The Absolute Best Reuben Sandwich in Chicago [Updated 2026]

As I dove into the vibrant food scene of Chicago, my mission was clear: to find the ultimate reuben sandwich that would make my taste buds sing. After scouring the city and indulging in twelve of the top contenders, I can confidently say that this city has some serious sandwich game.

You might be wondering why you should take my word for it. Well, I’ve spent years perfecting my palate, tasting everything from the classic deli versions to innovative twists on this beloved sandwich. My passion for food isn’t just about eating; it’s about experiencing the heart and soul of each bite. So, grab your appetite and let’s uncover the best reuben that the Windy City has to offer!

Butch McGuire's

Highlights
Amazing team and service
Fun and lively atmosphere
Great food and drinks
Laid back ambiance
Close to public parking

Butch McGuire's is a gem of a spot, radiating a lively atmosphere that perfectly complements the classic Chicago vibe. Upon entering, I was warmly welcomed by an amazing team who made my visit feel special right from the start. It’s a place where the chatter is merry, and the scent of something delicious pulls you in.

Now, let’s talk about the reuben itself. This sandwich is a true standout! Stacked high with tender corned beef, slathered generously with tangy thousand island dressing, and complemented by perfectly melted Swiss cheese, it’s a harmonious blend of flavors. Butch McGuire's doesn't stop there—each bite brings an element of crunch, thanks to the hearty rye bread, grilled to a perfect golden brown.

The laid-back ambiance paired with a great selection of drinks makes you feel right at home. If you’re in search of a delightful meal, grab your friends (or come solo!) and make your way to Butch McGuire's. Trust me, you’ll leave with a satisfied smile and perhaps a new favorite reuben in your heart!

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Cured & Crafted | Artisan Sandwiches

Highlights
Awesome hand crafted sandwiches
Elevated sandwich experience
Hidden gem in the city
Fun and clean decor
Great customer service

Cured & Crafted | Artisan Sandwiches is truly a hidden gem in the heart of Chicago, and it offered me an elevated sandwich experience that was nothing short of delightful. As I entered, the fun and clean decor set the tone for what was to come. The atmosphere buzzed with anticipation, promising something special.

Now, let's talk about the star of the show: the reuben sandwich. Crafted with attention to detail, the ingredients were obviously of the highest quality, with perfectly tender corned beef that seemed to melt in my mouth. The house-made sauerkraut added the right amount of tanginess, and the rich Swiss cheese gave it that oozy goodness we all crave. I was impressed by the thick, toasted rye bread, which held everything together beautifully without becoming soggy.

What elevated my visit even further was the fantastic customer service. The staff’s enthusiasm about their sandwiches was infectious, and their recommendations did not disappoint. With every bite, I felt like I was experiencing a true artisan delight. If you’re on a quest for the best reuben in Chicago, I wholeheartedly recommend stopping by Cured & Crafted—you won’t regret it!

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JT’s Genuine Sandwich Shop

Highlights
Generous portion sizes
Incredibly friendly owner
Delicious roasted pork
Must-try Frito Pie
Well-balanced burger option

While exploring the vibrant culinary scene of Chicago, I stumbled upon JT’s Genuine Sandwich Shop, and I must say, this place is a hidden gem! The minute I walked in, the incredibly friendly owner greeted me with a warmth that felt like home. Now, let’s talk about the star of the show—the Reuben.

This isn’t your average sandwich. The generous portion sizes left me happily stuffed rather than just satisfied. The roasted pork served as a delightful twist, providing a succulent flavor that danced harmoniously with the tangy sauerkraut and creamy dressing. Each bite was an adventure, a well-balanced masterpiece that I couldn’t get enough of. And don't even get me started on the Frito Pie—what a fun and flavorful addition to the menu!

If you’re looking for a place that knows its sandwiches, JT’s stands out with a charm that’s both playful and professional. While indulging in this fantastic Reuben, I felt the spirit of Chicago’s food scene come alive. Don’t miss out on this delightful spot; it’s a must-try for any sandwich lover on the hunt!

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TriBecca’s Sandwich Shop

Highlights
Incredible sandwich spot
Juicy meats and fresh sauces
Crispy, airy ciabatta bun
Excellent to-go options
Limited seating, great for takeout

TriBecca’s Sandwich Shop has quickly risen to the top of my reuben sandwich radar. Nestled in a cozy corner of the city, this spot is an incredible sandwich haven. As soon as I stepped inside, I was greeted by the delightful aroma of toasting bread and caramelizing meats—my stomach was already doing the happy dance!

Now, let’s talk about the reuben itself: the juicy meats are perfectly balanced with a tangy, house-made sauce, which adds a delightful zing. They’ve ditched the regular bread and instead opted for a crispy, airy ciabatta bun that elevates the entire experience; it holds everything together without sacrificing texture. I must say, this was a pleasant surprise compared to traditional rye options.

While the quaint seating is somewhat limited, it’s ideal for a quick bite or for grabbing your sandwich to-go. I couldn't resist taking a few more bites than I should have—each one left me eager for the next. So, if you're in search of the best reuben in Chicago, head over to TriBecca’s. I promise it’s an adventure your tastebuds won’t soon forget!

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Half Sour

Highlights
Friendly and communicative staff
Great for events and gatherings
Juicy, flavorful burgers
Family-friendly menu options
Nice outdoor patio

Half Sour is truly a delightful spot for anyone craving a fantastic Reuben sandwich. Upon entering, I was greeted by the friendly and communicative staff, whose welcoming energy set the tone for my visit. The ambiance is vibrant yet relaxed, making it an ideal place for gatherings or even a simple meal on their nice outdoor patio.

When it came to the Reuben, I was excited to dive in, and let me tell you, it did not disappoint! The sandwich was perfectly constructed with juicy, flavorful corned beef stacked high between two slices of grilled rye. The sauerkraut was tangy and provided a nice crunch, while the creamy Thousand Island dressing tied it all together like a perfect warm hug.

The balance of flavors was impressive, and as I savored each bite, I couldn't help but appreciate how well the ingredients complemented each other. Plus, Half Sour offers a family-friendly menu, making it a great choice for an outing with loved ones. Overall, if you find yourself in Chicago and craving a proper Reuben, make sure to stop by Half Sour—it's a slice of sandwich heaven!

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Chicago Pickle Eatery

Highlights
Free parking available
Huge selection of menu items
Delicious, huge Reuben sandwich
Friendly and professional staff
Quick service with fresh preparation

At Chicago Pickle Eatery, the reuben sandwich is nothing short of a culinary masterpiece. From the moment you step in, the bustling atmosphere greets you, hinting at the delightful surprises that await. One of the first things I noticed was the free parking – a rare gem in Chicago that immediately makes the visit feel more appealing.

Now, let’s talk about the star of the show: the huge reuben sandwich. This beauty is stacked high with perfectly seasoned corned beef, rich swiss cheese, and tangy sauerkraut, all nestled between two slices of perfectly toasted rye bread. Each bite was a harmonious blend of flavors and textures, and the portion size is generous enough to satisfy even the hungriest of appetites.

The friendly and professional staff added to the experience, ensuring that my order was taken promptly and delivered with a smile. I appreciated the quick service, which allowed me to relish my sandwich without a long wait. If you're looking for a reuben that stands tall in Chicago’s vibrant food scene, Chicago Pickle Eatery is a must-visit. It’s a delightful reminder of why we adore this iconic sandwich!

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Morry's Deli

Highlights
Astronomical Triple Decker
Decent Flavor Profile
Local Favorite Deli
Value for the Triple Decker

Review of Morry's Deli's Reuben Sandwich

If you're on a quest for the ultimate Reuben in Chicago, look no further than Morry's Deli. This bustling eatery, a local favorite, offers a delightful twist on the classic sandwich that left me both satisfied and curious for more.

I was greeted by the sight of their astronomical triple decker Reuben, an indulgent creation stacked high with juicy corned beef and tangy sauerkraut, wrapped snugly in warm rye. The flavor profile didn’t disappoint—each bite was a delightful dance on my palate, the richness of the beef harmonizing beautifully with the zesty dressing.

One might think that such a generous portion would come with a hefty price tag, but Morry's defies expectations when it comes to value. For the quantity and quality offered, my taste buds screamed, “What a steal!”

As I savored my sandwich, the lively ambiance around me buzzed with gratitude from fellow diners. If you want a taste of how a Reuben should be made, swing by Morry’s Deli and prepare yourself for a flavorful journey that may just linger in your memory long after the last bite!

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KASIA'S DELI, INC.

Highlights
Homemade food excellence
Exceptional pierogi variety
Limited seating available
Delicious stuffed cabbage rolls
Great for takeout

KASIA'S DELI, INC. is a delightful gem in the heart of Chicago, where tradition meets innovation. As I walked in, I was immediately enveloped in the savory scents of their homemade food, a true testament to their culinary craft. Although the seating is quite limited, it only adds to the charming, bustling atmosphere that makes you feel like you’re part of something special.

Now, let’s talk about the reuben. The moment I took my first bite, I marveled at the perfectly balanced layers of tender corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, and gooey Swiss cheese, lovingly cradled between slices of grilled, crispy rye bread. Each ingredient sang in harmony, making this reuben not just a sandwich but an experience.

While KASIA’S is renowned for its exceptional pierogi and stuffed cabbage rolls, their reuben definitely holds its own. I loved the attention to detail evident in every aspect of the sandwich, which made me want to savor each bite a little longer. If you're in the mood for a stellar reuben from a deli that feels like home, look no further than KASIA'S. It's a must-try in the world of Chicago sandwiches!

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Tempesta Market

Highlights
Fantastic catering service
Prompt and timely delivery
Attentive and patient staff
Delicious pastrami sandwich
Great atmosphere and vibe

Review of Tempesta Market's Reuben Sandwich

As I wandered into Tempesta Market, I was immediately struck by the inviting atmosphere that effortlessly blends warmth with an urban vibe. With an evident passion for artisanal ingredients, I was eager to taste their celebrated reuben sandwich.

I opted for the pastrami, which I later discovered is the star of the show. Not only was the meat perfectly seasoned, but it also boasted a tender texture that oozed flavor with every bite. The sourdough bread was delightfully crisp, adding a satisfying crunch that paired beautifully with the rich, house-made thousand island dressing. Each mouthful was an experience, filled with layers of complexity.

What stood out was the attentive and patient staff. They took the time to recommend their favorites and made sure my experience was nothing short of delightful. Not to mention, the prompt delivery of my sandwich had me digging in before I could finish my drink—definitely an impressive feat!

If you’re on a quest for the finest reuben in Chicago, I can’t recommend Tempesta Market highly enough. Treat yourself to this bold twist on a classic!

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Morry's Deli

Highlights
Tender, flavorful meat
Perfectly toasted rye bread
Next-level sandwich experience
Caring and attentive service
Highly recommended by locals

When I first stepped into Morry's Deli, the savory aroma of freshly cooked corned beef embraced me like an old friend. I quickly ordered their reuben sandwich, eager to see if it lived up to the hype. The moment it arrived at my table, I knew I was in for a treat. The tender, flavorful meat was piled generously between two slices of perfectly toasted rye bread, which added a satisfying crunch to every bite.

As I took my first bite, the fabric of this sandwich danced on my taste buds, each layer harmonizing beautifully—the sharpness of the sauerkraut, the richness of the thousand island dressing, and the zing of melted Swiss cheese. It was a next-level sandwich experience that I found hard to face away from.

What truly elevated my visit was the caring and attentive service from the staff. They made me feel welcome and genuinely invested in my dining experience. It’s no wonder that locals rave about Morry’s—you can practically taste the love that goes into each sandwich. If you’re on the hunt for the best reuben in Chicago, Morry's Deli is a must-visit!

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All Too Well - Armitage

Highlights
Incredible unique sandwiches
Limited operating hours
Best sandwich place in the city

Review of All Too Well - Armitage

If you’re a reuben enthusiast, make sure to swing by All Too Well - Armitage! Nestled in the charming streets of Chicago, this hidden gem offers an incredible twist on the classic reuben sandwich that had me swooning with every bite.

The moment I walked in, I was captivated by the nostalgic ambiance and the tantalizing aroma wafting through the air. With their unique take on the traditional reuben, they serve up a flavorful masterpiece that rivals any other in the city. The layers of tender corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, and just the right amount of melted Swiss cheese between perfectly crisped rye bread left me feeling utterly satisfied.

However, be forewarned: their operating hours are limited, so plan your visit accordingly to avoid disappointment! This place quickly earned its title as the best sandwich spot in Chicago. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, All Too Well - Armitage is undoubtedly a must-visit for anyone serious about their reuben sandwiches. Trust me—once you’ve savored one here, you’ll be counting the days until you can return for more!

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First Draft

Highlights
Great food and drinks
Friendly and excellent service
Generous portions for the price
Reliable neighborhood spot
Variety of beer options

Review of First Draft's Reuben Sandwich

Nestled in a lively neighborhood, First Draft has become my go-to spot for a good time paired with fantastic food. When I sank my teeth into their Reuben sandwich, I was in for a delightful surprise. The generous portions were just the beginning; each bite offered a perfect balance of savory corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, and creamy thousand island dressing, all snuggled between toasted rye bread that was grilled to crispy perfection.

What truly set my experience apart was the warmth of the service. The staff was not only friendly but also knowledgeable about the menu, making me feel right at home. The atmosphere buzzed with a sense of community, and it was clear that this reliable neighborhood gem was a favorite among locals.

To top it all off, I enjoyed a refreshing craft beer from their impressive selection, complementing the dish beautifully. For anyone craving a satisfying reuben, First Draft delivers not just a meal, but an experience that makes your taste buds sing. If you find yourself in Chicago, this spot is a must-visit—trust me, you won't want to miss it!

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