The classic Reuben sandwich—corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, melting Swiss and drippy Russian or Thousand Island on rye—is deceptively tricky to pull off perfectly. One slip and it falls flat. Thankfully, some chain restaurants have cracked the code and deliver legit Reubens that hit all the right notes. We’re talking gooey cheese, the crispest toast, piled-high meat, and tangy kraut that doesn’t drown the flavor. Whether you crave fast-food convenience or artisan deli vibes, these 15 spots serve the Reuben done right.
Brown-Bag Beast: Arby’s’ Fast-Food Reuben
Arby’s surprises with a Reuben that feels far above typical drive-thru fare. They stack thinly-sliced corned beef with Swiss cheese, tangy sauerkraut, and Thousand Island (their take on Russian) between marble rye bread. What really makes it shine is the proper toasting—crispy exterior, warm and gooey inside. If you’re craving a quick-hit Reuben without leaving your car, this is a strong contender.
Firehouse Heat: Firehouse Subs’ Smoky-Sweet Take
At Firehouse Subs, they steam their corned beef before piling it high—this gives a tender texture you don’t always find in chain Reubens. Add the sweet-smoky note from their Datil Pepper hot-sauce-infused dressing, and you’ve got something bold. It comes on toasted rye with melted provolone (instead of Swiss) and sauerkraut that stays crisp enough to add a bite. If you like your sandwich with a subtle kick and plenty of flair, this one delivers.
All-Natural Champion: Jason’s Deli
For the ingredient-conscious sandwich fan, Jason’s Deli offers a Reuben made with nitrate-free corned beef—pretty rare in chain restaurants. They balance tangy sauerkraut just right so it doesn’t overwhelm, and they grill it until the Swiss cheese melts perfectly. Add their housemade Russian dressing and you’ve got a Reuben that respects the classic while giving you cleaner ingredients.
Texas-Sized Twist: Schlotzsky’s
Schlotzsky’s goes big—with a mountain of freshly-sliced corned beef and a twist: instead of traditional rye, they serve it on their sourdough bread. The loaf is brushed with real butter before it hits the grill, giving a crunch that contrasts the softness of the meat. Their zippy Russian dressing and well-drained sauerkraut round it out. If you want your Reuben with size and swagger, this one fits.
Southern Deli Charm: McAlister’s Deli
McAlister’s hits a comfortable balance: premium corned beef sliced just right (not too chunky, not too thin), marbled rye bread with substance, and two full slices of Swiss cheese that melt beautifully. The finishing touch is their slightly-sweet Thousand Island dressing that tames the tang of the kraut. It’s a reliable, well-rounded chain Reuben that doesn’t overpromise.
Artisanal Twist: Panera Bread’ Baker-Cafe Version
Panera elevates the Reuben with artisan touches: hand-trimmed corned beef, rustic rye loaf, Emmenthaler Swiss cheese (nuttier than standard), and a Thousand Island with a hint of horseradish for zip. They press it panini-style, giving you a compact, portable sandwich that still hits on flavor. If you want cafe-style vibes with your Reuben, this version delivers.
The Legend: Katz’s Delicatessen
No list would be complete without the legendary Katz’s in NYC. They hand-carve nearly a pound of corned beef per sandwich, pile it high on twice-baked rye bread, melt the Swiss into the warm meat, and layer just enough sauerkraut and dressing so nothing steals the spotlight. It may not be huge chain volume, but they ship nationwide and are the gold standard for Reubens.
Gourmet Indulgence: Zingerman’s Deli
Michigan-based Zingerman’s may be a smaller chain, but their mail-order Reuben has built a foodie following. They use Sy Ginsberg’s corned beef (a Detroit specialty), Jewish rye from their bakehouse, Russian dressing with Worcestershire sauce for depth, and imported Swiss cheese. It’s pricier, but for a gourmet Reuben experience this chain knows its stuff.
West-Coast Classic: The Hat
Southern California’s The Hat offers a West-Coast spin: hot pastrami instead of traditional corned beef. Piled high on grilled rye with Swiss, kraut, and their special sauce, the flavor leans smoky and bold. Paired with their famous chili-cheese fries, this Reuben is a full-on SoCal sandwich experience.
Overstuffed East Coast Style: Lenny’s Grill & Subs
Lenny’s doesn’t play small: their Philly-inspired Reuben weighs in at over half a pound. Hot corned beef (thinly sliced), steamed sauerkraut (to remove excess moisture), grilled rye, generous Swiss, and tangy Russian dressing all combine for a serious sandwich. If you want hefty portions and don’t mind a messy mouth, this one’s built for you.
Farm-to-Table Upgrade: Mendocino Farms
Mendocino Farms takes the Reuben and turns it upscale: sustainably-sourced house-braised corned beef brisket, caraway-seed sauerkraut, caper-spiked Russian dressing, and artisan rye brushed with herb butter. The chain’s smaller footprint doesn’t diminish the quality—if you spot one, consider the detour worth it for a premium Reuben.
Build-Your-Own Favorite: Which Wich
If you’re very particular about how your Reuben comes together, Which Wich gives you full control. Their “Wicked” version starts with corned beef on toasted rye, and you customize from there—extra Swiss, double meat, more kraut, less dressing. The assembly-line build-your-own concept ensures you get exactly what you want.
West-Coast Staple: Togo’s
California-born Togo’s offers a clean, solid Reuben: hot corned beef sliced fresh, lighter hand with the kraut so the meat shines, locally baked rye that’s perfectly toasted, and their house-made Thousand Island dressing with secret relish. If you’re in the West and want a Reuben that hits without gimmicks, this one’s a solid pick.
Slow-Roasted Surprise: Capriotti’s
Capriotti’s reputation comes from turkey, but their Reuben deserves a spotlight. Their corned beef is roasted in-house for hours, hand-pulled (not just sliced), giving a texture that spreads flavor throughout. Russian dressing gets a horseradish punch, sauerkraut is rinsed to prevent overwhelming, and the bread is twice-baked rye to hold everything together. It’s a thoughtful twist on classic.
Toasty Tunnel Winner: Potbelly Sandwich Shop
Potbelly uses their conveyor-style oven to bring a crispy exterior to their Reuben: thin-sliced corned beef steamed briefly, signature hot-pepper giardiniera for a little heat, marbled rye from the toasting tunnel for crunch, and melted cheese every time. Quick service meets dependable sandwich execution—great for a lunchtime fix.
Which Reuben Will You Try?
So there you have it: 15 chain spots across the U.S. that get the Reuben right—from fast-food to gourmet, build-your-own to slow-roasted artistry. Did your favorite make the list? Or did we miss one that absolutely crushes it in your city? Drop a comment and let us know which Reuben you’ll be chasing next.
