Reuben: A Classic American Sandwich with a Rich History

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The Reuben sandwich is an American staple, a combination of savory, tangy and slightly sweet that is just right. The Reuben is one of those classic dishes that is so important to American food culture, and one we take pride in honoring at Pan Am Restaurant.

This article tells you the story behind the Reuben sandwich, what’s in it, what variations there are, and why it is a must try for any food lover. Even if you’re a Reubens veteran or new to the sandwich world, read on to find out why this sandwich should be on your plate.

The Reuben Sandwich’s Origin

The origin of the Reuben sandwich is fiercely contested. Its creation is linked to either Omaha, Nebraska or New York City by the two most popular theories. In another version, Reuben Kulakofsky, a Lithuanian-born grocer, invented the sandwich in Omaha in the 1920s. According to Kulakofsky, he created it while playing poker, and it later became a Blackstone Hotel signature dish.

The other story credits the Reuben to Arnold Reuben, a New York deli owner. In 1914, Arnold claimed to have invented the sandwich for actress Marjorie Rambeau, who had come into his restaurant hungry. Arnold put together a sandwich that would become legendary — the Reuben. Though the origins are still contested, one thing is certain: the Reuben is here to stay!

The Classic Ingredients of a Reuben Sandwich

The traditional Reuben is corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut and Russian dressing, all piled on top of two slices of rye bread and grilled to perfection. The Reuben’s taste is a result of each of the ingredients working together to bring together flavors and textures that are difficult to beat.

1. Corned Beef: Corned beef is the star of the show, with its rich, briny flavor, it’s tender and juicy.
2. Swiss Cheese: Swiss cheese is known for its mild, nutty taste and goes well with corned beef and sauerkraut.
3. Sauerkraut: The richness of the meat and cheese gets balanced by this fermented cabbage which adds tanginess and a little bit of crunch.
4. Russian Dressing: Russian dressing is a mayonnaise, ketchup, and a bit of spice blend that’s a little sweet.
5. Rye Bread: The Reuben is rounded out with rye bread, which has a slightly sour flavor and serves to tie all the ingredients together.

The Reuben is not just a sandwich, every ingredient is important and balances the sandwich out.

The Preparation: Crafting the Perfect Reuben

A Reuben is a fussy sandwich to make. The secret is toasting the bread so that it’s crispy on the outside but soft enough to hold the fillings. The first is that butter is spread on the outside of the bread, making it golden and crunchy as it grills. The corned beef is layered carefully — generously, with a few scoops of melted Swiss cheese, a lot of sauerkraut and a dash of Russian dressing.

Our chefs are very proud of the Reuben sandwich that they create at Pan Am Restaurant. All of our sandwiches are made with high quality ingredients and we make sure they are toasted just right to bring out their signature flavors.

Variations of the Reuben

The classic Reuben is still a favorite, but variations have been born to suit different tastes and dietary needs. Here are some popular alternatives to the traditional Reuben:

1. Turkey Reuben (Rachel): This version is known as a ‘Rachel’ and substitutes corned beef for turkey, and sometimes sauerkraut for coleslaw to make the sandwich milder.
2. Vegetarian Reuben: Vegetarian Reubens usually use tempeh, portobello mushrooms, or a veggie patty in place of the meat.
3. Pastrami Reuben: The flavor of pastrami is similar to corned beef, but a little spicier, and this makes the recipe unique.
4. Open-Faced Reuben: This version is served open faced and is common in diners and delis, broiled to melt the cheese over the toppings.

So don’t be afraid to ask about our specials or any other twists on the classic Reuben at Pan Am Restaurant, we love experimenting with different takes on the Reuben.

The Perfect Side and the Reuben

A Reuben sandwich is hearty enough on its own, but choosing the right side to pair it with can make your dining experience just that much better. Traditional pairings include:

1. Pickles: Pickles’ acidity compliments the sandwich’s rich flavors, and the tanginess of the pickle is an extra layer.
2. French Fries: For many sandwich lovers, crispy fries are a go to side, with a nice crunch.
3. Potato Salad: The Reuben’s savory notes play nicely alongside creamy potato salad.
4. Coleslaw: The sandwich is rich, so coleslaw provides a fresh, crunchy contrast.

Our Reubens are served with a choice of sides at Pan Am Restaurant. If you’d like some recommendations, or want to try something new, feel free!

The Rise of Reuben’s in American Cuisine

The Reuben is so much more than a sandwich; it’s an American icon. It’s become a staple at diners, delis, and restaurants across the country over the years. Its popularity is a testament to its one of a kind flavors and textures that keep winning new fans. Variations of the Reuben exist outside of the U.S., too.

It has also been celebrated in popular culture and has even appeared on cooking shows, in food competitions, and in books about iconic American dishes. We at Pan Am Restaurant are proud of our tradition of keeping this tradition alive, serving Reubens that pay homage to the sandwich’s storied past while bringing our own twist.

Why the Reuben is a Must Try at Pan Am Restaurant

We believe in the best at Pan Am Restaurant in Fairfax, Virginia. We use quality ingredients in our Reuben sandwich and our chefs make sure each sandwich is perfect.

Come and enjoy the Reuben classic flavors in a cool, welcoming environment where food and traditions come together. Pan Am Restaurant has something for everyone, whether you’re a fan of the classic Reuben, or you want to try a unique twist.

Conclusion

America’s culinary traditions are represented by the Reuben sandwich. The Reuben’s savory, tangy, creamy combination is no wonder it’s remained a popular sandwich for nearly a century. We serve this iconic sandwich at Pan Am Restaurant in Fairfax, Virginia, with a commitment to quality and tradition. Whether you’re a die hard fan or just a first timer, we invite you to experience the classic flavors of the Reuben with us.