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Where to Get a Great Reuben Sandwich in WNY

City Guide, Food & Drink, Food & Drink Guides

Written by Kelsie Engert

Published on February 19, 2021

Breuben at Big Ditch / Photo courtesy of Big Ditch Brewing Co.

Originally published March 2019

St. Patrick’s Day calls for one of our favorite Irish classics, and we’re not talking about corned beef and cabbage this time. We’re talking about the ~*reuben*~ sandwich. Corned beef, sauerkraut, swiss cheese, and Russian dressing grilled between two rye toasts…a remarkable coalescence if you ask us. Lucky for you, we’ve rounded up some of the best reubens around town! Here are some of our faves:

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Blackthorn Restaurant and Pub — Reuben at The Blackthorn / Photo x Step Out Buffalo

1. The Blackthorn Restaurant & Pub

2134 Seneca St, Buffalo, NY 14210 / WEBSITE

This South Buffalo pub has got one heck of a reuben loaded with meat, sauerkraut and melty swiss cheese- all between *Costanzo’s rye (only the best). You can also expect a side of their famous house-made spicy jalapeño cheddar tater tots, which are TO DIE FOR. And if your friends aren’t into the whole reuben thing, there are plenty of other Irish classics on the menu to get in the St. Patty’s mood.

2. Gene McCarthy’s

73 Hamburg St, Buffalo, NY 14204 / WEBSITE

We all know that this Old First Ward bar has got some of the best food (and beer) around, but did you know that they make a mean reuben sandwich? Yeah, that’s right- one of the best (and cheapest!) around! *Pro-tip: if you’re looking to take your reuben experience to a whole other level, try the reuben with half corned beef, half turkey– just do it.

Breuben at Big Ditch / Photo courtesy of Big Ditch Brewing Co.

3. Big Ditch Brewing Company

55 E Huron St, Buffalo, NY 14203 / WEBSITE

Beer isn’t the only thing brewing at Big Ditch. Word on the street says they’ve got a crazy good version of a reuben. It’s called a breuben, aka corned beef brined in Excavator rye brown ale for the most flavorful meat, with the usual reuben works. It’s truly something special, if you ask us.

4. Sue’s NY Deli

622 Main St Buffalo, NY 10044 & 130 S. Elmwood Ave. Buffalo, NY 14202 / WEBSITE

If you’re looking for an inexpensive lunch-time reuben, we highly recommend stopping by Sue’s. The corned beef is seasoned to perfection, and the fresh rye is toasted just enough! Some even say it’s the best one in town! P.S. they also deliver.

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5. Wellington Pub

1541 Hertel Ave, Buffalo, NY 14216 / WEBSITE

This cozy Hertel pub has a pretty extensive menu, and it’s easy to miss the reuben- but it is certainly on there, folks. And there’s no better time than now to give it a shot, rather than getting your usual fish fry or wing order.

6. JP Fitzgerald’s

4236 Clark Street, Hamburg, NY 14075 / WEBSITE

It’s no surprise they made the list… I mean they pretty much have to have a decent reuben, right? But wait. Did you know they have 6 different kinds?! There’s the reuben wrap, the reuben flatbread, the reuben burger, the reuben quesadilla, the open reuben sandwich, and the closed reuben sandwich…There’s a mouthful for ya.

Reuben at Joe’s Deli / Photo courtesy of Joe’s Deli

7. Joe’s Deli

1332 Hertel Ave Buffalo, 714 Maple Rd. Williamsville, 818 Ellicott St. (inside Oishei Children’s Hospital) / WEBSITE

When you’re called Joe’s Deli, you gotta sell a good reuben. Joe’s reuben has a special homemade Russian dressing to give this reuben that extra touch.

8. Brawler’s Deli

76 Pearl St, Buffalo, NY 14202 / WEBSITE

Brawler’s has two options when it comes to the size of their corned beef goodness. For a lighter fare, get the girlie, for the big eaters get the full on brawler.

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9. Swan Street Diner

700 Swan St, Buffalo, NY 14210 / WEBSITE

Swan Street has that old diner feel which means we can only expect shakes, burgers, and all kinds of sandwich vibes. Their reuben being one of their variety of sandwiches, is made with house corned beef and thousand islands dressing.

10. Cole’s

1104 Elmwood Ave, Buffalo, NY 14222 / WEBSITE

While the traditional reuben is made with corned beef, Cole’s is offering a version where the choice of turkey is also optional as a corned beef substitute.

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11. Gabriel’s Gate

145 Allen St, Buffalo, NY 14201 / WEBSITE

If you’ve been to Gabriel’s Gate before, then you know they are capable of making some insanely good dishes. Yes their wings are pretty fantastic but they also make a pretty good reuben.

12. Lake Effect Diner

3165 Main St, Buffalo, NY 14214 / WEBSITE

Lake Effect Diner’s reuben is considered a specialty sandwich, so it’s gotta be good. Get it in the traditional form with corned beef or get the rachel with turkey, either choice comes with fresh cut fries and a dill pickle.

Photo courtesy of Bertha's Diner — Photo courtesy of Bertha’s Diner

13. Bertha’s Diner

1430 Hertel Ave, Buffalo, NY 14216 / WEBSITE

For an easy lunch destination, Bertha’s is the place to go. Get a traditional reuben with a side of pickle and chips for only $7.75!

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14. Eddie Brady’s

97 Genesee St, Buffalo, NY 14203 / WEBSITE

Salads, sandwiches, and wraps pretty much sums up the vibe of Eddie Brady’s and we couldn’t be happier about it. Stop by for their reuben which consists of corned beef, sour kraut, thousand islands dressing, and Swiss cheese, all melted to perfection on grilled rye bread.

15. Pearl Street Grill & Brewery

76 Pearl St, Buffalo, NY 14202 / WEBSITE

Headed downtown for a good drink and food? Stop by Pearl Street and grab a reuben which they serve on toasted marble and rye with a side of their homemade chips.