14 Pennsylvania Eateries Making Reubens Worth A Long Drive
Pennsylvania takes sandwiches seriously, and the Reuben might be the boldest of them all.
Stacked high with corned beef, layered with tangy sauerkraut, melted cheese, and that crucial swipe of dressing, it demands balance and confidence.
Toasted rye brings the crunch, the filling brings the depth, and the first bite should feel like a commitment. When done right, a Reuben is not just lunch. It is a destination.
The kind of sandwich that turns a casual craving into a planned drive and a full afternoon built around one plate. Across the state, certain eateries have mastered that formula.
They know how to keep the bread crisp without losing structure, how to pile the meat generously without tipping into chaos, and how to let the flavors speak without overwhelming each other.
Pennsylvania does hearty comfort well, and the Reuben fits that tradition perfectly.
It is bold, satisfying, and unapologetically classic. I always know a Reuben is worth the mileage when I start calculating distance in bites instead of minutes.
If I find myself saying the drive is not that bad for a sandwich this good, that is when I know it has officially earned the trip.
1. Famous 4th Street Delicatessen — 700 S 4th St, Philadelphia
Walking into this South Philly institution feels like stepping back seventy years.
The black and white checkered floor and vintage neon signs create an authentic deli atmosphere that modern restaurants simply cannot replicate.
Their Reuben arrives hot off the griddle with perfectly caramelized rye bread that crackles when you bite through it.
The corned beef gets sliced fresh throughout the day, ensuring every sandwich delivers maximum tenderness.
I visited on a rainy Tuesday afternoon and watched the staff hand-stack each order with obvious pride.
Beyond the signature sandwich, their matzo ball soup has earned legendary status among regulars. The building itself dates back to the early 1900s and retains much of its original brick facade.
Located at 700 S 4th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147, this spot draws crowds from across the Delaware Valley daily.
2. Hershel’s East Side Deli — Reading Terminal Market, 1136 Arch St #400, Philadelphia
Tucked inside Reading Terminal Market’s bustling corridors, this counter-service spot serves some of Center City’s finest deli fare.
The open kitchen design lets you watch every ingredient get assembled right before your eyes.
What sets their Reuben apart is the house-made Russian dressing, which balances sweetness and tang without overpowering the meat.
They use marble rye instead of standard rye, adding visual appeal and a slightly sweeter flavor profile.
The corned beef comes from a local supplier who uses a secret spice blend passed down through three generations.
Reading Terminal Market itself is an architectural marvel with soaring ceilings and natural light flooding through skylights.
Located at 51 N 12th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107, Hershel’s benefits from constant foot traffic but never rushes your order. Their pickles are brined in-house and provide the perfect crunchy counterpoint.
3. Hymie’s Merion Delicatessen — 342 Montgomery Ave, Merion Station
Suburban Philadelphia hides this gem where regulars greet the staff by name and everyone seems to know each other.
The cozy dining room features dark wood paneling and framed photographs documenting decades of community gatherings.
Their Reuben uses extra-thick corned beef slices that somehow remain tender despite their heft. The sauerkraut gets drained perfectly so your sandwich never turns soggy halfway through.
I brought my cousin here last spring, and she immediately declared it the best Reuben she had ever tasted.
The menu also showcases excellent pastrami and brisket options for those wanting variety.
Hymie’s has operated at 342 Montgomery Ave, Merion Station, PA 19066 since 1938, steadily building a loyal following that spans generations.
The staff remembers your preferences after just two visits, creating a neighborhood feel that chain restaurants cannot duplicate.
4. Koch’s Deli — 4309 Locust St, Philadelphia
University City students and professors alike flock to this compact deli wedged between bookstores and coffee shops.
The narrow storefront opens into a surprisingly spacious dining area with exposed brick walls and vintage advertising posters.
Koch’s grills their Reubens with extra butter, creating an impossibly crispy exterior that shatters at first bite. The Swiss cheese melts into every crevice, binding the ingredients together in gooey perfection.
They offer both traditional and turkey Reuben options, though purists insist on the corned beef version.
Located at 4309 Locust St, Philadelphia, PA 19104, this spot stays open late to accommodate study sessions and post-lecture cravings.
Their potato salad comes highly recommended as a side dish. The building dates to the 1920s and retains original tin ceiling tiles that catch afternoon sunlight beautifully.
Weekend brunch brings lines out the door.
5. Murray’s Deli — 285 Montgomery Ave, Bala Cynwyd
Main Line residents consider Murray’s a sacred institution where business deals get sealed over pastrami and families celebrate milestones.
The spacious dining room features comfortable booths and table service that feels refreshingly unhurried. Their Reuben arrives generously portioned, often requiring strategic planning to finish in one sitting.
The corned beef gets hand-carved to order, ensuring optimal texture and flavor in every bite. I once witnessed a customer request extra sauerkraut, and the kitchen happily obliged without charging extra.
The restaurant occupies a converted bank building at 285 Montgomery Ave, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004, with high ceilings and large windows that flood the space with natural light.
Their bakery section produces fresh rye bread daily, which makes an enormous difference in sandwich quality. The chocolate babka also deserves mention as an excellent dessert option after your Reuben.
6. Primanti Bros. – Strip District — 46 18th Street, Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh’s most famous sandwich shop puts french fries and coleslaw directly inside their Reuben, creating a carb-loaded masterpiece that defies convention.
The industrial-chic interior features exposed ductwork and communal seating that encourages conversation with strangers.
This isn’t your grandmother’s delicate Reuben. The hefty sandwich requires two hands and serious appetite to conquer.
The fries add a salty crunch while the coleslaw provides cooling contrast against the warm corned beef. Local sports teams often stop by after games, creating an electric atmosphere.
Located at 46 18th Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, this Strip District landmark has served hungry Pittsburghers since 1933. The building’s brick exterior and neon signage have become Instagram favorites.
They stay open late on weekends when the neighborhood transforms into a nightlife destination. Their cold house soda pairs perfectly with any sandwich choice.
7. Smallman Street Deli — 2840 Smallman Street, Pittsburgh
Bright white subway tiles and stainless steel fixtures gave this Strip District deli a clean, contemporary, modern feel.
Large windows overlooked Smallman Street’s steady stream of pedestrians and delivery trucks. Their Reuben took a more traditional approach than their famous neighbor down the street.
The corned beef got brined for ten days before cooking, resulting in incredibly flavorful meat that needed no embellishment. They used imported Swiss cheese that melted smoothly without turning greasy.
I stopped here after exploring the nearby produce market and found myself ordering a second half to take home.
The restaurant sat at 2840 Smallman Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, but it closed in 2018, ending its run.
Their house-made pickles arrived with every sandwich, fermented slowly for maximum tang. The open kitchen concept let you watch skilled sandwich artists work their magic throughout your meal.
8. Food for Thought Deli — 194 N Craig St, Pittsburgh
Oakland’s student population keeps this casual deli humming from breakfast through late evening.
Chalkboard menus and mismatched furniture create a relaxed vibe that encourages lingering over coffee and conversation.
Their Reuben comes at student-friendly prices without sacrificing quality or portion size. The rye bread gets toasted to golden perfection, providing structural integrity that prevents mid-meal collapse.
They offer a vegetarian version using grilled tempeh that has converted several skeptics.
Located at 196 N Craig St, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, this spot benefits from constant university foot traffic while maintaining neighborhood charm.
The building’s storefront windows feature rotating local art displays. Their smoothie selection provides a lighter option for those not quite ready for a full Reuben.
Weekend brunch brings creative specials that often incorporate Reuben ingredients in unexpected ways like breakfast hash or egg scrambles.
9. Union Grill — 413 S Craig St, Pittsburgh
Polished wood tables and dim lighting create a more upscale atmosphere than typical deli settings.
The bar area serves classic sodas alongside an impressive sandwich lineup that complements their food menu perfectly.
Union Grill elevates the humble Reuben with premium ingredients and careful attention to detail. Their corned beef gets sliced to order, and you can truly taste the difference right away.
The Russian dressing includes a hint of horseradish that adds unexpected kick.
I celebrated a friend’s graduation here and everyone at our table ordered different sandwiches, but the Reuben clearly won the night.
Located at 413 S Craig St, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, this Oakland establishment attracts both students and professionals.
The exposed brick interior and vintage light fixtures create an inviting ambiance. Their sweet potato fries make an excellent alternative to standard chips as a side option.
10. Our Diner — 110 W Allegheny Rd, Imperial
Chrome accents and red vinyl booths transport you straight to 1950s America.
This family-owned diner has served the Imperial community for over forty years, building a reputation for consistency and generous portions.
Their Reuben follows a classic formula without unnecessary innovation, proving that perfect execution trumps trendy twists. The corned beef arrives hot and juicy, never dried out or oversalted.
They grill the sandwich on a well-seasoned flat-top that imparts subtle flavor complexity.
Located at 110 W Allegheny Rd, Imperial, PA 15126, this spot draws regulars who occupy the same seats every morning. The waitstaff remembers your usual order and brings coffee before you ask.
Their homemade pies rotate daily and provide the perfect sweet finish. The building’s roadside location and vintage neon sign make it impossible to miss when driving through town.
11. The Lawrence Park Dinor — 4019 Main Street, Erie
Erie’s northernmost neighborhoods claim this beloved dinor as their own gathering place. The intentional misspelling in the name has sparked decades of debate, but the quality never wavers.
Their Reuben uses locally-sourced corned beef from a nearby butcher shop that has supplied them since opening day.
The sauerkraut gets cooked down slightly before assembly, concentrating its tangy flavor. They serve the sandwich with crispy tater tots instead of chips, which has become a signature touch.
I drove up from Pittsburgh specifically to try this place after reading rave reviews online. The cozy interior features photos documenting Lawrence Park’s history through the decades.
Located at 4019 Main Street, Erie, PA 16511, this dinor sits in a converted house that retains residential charm.
Their breakfast menu also earns high marks, particularly the corned beef hash made from Reuben trimmings.
12. McGarrey’s Oakwood Cafe — 2084 W 8th St, Erie
Warm wood paneling and soft lighting create an inviting neighborhood atmosphere that feels like visiting a friend’s living room.
Local artwork covers the walls, rotating quarterly to showcase Erie’s creative community.
McGarrey’s prepares their Reuben with house-cured corned beef that requires five days of careful brining and cooking. The result delivers deeper flavor than commercially-prepared alternatives.
They use caraway rye bread baked fresh each morning by a nearby bakery.
The cafe occupies a renovated corner building at 1624 W 38th St, Erie, PA 16508, with large windows overlooking a tree-lined street.
Their soup selection changes seasonally but always includes at least one option that pairs beautifully with the Reuben.
Weekend brunch brings live acoustic music that enhances the relaxed vibe. The staff treats every customer like a regular, even on your first visit.
13. Mr. Deli & Mrs. Too! — 100 State St, Harrisburg
Downtown Harrisburg workers line up daily at this compact deli near the state capitol building. The playful name hints at the husband-and-wife team who founded the business three decades ago.
Their Reuben achieves perfect balance between all components, with no single ingredient overpowering the others.
The Swiss cheese melts into lacy edges that crisp up beautifully on the griddle. They offer half-sandwich options for those wanting to sample multiple menu items.
Located at 100 State St, Harrisburg, PA 17101, this spot benefits from steady government employee traffic while maintaining personal service.
The narrow storefront opens into a surprisingly deep space with additional seating in back. Their potato chip selection includes local Pennsylvania brands rarely found elsewhere.
The building’s historic facade has been carefully preserved, maintaining architectural character while modernizing the interior for efficiency.
14. Dave’s Deli & Gelato — 310 Stoke Park Rd, Bethlehem
Only in Pennsylvania would you find authentic Italian gelato sharing menu space with traditional Jewish deli fare. The unexpected combination works brilliantly, offering sweet redemption after savory indulgence.
Dave’s grills their Reuben with precision, achieving restaurant-quality results in a casual counter-service setting.
The corned beef gets sliced thick enough to provide satisfying chew without becoming tough.
Their house-made Thousand Island dressing substitutes for traditional Russian, adding sweetness that complements the salty meat.
I always order a small gelato cup after finishing my sandwich, and the mint chip provides perfect palate cleansing.
Located at 310 Stoke Park Rd, Bethlehem, PA 18017, this strip mall location surprises first-time visitors with its quality.
The bright, modern interior features subway tiles and pendant lighting that creates an upscale feel.
Their catering menu has become popular for local office events and family gatherings throughout the Lehigh Valley.