Raleigh's Best Reuben Sandwich [Updated 2025]

After diving into the vibrant culinary scene of Raleigh, I rolled up my sleeves and embarked on a delicious mission: to taste-test 12 of the top spots for the iconic reuben sandwich. Trust me, I didn’t just grab a quick bite; I savored every bite, dissecting the perfect balance of corned beef, sauerkraut, and that irresistible sauce.

As someone who has explored the nuances of this classic deli favorite from coast to coast, I’m here to share the insider scoop on where to find the absolute best reuben in town. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a curious newcomer, you’re in for a treat as we uncover the local gems that are worth every mouthwatering moment!

Bongiorno & Son

Highlights
Authentic Italian panini
Quick service, no line
Great flavor and fresh ingredients
Generous sandwich portions
Friendly and helpful staff

At Bongiorno & Son, I discovered a reuben sandwich that truly delivers on flavor and freshness. This delightful spot is known for its authentic Italian panini, and I was thrilled to see the reuben on their menu. From the moment I walked in, the friendly and helpful staff made me feel welcome, ensuring a pleasant vibe to enjoy my meal.

The sandwich itself was generously portioned, stacked high with tender corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, and melted Swiss cheese, all nestled between perfectly toasted rye. Each bite burst with flavor, blending the hearty meat and the zesty dressing in a heavenly embrace. The freshness of the ingredients really shone through, making it clear that Bongiorno & Son takes pride in their culinary creations.

With quick service and no line to contend with, I savored my sandwich with gratitude. This reuben isn’t just good; it's an experience! If you're wandering around Raleigh, make a beeline for this gem. You won't be disappointed—your taste buds will thank you for the journey! Bongiorno & Son is a must-visit for any sandwich enthusiast!

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Southern Craft Sandwiches

Highlights
Fresh and made to order
Friendly staff welcomes you
Excellent sandwich choices
Delicious Butchers Italian
Family-friendly menu options

Review of Southern Craft Sandwiches

I recently embarked on a journey to find the best reuben sandwich in Raleigh, and my first stop was Southern Craft Sandwiches. From the moment I walked in, I could tell I was in for a treat. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, with a friendly staff eager to help me navigate their impressive menu.

Once I ordered my reuben, it was served fresh and hot—there's nothing quite like a sandwich made to order! The layers of tender corned beef, perfectly melted Swiss cheese, and tangy sauerkraut were nestled between two slices of buttery grilled rye. What truly set this sandwich apart was the delightfully zesty sauce that brought everything together in a harmonious symphony of flavors.

While my reuben was undeniably stellar, I couldn't help but notice the tempting options around me, including their Delicious Butchers Italian and other family-friendly choices that make Southern Craft a great spot for all ages. In the end, my adventure for the best reuben left me thoroughly satisfied. If you're anywhere near Raleigh, do yourself a favor and stop by this gem for a sandwich that’s sure to impress!

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Manhattan Cafe

Highlights
Friendly and welcoming staff
Amazing food and good vibe
Delicious Reuben sandwich
Large variety of menu options
Tasty fries and tomato soup

Manhattan Cafe has stolen my heart with their incredible take on the classic reuben sandwich. Upon stepping in, I was greeted by the friendly and welcoming staff, who immediately made me feel at home. The atmosphere buzzed with a great vibe, perfect for enjoying a satisfying meal.

Their reuben sandwich is a culinary delight, featuring generous layers of tender corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, and melted Swiss cheese embraced by perfectly toasted rye bread. Each bite is a delightful dance of flavors, with just the right amount of creamy thousand island dressing to bind it all together. It's a delightful twist that showcases the kitchen's attention to quality and detail.

Not to be overlooked, their tasty fries were the ideal companion to the sandwich—crispy, golden, and seasoned to perfection. I also couldn't resist a cup of their delightful tomato soup, which provided a warm and comforting contrast to the richness of the reuben.

If you’re searching for the best in Raleigh, look no further than Manhattan Cafe. I promise this place will leave you smiling and thoroughly satisfied. Bon appétit!

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Falls River Cafe

Highlights
Great service and friendly staff
Delicious Dominican breakfast
Enjoyable shaded patio dining
Tasty beef empanadas
Basic but satisfying menu

Falls River Cafe is a charming spot that truly embodies the spirit of a local eatery. As I walked in, the friendly staff greeted me with smiles, setting the stage for what would soon be a delightful culinary adventure. Nestled on a shaded patio, the atmosphere was as inviting as the menu—perfect for a leisurely lunch.

Now, let me tell you, the reuben sandwich was a revelation! Stacked with layers of tender corned beef, melted Swiss cheese, and tangy sauerkraut, each bite was a perfect symphony of flavors. The rye bread was perfectly toasted, providing a satisfying crunch that complimented the richness of its fillings. It was comforting, hearty, and left me munching in pure bliss.

While Falls River Cafe shines with its diverse offerings—like their delicious Dominican breakfast and the scrumptious beef empanadas—it was the reuben that stole the show during my visit. This sandwich is not just a meal; it’s an experience. For anyone in search of a captivating reuben in Raleigh, I highly recommend stopping by this hidden gem for a taste of their finest fare.

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Lunch Box Deli

Highlights
Award-winning deli
Butter toasted bread
New York deli atmosphere
Exceptional sandwiches
Customer favorite

Lunch Box Deli is a delightful gem that truly knows how to craft an exceptional reuben sandwich. As I walked through the door, I was instantly transported to a cozy New York deli, which only heightened my anticipation. This award-winning spot prides itself on butter-toasted bread, and let me tell you, that crispy exterior paired perfectly with the warm, savory filling.

Taking my first bite, I was met with the classic, bold flavors that a great reuben should embody: tender corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, melted cheese, and a luscious swirl of Russian dressing. Each ingredient harmonized beautifully, creating a symphony of taste that danced on my palate.

What truly sets Lunch Box Deli apart is how every sandwich feels like a love letter to tradition and passion for quality. It’s no wonder this spot is a customer favorite—one bite and I could see myself becoming a regular! Whether you're a reuben aficionado or a casual diner, you owe it to yourself to pop in and savor this delight. Trust me, it’s an experience you won’t want to miss—your taste buds will thank you!

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Poppyseed Market

Highlights
Friendly and quick staff
Amazing and diverse food
Outdoor and indoor seating
True hidden gem in Raleigh
Consistently great experience

Poppyseed Market is truly a hidden gem in the heart of Raleigh, and my quest for the best reuben sandwich led me straight to its welcoming doors. As I walked in, I was greeted by the friendly staff who, with their quick service, made me feel right at home. The ambiance struck a delightful balance between cozy indoor seating and charming outdoor areas, creating the perfect backdrop for my meal.

Now, let's talk about the sandwich! I ordered the reuben, and it was a phenomenal twist on the classic. The corned beef was tender and perfectly seasoned, sitting snugly between two slices of toasted rye that added a delightful crunch. Topped with just the right amount of tangy sauerkraut and silky thousand island dressing, each bite was a harmonious blend of flavors that danced on my palate.

It's evident that Poppyseed Market prides itself on quality, delivering a consistently great experience whether you're a local or just passing through. For anyone on the hunt for a top-notch reuben in Raleigh, this spot should be at the top of your list—trust me, your taste buds will thank you!

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SmokeStacks Cafe

Highlights
Cute spot with neighborhood vibes
Great patio for dining
Extremely rich food options
New favorite dining destination
Generous portion sizes

SmokeStacks Cafe is a delightful gem nestled in Raleigh, buzzing with a quaint, neighborhood vibe that instantly makes you feel at home. As I settled into a cozy corner on their charming patio, my anticipation for the famous reuben sandwich grew.

When it arrived, I was taken aback by its generous portion size—this was no dainty deli offering! The rich layers of tender corned beef hugged by warm, toasty rye were accompanied by a perfect swirl of tangy sauerkraut and a velvety house-made Russian dressing that danced with flavor. Each bite was a symphony of textures; the crunch of the bread perfectly complemented the juicy filling, all while the flavors harmonized beautifully.

What truly made this experience special was the dedication to quality—each ingredient seemed thoughtfully chosen. It’s evident that the folks at SmokeStacks take pride in their food, making it a new favorite dining destination for me. If you find yourself in Raleigh, this reuben is not just a meal; it’s a culinary experience you won’t want to miss!

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Oakwood Deli

Highlights
Friendly and helpful staff
Uses Boars Head meats
Great variety of beverages
Delicious breakfast options
Passionate about quality

Review of Oakwood Deli's Reuben Sandwich

Nestled in a charming corner of Raleigh, Oakwood Deli greets you with a friendly smile and a menu that promises delightful culinary adventures. I had the pleasure of indulging in their reuben sandwich, and let me tell you, it did not disappoint!

Crafted with Boars Head meats, the pastrami was perfectly seasoned, tender, and layered generously between two slices of grilled rye, achieving that quintessential crunch and warmth. The sauerkraut was a standout, adding a delightful tang that beautifully cut through the richness of the Swiss cheese and thousand island dressing. Each bite was a harmonious blend of flavors and textures, making it an irresistible treat.

What truly enhanced my visit was the staff, who were not only friendly and knowledgeable but clearly passionate about the quality of food they serve. Plus, their impressive variety of beverages pairs wonderfully with the sandwiches, ensuring a perfect complement to the meal.

For an outstanding reuben experience, I wholeheartedly recommend Oakwood Deli. It's a place where the flavors dance and the atmosphere welcomes you back for seconds. Trust me; your taste buds will thank you!

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Mitch's Tavern

Highlights
Great food at reasonable prices
Comfortable bar atmosphere
Mixed reviews on wing night
Normal vibe, no frills
Friendly service experience

When it comes to comfort food, Mitch's Tavern delivers a delightful twist on the classic reuben sandwich that left my taste buds dancing. As I stepped inside, the casual bar atmosphere welcomed me with a sense of familiarity. The décor is no-frills, focusing on what truly matters—the food!

The reuben I ordered was nothing short of spectacular. The corned beef was thinly sliced and generously piled between two slices of perfectly toasted rye. The sauerkraut added just the right tang, while the house-made thousand island dressing brought everything together in a beautifully harmonious blend. Each bite was bursting with flavor, and it was clear that this sandwich was crafted with care.

While Mitch's is known for a range of menu options, including their wings which I've heard have mixed reviews, the reuben stands out as a star in its own right. Add in the friendly service I experienced, and I found the whole outing to be a warm, tasty escape from the usual hustle. If you’re on the lookout for a delightful reuben in Raleigh, I highly recommend popping into Mitch's Tavern—you won't be disappointed!

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Berkeley Cafe

Highlights
Recently reopened location
Creative fresh made food
Excellent fresh chips
Quaint dive bar atmosphere
Stellar local vibes

Berkeley Cafe has a charm that immediately steals your heart. The moment you step through the doors of this recently reopened location, you're greeted by a quaint dive bar atmosphere that whispers of community and connection. As I scanned the menu, my eyes landed on the promised reuben sandwich, and I knew I had to indulge.

This isn't just any reuben; it's a creative take that reflects the freshness of the ingredients. The corned beef was perfectly tender, practically melting in my mouth, and the tangy sauerkraut added a delightful crunch that danced harmoniously with the generous dollop of house-made thousand island dressing. Each bite was a revelation, finely balancing rich and zesty flavors that left me craving more.

To elevate the experience, I opted for their excellent fresh chips as a side, which were a satisfying complement to the sandwich's heartiness. The local vibes and friendly service made my lunch feel like a warm hug—Berkeley Cafe truly knows how to treat its patrons.

In a city buzzing with options, Berkeley Cafe's reuben stands out as a delicious contender in the quest for the best reuben sandwich in Raleigh. If you haven’t tried it yet, you’re missing out!

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Times Square Deli

Visiting Times Square Deli was a delightful journey into the world of reuben sandwiches. The moment I took a bite, I was greeted by perfectly grilled rye, a generous layer of tender corned beef, and tangy sauerkraut that danced harmoniously together. The house-made thousand island dressing added a zesty kick that left my taste buds tingling with delight. Each bite was a warm embrace, a true testament to deli craftsmanship. If you’re searching for a reuben that offers both flavor and heartiness, Times Square Deli is definitely a must-try in Raleigh’s culinary landscape!

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Brooklyn Pickle Raleigh

At Brooklyn Pickle Raleigh, I encountered a delightful twist on the classic Reuben sandwich. The corned beef was tender and seasoned to perfection, while the sauerkraut added a welcome tang. The Russian dressing was both creamy and zesty, complementing the hearty Swiss cheese marvelously. Nestled between perfectly toasted rye, each bite was a symphony of flavors. The atmosphere, reminiscent of a classic deli, made the experience even more enjoyable. If you're on the hunt for a satisfying reuben, this spot is a must-try—a true culinary gem that captures the spirit of Brooklyn right here in Raleigh!

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