Updated February 2020
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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1. The Blackthorn Restaurant & Pub
2134 Seneca St, Buffalo, NY 14210
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
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.
3. Big Ditch Brewing Company
55 E Huron St, Buffalo, NY 14203
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
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
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
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.
7. Joe’s Deli
1332 Hertel Ave Buffalo, 714 Maple Rd. Williamsville, 818 Ellicott St. (inside Oishei Children’s Hospital)
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
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
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
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.
11. Pano’s
1081 Elmwood Ave, Buffalo, NY 14222
Pano’s may be known for its Greek cuisine but, it also makes a great reuben with the choice of corned beef or turkey.
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12. Gabriel’s Gate
145 Allen St, Buffalo, NY 14201
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.
13. Lake Effect Diner
3165 Main St, Buffalo, NY 14214
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.
14. Bertha’s Diner
1430 Hertel Ave, Buffalo, NY 14216
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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15. Eddie Brady’s
97 Genesee St, Buffalo, NY 14203
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.
16. Pearl Street Grill & Brewery
76 Pearl St, Buffalo, NY 14202
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.
17. Power City Eatery
444 3rd St, Niagara Falls, NY 14301
On their house made Caraway rye, Power City Eatery makes a mean reuben.
Honorable Mentions From Our Readers:
One Eyed Jacks: 5983 S Transit Rd, Lockport, NY 14094
Jonny C’s: 9350 Transit Rd, East Amherst, NY 14051
Family Tree: 4346 Bailey Ave, Amherst, NY 14226
Mandy’s Cafe: 3796 Clinton St, Buffalo, NY 14224
Ebenezer Ale House: 4348 Seneca St, West Seneca, NY 14224
The Yelling Goat: 205 Central Ave, Lancaster, NY 14086
Imperial Pizza: 1035 Abbott Rd, Buffalo, NY 14220
The Pub – Wegmans: 8270 Transit Rd, Williamsville, NY 14221
Sidelines: 189 Delaware Ave, Buffalo, NY 14202
Buffalo Brew Pub: 6861 Main St, Williamsville, NY 14221
The Poppyseed: 3670 McKinley Pkwy # 23, Buffalo, NY 14219
Jimmy J’s Pub & Grub: 126 Wheatfield St, North Tonawanda, NY 14120
Forty Thieves: 727 Elmwood Ave, Buffalo, NY 14222
Connor’s Restaurant: 3465 Seneca St, West Seneca, NY 14224
Joey’s Place: 1122 Hertel Ave, Buffalo, NY 14216
Mason’s Grille 52: 52 E Main St, Hamburg, NY 14075
Eden Pub: 8557 N Main St, Eden, NY 14057
Carson’s Deli and bakery: Old Saunders Settlement Rd, Lockport, NY 14094
Dwyer’s: 65 Webster St, North Tonawanda, NY 14120
O’Lacys: 5 School St, Batavia, NY 14020
Colden Country Inn: 8815 State Rd, Colden, NY 14033
Lancaster’s Broadway Deli: 5430 Broadway, Lancaster, NY 14086
Do any of them actually put Russian dressing on their Reubens..? Most places oddly do not, and a Reuben without dressing is basically a corned beef sandwich. 🙁
Power City Eatery!!!
Power City Eatery!! House rubbed and steamed on homemade bread in Niagara Falls, NY!!!!