its creation at the Blackstone Hotel in Omaha, Nebraska, around the 1920s. According to local lore, a poker player named Reuben Kulakofsky asked the chef to make him a hearty snack during a late-night game—and the rest is gooey, delicious history.

But New Yorkers are quick to wave a pastrami-stained finger. They argue that the Reuben was invented by Arnold Reuben, owner of the legendary Reuben’s Delicatessen on East 58th Street. His version? A “Reuben Special” that swapped corned beef for ham or turkey in some early iterations—a move that feels like sacrilege to purists today.

So, which story is true? Both? Neither? Food historians lean toward the Omaha origin, pointing to a 1926 contest where the Blackstone’s Reuben won the title of “Best Sandwich in the Nation.” But honestly, does it matter when the result is this good?

A Quick Field Guide to the Perfect Reuben

Before you get lost in the sauce (literally), here’s what you need to know to order or make the real deal. Corned beef is non-negotiable; pastrami is a delicious pretender, but it’s a different sandwich entirely. Thousand Island dressing is a fine substitute, but Russian dressing—with its kick of horseradish and chili sauce—is the canonical choice.

Don’t skimp on the sauerkraut. Drain it well, but don’t rinse it—you want that tangy brine to cut through the fat. And the bread? Rye is the only game in town, preferably with caraway seeds. Grill it until the butter sizzles and the cheese looks like it’s about to escape.

Classic Reuben Bake with Corned Beef, Sauerkraut & Swiss: The Ultimate

Pro tip: Order your Reuben open-faced if you’re watching carbs, or go full double-decker if you’re in it for the long haul. Either way, pair it with a sour pickle and a crisp, cold beer—or an egg cream if you’re feeling nostalgic.

The Reuben in Pop Culture & Your Pantry

The Reuben has transcended deli counters to become a cultural shorthand for comfort and indulgence. Think of the scene in When Harry Met Sally… where Meg Ryan fakes it—everyone remembers the diner, but nobody remembers the Reuben she’s nibbling? Actually, it’s there, quietly supporting the chaos.

In recent years, the sandwich has gone high-brow, appearing on menus at Michelin-starred spots (hello, Katz’s Deli is still a temple) and reimagined as a Reuben egg roll or a Reuben pizza. Don’t knock it until you’ve tried a crispy, fried wrapper filled with corned beef and gooey Swiss. It’s the sandwich’s rebellious cousin.

Why Exactly Do We Eat Reubens On St. Patrick's Day?

Fun fact: The Reuben was reportedly a favorite of President Warren G. Harding, who apparently hosted poker games at the Blackstone Hotel. So next time you bite into one, you’re technically eating a piece of 1920s political history—with extra sauerkraut.

How to Build Your Own Reuben at Home

Feeling ambitious? Start with quality corned beef—boiled or braised, never pre-packaged lunch meat. Layer it thickly on buttered rye. Then add the sauerkraut (drained), two slices of Swiss, and a generous spread of Russian dressing. Grill the whole thing in a pan or a panini press until the cheese is volcanic.

Don’t forget the crunch. A proper Reuben should have a shatter factor: the bread gives way with a crackle, and the inside stays warm and luscious. And if you’re feeling fancy, add a slice of pickled green tomato—it’s a secret weapon that Midwestern grandmothers have been using for decades.

Where Did the Reuben Sandwich Originate? - Chef's Resource

A Sandwich That Teaches Us About Life

So, where did the Reuben originate? It doesn’t matter as much as why it works: opposites attract. Salty meets sour, fatty meets tangy, and crispy meets gooey. It’s a lesson in balance that applies to everything from relationships to workdays. You can’t have all sweet or all spicy—you need a little of both to make life interesting.

The next time you’re stuck in a decision loop—whether it’s about a job, a move, or just what to have for lunch—ask yourself: “What would the Reuben do?” It would bring together contrasting elements, press them into harmony, and come out golden on both sides. That’s a sandwich worth chasing.

And if you’re still hungry for answers? Go to your nearest deli, order one, and enjoy the beautiful, messy, perfectly imperfect history. Just save me the corner piece.