5 Chain Spots That Are A Hot Mess And 5 Serving Reuben Sandwiches Spot On
Ever had one of those days when all you wanted was a solid Reuben sandwich, but ended up with a soggy disappointment instead?
I’ve been there more times than I care to admit.
Last summer, I embarked on what my friends now call ‘The Great Reuben Quest,’ sampling these classic sandwiches across various chain restaurants.
What I discovered was a stark contrast between culinary disasters and delicious triumphs that I just had to share with fellow sandwich enthusiasts.
1. Subway’s Corned Beef Reuben: A Tragic Interpretation
Subway’s attempt at this classic sandwich makes me wonder if they’ve ever actually tasted a real Reuben. The meat comes in those perfectly uniform, suspiciously pink slices that scream ‘processed beyond recognition.’ Their version uses regular Swiss cheese instead of the traditional Emmental, and it’s never properly melted.
The sauerkraut? More like bland, limp cabbage with none of the tangy zip that makes a Reuben sing. And don’t get me started on their Russian dressing substitute – a weak sauce that lacks any depth or character.
The bread is the final insult – their Italian bread simply can’t stand up to the moisture, creating a soggy mess that disintegrates before you finish half the sandwich. Save yourself the disappointment and $8.99.
2. Applebee’s Reuben Disaster: When Bar Food Goes Wrong
Yikes! My Applebee’s Reuben experience started with high hopes and ended with regret. The sandwich arrived looking promising enough, but appearances can be deceiving. The corned beef had that strange, overly processed texture that reminded me of mystery lunch meat rather than the succulent, slow-cooked meat a proper Reuben demands.
Their sauerkraut lacked any fermented tang, tasting more like it came from a can opened last week. The thousand island dressing (not even Russian dressing!) was applied with such a heavy hand that it drowned everything else.
The rye bread – the foundation of any respectable Reuben – was soft and floppy instead of having that essential toasty crunch. Even the cheese wasn’t properly melted! For $14.99, this sad sandwich belongs in the culinary hall of shame.
3. Denny’s Reuben Fiasco: Diner Disappointment
My late-night Denny’s Reuben adventure is something I still haven’t emotionally recovered from. The sandwich arrived looking like it had already been eaten once – a sloppy, thrown-together mess that barely resembled the menu photo. The corned beef was sliced so thick in some places and paper-thin in others that every bite was a textural rollercoaster (and not in a good way).
The sauerkraut was criminally undercooked, maintaining an uncomfortable crunch while simultaneously being lukewarm. Their version of Russian dressing tasted suspiciously like plain mayonnaise mixed with ketchup which, honestly, it probably was.
The rye bread had clearly been toasted hours before serving, resulting in a strangely stale yet soggy experience. At $11.99, this 24-hour disappointment proves that some things shouldn’t be available around the clock.
4. Arby’s Reuben Letdown: Fast Food Folly
Arby’s claims to ‘have the meats,’ but what they don’t have is a decent Reuben. Their sandwich looks promising in ads but falls catastrophically short in reality. The meat-to-bread ratio is completely off, with barely enough corned beef to cover half the bread ironic for a place that builds its identity around meat.
The sauerkraut lacks any brightness or acidity, tasting more like plain cabbage that briefly walked past some vinegar. Their sauce is weirdly sweet, missing the savory complexity that makes a good Russian dressing special.
The marble rye bread is perhaps the biggest offense – it’s usually either stale or so soft it can’t support the ingredients. Combined with cheese that never fully melts, you’re left with a disappointing $7.99 sandwich that makes you question their famous slogan. Maybe they should have fewer meats but prepare them better?
5. Schlotzsky’s Ruined Reuben: A Texan Travesty
Schlotzsky’s sandwich chain might be a Texas favorite, but their Reuben made me want to secede from lunch altogether. The first red flag was their insistence on using their signature sourdough round instead of traditional rye bread – a substitution that fundamentally changes the sandwich’s character and flavor profile.
The corned beef had that distinctive pre-packaged quality, lacking the tender, fall-apart texture that comes from proper cooking. Their sauerkraut was applied so sparingly I had to double-check it was actually there, while the dressing was slathered on with reckless abandon.
The whole sandwich had clearly been assembled in haste, with ingredients sliding around and falling out with each bite. At $12.49, this Texan interpretation left me longing for authentic New York deli fare. Some traditions simply shouldn’t be messed with, y’all.
6. Jason’s Deli Reuben Revelation: Deli Done Right
Hallelujah! Jason’s Deli restored my faith in chain restaurant Reubens with their gloriously authentic creation. The star of the show is their hand-trimmed corned beef – tender, flavorful, and generously portioned without going overboard. They stack it on real Jewish rye bread that’s been grilled to crispy perfection on the outside while staying tender inside.
The sauerkraut delivers that perfect fermented tang that cuts through the richness of the meat and Swiss cheese (which, I might add, is always properly melted). Their Russian dressing hits all the right notes – creamy, tangy, and applied with restraint so it enhances rather than overwhelms.
Every ingredient works in harmony, creating that magical Reuben experience where no single element dominates. At $13.99 with a pickle spear and your choice of side, this sandwich proves that chain restaurants can indeed honor culinary traditions when they care enough.
7. Katz’s Delicatessen: The Reuben Gold Standard
Walking into Katz’s in NYC feels like entering sandwich paradise. Their Reuben isn’t just food – it’s a religious experience that’s worth every penny of its admittedly hefty $24.95 price tag. The corned beef is hand-carved right before your eyes, warm and succulent with that perfect pink hue that comes only from proper brining and cooking.
The sauerkraut is house-made, offering the perfect balance of crunch and tanginess that elevates rather than competes with the meat. Their Swiss cheese melts into all the nooks and crannies, creating pockets of creamy goodness throughout the sandwich.
The rye bread deserves its own praise – sturdy enough to hold everything together yet tender enough to bite through easily. Their Russian dressing recipe remains a closely guarded secret, but whatever’s in it creates sandwich magic that has customers lining up around the block. Worth every minute of that wait!
8. Firehouse Subs’ Surprising Reuben Success
Color me shocked! I never expected a firefighter-themed sub shop to nail the Reuben, but Firehouse Subs deserves serious recognition for their outstanding version. Their ‘New York Steamer’ Reuben features corned beef that’s steamed to tender perfection right before serving – a technique that makes all the difference in texture and moisture.
The marble rye bread gets a light butter treatment before hitting the grill, creating a beautiful golden crust that adds essential textural contrast. Their sauerkraut is properly drained (a crucial step many places skip) and has that perfect fermented flavor without overwhelming sourness.
The cheese is always fully melted, creating that stretchy pull with each bite that sandwich lovers dream about. At $9.99, this affordable gem proves you don’t need to visit a fancy deli to experience Reuben nirvana. Who knew firefighters had such refined sandwich sensibilities?
9. Panera’s Respectable Reuben: A Surprising Contender
Against all odds, Panera has created a Reuben that deserves genuine praise! Their ‘Modern Caprese’ Reuben (a seasonal offering) takes some creative liberties while respecting the sandwich’s soul. The corned beef is sliced thin but piled generously, with a beautiful pink center and savory edge that suggests proper cooking rather than just unwrapping.
The marble rye bread comes from their actual bakery operation, giving it a freshness and texture that chain restaurants rarely achieve. Their sauerkraut has a pleasant brightness without overwhelming sourness, and the Swiss cheese melts beautifully into all the layers.
My favorite touch is their slightly unconventional Russian dressing, which has tiny bits of pickle and a hint of horseradish that adds wonderful complexity. At $12.99 with a side, this upscale fast-casual option proves that innovation and tradition can coexist deliciously when handled with care and quality ingredients.
10. McAlister’s Deli: The Reuben Revelation You’re Missing
McAlister’s Deli serves what might be the most underrated Reuben in the chain restaurant universe. Their ‘New Yorker’ Reuben features house-braised corned beef that shreds slightly when you bite into it – a telltale sign of meat that’s been properly cooked low and slow rather than just warmed up from a package.
The Jewish rye bread has that perfect balance of density and tenderness, with visible caraway seeds that add wonderful aromatic pops of flavor. Their sauerkraut maintains a slight crunch while delivering the fermented tanginess essential to cutting through the rich meat and cheese.
The cheese is always properly melted, and their Russian dressing has tiny bits of relish that add textural interest and flavor complexity. At $13.49 with a pickle spear and side, this hidden gem deserves far more recognition in the Reuben landscape. Next time you’re debating where to satisfy your sandwich craving, don’t overlook this stellar option!